The Finals Weekend

 

This weekend portrays both surprise and expectation through the teams achieving finalist status. Let’s start with the inevitable - two French sides are in the European Champions Cup Finale (we may as well all start spelling final with an “e” when referring to this cup, it could be like this for some time…) as Toulon face Clermont Auvergne. Having already won the Heineken Cup twice (with one against Clermont)  in succession, and as reigning champions, Toulon have something to prove. However, with Clermont snapping at their heels in the Top14, and with a proven record for causing upset, it will be an encounter you don’t want to miss! We predict that in this clash of champions, Toulon will batter the opposition with big forwards and their Ha’penny’s worth will put the points through the sticks by foot.

Friday night, in the European Rugby Challenge Cup Final, Edinburgh are pitched against Gloucester in what will be a colossal clash of the underdogs! Back in 2006, Gloucester pinched the title from the London Irish by two points in a gruelling 36 points to 34 battle in Twickenham Stoop, with the exiles missing out on opportunities by both drop goal and penalty. Edinburgh, however, have no final heritage. In fact, Scotland has no history of putting a club into any European cup final. Edinburgh, on Friday night, step out into unknown territory as they seem to not only carry the hopes of their fans and coaches, but a nation (ironic considering most of the Scotland National Squad are at Glasgow!) as they take up the gauntlet. Neither side is doing particularly well in their respective leagues (which, unlike kick-ball, the Pro12 and Premiership actually stand comparable) which is why very few expected either side to make it. But that is the beauty of rugby, skill and persistence are important, but heart and courage can still win through!

We predict Edinburgh to win it (how could we not!), not only for Edinburgh but to bring Scottish Rugby into the record books! As such, we've knocked at least 25% off our Edinburgh clothing until Monday, with some items better than half price!

A DAY IN THE LIFE ....!!

Who said working in a shop is boring … same thing day after day … not in Rugby Plus… especially on this particular day ….

 

The day started quietly but soon moved into busy mode … 

Within the space of a couple of hours, a customer visiting the area from New Zealand purchased a Past Winners RWC tie (because she can), a local club picked up their bespoke kit for their Easter Tour, another club picked up their bespoke jerseys that they are wearing at the Melrose 7’s (did you know it was the 125^th Anniversary of the Melrose 7’s this year?), a young rugby player was buying some extra bits and pieces for a Tour he is going on and was giving us the run down on the tour itinerary (couldn’t believe that there were no spaces on the Tour for me , a very proud grandmother was purchasing some Glasgow kit and telling us that her grandson had just been picked for Scotland U’16’s !!

 

Then to finish off the morning, we had a guy from Croatia buying jerseys before going offshore with work. He is a regular and always visits us when in town. I’m sure he wont mind me telling that he is over 50 and still playing rugby and not wanting to stop.

As we were just thinking of applying to get a United Nations official residence license (if there is such a thing) before lunch, 8 boxes were delivered and had to be checked in…. Aaah well … maybe not so exciting working in a shop after all !!

 

The Thrill of Sevens

Winter had finished. The ground thawed, the pitch drained and my raggedy, nine studded boots (thanks cuz, shame the studs were three quarters missing!) thrummed on the hard pitch. The season of picking between your pitch on a hill and a pitch in the bog seemed to be drifting off, and so, the Coach put it to me: "You up for some 7s Tom?"

12 year old me: "Some what now?"

"It's like a faster version of rugby, but with fewer players."

"Yeah, whatever. What's the trick to it?"

"Tackle like the monster and run like he's chasing you!"

That was the first of many, happy memories playing quick rugby on warm summer days. And a few of them, pleasantly, included silverware! 7s always brings a smile to my face - note the ugly mug showing teeth, right (bonus points for spotting my Irish Lock Doppelganger). Other than the numbers, though, what differentiates 15s and 7s?

Speed. Sheer, lung-busting, ground-tearing, eye-watering speed. A trick filled skill set - on top of a steady tackle and accurate hands - is good, but nothing is more satisfying than burning your man! Watch a few minutes of the 7s in Japan this weekend, if you can, and you'll see the flash of pace followed by an equal flash of smile at least once! There's a good reason most props stick to cold pints, barbecues and sidelines during 7s season - don't worry lads, we live for your barbied burgers between games.

7s beats 15s in the popularity contest, internationally, hands down. It's simpler to play, simpler to follow, and in most nations is the main way rugby is seen. So much so, World Rugby are now using 7s as a channel for expanding the whole game. We think they're right, who doesn't love a festival?

The kit required isn’t costly either, either to start or make the switch. A pair of moulded boots - such as the Adidas Regulate Kakari FG - are ideal for sun-hardened pitches, and a gum shield is always recommended! Otherwise you’re good to go, but why not consider a flash jersey too? If you like to stand out from the crowd, a 7s Jersey would often do the trick; why not compare the New Zealand, Scotland or USA jersey to see for yourself.

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens series sees the most exciting players in Rugby. Catch them if you can as they head to Japan this weekend. 15s, I love you, but... I've met this other guy. He's flamboyant, exhilarating, fast paced, well traveled - and his burger beats your pie and beans hands down!

 

Disagree? Let's chat about it in the comments!

Six Nations - The Winners and the Sinners.

Jings! Heavens! Help Ma Boab!

What a day for rugby Super Saturday was. This year’s Six Nations really was a stew of many ingredients (an Irish stew, rather than a Lancaster hotpot, if you will!) We had moments of brilliance from all Nations, chunks of juicy hope proving it is rightfully the greatest, annual rugby tournament in the world. We also each had our uncooked veg to chew through; Ireland losing to Wales, Wales to the English, Italy falling apart in forty minutes, the French seeming exasperated with Saint-Andre, and how often does a team score seven tries in triumph and leave the field deflated? Not to mention the Scottish have the correct utensil for serving our `stew` despite playing the rugby we’ve been crying out for!

 

But let us move onto the pressing business of awarding the titles of Winners and Sinners. Many players showed themselves to be among the greats of the day: Joseph and his technicolour dream-runs, Parisse carrying a nation to a new level - again, Spedding whose name seems like a misspelt adjective for the man, Wyn Jones was ferocious and Johny Gray steadfast.

 

Our Winner has got to be Paul O’Connell. Despite concerns Ireland would be missing leadership without Mr O’Driscoll, O’Connell grabbed his team with both arms and drove them through. His stats say he is a fairly “average” sized lock. Frankly, as long as the man’s persona makes him a Ginger Mountain carrying a nation on his shoulders to consecutive Championship wins - he will be our Winner!

 

Now for the dirty, the let downs and the scoundrels. Castrogiovanni, if you are going to be an experienced and powerful scrummager and a huge asset to your nation, try to avoid requiring 14 stitches when playing with dogs. Muppet. Haskell, we realise things happen in the heat of the moment and that you truly would give everything for England. Top tip though, in rugby we tackle shoulder first not feet first! Sexton, if you’re going to be Head Chef you must try setting an alarm. You seemed to sleep through your performance against Wales, leaving your Grand Slam to burn. Plisson, please son, practice your kicking!

 

Our ultimate excommunication order, on behalf of both England and Scotland, goes to Stuart Hogg. You are a talented player Stuart! You were defiant against England and sure footed under the highball. You did, however, drop the ball (sorry…) on this one. Your try (c)would have won the title for England (try not to feel too bad, Scotland!) but more importantly, we want to see Scotland scoring tries!

 

There we have it. Did we get it right? Have your say in the comments below. This Six Nations has been remarkable - our rollercoaster ride of many different games (and often halves) made for a wonderful spectacle. Roll on the Autumn we say!

 

WHAT A YEAR FOR RUGBY!........ So far so good!!

Super Saturday 2015!

So this is it… one last weekend and possibly the most exciting Super Saturday we have seen in years. Four teams can still win, only three with a decent chance, France need nothing short of a miracle to lift the title. So here it is, three massively important games… our final predictions with one twist, score predictions to match.

Italy v Wales

Italy have struggled throughout this six nations, with a massive loss last week to the might of France, can they show one last burst in this game from Italy? We don't see it happening. Wales have been superior throughout this tournament, toppling the Irish giants last weekend. Wales need this win, and need it to be massive to stand any chance but they definitely have a chance.

We predict: Wales Win (45-7)

Scotland v Ireland

Scotland does not deserve the wooden spoon this year, but unfortunately it looks like they will lift it (metaphorically at least). Ireland hopefully have learnt their lesson from last week and will be more clinical at the breakdown. Can they do what no one else has, and put a lot of points past Scotland? We see this being a tough slog but Ireland might just get what they need.

We predict: Ireland Win (28-9)

England v France

So it all comes down to a game involving France, flashback to last year. Can the French upset the English and deny them what they desperately want? France played with passion last week but could not keep the error count down, England have shown bursts of skill but have been vulnerable and conceded tries against Ireland, Italy and Scotland.

We predict: France Win (19-17)

So with those predictions we must say that we see Ireland as the winners of this years 6 Nations. They have shown consistently their superiority and depth in their squad, setting them up perfectly for their run into the World Cup (maybe a wee victory there too).

To all who have followed our results, knowing we have been right and been wrong, we say thank you for sticking with us. This year wasn't Scotland’s year but the Webb Ellis Cup lasts a lot longer than the 6 Nations Trophy.

You stay classy RugbyPlus…

ROUND 4.

After the final weekend break we now are into the final two weekends, when it all can be won or lost. With England, Ireland and Wales still in with a good fighting chance, and the fight to avoid the wooden spoon seems all but over. Soo here goes RugbyPlus predictions for this weekends games…


Wales V Ireland
This is the clash of the Titans this weekend, with England falling to the might of Ireland last weekend and the Welsh showing time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with this is the game to decide the tournament. From the start we have always seen the beauty of the Irish game and we think with their full strength side on show, the roof open and the passion in that green shirt there can only be one winner.
We predict: IRELAND WIN

England V Scotland

This is the most historic of all the games, every year Scotland and the other four nations support the Scottish team against the English. With Scotland grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory on so many occasions, surely they must win one of these days… unfortunately this weekend is not that day.
We predict: ENGLAND WIN

Italy v France

The one game of the year the home nations love to see, we all can sit back on Sunday and enjoy this continent affair. With France being so clinical at the break down and showing such determination, pushing many teams right to the last minute, it will be tough to see past them. Italy showing the beauty of the game, with huge ambitious plays and some beautiful lines being run. This game promises to show off some great skills with a generous score line.

We predict: FRANCE WIN.

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Round 3.

 No one has been more excited about the RBS 6 Nations being back then we are. With the competition back this weekend and heating up we are back to make our predictions.

BUT FIRST…

First we have to talk about the elephant in the room, Finn Russell. With the citing commission banning Russell for two weeks, and today the appeal being rejected, Russell will miss the Italy game this weekend. Was the tackle (or non tackle) a yellow card offence? Was it worth a 2 week ban?
We at RugbyPlus don't agree with a 2 week ban but the safety of players must always come first. When you touch any player who is in the air you risk not only their health but also your time on the pitch. Always be careful, health and yellow cards are on the line.

Scotland v Italy

With the injury list growing longer and longer, on both sides, this game will definitely be a lively affair. Italy have been strong but not showing any real sparks in this years tournament, but in the past Scotland have always been a scalp which can be taken. But the rise of Scotland this year, with nearly taking the scalps of Wales and France, Scotland must fancy their chances.

We predict SCOTLAND WIN.

France v Wales.

Both victors over Scotland, this game will lines up as an exciting end to end game, but unfortunately we don't see this being all that it is billed. France have not shown their usual beautiful flare and artistic ball control, instead resorting for scrappy play and desperation. Wales on the other hand are beginning to show the dragons roar again, this weekend could prove the rise of Wales again.

We predict WALES WIN.

Ireland v England.

This is the clash of the titans this year. These two power houses could not have asked for more in the run up to this years game. Both teams holding an unbeaten run, both carrying a few injuries but also showing massive potential. Only one giant can rule the land of rugby, in this important year… but who can rise at the chief?
We predict IRELAND WIN.

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