Rugby this weekend

[BA to the Stars]

Sale Sharks is exceptionally silly, yes; I don't think a remake of Jaws would be filmed in Stockport. There are actually a few falcons in the vicinity of Newcastle, but it's still a silly name. What's the point? Is it to appeal to kids?

I think it all kicked off with Sky coverage - a sort of "Americanisation" of our core sports - it has even crept into limited overs cricket.

Sports played here such as ice hockey & basketball that are traditionally played in North America & Canada have teams with these types of names but rugby and cricket ffs

[BoredBloke]

I can't stand rugby union. Unfortunately I have to go on Saturday because my son likes it!

[Mich the Tester]

Like the Sale Sharks, Newcastle Falcons, etc.

I agree though, it was to add some razmataz - Hull FC had a season as the Hull Sharks and soon dropped it. Thankfully some clubs never bowed to name changes sch as St Helens & Hull KR - keeping their traditional monikers.

I must admit, apart from the club mascot, you do not tend to see many Rhino's in Leeds and certainly Castleford is not a well known habitat for Tigers (although if you have been out in Cas Vegas on a Friday night, possibly Dragons would have been a better name).

Sale Sharks is exceptionally silly, yes; I don't think a remake of Jaws would be filmed in Stockport. There are actually a few falcons in the vicinity of Newcastle, but it's still a silly name. What's the point? Is it to appeal to kids?

[BA to the Stars]

How are the Aardvarks getting on? Did they eat the Earthworms? And what about the Dormice? Did they succeed in taming the Maggots?

Don't get me wrong, I can enjoy watching Rugby League, but I can't take these silly names seriously.

Like the Sale Sharks, Newcastle Falcons, etc.

I agree though, it was to add some razmataz - Hull FC had a season as the Hull Sharks and soon dropped it. Thankfully some clubs never bowed to name changes sch as St Helens & Hull KR - keeping their traditional monikers.

I must admit, apart from the club mascot, you do not tend to see many Rhino's in Leeds and certainly Castleford is not a well known habitat for Tigers (although if you have been out in Cas Vegas on a Friday night, possibly Dragons would have been a better name).

[Mich the Tester]

Meanwhile the Rhino's to edge past the Storm in the World Club Championship (in the 13 man code)

How are the Aardvarks getting on? Did they eat the Earthworms? And what about the Dormice? Did they succeed in taming the Maggots?

Don't get me wrong, I can enjoy watching Rugby League, but I can't take these silly names seriously.

[BA to the Stars]

Meanwhile the Rhino's to edge past the Storm in the World Club Championship (in the 13 man code)

[Mich the Tester]

Current betfair odds

Italy 4.6 v Wales 1.32
England 1.36 v France 4.1
Scotland 2.44 v Ireland 1.78

Italy and France probably worth a cheeky punt I reckon.

I think the odds will come down giving the option of covering yourself pretty well.

Note: This does not constitute sound financial planning advice.

Wales' hopes will be boosted by the absence of Sergio Parisse, who I've just read got himself a ban for insulting a ref. Silly, silly boy.

[Mich the Tester]

Current betfair odds

Italy 4.6 v Wales 1.32
England 1.36 v France 4.1
Scotland 2.44 v Ireland 1.78

Italy and France probably worth a cheeky punt I reckon.

I think the odds will come down giving the option of covering yourself pretty well.

Note: This does not constitute sound financial planning advice.

One thing England could try is to hit Bastareaud hard a few times. Robshaw or Lawes need to get up on him together with Tuilagi and give him some physical; it could demoralise the French if they see their big guy getting knocked over on his arse a couple of times. Their back row will target Farrell and you know what? I think he can handle it.

[Pondlife]

Current betfair odds

Italy 4.6 v Wales 1.32
England 1.36 v France 4.1
Scotland 2.44 v Ireland 1.78

Italy and France probably worth a cheeky punt I reckon.

I think the odds will come down giving the option of covering yourself pretty well.

Note: This does not constitute sound financial planning advice.

[moggy]

England

Wales

Ireland

[DimPrawn]

Sorry, I can only discuss football

[Platypus]

England v France

Tough one; French form is bad, but 7 changes are made including bringing Nyanga into the back row; he might disrupt England in midfield. Key for England is discipline; frustrate the French, get them in a bad mood and then don't be provoked.

Italy v Wales

This makes me glad I'm not Welsh; should be a very tough game and Italy might well come out on top.

Scotland v Ireland

Scotland to continue progress from last game and win against the odds.

Interesting comments. I'm not a big rugby fan but I'll be watching England and Ireland this weekend. Always a good atmosphere in the pub!

[Mich the Tester]

England v France

Tough one; French form is bad, but 7 changes are made including bringing Nyanga into the back row; he might disrupt England in midfield. Key for England is discipline; frustrate the French, get them in a bad mood and then don't be provoked.

Italy v Wales

This makes me glad I'm not Welsh; should be a very tough game and Italy might well come out on top.

Scotland v Ireland

Scotland to continue progress from last game and win against the odds.