As a sport live, it's not even close to league - I would never argue that. I wasn't arguing with Tad either, just offering a different way of looking at enjoying watching a game. He usually has some story after every GF of drunken louts, threatening behaviour etc.

I don't know what the England/SA game looked like on TV but live it was absolute garbage - the one try of the match summed it up along with the worst decision by any sporting captain in history in the last 90 seconds (his after match interview which was shown on the big screens was cringeworthy). But did I "enjoy waching it" - yes. I enjoyed sitting in the stand at Twickenham with a beer or two (or 3 or 4) with my lad and watching the game.

Let it go G. Let the chip slide off, let the weight be lifted before you get arthritis or end up marching in orange up and down the Falls Road (hang on, that's another long dead, pointless conflict). There will always be Inverdale's, they are not worth it.

It is at the moment. The law changes a few years ago re-spawned the rubbish kicking game. Before that when Super Rugby first started it was mostly ball in hand. If you appreciate the contact skills and the battle for the ball then the game has improved vastly in the last 30 years technically (you can't just stamp on people till they move now). The contact and ruck skills my 9 year old has been coached are way ahead of anything I had as an adult player. FWIW I wish we lived in the North and he could play league, he has the ideal playing style and he'd love it.

Where abouts do you live? Most places have some sort of league team, with junior set ups

My summation of most of the above comments is that RU internationals are a great day out only marred by the game itself.
Big occasions in RL tend to be the other way round.

Darkest Wiltshire. I may look at it when he's a little older (if he wants to do it). We joined the RU club when he was 5 because it was at the back of our house and I could coach.

Ooh... hark at Mr Cufflinks often seen lording it at several smart-attire only poncy events at Headingley in his time... all for charity and testimonials of course. The embourgeoisement of G1 took place a very long time ago.

I think for someone of my and what you are brought up with and the social and economic backgrod you come from,and the industry you have worked in at influences you.I still find union bit dull and would never consider going to watch Leeds carnegie or what ever they call themselves now,but if someone wants to watch union fair play to them,but I still dont think our game RL gets a fair crack of the whip in the media still. "RUGBY WORLD CUP"thats just one thing I think is a snipe at RL

Glad to hear Lionarmour. I was referring to the dinosaurs from both codes with signs of some RU ones dying off a bit since RU turned pro.

No. I enjoyed a few pints with "Invers" at Esher Rugby Club about 11 years ago when he was playing for their Vets and I found him to be a decent bloke.

I think Farrell is coaching the backs mainly on the defence (which was good) and Mike Catt is officially the attacking skills coach (which isn't so good)

I also think Owen Farrell was aware of the situation and right to suggest going for touch.

Union is good to watch if you take the time to understand the rules and appreciate the tactics.
I tend to find the internationals are much more entertaining watch especially the teams such as NZ and SA. Premiership games are also good if it doesnt rain! There are teams that are better to watch than others and sometimes there are dire games but that happens in all sports.

Id rather watch Union than Football.

Of course Juan.I think that JP is a very intelligent man inspite of his west Leeds Bramley/Stanningley accent which makes some people think differently.He may have to use the RU to influence the broadstream media to recognise that he is just as top class british sports star who deserves recognition

I beg to differ...I played Union for 30 years, but have watched League for over 40 years.
I understand Union rules, and it is a wholly inadequate form of rugby, players lack basic skills we take for granted in league, 15 of them cover a pitch in defense, and still tackling skills are absent even at international level. Five Nations players lack tactical nouse, and frequently take wrong options..International Union is frequently like watching paint dry.
I was a very average Union player, and chose the 15 man code as an easier option...I can't think of a single union player that I would want to see in a Rhinos shirt.

He's hacked your account again Gareth.