Tri-Nations Game III (2005) NEW ZEALAND Vs GREAT BRITAIN

[griffo346]

Griffo346 runs on to the pitch too take on the kiwis and busts right through the soft defence

Emerging nations

I was sitting at my computer thinking about what to write about for the forum 7s Tri Nations game for Great Britain & Irish Lions.

I happened to be chatting to Wal on MSN Messenger and we were talking about rugby league in general and he mentioned how he was doing a Forum 7s article on “how we can make international forum 7s work” and I asked him if it would it be okay if I do one on emerging nations or if it would it muck up his article.

My case for the emerging nations’ introduction to forum 7s is quite simple. However, we would need more players to commit themselves to the international scene. My belief is if these teams do come along, then maybe there might be more interest.


Quote


Originally Posted by weasel

I think this concept has legs, if we ever hope to develop Forum Sevens in new frontiers.

As many leagueunlimiters may not be aware, I have some Danish ancestry, going back about 100 years. My fellow pirate, Kurt, also has Danish roots, and we're passionate about forming a Denmark national side to play against any other emerging nations. Fellow Danes are welcome to join, I think this is a very important first step in bringing the game to Scandinavia.

















The emerging nations that come to mind are Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France and, of course, any other country that has enough people to run these teams.


For this to succeed, players would generally be from the country or have some sort of family history, like me. I am playing for Great Britain as I have family history in Ireland and Scotland heritage, however if these teams where to exist I would be playing for them instead of Great Britain, although don’t get me wrong, I am proud to don this jersey.

This proved to be a positive thread to start with a few interested replies, however people lost interest because it was around the time of the forum 7s grand final and the organizers where looking towards the tri nations. I believe now is a good time to start this idea because, being the off season, it will give us a chance to build on it.

Tours with the Australian Rugby League (ARL) have seen the Kangaroos play against the likes of France and the United States of America. Australia has also played one off Test matches against Papua New Guinea. These are what people call “Emerging Nations.”

These type of nations would be better off if countries like Australia, New Zealand and England helped to develop the game internationally, playing more games, and for this too happen maybe the National Rugby League and the English Super League need to shorten their seasons. Furthermore, funding is a big issue along with junior development and even their own mini season like an NRL season.

If this were to happen we wouldn’t see a French team forming and joining the English Super League and there would be no talks of a Papua New Guinea team lobbying to join the National Rugby League.

How I am trying to compare this to the f7s is that with the expansion of the competition come more players with various backgrounds like Irish, Welsh and even Scottish.

Maybe one day, if this expansion gets off the ground, we could even look at having a Forum 7s World Cup. This is sounding so interesting that I am sure this could prove a good exercise. Provided that players were interested, I would be prepared to make myself available to assist in this.


Also, we could have these emerging nations being used as warm up games for the tri nations to see where the top ranked teams are and for those players who need to dust off the so called ‘cobwebs,’ as most of them may not have played in the finals, let alone the grand final, so a “warm up” game wouldn’t be a bad idea for some players.


In summing up, I believe this would be a good idea in the next 2 to 3 years and if an Irish team did come, I would have no hesitation of putting the Irish jersey on.

705
Words including title

 

[Red Bear]

GoTheBears proudly representing Ireland and Great Britain makes what could be the decisive run

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Too Good To Be True

​

I can’t believe it. Here it is, our humble under 16b’s Collegians side about to run on the field to contest the grand final. We have gone through trials and tribulations throughout the season but it doesn’t matter now, despite having just the bare 13 we are running out to try and fulfil the premiership dream.



And look at the opposition. The big strong lads from Culburra. Two massive 6 foot 4 prop forwards, one of which who has a full beard. Many of the lads are defecating bricks over the prospect of facing this side in a grand final, but the anticipation is building. We group together for the final huddle before going out to face the music.



The 100 strong crowd made up of parents, well wishers and the St Johns Ambulance gives a mighty cheer as we are lead out by our halfback for the final tussle of the season. The toss is won; a good sign, and I take out my usual position on the left flank and psyche myself up for the game.



WWHhhhoooooaaaahhhhhhh



The ref’s whistle rings out and it is on for young and old.



CRASH!



I wince as their massive prop runs square into our 5 and a half foot second rower and our even smaller hooker. This one is going to be bloody difficult to pull off as their other prop unleashes on more of our small pack. The ball spins out to their outside backs and all of a sudden it’s me and my mate in the centres doing the defending. My small frame brings em down in a courageous tackle, albeit after he has dragged me for ten metres further down the touchline. Finally the kick goes up and we manage to get the ball.



CRASH!



This time I’m wincing as our fullback gets completely drilled. I get a scoot from dummy half and feel my head get separated from my shoulders in a high impact tackle. I stumble to my feet to play the ball and then stutter out to the left wing.



After what seems like no time at all I hear the familiar ringing bell of half time and our team wanders over to the sheds to asses the damage. Remarkably the score is only 12 points to 6, thanks to a spectacular defensive effort from our halves, lock and hooker, as well as a runaway try to our right centre. We suck in the oranges and listen to the address of our coach and captain as we fire up, in the true Gasnier sense, for the second half.



We enter the field full of fresh determination and a bit of Gatorade, ready for whatever the opposition throws at us. Lucky this is the case, as we are in constant defence of our line. Slowly, however, the game is starting to swing our way. We are making crucial metres with our runs and it was inevitable when, thanks to some wonderful footwork from our halfback, our 5/8 crossed for a try. The conversion levelled the scores and we were now right in the game.

This change of events seemed to fire up Culburra even more. They ran harder, straighter and faster than before, but this didn’t even faze us as our defence held strong against the onslaught we faced. Once again our small forwards hit ups were making the vital metres and we were right up in their faces, although with only minutes remaining.



Half way through another set of 6 we played the ball on half way. Cut-out pass flew from our half to 5/8, who drew the defending centre before getting the ball onto our centre, who drew the winger and sent the ball out to our winger. Me. The astonishment I felt as I realised I had a clear 50 metre run to seal and incredible premiership for this club!



As I sprinted off there was an odd smell in the air. And the clear blue sky had opened with rain. What was going on? The game was slipping out of focus. I blinked and suddenly it wasn’t the try line in front of my eyes, but my team’s manager, reviving me with water and smelling salts. I looked around, our team was back down to ten players and we were copping a hiding.



I dragged myself up and limped over to my teammates. I guess some things are just too good to be true.
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747 words including title

 

[antonius]

Ref Blows Fulltime.

 

[Rammo]

7 on 7 game kiwis.

May the best team win.

 

[griffo346]

Thanks Referee early for the time he has to mark all 14 wonderfull articles good luck to my boys lets hope we win and bring the trophey home

good luck robster and the kiwis you have put on a really hard game

 

[Misanthrope]

Best of luck to both sides. Let's hope the Lions can make it 2 from 2 and claim a tri-nations crown!

 

[bartman]

7 v 7, well done to each side and to the captains, can't ask for more.

 

[Robster]

Great Stuff hopefully our kiwi boys can win this match, don't give a damn really!! One you lose the love of your life you don't care bout anything else lol.

 

[Esoj]

well done to all 7 v 7 and to the kiwi boys great effort especially with lot of interchanging happening but we did it and hopefully we get the win. Robster mate I know your not feeling too good but chin up mate better times ly ahead and just remember that the Kiwis took out the real life Tri nations

 

[Mystique]

Great Britain




Mzilikazi – The morning after
Good effort.
Score 84


Rammo – Letting off some steam
Passionate argument against club bias in the national team selection.
Score: 85

Bartman – Who are ya?
Vividly written. We’re all sat there at the ground with you.
Score: 91

Mr Charisma – Pushing Away the Fans
A bit confusing at first; I thought it was going to be a profile of Malcolm Noad. Then it gets to the real meat of the article, which is a thoughtful and informative look at a situation where overly fanatical fans can actually put other fans off. Lots of potential. Needed a bit more editing and polish.
Score: 86

Chriswalkerbush – A misanthrope and the game he loves
This makes misanthropy sound attractive! Well written and I enjoyed the dry humour.
Score: 90


Griffo 346 – Emerging Nations
An earnest plea to expand the F7s competition internationally.
Score: 82

Go the Bears – Too Good to be True
Aww… Well, talk about putting the reader right in the heart of the action. I reckon we’re all still feeling the bruises from that.
Score: 87



Total: 605



New Zealand



LeagueNut - Live!
Minute by minute coverage of the Tri-Nations final. It didn’t seem like a great idea at first but as I read it I was re-living the game again.
Score: 82


Murphdogg - Could Bluey Coach NRL?
Good question. The article looks at the answer from several perspectives. Very smart story and well written.
Score: 87


Jesbass – Proud to be a Kiwi
Excellent article, professional quality. Strong opening that draws you in, then a good profile of Reuben Wiki.
Score: 92


Marc Herbert – Australian Idol
A cautionary tale, looking at the problems of putting admired league players on pedestals and the gulf between the public image and the reality. Raises several good points, I thought.
Score: 87


Parra_panther – Credibility
Good stuff. How the small step of getting into the finals paved the way for Parramatta's later triumphs.
Score: 88


Esoj - League v Girlfriends
Not bad. I laughed.
Score: 78


Half – panache
Very moving. I still had tears streaming down my face several minutes later. It’s a good job there’s some mention of league so that I can give this tragic tale of broken friendships the marks it deserves.
Score: 93


Total: 607


New Zealand 607 defeats Great Britain and Ireland 605

Man of the match: half

 

[edabomb]

Congrats all involved, and comiserations to Great Britain and Ireland. Thanks to the ref also.

Great to have a win as part of the New Zealand side

 

[half]

we did it for you, robster

*claps*

thanx mystique

 

[griffo346]

damm sorry GB&I my post was the lowest for the team hence i let yas down

now what does that mean we have all had 1 win each who wins the tri nations

 

[bartman]

Congrats NZ on the win, well written. Props to half for another top scorer there.
Cheers to Mystique for the reffing, very prompt for a 7v7 game.
And thanks to CWB and my GB&I comrades, pleasure to play in this series with you all.

 

[Robster]

thanks guys, believe me smallt hings like this have a huge impact of me overcoming my depression at the moment, GREAT STUFF KIWI's, proud of all of including jesbass who not only is his 2nd game of f7s but has been the 2nd highest in this international match!! YEEHA!!

cwb thanks for the game, rather me to lose the pvp opening game then this one buddy lol jks mate.

 

[nibbs]

lol @ at my pal mark and former pal robster

 

[Esoj]

thanks ref for the quick marking and well done to the Kiwi team we pulled off a narrow win. special mention to half for pulling off a blinder with time almost up on the clock. This one was for You Robster mate as you have it bit rough at the moment.

 

[Robster]

Thanks esoj

 

[Jesbass]

Wow, what a nail biter! Congratulations to al the Kiwi players, half in particular.

Commiserations to the Lions - you made us earn every single point!

Thank you to the referee.