Healy passed fit for the openers. Hopefully his neck will make it through the first two games unscathed – McGrath would be good enough for those two games but I guess Healy needs game time for the Italy & France clashes. Interested to see how Schmidt runs it.

I’m off to Kingsholm for the Tonga v Georgia grudge match. 😀 Looking forward to the occasion.

None. This is the Ab’s we are discussing of course.

How many got cited for the O Driscoll “tackle”?

I don’t necessarily agree that Lawes was targeted mind you. Just making the point that the absence of a citing doesn’t mean that nothing went bad.

yes, all on itv now, better than paying for it, but still adverts 10seconds before kick off.

Don’t forget Alain Rolland! 😀

Fnar, yet I for one, clearly stated:

Will all the matches be live on ITV?

My tip for the RWC is to get the ITV feed up on your screen but use BBC 5Live for the audio. As well as better commentary you get something to listen to when the adverts are on. Plus, rugby always sounds really exciting on the radio – even when it’s not.

We’ve also got a 110″ screen, HUGE sound system and 5 La-z-boys with a handy fridge for those 3 gane Saturdays – but that’s all optional. 😉

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/23533/epilepsy-forces-wales-international-thomas-to-retire/

Sad news 🙁

Depends what platforms you’re using and whether you have any way of slightly delaying one or the other.

Satellite and internet feeds tend to lag a bit for sure but FreesatHD and DAB work well together (mostly).

Sad news re JT. Forgot he was so young! Met his grandparents on several occasions in Pembrokeshire, a lovely couple who were rightly proud of him.

On another note, nice tributes to Jerry Collins over the weekend as well. Am sure a few glasses were raised at Barnstaple RFC, too.

Excited now. Feels like it’s really starting.

Metuisela Talebula, Waisea Nayacalevu, Niki Goneva, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola, Nikola Matawalu; Campese Ma’afu, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Apisalome Ratuinyarawa, Leone Nakarawa, Dominko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera (captain), Sakiusa Masi Matadigo

Replacements: Peni Ravai, Isei Colati, Tevita Cavubati, Peceli Yato, Nemia Kenatale, Josh Matavesi, Aseli Tikoirotuma

Would have liked to see Levani Botia getting a run, but maybe they’re holding back for the bigger games. 🙂

Commentator’s nightmare that one. I expect they’ve been practising their arses off all week. 🙂

Yup, he was pretty special against Munster in the pro12 final.
Plays like a basketballer Globetrotter, all trick passes and offloads, great to watch.
The little fella Nandolo on the wing looks one to watch too.
And if Botia gets a go in another game…

anyway,8 pm KO, hula skirts and flowery leis all round

Can see Fiji getting a surprise result against a bigger team this time round. IMO, best of the Pacific at the mo.
They look like they’ve got a lot of good players in all the right places and haven’t been stitched up in the run up this time.
For once, the fixtures may even work in their favour with them having Wales 4 days after Wales other big match

Always loved hearing Jiffy struggle with Imanol Harinordoquy.

That doesn’t really narrow it down much…… 😉

Maybe he meant his dad….

I don’t tend to swear at the TV much when watching rugby. (I do for anything else, weirdly.)

My kids have got used to me having conversations with the ref though…

“Can you not see the off-side there, ref?”
“Pardon Daddy?”
“Sorry, just talking to the TV.”

A week later..

“What about the high tackle, you moron?”
Junior looks up at me, looks at TV, nods knowingly and mutters “TV again”