Talk rugby

[chuck]

Matt,

Well - another quality Kiwi player heading north. Nick Evans confirms signing for Harlequins. And apparently it's for the lifestyle.

Which is fair enough - boys in their early 20's - getting paid shitloads of cash to play rugby in a big country - travel Europe - not have any pressure about being in the AB's - jaunts and jolly japes really.

Fair play.

But it really is fucking up international rugby - and getting to the state where domestic rugby in NZ is so bereft of quality players that no-one goes to watch it.

And as an aside, chuck, what's your take on the ELVs? They've just implemented them globally (for a 12 month trial basis) from 1 August and most people seem to be against them over here. It seems to be a classic case of North v South with us moaning about how the Aussies just want to turn the game into Rugby League. Plus, although being Welsh and obviously enjoying scintillating back play, there is something great to watch about 140 odd stone of rolling maul driving forward.

The ELV's that have been trialled in this year's S14 - have imho made the game far more enjoyable to watch - faster, and with more ball in play. There's still been plenty of mauling and hard yards by the fatboys - but it's been great to see teams that know how to use the variations - really do well. As in - the Crusaders mainly.

The NH vs SH line is bullshit - the IRB put these ELV's together - and support for them as come from the NH unions - it has to have - as the Oz/NZ and SA unions don't have enough votes to get them passed.

It's a media beatup about the ELV's turning union into league - you can still use the scrum as a weapon - and you still need a powerful forward pack to control and set up the ball for your backs.

I'm surprised at the blanket introduction of the ELV's for next season though - there are more than have been played in the S14 this year. Definitely don't understand why they've allowed the maul to be pulled down - that is asking for injuries - and means you'll have more fatboys with tits for hands standing around in the backline!

Rather than me rehash it - have a read through this forum thread. Bloody quality rugby forum that as well Matt - feel free to join in. Mainly Kiwis and Ockers - but some dirty Saffas, a few Poms, Taffs, and Irish. It's all good.