Bleater's Blog
  1. The Season Run In
  2. It’s Six Nations Time!
  3. 2024 Has Arrived
  4. It’s Nearly Here…… January
  5. Countdown to Chri….. January!
  6. RWC 2023 - The Final Approaches
  7. Rugby World Cup 2023 Plus
  8. The Rugby World Cup Approaches
  9. The Summer Break
  10. The Final Countdown
  11. The Summer Tours Up Next
  12. Rugby Continues Thankfully
  13. The Six Nations - Happy Days
  14. 2023 Has Arrived
  15. The Halfway Point of the Season
  16. The Season Continues into Autumn
  17. Here we go! A new season
  18. The Twilight Zone
  19. The Season is Nearly Over
  20. The Six Nations and Some
  21. The 6 Nations Begins
  22. 2022 and All THAT!
  23. Christmas is nearly upon us!!
  24. We’re Still Waiting
  25. The Season Progresses
  26. At Last - We are back
  27. The New Season is Nearly Here
  28. Lions Tests are Here!
  29. The Lions Up next
  30. Now It’s Europe
  31. 6 Nations Beckons
  32. 2021 at last! A year of renewed hope!
  33. A New Premiership Season
  34. Still NO Grassroots Rugby!!!!!
  35. It Continues - NO GRASSROOTS RUGBY!!
  36. No End In Sight To The Madness
  37. Autumn Internationals BUT Still NO Crowds
  38. We're Back - In Part At Least
  39. The Restart is Still a Long Way Away
  40. When will we play again?
  41. Time for a beer and a haircut!!
  42. It's easing apparently???!!!
  43. Behind Closed Doors or ...... ??
  44. Lockdown or not to lockdown
  45. The Debate Continues
  46. Yet another new page
  47. The Nightmare Continues - the blog
  48. The Season Grinds to a Halt
  49. The Season Moves On
  50. It's Official - The Drought is Over
  51. 6 Nations Starts
  52. Another New Page - Sorry
  53. 6 Nations Beckons
  54. Welcome To A New Decade
  55. It'll soon be over. Xmas that is
  56. Xmas is Coming
  57. Back to the Grassroots Game
  58. Bleater in Japan
  59. The Grassroots Season Starts
  60. Not Long Now!
  61. Japan Still Beckons
  62. Japan Beckons
  63. Nearly Time To Look Ahead
  64. The Summer Break is Here
  65. The Final Countdown
  66. Yet another section of drivel
  67. The Season Continues for a Little Longer
  68. The 6 Nations Continues
  69. Six Nations and More
  70. It's RWC Year!!
  71. Its Definitely Winter
  72. Winter is here. Brrrr!!!
  73. Its the Autumn, soon to be Winter
  74. We Are Off And Running
  75. The New Season Approaches
  76. Still the Summer Tours Go On
  77. The Summer Internationals Plus, Plus
  78. The Season Climax Approaches
  79. Summer is Coming
  80. Another Section, More Drivel
  81. 2018 Already!!!! It'll soon be Xmas
  82. The Season Approaches the Half Way Point
  83. The Season Takes Shape
  84. The Season Starts
  85. More Pre-Season Build Up
  86. Pre-Season and Other Stuff
  87. The Lions Tested
  88. The Lions Roar
  89. We Are Still Counting Down
  90. It's All About The Lions
  91. The Countdown to Season's End
  92. The Season Continues Apace
  93. It's Time for the 6 Nations
  94. 2017 - Let The Fun Begin
  95. The Big Man Will Be Here Soon
  96. Let's Countdown to You Know What
  97. It's Time For Europe
  98. The Season Is Well Underway
  99. At Last Let The Competition Begin
  100. Not Long to the New Season
  101. Not So Much Rugby Now
  102. Still Plenty of Rugby to Debate
  103. The Summer Break
  104. Here Comes Summer
  105. They Think It's All Over
  106. Jones - A New Era
  107. It Was A Grand Slam!!!!
  108. 6 Nations - A Grand Slam??
  109. Six Nations 2016
  110. A New Captain, A New Start
  111. Welcome to 2016
  112. The Countdown to Christmas
  113. Winter Has Arrived
  114. November Movember
  115. The World Cup Is Over
  116. Rugby World Cup Quarters
  117. Rugby World Cup into the knockout stages
  118. Rugby World Cup Day 9 to Day 24
  119. Rugby World Cup Day 1 to Day 8
  120. Sept 9th to Sept 17th
  121. August 24th to September 7th
  122. August 11th to August 23rd
  123. July 16th to August 9th
  124. July 1st to July 15th
  125. June 17th to June 29th
  126. June 2nd to June 16th
  127. May 19th to June 1st
  128. May 7th to May 17th
  129. April 28th to May 6th
  130. April 22nd to April 27th
  131. April 13th to April 21st
  132. March 13th to Aprill 11th
  133. March 5th to March 12th
Bleater's Blog
  1. The Season Run In
  2. It’s Six Nations Time!
  3. 2024 Has Arrived
  4. It’s Nearly Here…… January
  5. Countdown to Chri….. January!
  6. RWC 2023 - The Final Approaches
  7. Rugby World Cup 2023 Plus
  8. The Rugby World Cup Approaches
  9. The Summer Break
  10. The Final Countdown
  11. The Summer Tours Up Next
  12. Rugby Continues Thankfully
  13. The Six Nations - Happy Days
  14. 2023 Has Arrived
  15. The Halfway Point of the Season
  16. The Season Continues into Autumn
  17. Here we go! A new season
  18. The Twilight Zone
  19. The Season is Nearly Over
  20. The Six Nations and Some
  21. The 6 Nations Begins
  22. 2022 and All THAT!
  23. Christmas is nearly upon us!!
  24. We’re Still Waiting
  25. The Season Progresses
  26. At Last - We are back
  27. The New Season is Nearly Here
  28. Lions Tests are Here!
  29. The Lions Up next
  30. Now It’s Europe
  31. 6 Nations Beckons
  32. 2021 at last! A year of renewed hope!
  33. A New Premiership Season
  34. Still NO Grassroots Rugby!!!!!
  35. It Continues - NO GRASSROOTS RUGBY!!
  36. No End In Sight To The Madness
  37. Autumn Internationals BUT Still NO Crowds
  38. We're Back - In Part At Least
  39. The Restart is Still a Long Way Away
  40. When will we play again?
  41. Time for a beer and a haircut!!
  42. It's easing apparently???!!!
  43. Behind Closed Doors or ...... ??
  44. Lockdown or not to lockdown
  45. The Debate Continues
  46. Yet another new page
  47. The Nightmare Continues - the blog
  48. The Season Grinds to a Halt
  49. The Season Moves On
  50. It's Official - The Drought is Over
  51. 6 Nations Starts
  52. Another New Page - Sorry
  53. 6 Nations Beckons
  54. Welcome To A New Decade
  55. It'll soon be over. Xmas that is
  56. Xmas is Coming
  57. Back to the Grassroots Game
  58. Bleater in Japan
  59. The Grassroots Season Starts
  60. Not Long Now!
  61. Japan Still Beckons
  62. Japan Beckons
  63. Nearly Time To Look Ahead
  64. The Summer Break is Here
  65. The Final Countdown
  66. Yet another section of drivel
  67. The Season Continues for a Little Longer
  68. The 6 Nations Continues
  69. Six Nations and More
  70. It's RWC Year!!
  71. Its Definitely Winter
  72. Winter is here. Brrrr!!!
  73. Its the Autumn, soon to be Winter
  74. We Are Off And Running
  75. The New Season Approaches
  76. Still the Summer Tours Go On
  77. The Summer Internationals Plus, Plus
  78. The Season Climax Approaches
  79. Summer is Coming
  80. Another Section, More Drivel
  81. 2018 Already!!!! It'll soon be Xmas
  82. The Season Approaches the Half Way Point
  83. The Season Takes Shape
  84. The Season Starts
  85. More Pre-Season Build Up
  86. Pre-Season and Other Stuff
  87. The Lions Tested
  88. The Lions Roar
  89. We Are Still Counting Down
  90. It's All About The Lions
  91. The Countdown to Season's End
  92. The Season Continues Apace
  93. It's Time for the 6 Nations
  94. 2017 - Let The Fun Begin
  95. The Big Man Will Be Here Soon
  96. Let's Countdown to You Know What
  97. It's Time For Europe
  98. The Season Is Well Underway
  99. At Last Let The Competition Begin
  100. Not Long to the New Season
  101. Not So Much Rugby Now
  102. Still Plenty of Rugby to Debate
  103. The Summer Break
  104. Here Comes Summer
  105. They Think It's All Over
  106. Jones - A New Era
  107. It Was A Grand Slam!!!!
  108. 6 Nations - A Grand Slam??
  109. Six Nations 2016
  110. A New Captain, A New Start
  111. Welcome to 2016
  112. The Countdown to Christmas
  113. Winter Has Arrived
  114. November Movember
  115. The World Cup Is Over
  116. Rugby World Cup Quarters
  117. Rugby World Cup into the knockout stages
  118. Rugby World Cup Day 9 to Day 24
  119. Rugby World Cup Day 1 to Day 8
  120. Sept 9th to Sept 17th
  121. August 24th to September 7th
  122. August 11th to August 23rd
  123. July 16th to August 9th
  124. July 1st to July 15th
  125. June 17th to June 29th
  126. June 2nd to June 16th
  127. May 19th to June 1st
  128. May 7th to May 17th
  129. April 28th to May 6th
  130. April 22nd to April 27th
  131. April 13th to April 21st
  132. March 13th to Aprill 11th
  133. March 5th to March 12th
Bleater's Blog 16 of 133

16. The Season Continues into Autumn


Sunday 27th Nov: 09:45

It is with great sadness I advise you of the passing of David “Dutch” Holland. Dutch passed away on Thursday after a short but strenuous battle with cancer. His family were at his bedside. Without question the world and Crowborough RFC have lost a gold plated character. Dutch was a proud family man, a business man, an erstwhile TV star, a long standing member of CRFC and a member of the Friday Club. He was one of the very first to play mini rugby at the club in the 70s and amusing anecdotes have followed him ever since. The Friday Club paid their respects on Friday, the 2nd XV did likewise before their game yesterday and the club at large will do so on Dec 10th when the first team are at home v Cranbrook. Dutch, you will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jackie and the kids plus your wider family and friends. Rest in peace and thanks for the memories.

It was sad to read of the passing of Doddie Weir after his long fight against MND. A great player, and by all accounts a wonderful man. He has raised awareness of MND to another level which will eventually benefit others facing similar challenges. He’ll be missed.

Life does go on and that means Crowborough at Folkestone. Well, I can tell you we snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. With the clock counting down and us being ahead 24-20, and looking comfortable, we let everything slip with sloppy decision making and avoidable mistakes. Two late tries from Folkestone deprived us of any points at all. Making matters worse we had them on the rack at the death with a scrum on the 5 metre line. It collapsed. A penalty. Take another scrum, TAKE ANOTHER SCRUM!!! NO!!!! Don’t tap and go. Boll… Opportunity for two points thrown away.

This was an engaging game between two sides at the bottom of the table. At times you could see why we and they were struggling. At times some of the play was scintillating. Their backs were quick and accurate which kept us honest. We had the edge in the forwards but too often hard won ball was wasted with ponderous passing and poor decision making. When we got it right it looked good and we scored three good tries. Sadly not enough. The Bard’s report will be available shortly.

Without question one of the highlights was a 35m+ drop goal from Kieron Martin. Fielding a goal line clearance he took one step, looked up, swung the boot and the ball sailed through the posts. At our level, jaw dropping stuff.

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? We put out a second XV yesterday, which included a number of key players returning from injury. The boys won 39-7 against table topping St Leonard’s.

Next up for the 1st XV is Ashford away. Kick off 14:00

Haven’t yet watched the England game but have read the Friday Clubs assessment which to put it bluntly is not very complimentary. Messrs Eddie Jones and Owen Farrell coming in for much criticism.

I did watch the Wales game late last night. Thank heavens I had enjoyed a number of calming glasses of Pinot Grigio before hand. Wales also managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Two quick yellow cards, a penalty try and that was that. Up until then Wales had made a decent fist of it and a face saving win was on the cards.

This was a strong Welsh side against a seriously patched up Aussie outfit so defeat is humiliating and without doubt there will be fall out. The talk is Warren Gatland will be parachuted in to “save the day”. To be frank Gatland might make a difference in terms of results but the game plan will revert to that boring rubbish we had to suffer previously. It is off the field where the biggest changes have to happen. You know my view and until the dinosaurs are banished to another place nothing will change.

Back tomorrow with the league round-up.

This week expect more idiotic protests from the eco nut jobs. Expect more bull from the RMT and ASLEF. Expect more rhetoric from Wee Jimmie. Finally, plenty of criticism of the Government will fill the papers.

Thursday 24th Nov: 09:45

Just a quick missive this morning as a) I’m late starting and b) I have lots of other things to do.

The boys travel to Folkestone on Saturday, kick off 14:30. If you don’t fancy that then the 2s are due to play St Leonard’s at Steel Cross followed by England v South Africa at 17:30.

Two good Premiership battles tomorrow with Quins hosting Gloucester and Exeter at Newcastle. Neither appear to be on TV however. You might have to succumb to England v USA if that is the case. I’ll be looking at all the BBC variants or S4C to see if any of the Reform Church games are being covered.

It is extremely disappointing to read that a top flight coach and former international player has been banned for the fourth, yes fourth time this year. Yes, La Rochelle’s Ronan O’Gara has been suspended for 10 weeks for yet another rant about officialdom and the game’s structure. The BBC for the full story.

If he was in Wales he’d have something to rant about. Sam Warburton hasn’t pulled any punches in his criticism of the game and its governance. Rip it up and start again!!!!

Beleaguered Wales coach Wayne Pivac announces his team to play Australia today. Some tough calls need to be made but with players like Rees-Zammit and Tompkins back over the bridge to England the team effectively picks itself. Australia have now lost Michael Hooper to injury so Pivac and his charges are damned if they win, damned if they don’t. “Yeah, you won but only against Australia B”, or “you can’t even beat a severely patched up Australia”.

Eddie Jones has a few selection headaches and quite frankly nothing but a win will do, and in my mind it has to be a decent win too. This could be a brutal affair. Not one for the neutral me thinks. The Daily Fail carries two stories about brutal contests of the past. The thuggery of those games won’t get past the myriad of officials nor the eagle eyed cameraman at the game on Saturday.

The teams are announced later today.

Is Finn Russell heading to Bath. The Daily Fail tease the Rec Faithful with that possibility. The paper claims the club “close in on a stunning deal”. That would be quite a coup, one which I will believe when I see it.

Talking of audacious moves WalesOnline continue to tout Scott Robertson, him of Super Rugby’s Crusaders fame, as Pivac’s successor. If it were to pass he would follow a long line of Kiwi coaches taking the helm of Welsh rugby. However, why would he when England and their riches could come calling, and also taking charge of Wales would be like being told you are captain of the Titanic.

In other sport Germany losing to Japan has sent a shock wave through the game. The Germans were stunned with many saying perhaps they should have focussed on the football rather than the politics of Qatar.

Wales play Iran on Friday morning. That’s a bugger as Friday Club takes precedent. In the absence of rugby then it will be England v USA for me on Friday night.

The criticism of the tournament continues with heavy handed policing, awful accommodation, and petty bureaucracy all in the spotlight, oh and its very expensive too.

In other news I see Wee Jimmie Sturgeon didn’t get her way with the Supreme Court. I listened to some of the Scottish rhetoric yesterday post the judgement. It made my blood boil. You would think listening to the brainwashed acolytes Scotland was a paradise, a utopian universe, a land of milk and honey. All this when drugs and drug crime is out of control, the NHS is crumbling, the education standards are falling and despite the millions the UK Government throws at Scotland it always seems to count for nothing. Ah, you might cry. What about the the liberal minded transgender policies and ability choose your own gender. Yep, a perverts charter indeed. By the way, when I go to Scotland next I will be declaring myself to be Lucy Jabba the Hutt.

Wednesday 23rd Nov: 09:40

After the hottest and driest of summers we need the rain but it is still so very depressing to throw open the curtains to be welcomed by a deluge of the stuff. After the many inches of rain over recent weeks I am amazed at how well our pitches are holding up. A testament to the work done by Head Groundsman Drew, and his elves Gus, Max and Barry and the Friday Club in its entirety. Three years ago we would be calling off games after this amount of rain. The financial investment made by the club is paying off. Well done all.

Well done to our Under 14s and Under 16s (combined with East Grinstead) girls winning their first league games against Hove and Worthing. Brilliant stuff. The Colts lost to Horsham in what sounds a feisty contest. Thank you testosterone!!!

The Rassie Erasmus story rumbles on. It was the focus of attention at Jacques Nienaber’s team announcement yesterday. The Boks have made a number of changes, several of them enforced. This is not as strong a side as we have seen but strong enough.

England name their 23 tomorrow. Eddie Jones has several injury worries with Mako Vunipola amongst them. Jack Willis will not feature as he is dropped from the squad. I expect him to go for size and experience in anticipation of tackling the wildebeest head on. That said Hugh Tizard and Bevan Rodd could be the surprise inclusions.

Plenty of people are questioning Wayne Pivac’s selection policy and his tactical ability. Adam Jones asks why Alun Wyn wasn’t picked last Saturday and why Rhys Carre is nowhere to be seen. Wales and Pivac will be under extreme scrutiny when the Aussies come to town. It will be a battered and bruised Australia as their injury list is quite “impressive’. A number of front line picks will be unavailable as a consequence.

MPs, as if they have nothing better to do than appear of TV shows, are to quiz the rugby authorities over the demise of Worcester and Wasps. I could save them the time by telling the Premiership’s business model is a busted flush and no matter how much hand wringing people do until that is changed then others will follow. During the hearing Covid cannot be used as an excuse. The writing has been, like a good Banksy, on the wall for some time.

The dark clouds of litigation have now turned into a deluge of legal proceedings. The RFU, WRU and World Rugby will all be served notice of impending legal claims by 225 players, many high profile, following diagnosis of “neurological impairments”. This has been hanging over the authorities for some time so will come as no surprise. For me, now the lawyers have crawled out from under their rocks, it comes as no surprise that money and compensation are more frequently cited and player safety and protecting the future of the game is secondary. Hey ho. That’s injury lawyers for you.

Can I draw your attention to The Guardian and Robert Kitson. He has written an excellent piece on how Georgia’s win in Cardiff and Portugal’s qualification for the World Cup alongside Chile’s qualification must be the catalyst for change in World Rugby’s thinking. The concept of a nations cup to replace the summer and autumn internationals is up for debate again in coming weeks. Absence from the proposal will be the three aforementioned countries. Robert Kitson asks why. The six northern hemisphere powerhouses (how Wales is included I have no idea) plus the four southern hemisphere sides alongside Japan and Fiji make up the twelve countries to be included. Basically it will become an even more tightly knit cartel than before. Kitson’s right, for the good of the game it makes no sense. For the finances of the big boys it makes eminent sense.

Other sport is dominated by the FIFA World Cup. Argentina losing to Saudi Arabia is the big story on the field. Off the field the draconian crackdown on anyone expressing anything other than support for Qatar continues. Now I am a firm believer in the concept of “when in Rome…” however I do believe in this global society of ours the Qatari regime is pretty odious. It is their country and therefore people should respect the laws of the land. If anyone is to blame it is FIFA not the Qataris. FIFA should never have given the tournament to such a fervently bigoted nation in the first place.

The first mass brawl broke out following Australia’s loss to France. Fighting broke out post match amongst the fans. It seems it was started by the Australian supporters, if you can call them that. During the Lions tour of 2013 we experienced the worst of Australian sports fans behaviour. Some, and it is a minority, can be sore losers.

Those good old boys at the RMT are at it again. The anarchist-in-chief Mick Lynch and his mob have announced another series of strikes. You know my views so lets move on. I’m pleased to say that my mate PK has resolved his transport issues for Saturday.

Finally the UK Supreme Court will rule today whether Scotland’s dictator Wee Jimmie Sturgeon can hold another Independence referendum without the UK Government’s approval. Get ready for more mealy mouthed rhetoric from the would be all powerful ….. oh enough is enough. Back tomorrow!!!!

Tuesday 22nd Nov: 08:50

A couple of club matters to be covered before I get stuck into the latest rugby news.

First up is a reminder it is Quiz Night this Saturday. Previous events have been great fun and at £10 including food a bargain. I don’t know if places are still available but Louise will. Louise@crowboroughrugby.com.

I understand those really nice, considerate, unassuming people at the RMT and ASLEF are on strike again this weekend. This is likely to cause travel chaos for those with tickets for the England v South Africa game at Twickenham. My good friend PK is eager to find out if anyone has organised transport to the game other than train and do they have space for extra passengers. Let me know if you do and I’ll marry you up. Bleater@crowboroughrugby.com.

The 1st XV are at Folkestone on Saturday. Don’t forget its an early kick off and with the trains on strike the roads could be busier than normal.

I thank regular reader and thoroughly nice bloke Gordon for suggesting that Alfie Barbeary is not yet a superstar so probably not earning anything like the money the top stars earn hence his move to Bath not affecting the salary cap.

Another player on the move is Joe Launchbury. After a short (money spinning) stint in Japan he will join Harlequins. Now this is quite some acquisition. He joins from next season so he will be accounted for out the 2023/24 salary cap.

World Rugby are investigating the management of Nic White’s head injury assessment. They shouldn’t have to. All involved in our game should be ultra cautious about head injuries and any sign of head trauma should result in the player being removed from the pitch and not allowed to return. White will miss the game in Cardiff as he as been forced into the return to play protocols.

Money, money, money. Yes that is the simple reason why Wales and England have internationals this weekend despite both the URC and Premiership returning. Wales, Australia and South Africa will all lose players as a consequence. I am guessing England will have done a deal with the Premiership clubs to ensure their stars remain available. The international windows are there for a purpose. I know the unions are short of cash but these games detract from the whole premise of test rugby.

Even the South Africans are saying Rassie Erasmus is out of order following his latest rant towards a referee, this time Wayne Barnes. To be fair I didn’t think Barnes had his best game ever when the Boks took on France two weeks ago but that shouldn’t give Erasmus licence to “go off on one”.

The more you read about Worcester Warriors debts the worse things become. £30m is the latest estimation. However as you read on there does appear to be a glimmer of hope for the club with the administrators working with a consortium of bidders led by Jim O’Toole. What remains consistent is the criticism of the two charlatans who previously ran the club.

Looking ahead all four Welsh regions are in South Africa this weekend. I hope they got together and travelled en masse thus spreading the costs. Stormers v Scarlets, Bulls v Ospreys, Lions v Dragons and Sharks v Cardiff.

In the Premiership Quins v Gloucester on Friday might be worth watching. On Saturday it is Sale v Bristol and on Sunday Leicester Tigers v London Irish.

The Daily Fail are reporting Eddie Jones is off to run USA Rugby post the World Cup. An eight year deal which will take him to the 2031 RWC which is in the states. That’s USA Rugby buggered then !!!! By the way he’ll be 70 in 2031. The Fail also alleges that Georgia were interested in hiring until they saw his extortionate wage demands.

WalesOnline are reporting that Wayne Pivac’s position will be reviewed after Saturday’s game v Australia. No surprise there. It is not all Pivac’s fault as I keep reminding you. Wales are not blessed with a surfeit of talent, and the structure of the game needs a complete revamp. That won’t happen until the dinosaurs stop roaming the valleys.

I’ve got to mention the FIFA World Cup. Weren’t England impressive yesterday and didn’t Wales do well in securing a draw against the USA. In fact, Wales could have won that one. Two other points. Despite all the money thrown at the tournament the organisation seems chaotic. Ticketing and transport issues plagued yesterday’s games. What cost of living crisis? Both Wales and England fans have travelled in force and based on the number of people who could afford to take the day off yesterday things cannot be anywhere as bad as being made out!!!!!

Monday 21st Nov: 08:30

The local league’s were pretty much closed for the weekend so no league round-up. Sevenoaks lost at home to Blackheath was about the only game of note, but I’ll double check later today. This gives me an opportunity to look through the papers at see what the hacks are saying about the internationals.

First up there is a growing belief that France’s training run against Japan yesterday confirms their credentials as favourites to win the World Cup next year.

Many of the scribes state that the dramatic comeback by England to earn a draw against New Zealand has papered over the old cracks which are still very much there. Too much kicking, a lack of attacking flair and a propensity to shoot themselves in the foot. Certainly for most of the game that was what England offered up. If they can harness what was on show in the final minutes and produce that from minute one then World Cup glory could be theirs.

There is much debate about Marcus Smith’s decision to kick the ball out. Some are suggesting it highlights a losers mindset where a draw is seen as a victory. Others say it was very pragmatic and therefore the right call. I stick with what I said yesterday.

Plenty of chat about Eddie Jones successor. New Zealander Scott Robinson, recently ignored by his own union, is being touted as an ideal replacement. Be quick as Wales might get there first.

Talking of Wales, they were awful, as was the game. The Georgians celebrated long into the night and more than one paper has put forward the notion of relegation from the Six Nations being something that has to come. WalesOnline has gone to town in dissecting not only the teams failings, but also those of Wayne Pivac. More importantly the paper highlights the simple truth that Welsh rugby is pretty well rotten from the bottom to the very top. Old farts scuppering change, the regions in a mess, no sign of succession planning with regard to developing young talent and on and on.

Finn Russell laid down a massive challenge to Gregor Townsend: drop me at your peril. He was at his mercurial best on Saturday, the playmaker extraordinaire. Yes, Los Pumas were under par, and yes they were down a man but that shouldn’t detract from a splendid performance by Russell and by Scotland.

Good teams know how to win even when they are playing poorly. I think this was the case in Dublin on Saturday evening. Most neutral observers will say the Aussies were the better side but simply couldn’t finish off their chances. Ireland took theirs and the rest is history. There are a number of people who have pointed out that Ireland without Johnny Sexton is no longer a concern. The young bucks waiting in the wings are ready and able to step up to the plate and hit that home run.

What of the opposition. New Zealand are still not what they used to be. They have lost that aura of invincibility. South Africa’s demolition of Italy showed they are not to be ignored. Their Achilles heel is still their obsession with brute force and ignorance. Australia are struggling. The lack of support from home, the perceived irrelevance of rugby union down under is a massive problem, and a plague of injuries is hurting them. Los Pumas have improved and their win over England shows what can be done. Consistency, consistency, consistency is what they need to strive for.

Two more games to go. Wales v Australia and England v South Africa. A battered and bruised Wales will be without their exiles and whilst Australia have a raft of injuries they will still be too good. No idea what England side will turn up but you can guarantee the Boks will be fired up for this one.

Congratulations to Josh van der Flier and Ruahei Demant, World Rugby’s man and woman player of the year. A well deserved accolade for both.

Questions are being asked about how Nic White was allowed to play on despite suffering what looked a serious bang to the head.

Bath sign Alfie Barbeary from Wasps. That is quite a coup. Mmmmm !!!! Salary cap ???

If Welsh Rugby’s problems weren’t already bad Wales football kicks off their FIFA World Cup campaign tonight. England play this afternoon. The tournament is already a shambles and is likely to get worse if FIFA sticks to its draconian edicts about punishing those who protest about the odious Qatari regime.

Sunday 20th Nov: 10:30

A long and arduous day in the saddle yesterday. I’ll get to England v New Zealand shortly but I have to start in Cardiff with what was a shock but very well deserved win by Georgia. The game as a whole was dire, putting it politely. This was not an advert for our game with long winded stoppages, especially at the scrum, woeful skill levels and a home team who were bereft of ideas and totally rudderless. You can blame Wayne Pivac and the players as much as you like but it is the system and structure in Wales that is holding the game back. A bunch of old farts resisting change to keep their particular gravy train running. Something has to give.

Georgia have made a very strong case for greater exposure in the world game. Perhaps the Six Nations with relegation is the answer. That might just shake Wales to the core because right now it is them who are at risk. There were a couple of players who tried their best but overall Wales were outplayed and out thought, had no cutting edge and were tactically pathetic. I criticised England for their kicking game, well Wales took that to a different level with nonsensical decision making. Only a resounding win against Australia next week will save Pivac from the axe, but as I say that is not the answer.

Oh, and when will the game stop painting huge adverts onto the pitch and let the TV companies superimpose them as we see in the Southern Hemisphere????

So to Murrayfield and Scotland’s mightily impressive win over Argentina. You do need to take into account however that for 60 minutes they played against 14 men after Kramer’s disgraceful attack on Jamie Ritchie. They then had the luxury of playing against just 12 men later in the contest as two Pumas sat on the naughty step for ten minutes. Don’t take anything away from Scotland, inspired by Finn Russell they played some good rugby and I believe would have won regardless. They are looking a good team and with their international contingent playing well will be a force come the Six Nations.

So to Twickenham. This turned out to be a cracking contest with England looking like startled rabbits in the headlights for long periods only to turn into fleet footed gazelles in the closing 15 minutes. Marcus Smith except for one decent break and then kicking the ball out for the draw was average at best. The back row came off second best in the contact areas and tactically for much of the game the All Blacks showed how it should be done. Whilst young Jack van Poortvliet is an upcoming superstar he was anything but yesterday.

So what happened to change things. Eddie Jones will say it was his inspired decision to bring on the “finishers”. Me, I think the All Black bench lacked the fire and precision of the starting XV, and that along with Beauden Barrett seeing yellow, plus maybe complacency with victory seemingly in sight opened the door for that superb turnaround. All of a sudden passes were sticking, ground was being gained and the first Will Stuart try being authenticated by the TMO was like a kick up the backside for England.

For those with their flags of St George hanging from the bedroom widow this morning I would say “there is still much wrong with England”.

Much is being said about the decision by Smith to kick the ball off to secure the draw. I can only give you my opinion, it was the right decision. How many times have we seen the All Blacks win when the clock is in the red? Plenty. Were England in a position to launch a long range counterattack? No. Were New Zealand in a position to launch a game winning attack if they turned the ball over? Yes. Decision made. Take the draw.

Last up was Ireland v Australia. This was not the classic I had hoped for. It was somewhat scrappy and at times a little ill-tempered. I thought Australia played well, certainly much better than they did against Italy. Ireland know how to win and good sides never lie down. The Bundee Aki try got Ireland up and running but it was the Ross Byrne kick at the death that sealed it. Jack Crowley did his chances of future selection no harm at all coming in just before kick off with Sexton bing injured in the warm-up. Overall I would say this was a very disappointing performance from Ireland, too many basic mistakes and an inability to exploit a significant man advantage when Australia were briefly down to 13 men. The Aussies will be wondering how they lost with so much possession and definitely playing the better rugby.

By the way, that Nic White is a pain in the neck. If there is trouble on the field he is never far away from the action.

Well done Ireland, well done England, good job Scotland and a very big round of applause for Georgia. Wales, you can hang your head in shame !!!!!

Thursday 17th Nov: 09:30

As you know no senior games at Steel Cross this weekend but the club will be open for both the Scotland game and of course England v New Zealand. There is scheduled to be Colts fixture v Horsham on Sunday but that is very much subject to the pitches being playable. I’ll try and update you on Sunday when I look back at the weekend’s internationals.

The authorities are warning of travel chaos post the Cardiff and Twickenham games thanks to those at the RMT who think £65k a year and a 35 hour week is not enough when nurses earn far less and work significantly harder. Anarchists are what the RMT leaders are.

Eddie Jones will announce his team to face the now not so mighty All Blacks today. I expect he will revert back to his tried and tested favourites. The Smith, Farrell, Tuilagi partnership will be back as will Billy Vunipola. England will start clear favourites in my opinion. If the game plan isn’t all about power then I do see them winning. England need to have an all court game, dominate up front by all means, kick if that is the right thing to do, but you also have to stretch the All Blacks by getting the ball wide. England’s usual plan A of kick, kick, crash, kick, crash and kick again is not going to be enough.

New Zealand will have to be significantly better than they were against Scotland if they are to triumph. Way too many silly, uncharacteristic mistakes and a lethargy about their play. Defensively they will need to be at their very best.

This could be a cracker. I doubt it though as Jones will think he has all the answers rather than letting the players instinctively play what is in front of them. We’ll know by Sunday morning.

Wales should beat Georgia. I for one am keen to see how Scotland cope with Argentina but I’m eagerly awaiting the Ireland v Australia game. Ireland could be without Sexton and a number of key players but their strength in depth should still allow them to field a competitive side. Australia have blown hot and cold for a while now but when they get it right they can beat anyone. I expect Australia to be fired up for this one and a shock could be on the cards.

Player welfare is in the news again with the Rugby Players Association saying players should be restricted to 30 games a season, down from the current 35. There is more, and improved data available now and that seems to indicate reducing the cumulative effect of game after game contact does significantly prevent more injuries. Injuries will happen if you play one game or 100. The point is about the bodies resilience and then being given time to recover. A ten team Premiership and a ten team Championship would go a long way to facilitating that change.

Here we go again. Richie Gray has been banned for three matches for reckless play. I don’t recall the incident but I am appalled to see another coach, Scotland’s assistant Pieter de Villiers, say “there was absolutely no malicious intent”. I am sure there wasn’t but that isn’t the point. Players have to take responsibility and cannot afford to be reckless. Deliberate or accidental poor tackling technique, or aggressive ruck clear outs where contact with the head is likely have to be removed from our game.

If you keep an eye on the political shenanigans around the country you will have seen that free speech has gone out of the window. A member of the Scottish parliament was ejected from the house for disagreeing with the SNPs authoritarian and misguided attitude to gender assignment. That smacks of dictatorship rather than democracy.

Similarly a member of the Welsh Government was told to leave when he became annoyed he wasn’t getting answers to what seemed on the face of it sensible questions about Wales poor NHS record. In essence his opinion didn’t count.

If properly elected politicians aren’t allowed to express their views in the chamber what hope is there for us mere mortals.

By the way the lily-livered way we are handling (some elements of) immigration, the pandering to the hypocritical eco-zealots and allowing anarchist unions bring the country to a standstill is nonsense. This while the authorities are more worried about woke policies than crime on our streets.

Wednesday 16th Nov: 10:00

After our 1st XVs impressive win on Saturday the Colts hosted Worthing on Sunday. Sadly they came off second best but losing to Worthing with its wide catchment area and “player pathway” and taking away a try and losing bonus point is still a great result.

Our Under 15s drew with Lewes, our 13s lost at Chichester and our Under 14 girls lost at Uckfield. The girls set up is still in its very early stages of development so getting a side out and playing an experienced girls set-up like Uckfield is huge progress for us. Well done all.

Whilst the papers are full of the FIFA World Cup, front and back pages, you can still find some rugby news. New Zealand are in town and whilst they will say differently they have Japan 2019 in mind. The mighty All Blacks were humbled in that semi-final and don’t want to be so again. Eddie Jones will ring the changes as he loses Big Joe to injury and his favourite Big Billy is sure to be recalled as starting No.8. No, there aren’t any Little Anyones in Jones squad. He is obsessed with size.

It will be a huge day for Owen Farrell as he reaches the coveted 100 cap mark. An amazing achievement for an amazing player. No, I am not going to change my opinion, either play him at 10 or not at all if Marcus Smith starts at outside-half.

One other change of note is the man in the middle won’t be Nic Berry as originally planned. He is on his way back to Australia for personal reasons, nothing serious I hope. Mathieu Raynal, he of the now infamous time wasting call that gifted a win to the All Blacks over Australia recently takes over.

The local leagues have pretty much closed down this weekend but the club will be open for this game. If you decided not to remortgage your home in order to afford a ticket then Steel Cross is the place to be. Kick 17:30. The Scotland v Argentina game, which should be a decent contest, will be on as the warm up act.

Wales have made six changes to the team to face Georgia. Josh Macleod is the headline as he will make a long awaited debut. He has been included in Pivac’s squads over several seasons only to be blighted by injury. He starts at No.8 ahead of Taulupe Faletau who drops to the bench. Josh Adams returns with Owen Watkin, Rhys Priestland, Ben Carter and Jac Morgan all starting. Louis Rees-Zammit retains the No.15 spot. WalesOnline for detailed analysis.

Georgia will be no pushover as they continue to ask for greater exposure at the highest level e.g. the Six Nations. This will be a physical test for Wales. Kick off at 13:00. Talking of physical it worries me when you read of coaches like Wayne Pivac telling players who are lauded for their ability to bulk up. What is this obsession with size?

From a neutral spectators view, as opposed to the one-eyed variety, I think Ireland v Australia will be the game of the day. In my mind Ireland do have to be wary of an Australian backlash after the unexpected defeat to Italy last weekend. A win for Ireland and Andy Farrell might just cement his position as World Rugby Coach of the Year.

The Daily Fail carries an interesting interview with former Wales and New Zealand coach Steve Hansen. He, unlike me, has some very positive things to say about Eddie Jones. He also believes the TMO should be “cancelled” thus removing the irritating longwinded interventions we have to endure currently.

Two rays of hope for Worcester Warriors. Firstly the preferred bidder is a step closer to sealing a deal, so much so they have engaged a film company to create documentary as they rise phoenix like from the ashes. Secondly the Women’s side has secured sufficient funding for the RFU to reissue their licence. They will play Quins on Sunday.

As I said earlier the FIFA World Cup is now the big story. The Welsh rugby squad gave the Wales footballers a special send off yesterday by applauding them out of the team hotel onto the waiting coaches for the airport. Yes, they were both based at the same hotel complex.

What an excellent advert for Qatar…. Not !!!! Put aside the awful stories of workers being exploited and subsequently losing their lives during the construction of the stadia and infrastructure. Not a ball has been kicked yet but already a Danish reporter broadcasting live was threatened with his film and equipment being destroyed if he didn’t stop filming. This truly is an odious regime and FIFA, often corrupt FIFA, needs to take a hard long look at itself.

Tuesday 15th Nov: 09:15

Dependant on where you are living you can look out of your own window and see what the weather is like. I can tell you here in the not so metropolis like town of Crowborough it is wet, and cold and miserable with a capital “F”. Not a day for anything other than hunkering down at home.

Let me thank the club for how they presented the roadway entrance to Steel Cross for Armistice Day. It was tastefully done and a nice tribute to those who have fallen in the service of this great country of ours.

Before moving on I am pleased to report Thanet’s Kieran Wright was thoroughly checked over and released from hospital with a severe and painful case of whiplash. Even at our level a sign the forces players endure are now very high indeed.

Where to start. Red cards and head injuries. Whilst England Women fell at the final hurdle in their quest to win the World Cup Simon Middleton has taken the team to a new level. I find it amazing however that he as a “leader” in our great game has gone on record to say Lydia Thompson’s red card was harsh. He tries to justify it by saying there was no intent. That might be the case but Portia Woodman who has her winners medal but no recollection of the game might not agree. The future of the game is on a knife edge and one of the factors is serious concern for players’ safety. Trying to downplay reckless and seriously dangerous tackles is an appalling advert for the game and those who run it. The Guardian carries the full story.

In a similar vein former England international Kat Merchant who was forced into early retirement following repeated concussion issues was appealed how the Abbie Dow head clash was managed. She doesn’t challenge Hollie Davidson’s decision to show only yellow but vehemently questions how Dow who was clearly suffering from the hit by Kennedy Simon was allowed to play on for over a minute before being removed from the field of play for an HIA. Dow was allowed to return after passing the HIA but that isn’t the point. The game has to put player safety ahead of everything else otherwise we won’t have a game. Interestingly Simon Middleton was quizzed on it but wouldn’t be drawn into the debate. Was there a win bonus at stake???

Then we have the excellent if not a bit spiky Owen Doyle in The Irish Times. Doyle quite rightly is critical of Fijian coach Vern Cotter who questioned Mathieu Raynal’s decision to show Albert Tuisue a red card after his terrible hit on Joey Carbery. Cotter implied the hit was part of the game and not worthy of a red card. This type of attitude, and that of Middleton, are doing significant harm to the game. We have to get head contact and blatant brutality out of the game. Rugby is a very physical game and players will get hurt but we cannot simply stand by and watch incidents like du Toit’s on Saturday evening and try and justify them as “rugby incidents”. As I mentioned above the forces now being exerted are at the extreme end of the bodies ability to absorb them.

There has to be change and coaches have to be at the heart of that.

Doyle does go on to say referees are also a problem in that they are being so pedantic it is making the game unwatchable. Every subsection of the law book is being managed to within an inch of its life. There is no empathy. That said, I would say that Hollie Davidson, Joy Neville, Sara Cox and Aimee Barrett-Theron based on what I saw from New Zealand could more than teach their male counterparts a thing or two. All four were outstanding.

The papers are full of the long injury list facing all the nations ahead of the next round of Autumn Internationals. Wales and England have drafted in reinforcements ahead of their games versus Georgia and New Zealand. Obviously the big game of the weekend is Wales v Georgia England v New Zealand but I think the game of the day could be Ireland v Australia. I might watch that one with my good mate Mal Bec!!!!

Plenty of time to preview the games ahead so what about other sport. The FIFA World Cup kicks off in just a few days. How on earth did FIFA think it was right to award the tournament to an odious regime such as we find in Qatar. Welsh rugby has a major problem as Wales have qualified for the tournament. All eyes will be on the boyos out in Qatar for sure.

Then you have the spoilt brat league. Cristiano Ronaldo is right up there when it comes to being an arrogant spoilt brat. His latest antics beggar belief.

Coming a close second is Max Verstappen. His attitude towards his teammate on Sunday was appalling. Oh how soon the Dutchman has forgotten how Sergio Perez kept a fast charging Lewis Hamilton at bay to help Verstappen secure victory in the Abu Dhabi F1 last season.

The news from Ukraine remains horrendous despite the retaking of occupied territory. All those young men slaughtered, and for what. The innocent civilians, young and old whose lives have been destroyed. Have we not learnt anything from history. Maybe because all too often we now have an army of woke warriors who want to expunge history because it makes them cry.

Monday 14th Nov: 08:25

What a dreary, dank morning here in Crowborough. At least as I do the league round-up we are no longer bottom. Aylesford Bulls now have that dubious honour after losing at home to Charlton Park. Folkestone are just above us as they lost away at Deal & Betteshanger. At the top of the table is where we find Old Alleynians who came away from our good friends over at Heathfield & Waldron with a 22-34 win. Bromley move up into 2nd spot with their win at Cranbrook. In a low scoring game Ashford beat Beccehamian. We, along with Aylesford, Folkestone and Thanet are somewhat adrift of Deal in 8th place who in turn are 13 points adrift of OAs. Still not at the half way point yet so much to play for.

In Sussex 2 Eastbourne cemented their position at the top of the table as a result of Lewes crying off. In the games that were played East Grinstead slipped up at home against Pulborough in a high scoring game. Elsewhere Crawley beat Seaford, Shoreham lost to Haywards Heath and Uckfield beat Burgess Hill. Eastbourne are unbeaten at the top with maximum points. Grinstead and Heath are leading the chase.

In Surrey/Sussex 1 Hove beat Old Tiffians to maintain their chase for promotion. They have a game in hand on OTs who are just 5 points ahead. Not great to see Warlingham have to concede a AWO to Cobham. Sign of the times me thinks!

Before moving on up Bognor beat Ellingham & Ringwood and Hastings & Bexhill strolled past Southwark Lancers.

In Regional 1 Brighton beat London Welsh and Tunbridge Wells beat Harpenden. Wells are 4th in their version while Brighton are in 7th over in the Central version of Regional 1. In Regional 2 South East Horsham continue to lead the way after another fine win, this time over Gravesend. Chichester beat Old Colfeians.

Up in National 2 Sevenoaks came home from Guernsey with couple of points after a 28-28 draw. TJs beat Blackheath by a single point. Worthing won at North Walsham. Dorking are top in this very competitive league. Nobody is racing away with it yet.

In other results Leeds lost at Rosslyn Park, Bridgnorth lost at Oundle but Salisbury beat Swindon. By the way there was the dreaded HWO in Salisbury’s league as Buckingham cry off against top place Marlborough.

For most leagues it is a blank weekend next week.

In the Premiership Bath beating Leicester on Friday was amazing. Not because of the win but that acrobatic last second try in the corner. Exeter beat Irish on Saturday with Newcastle shocking the Shed with a win over Gloucester at Kingsholm. I only caught snippets of it but that was some contest at the Stone X yesterday. Saracens looking dead and buried only to come back and win it at the end. I’ll watch the rerun of this one tomorrow.

Scotland blew a chance of a historical win over the All Blacks. Scotland for long periods outplayed their guests with some scintillating rugby and a win was on the cards. The lacklustre All Blacks wouldn’t go away however and clawed their way back into it when Scotland were down to 14 men. It was a pretty feisty but thoroughly enjoyable contest. I can see England beating New Zealand next week. The All Blacks will need to be significantly better than they were yesterday if they are to avoid defeat.

Still much in the papers about England’s women losing to New Zealand plus Italy’s win over Australia.

In other sport England rugby league miss out on the final after losing to Samoa. England’s cricketers lift the T20 World Cup however. Well done to them. Two English drivers lead the way in the São Paulo Grand Prix. What a day for George Russell. Max Verstappen didn’t cover himself in glory but unless you follow F1 you’ll not be interested in that. Leicester City might just have got their show back on the road.

In other news Jezza is warning of pain to come with him turning into Scrooge. The eco nut jobs are taking break. Good! Did you catch up on the hypocrisy of this lot. First up Kent police stop two car loads of protesters on their way to the M25. Without oil your cars won’t run you Muppets. Then the posh farmers daughter who is not averse to jetting around the world on her holibobs. Yep, hypocrisy at its best!!!

Sunday 13th Nov: 09:10

A lot to cover this morning. Before I get stuck into the detail of yesterday’s games I think it appropriate to send Kieran Wright our very best wishes. The Thanet Wanderers second row suffered a troubling neck injury causing a lengthy delay to the game. Thanet’s medical provision: Fran, and our own Mike Churchyard did an amazing job in making sure he was made comfortable whilst waiting for the ambulance. A wait of well over three hours, and only arriving then after the wonderful Abby Ayers got involved!!!! Wishing you a speedy recovery from all at CRFC.

The game was only about five minutes in before the incident and already we were down to 14 men after a yellow card. Once the game restarted, on what, despite the week’s recent rain, was an excellent pitch, Crowborough took the challenge to our visitors. As always the wonderful Bard will bring the exact detail but I think it is fair to say overall we played some excellent rugby. Our forward play, both in the set piece and in the loose, was as good as I’ve seen during the season thus far. Our backs looked sharp and tested Thanet’s defensive qualities on a regular basis. Skipper David Bennett led from No.8 and vice captain Tom Boddy was a live wire out on the wing.

It was far from one way traffic with Thanet’s electric backs causing us some difficulties. Their pace and ball handling was amazing and only last ditch desperate defence kept them at bay. One significant difference that contributed to our result was a dramatic improvement in our tackling. Most first up tackles were made and made before our visitors could get beyond the gain line.

We looked as if we would stroll this one but Thanet clawed their way back into it and for a while the long suffering faithful feared the worst. It wasn’t to be as in the gathering gloom Crowborough not only secured the win and the try bonus point but put the full stop on proceedings with an excellent team try at the death. 35-10 moves us off the bottom of the table. Still a long way adrift but more performances like this and things could be very different.

I must mention Mr Simon Musselwhite, the merry whistle blower. He had an excellent game, not because we won you cynical buggers, but because he had an excellent game. Consistent, accurate and unflustered.

Full league round-up tomorrow morning.

The morning started with the Women’s World Cup. A special mention to Ben P and Sharon G who manned the food and drink station at the club yesterday morning, and to Nigel J who organised everything. I understand you did a great job and those who turned up at 06:00 had a great time. I’ve watched some better games but I have seen many, many more that were a lot worse. It was a tense, gripping, epic contest with a very high level of skill on display. New Zealand had no answer to England’s driving maul and it looked as if England’s dreams were to come true. You write any New Zealand side off at your peril. The Black Ferns stuck at it and eventually triumphed with an excellent late try. Should England have gone for the three points and gone into extra time? In my mind being down to 14 players and looking as if they were tiring the answer is “no”. The right call but the execution was poor.

The red card was a slam dunk I’m afraid. The excellent Holly Davidson and her team got that spot on. So early in the game it was always going to be a hard for England to survive but wow didn’t they give it a good go. The better side won but the biggest winner was the women’s game as a whole.

I will mention however that when you look at the amount of money invested in England’s women, especially when you compare that to the investment in all the other teams combined, you have to ask why the trophy is not on its way to Blighty. Yes I’m being churlish!!

England’s men put Japan back in their place. From what I can gather this was a much improved performance and seven tries will boost confidence ahead of the All Blacks next Saturday.

Wales also put on a much improved display. Argentina are no mugs as England discovered last week so Wales had to be much improved if another defeat was to be avoided. The experiment with Louis Rees-Zammit at full back worked. There was more “go ahead” in attack and defensively Wales were significantly better than they were in the second half against the All Blacks. With Georgia up next they have another opportunity to boost confidence before the Australians arrive in town.

What a result, Italy beating Australia. I saw some of this and Italy were superb.

Last up came France v South Africa. Another brutal display by the Springboks but the quietly efficient French outfit were not going to be bettered. I have seen Wayne Barnes have better games but he got both the red cards spot on. Pieter Steph du Toit’s actions were appalling. Antoine DuPont’s clattering of Cheslin Kolbe was unbelievably reckless and as a consequence disgraceful.

Scotland v New Zealand later but right now I have half an eye on England in the T20 final against Pakistan.

Thursday 10th Nov: 10:00

Not long now before the big the one, yes the Women’s World Cup Final between England v New Zealand. England have made three changes, in part due to injury. The team will be led by the amazing Sarah Hunter. Just a reminder the club will be open at 06:00 for the 06:30 kick off with bacon rolls and hot and cold drinks available. One correction: the morning is being run by two of our amazing Executive team; Nigel J and Sharon G, along with our Director of Junior/Mini Rugby, Mr Ben P. It’s a cracking idea. Well done guys.

As I said yesterday the game could be a fascinating contrast in styles. The tournament thus far has thrown up some humdingers, fingers crossed this is another. If you do watch it, but then again why wouldn’t you, keep an eye on the two scrum-halves. They are both terriers around the pitch. I’ll be watching.

Team announcements today ahead of Saturday’s internationals. I expect England to make changes. Johnny May is likely to return and young Van Poortvliet is destined to start. Don’t be surprised if Sam Simmonds gets the nod.

Wales will be forced into changes but there is a growing anticipation that Louis Rees-Zammit will be at 15 with Gareth Anscombe in his preferred position of #10.

Both games will be shown at the club. I’ll be outside cheering for the boys when they face Thanet Wanderers however.

It appears the Barbarians are playing a New Zealand XV at the Spurs Stadium on Sunday, kicking off just ahead of Scotland v New Zealand in Murrayfield. This seems very strange, a clash of fixtures as notable as this. Anyway, many eyes will be on Zac Mercer ahead of his return to the UK and Gloucester. He could well be in Eddie Jones 2023 RWC squad so Sunday is an opportunity to showcase his undoubted talents. I believe Wales’ Rhys Webb and Ross Moriarty could be playing alongside Mercer. Only time will tell.

French Financial Prosecutors have raided the Paris HQ of Rugby World Cup 2023. The previous head honcho was already under investigation after being removed from his post following bullying allegations. It seems irregularities relating to expenses, contracts and ticketing have come to light. Look, I don’t want to be disparaging to our French neighbours but does this come as any surprise. Plenty of websites carry the full story.

Exeter’s Rob Baxter has had to come out and defend his club’s proposal to sell of a (key?) non rugby asset to pay off their current debts. Baxter states Exeter’s position is not like Wasps or Worcester but in the current climate it is a prudent way forward. They have a 75% stake in a nearby hotel complex which is the asset most likely to go. Unlike most club’s the members have a say and the proposal goes to a vote shortly. The BBC for this one.

As an aside if Exeter, who pre-Covid were the only club to be in the black, are taking this type of action where do all the other clubs stand?

Two stories that might have passed you by. Former Bath and wannabe TV star Levi Davies’s whereabouts remain unknown as his friends and family become even more concerned about his abrupt disappearance. The Spanish police have finally become involved in trying solve the mystery. Secondly, it is embarrassing and totally unacceptable to read about an 80 year old Welsh supporter who is now in hospital as he inadvertently got in the middle of two morons fighting during the Wales v New Zealand game. Drink is an issue at the Principality and this is another example of why the WRU have to get a grip. Forget the revenue, you can’t have innocent bystanders ending up in hospital as a consequence of drunken louts fighting.

There are two Premiership games on Saturday, Gloucester v Newcastle and Exeter v London Irish. On Sunday it is Saracens v Saints. I think that is on BT Sport at 12:15.

I see the eco-morons are at it again. I thank my good friend Colin for pointing out there is a flaw in my proposal to simply let the traffic flow on the M25. Yes, it never flows regardless of protesters. The MET police chief has ruled out snipers. I for one am wondering …… WHY? .. ;-)

So who are these clowns who have their heads so far up their backsides they can lick their tonsils. If they are students they should be kicked off the course. If they are on benefits they are clearly fit and available for work, their benefits should be stopped, and I could go on. The right to protest should be upheld but these twits have gone too far and their demands if met would send us back to the Stone Age.

Oh, and by the way, the nurses are going on strike. Unlike those jokers at the RMT and ASLEF nurses have a justifiable cause to strike. They are massively underpaid and often undervalued. When you read of the 500 fat cats earning over £100k in the NHS, the equivalent of £50m, and the number of managers, and the number of pathetic woke posts then there is something wrong in how the NHS is run. I toot in support of the nurses.

Wednesday 9th Nov: 09:30

The build up to the biggest match in the history of the Women’s game continues. Saturday morning New Zealand and England will go head-to-head in front of an anticipated 40,000, almost certainly biased fans, at Eden Park. This will smash the previous biggest record for a Women’s international. This is a fitting final with the two best teams in the world making it through, especially as one is the host nation. Will the Black Ferns almost cavalier attitude prevail over England’s more pragmatic forward dominated approach. We’ll know soon enough.

Please note Jacqui and Louise are opening up the club for those who want to watch this historic contest in the club with mates. It’ll be an early start but what a good idea.

Plenty of other rugby ahead including Crowborough v Thanet Wanderers. I am guessing right now all our grounds are waterlogged. The rain in the ‘Borough has been of biblical proportions. The forecast for today and through the weekend is set fair with rising temperatures and a southerly breeze. Hopefully good drying conditions. I’ll do my best to keep you updated.

An interesting piece from Chris Foy in the Daily Fail. He has hit the nail on the head with his headline: “Stubborn Eddie Jones is determined to stick with a double act of Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell despite shock defeat to Argentina!” One word sums up Jones and that is “stubborn”. It has always been his way or no way.

Then from the BBC the whiff of bull with Jones ability to find excuses: “my World Cup focus distracted from Pumas”. Absolutely pathetic as always.

I for one hope he is not distracted by anything else other than beating Japan. That won’t be an easy task as Japan have had the luxury of a long period together and their narrow defeat to a reasonably strong All Blacks indicates this could another humiliating banana skin.

Wales face Argentina and as always expectation are muted, especially after Los Pumas showing in a damp Twickenham stadium on Sunday. Under the roof on a dry pitch they will be a handful. Over the last few months they have shown what they are capable of with wins over Scotland, Australia, South Africa and the All Blacks, oh, and now England. Wales will be without Tommy Reffell which is a big blow and will Wayne Pivac be bold and play Louis Rees-Zammit at full back which is what some world renowned pundits are asking for.

For me the game of the day is in Paris with France taking on the wildebeest of South Africa. Jacques Nienaber has made a number of changes as he is inclined to do. The brutal game plan won’t change however. This could be a cracker. It could be oh so dull. If France get on a roll and throw the ball around I think the Springboks might find themselves having to rethink their game plan.

Before all that on Friday it is Bath v Leicester Tigers. Historically one of THE big games of the season. Bath are showing signs of recovery and Leicester have been less than perfect thus far. It could be worth watching. On the other hand Spoons with the neighbours is definitely an option.

It is troubling to read about Courtney Lawes struggle with concussion. He is unlikely to be available for some time to come as he is yet to pass the return to play protocols. It is also incredibly sad to read rugby league legend Rob Burrows’ struggle with MND. It is upsetting to see the state he is in and what his family and friends are going through. To counter that is his amazing fortitude and good humour in battling this horrendous disease.

Could Wasps return to London. Phil Vickery thinks so. I know the move to Coventry was met with derision but it made the Premiership slightly more geographically balanced. I’ve always said we need at least one more team in the North but that is not going to happen anytime soon. A fourth London based club, and with Ealing chomping on the bit to join the party, I’m not so sure.

In other news I see Gavin Williamson has fallen on his sword. What is the matter with these morons supposedly representing us the people.

The eco morons are at it again. I really don’t see what they hope to achieve by hacking off a large proportion of the population by their acts of rebellion. Me, I’d let them climb the gantries and simply let the traffic flow freely below.

Then there is the migrant situation. Is it no wonder that tens of thousands of migrants, most no longer fleeing tyranny or war, want to come to Britain when we put them up in 5* hotels, and everything else that follows. We have to be more efficient in giving those genuinely fleeing for their lives an opportunity of a better life, and more ruthless by swiftly removing those who are only here because UK PLC is a soft touch to be exploited.

Tuesday 8th Nov: 09:40

I had an interesting chat with a chairman of a club very near to us yesterday and was dismayed to hear his tale of woe regarding injuries and availability. It mirrored exactly our problems and making matters worse, he went on to say as he goes around following his club many other clubs are in the same place. There is no obvious reason for it but two spring to mind.

The extremely hot weather during the summer led to dangerously hard grounds meaning proper pre-season preparation was a lottery. The enforced closure of the game due to Covid has had a knock-on effect with players (and their other halves) getting used to doing other things on a Saturday afternoon. The draw of “other” things to do remains strong.

Sadly there is no quick fix and when you overlay the absence of rugby in schools locally and the ongoing debate about the safety of our game things could get worse before they get better.

What’s coming up? For the 1st XV Thanet Wanderers on Saturday. There is a league lunch and the England v Japan game will be screened on our various TVs.

Don’t forget Quiz Night at the end of the month. Always popular so get your tickets now. There are a few left. See website for details.

Across the papers the opinion of England’s performance against Argentina is pretty consistent: not good enough. Likewise, one man is at the centre of much of the criticism and yes that is Eddie Jones. Sir Knowitall writing in the Daily Fail has echoed much of what I said yesterday, and to be fair have been saying for quite some time, Jones is killing England rugby with his pedantic coaching and insistence it is his way or no way. His selection policy has also been highlighted as a major contributor to the team’s failings.

Others have also pointed out that Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell is a busted flush. Play one or the other. Both are exceptional players but the current plan is not working.

Oh, and why have England just lost another defence coach, Anthony Seibold, having to recruit rugby league star Brett Hodgson to replace him? Is there something toxic in the England camp?

Across the weekend a number of players have been hit by injury which opens the door for the return of others. Jamie George and Johnny May are likely to return for England. Finn Russell has been recalled to the Scottish squad to replace Adam Hastings. Alex Cuthbert could be in line for a Wales return with Argentina in Cardiff on Saturday.

What is it with people? People who think it is acceptable to abuse others. Free speech is one thing but out and out abuse because of race, creed, colour, religion, sexuality or even in the case of Stuart Hogg’s hairstyle is unacceptable. If Twitter implodes following Elon Musks takeover the world could be a better place as a result. Instagram, what is that about? I find it fascinating when you look at press reports using people’s Instagram pages and then contrast it with the photo taken as they leave court after whatever offence it is they have committed. Yes they are totally different. Why can’t people just accept themselves for who they rather than trying to live their lives in the twilight world of social media.

Plenty in the papers ahead of the Women’s World Cup final. Nice articles on the work of Simon Middleton and the girls who could make history on Saturday morning in Auckland. I watched the England v Canada game on Sunday morning. It was a pretty good stuff. The professionals of England were under par and the amateurs of Canada rose to the challenge. Some cracking action with a spectacular Abbie Dow try being the highlight.

Wales are now a tier two nation according to the latest rankings, they are 9th. As Johnny Sexton states, rankings count for jack all. It is the big tournaments that count.

The final spot in the 2023 World Cup will be filled shortly. The play-off finals are being held in Dubai with the USA and Portugal going head to head next week to decide who joins Wales in their group.

In other news the eco-zealots are at it again as they bring parts of the M25 to a standstill. As I have said constantly climate change is a major issue but these morons are now doing the cause more harm than good. The police have to take firmer action and if these clowns are on benefits then they should be stopped. What you’ll actually find is they are middle England, middle class tossers who think stopping oil is the answer to all problems without any consideration for the pain it would cause to the average working class citizen struggling to put food on the table.

And do me a favour. Climate crisis, what climate crisis? Thousands of politicians and hangers on and other do-gooders flying around the world on fuel guzzling jets to pontificate at Copout 27. Yep, it is a real problem that we have to tackle, that is unless I can get myself on an all expenses paid junket!!!!!!!

Monday 7th Nov: 08:20

It’s Monday so let me crack on with a look at what happened around the leagues. We remain rooted to the foot of the table after our 43-0 defeat at the hands of Charlton Park. Cranbrook’s unbeaten run came to an end at Old Alleynians, who now go top but having played a game more. Bromley beat Ashford to stay in contention, Beccehamian triumphed over Aylesford Bulls, and Folkestone lost at home to