Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:54 pm  

Alda wrote:

Cross code game might be interesting. More even playing field than for the first one. Not sure about the rules though, having two sets on one field may be confusing

If you dropped a goal from inside your own half would it be 1 point or 3?
Having two sets of rules in the same game depending upon which half of the field you're in looks like a recipe for total confusion.
Hybrid rules: Play 13 a side, have competitive scrums, retain the line out, allow the rolling maul but not the awful truck and trailer move, allow 4 ptb and then a ruck for the ball, with a 5 metre offside. Make the scrum halves retire behind the rear feet of the scrum. Retain the line drop-out when the defending side make the ball dead. Eliminate the call for a mark. No direct kick to touch from any part of the field.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:07 am  

For me the lineout and the competitive scrum are two things I'd look to drop. I agree about having thirteen a side as it frees up space and allows for more running rugby. A well executed rolling maul is great to see but they are an endangered species these days and I can't see how they would be compatible with a play the ball. I'd like to see a five metre defence to encourage creative half backs and hopefully cut down on one up rugby.
All of this is of course pie in the sky but I'm bored at work.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:10 am  

My memory of one of the cross games, during yawnion rules, was that the yawnion team just rolling mauled their way to the line. Sums up the differences between the 2 games.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:51 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

For me the lineout and the competitive scrum are two things I'd look to drop. I agree about having thirteen a side as it frees up space and allows for more running rugby. A well executed rolling maul is great to see but they are an endangered species these days and I can't see how they would be compatible with a play the ball. I'd like to see a five metre defence to encourage creative half backs and hopefully cut down on one up rugby.
[b]All of this is of course pie in the sky but I'm bored at work[/b].

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Fri Apr 27, 2012 12:54 pm  

Absolutely incredible, not to mention embarrassing for the sport, that Wasps will play in next season’s Heineken Cup if they stay up and either Edinburgh, who face Ulster in the semi-finals tomorrow, or Clermont Auvergne, who entertain Leinster on Sunday, win the tournament.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Fri Apr 27, 2012 4:14 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

Absolutely incredible, not to mention embarrassing for the sport, that Wasps will play in next season’s Heineken Cup if they stay up and either Edinburgh, who face Ulster in the semi-finals tomorrow, or Clermont Auvergne, who entertain Leinster on Sunday, win the tournament.

How does that work?

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Fri Apr 27, 2012 4:57 pm  

Ireland get 3 places, a 4th if Leinster or Ulster win it which would mean Connacht take it.

France have 6 through the league and a 7th if a French teams wins either European competition. The Amlin Challenge Cup last 4 is all French so they're guaranteed to have 7 teams next season.

England only get 6, again, a 7th if a team wins either European cup or if a team won The LV Cup that hadn't already qualified for The Heineken Cup. Leicester won it so we are limited to 6 teams.

With France having a maximum of 7 sides, Edinburgh and Glasgow guaranteed qualification - if Edinburgh or Clermont win it then it goes to the next available team with the highest ERC ranking which is Wasps.

On that note - Sale in The Heineken Cup all but guaranteed. What an atmosphere it was last week at Gloucester. First time we'd won there in nearly 12 years. The only way we won't qualify now is if Bath beat Leicester with a bonus point at Welford Road and we pick up absolutely nothing at home to Harlequins. I fancy us to get something in our last ever game at Edgeley Park and Leicester are tearing everything in front of them apart so could be a Cricket score against them.

I read a Leinster fan over on planetrugby referring to us being absolute cannon fodder in next years competition. I couldn't care less though. Bring on some big home crowds, great away trips and learning experience for the lads.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Fri Apr 27, 2012 6:14 pm  

A maximum of 7 French sides. Christ, thats half the bloody division. I'd have a lot more time for the HC if it were, say the top three teams from England, France, the Celtic league and the champions of Spain and Romania. I wouldn't bother with the other leagues because they're ridiculously poor competitions.

Don't worry Shark J, planetrugby is full of cranks. It makes RLFans look like a haven of reason and knowledge at times.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Apr 28, 2012 7:00 pm  

Planet union is full of pillocks who call RL not fit to burn,have to say though Gort gives them a hell of a lot of stick though.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Apr 28, 2012 7:09 pm  

cjhatesunion wrote:

Planet union is full of pillocks who call RL not fit to burn,have to say though Gort gives them a hell of a lot of stick though.

Does Dutoni still lurk about on there? It's not often you see such hatred for a sport as he has for rugby league.