is it beyond your comprehension that other people may actually like different sports? or do u dismiss everyone who doesnt like the same things as you as not being capable of understanding anything? good grief

I can see the merits and entertainment value in almost anything and can judge quite accurately the levels of support and courage they deserve but Union has very little in terms of entertainment yet enjoys coverage and profile way beyond what it deserves, usually provided by the old school tie network.

Careful. Billy might propose

Agree, I grew up playing both codes and conntinue to watch both. Really never understood the need to put one down over the other.

In your opinion

Come on admit it, European club rugby union is rubbish

I can't comment on that because I don't watch it.....in fact, the only Union I do watch is the unavoidable All Blacks and Ireland when they are playing. The Wife insists on watching England, but she's Cornish so I suppose that's understandable.


What I do know is that a great many RL fans seem to think that laughing at the idiosyncrasies of Union somehow paints league in a better light. It doesn't.

No, you don't know that it's all in your opinion!

Try reading the Stephen Jones article in the Sunday Times about Sam's debut. Takes longer to read than he spent on the pitch. Rather sad reading, written by a rather bitter and twisted person. Accept Sam did very little. I doubt his club expected much given his first steps. Apparently most of what Sam has done in League is illegal in Union. According to Jones only in Union will you be defined by how dexterous you are with your hands and feet and apparently the extra workload of internationals. Even Ford has stated that in League a player would be involved in 60 plays (defence or attack per game) while in Union he might only be involved in 20, so doubt the internationals will tax him too much if he makes it. I hope Sam goes well but he has some jealous journalists to convince.

Seen a interview where Sam says his body was telling him he couldn*t take much more of Rugby League...

Actually, I do know it to be a fact.






Apparently it was a slow sports news weekend here in NZ, because Sam burgess début is featured in today's national paper!


[urlhttp://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/63666482/sam-burgess-makes-rugby-debut-for-bath[/url

TBH I don't see what the big deal is with SB having to go into the forwards, the rules aren't that complicated FFS. Last union game I played was at school, it was another 16 years to my next. Started at inside centre then begged them to put me in at flanker (much better thank you).
Basically it's
Don't come in from the side
Don't shoulder charge
Don't hold onto the ball when tackled (beyond a second or two or when presenting the ball back)
Don't pick up the ball whilst you're on the ground
You may regather your feet if tackle not completed
Make sure you tw-@t the opposition's No.10 as hard as is legally fecking possible
Clear out the oppos forwards at the ruck by any means neccessary especially if the touchie/ref is watching your team mate rake the skin off the eejit trying to put his hand on the ball


Intimidate the oppos players and when they swing take a dive like you've been shot by a 12 gauge (fake blood always an option)


Smash anything that looks like it's coming near you.
When the FB's are playing aerial ping pong, stand on hips and watch
O

That's it, not much else to it.
Oh yeah, I'd say realise that crotch grabbing aint what it seems but that's why I played flanker..lmao

I've said previously IF SB wants to actually get a game/break a sweat then flanker or possibly no.8 is the way forward for him.