When I watch a match it just makes it more interesting to choose a team, and once I’ve done that I find myself becoming more extreme in my support as the game wears on – from neutral to diehard fan in less than 80 minutes!
So why did I support La Rochelle rather than the Irish province? First, unlike some I don’t make any distinction between two teams from different EU states – I’ve never bought in to the argument that just because the Irish speak English we should support their teams. I know the next bit is barely rational, but as a Scot, when it comes to rugby I fall back on the Auld Alliance between my homeland and the French – when you’re a Celt, 1295 isn’t so long ago!
Then there are rugby reasons too, and the biggest of those revolves around money. The French and English have a salary cap, one’s much bigger than the other, but it exists and is enforced, whereas the Irish provinces’ finances are shrouded in mystery.
Denne historien er fra May 09, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra May 09, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
