RIGHT, here's what we do. We get the Fat Mancunian into talks with the IRFU, make them an offer they cannot refuse – then we adopt the Austria-Germany strategy from the Football World Cup in 1982, to ensure both teams will qualify for the last eight.
I may be wrong, but, as I understand it, if we can beat Ireland with a four-try bonus, and they also get a four-try bonus, all three nations would have 15 points; at which point other issues come into play.
My reading of the tournament rules has me believing: Because we won the head-to-head with Ireland, we would win the group. Because they won the head-to-head with South Africa, Ireland would be second and the Saffers would be out. But, we also need to win by enough points to take points difference out of the equation.
So, surely between us, we Celts could pauchle that group to that effect. I mean, it makes little difference who plays France and who plays New Zealand in the last eight – either way its a tough ask to win.
The problem with my “Let's pauchle it for our mutual benefit” proposal is, Paddy is still a bit miffed that TCD and the SRU backed France rather than Ireland as hosts of this World Cup, and Paddy has a long memory when he feels slighted.
I know, it's not very sporting, but, just think of the joy we would get from a pauchle, leading to four years of whining from South Africa.
I GET picked off on occasions for largely ignoring Women's Rugby. I have nothing against the fairer sex and welcome their enthusiasm for the game; indeed, the enthusiasm of one or two of the Ayr Ladies – yes you, Lou Lou, terrifies me. So, can I offer a sincere “Gaun yersels Lassies” to the Scottish Women's XV on their 36-5, six try win over Spain at The Hive.
The match was in preparation for Scotland's participation in WXV2, World Rugby's new league competition – a sort of Rugby Union version, on a global scale, of football's Europa Nations League.
Coach Bryan Easson and the girls head for South Africa later this month, where Scotland will face: South Africa, United States of America and Japan.
There will not be promotion or relegation in the first two seasons of the WXV competition, but, two Scots will be in the inaugural top tier – WXV1, Hollie Davidson, now arguably the world's top woman referee (and a damned better referee than some of the roasters on show in France at the moment) and TMO Andrew McMenemy – another whose performances in that job are consistently superior to those of some of his colleagues who are on-duty in France.
BACK AT the ranch, Jack and Victor and the rest of the Still Game mob at Fortress Fullarton were keepng 'Boaby' busy, celebrating Marr's victory over Kelso on Saturday – a win which took the Purple People to the top of The Premiership. Marr took top spot from Currie Chieftains, who dropped to second, following defeat at third-placed Hawick.
NATIONAL 1 sees Ayr six points clear at the top, following what was a very-enjoyable win over Watsonians at Millbrae on Saturday. Highland's win at Biggar put them second, with GHA and Glasgow Academicals third and fourth, equal on 17 points, but separated by just one point on points difference.
The “Eccies” will no doubt be strutting around the West End like peacocks this week, after their thumping 68-5 crushing of next-door neighbours GHK on Friday night.
The TOP-OF-THE-TABLE NATIONAL 2 clash between Peebles and Lasswade at The Gytes seems to have lived up to expectations, with the visitors winning 27-26 to open a three-point gap at the top.
Falkirk remain third, following another close game, winning 29-27 at fourth-placed Gordonians.
NATIONAL 3 continues to be led by Allan Glen's, who are two points clear of Orkney, both clubs having won their first five league games. On Saturday their results were somewhat different, Glen's thrashing Cartha Queen's Park at Dumbreck, while the Islanders just held off a fierce challenge from visitors Hillhead-Jordanhill, winning 31-30.
At the bottom of the table, West of Scotland posted their first win, beating Hamilton Bulls, they should enjoy the feeling this week – they make the short hop to the Bear Yard to face the league leaders on Saturday.
GARNOCK continued their unbeaten start to the National 4 campaign with victory at Stewartry, never an easy place to visit, with Whitecraigs remaining second after their narrow win at Perthshire. At the foot of the table, Greenock Wanderers are still looking for their first win, but, their narrow loss at North Berwick and Ross High's heavier defeat at Dunfermline has condemned Ross to bottom spot.
IN CALEDONIA'S Regional League, it's always nice to win the local derby, so they must be feeling good up at Panmure, following a 22-9 defeat of Carnoustie HSFP, which keeps 'Mure top of the Midlands Conference.
In the North Conference, Moray's 38-31 win at Mackie FP keeps them top of the heap from Aberdeenshire, who won away at Ellon.
HADDINGTON and Linlithgow both passed stiff away examinations to beat Forrester and Langholm as they continue to set the pace in the East Regional League. The East Lothian side still head the table, courtesy of picking-up a couple more bonus points.
It's all set-up nicely for the meeting of the top two, at Mains Park, on Saturday, 14 October.
ARDROSSAN be warned. Aristotle and a gang of similarly decrepit “Coffin Dodgers” are having a wee reunion at your top of the table clash at Cumnock on Saturday – so, we expect to be entertained.
Accies remained top of the heap with a 32-13 win over Wigtwonshire on Saturday. Meanwhile, Cumnock travelled to Annan and won 27-9 to move into second spot. Setting things up nicely for Saturday's Ayrshire Derby.
FINALLY I had the pleasure of a lengthy chat with the great Hugh Dan McLennan at Millbrae on Saturday. Hugh Dan was, however, somewhat distracted as he kept tabs on the progress of Robert McIntyre in the Ryder Cup. Who knew swinging a caman around in Oban could be the precursor to golfing glory in Rome? I get the impression Europe winning, and Robert playing so well, made Hugh Dan a happy bunny.
No comments:
Post a Comment