2006 - Remembered

In the year 2006 it finally happened.
The holy grail was reached etc. More has been written and said about the heroes of 2006 than the heroes of 1916.
The facts were simple:
Biarittz got a try that they shouldn't have.
Trevor Halsted scored.
Peter Stringer scored.
Ronan O'Gara scored.
Game won.

What is often forgotten is the game beforehand. The Leinster game.
We all remember Munster won. But the actual event itself is often forgotten.

Here are some of my recollections:

• The fear that secretly lingered in the minds of Reds fans that maybe the Langers might beat them.
• Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh predicting that Munster would win due to experience.
• Gerry Thornley comparing the teams: No centre breaks the line like Gordan D'Arcy. No centre breaks centres like Trevor Halstead.
• Ronan O'Gara leaping into the crowd.
• Brian O'Driscoll getting pissy.
• Trevor halstead intercepting and running the length of the field to score.
• The Sea of Red.
• The Langers being humilated.
• Dr Contepomi having the first of many nightmares against Munster.

Greetings - Some Basic Rugby Facts.

'Greetings to you the rugby universe' - The Jedi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cny1i4qyyMo

As those who know Rumpole's Ghost (RG hereafter) will attest if there's one thing I am good at it is talking shite!!! I am particularly good at talking shite about rugby.

So starting off here are some basic facts about rugby that RG will not accept as disputed.

1. The All-Blacks are awesome. All other teams must bow before the mighty AB's. I will not hear any comments to the contrast.
2. Munster can beat anyone.
3. John 'The Bull' Hayes does not know how to quit.
4. Leinster are a shower of over inflated, choking ladyboys.
5. Dr Contepomi is unable to play well against Munster.
6. Dan Carter is the best Fly-half in the world.
7. Soccer players are tossers.
8. Martin Johnson is a w*nker.
9. Percy Montgomery is NOT South African
10. Paul O'Connell is a very serious man.
11. Declan Kidney is a rather good coach.
12. Michael Cheika is not.
13. David Knox is full of shit.
14. Scotland will never again win a Six Nations.
15. Mirco Bergamasco is seriously underrated.
16. Backs are always at fault.
17. Europeans cannot prop.
18. For England see fact number 4.
19. There is no pride in beating Connacht only shame in defeat.
20. David Wallace cannot play badly.

I hope you can accept these rugby truths. Then we shall get along fine -- just fine.