Coventry RFC Thread 18/19 (11 Viewers)

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

You can only beat what’s in front of you at the end of the day, I’m sure wasps put a side out that thought they could win!

I’ve banged on many a time I hope the Cov public can get behind our club, they’re going places!

 

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[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

Wasps should make it a yearly thing as it really seems to have benefitted Cov" then going on about the attendance? First thing he said was that it was Wasps Academy.

It isn't in my head, listening to it was clearly put across that way. From somebody who knows not much about Rugby that was the impression he gave.

If it was John Butler I’d be surprised he’s Cov through and through!

Today counts for nothing if they lose to jersey next Saturday! I think Cov will win more than they lose this season and finish a respectable 6th

 

[Kneeza]

There were a reasonable sprinkling of wasps fans there, but not a particularly significant amount. They were quite vocal in the first half - mute in the second though.
Cov bullied the opposition up front for the entire match, although wasps had the edge in the backs up until the break, and turned round 14-13 up having scored two excellent tries.
Cov's defence woke up in the second half though, and with Stevens playing a captain's role throughout, and Pete White looking rejuvenated, the Cov backs gradually took a stranglehold, and could have scored more - as could the forwards.
Overall, a decent result, but I'm not going to read too much into it.
Crowd was decent for a PSF.
Roll on Jersey next Saturday. They're renown for their pack power, so it will be a genuine test as to where ours stands.

 

[Norman Binns]

Wasps should make it a yearly thing as it really seems to have benefitted Cov" then going on about the attendance? First thing he said was that it was Wasps Academy.

It isn't in my head, listening to it was clearly put across that way. From somebody who knows not much about Rugby that was the impression he gave.

That is in no way being biased. An annual fixture like this would benefit Cov or don't you agree with that? It has created interest and brought in a very healthy attendance for a friendly pre-season fixture, all good for the club. It was a report by John Butler for goodness sake. I don't think I need to elucidate further.

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

There were a reasonable sprinkling of wasps fans there, but not a particularly significant amount. They were quite vocal in the first half - mute in the second though.
Cov bullied the opposition up front for the entire match, although wasps had the edge in the backs up until the break, and turned round 14-13 up having scored two excellent tries.
Cov's defence woke up in the second half though, and with Stevens playing a captain's role throughout, and Pete White looking rejuvenated, the Cov backs gradually took a stranglehold, and could have scored more - as could the forwards.
Overall, a decent result, but I'm not going to read too much into it.
Crowd was decent for a PSF.
Roll on Jersey next Saturday. They're renown for their pack power, so it will be a genuine test as to where ours stands.

Cheers Kneeza wedding season meant I missed today, any injuries to report of?
Standout performers?

Roll on next Saturday

 

[Ashdown]

Listen, I've just come away and irrespective of the actual opposition, this was an impressive day for Coventry rugby. Not only did we win with style, our support was vocal and passionate and the professionalism around the club improves every year. Wasps were a bit stunned with a very heavy defeat and our boys did very well. C'MON Cov, PUSB !

 

[vow]

Well I'm not going to make
This new floor nearly has me beat
Different profiles to every edge
Cutting it round chimney breast and then hearth , then just enough to go under the skirting and back the other way again
A brain that's suited to thinking in reverse and upside down is not coming naturally to me
Dry rot and beetles have had a field day just cos some bandit built an extension and blocked all the air bricks!!

Stay strong bruv!

 

[Kneeza]

Cheers Kneeza wedding season meant I missed today, any injuries to report of?
Standout performers?

Roll on next Saturday

Standouts? Halaifonua was certainly one when he had a sniff. Reminds me of a young Lomu. Throwing defenders around at will!
White, as I said, looked back to his best. Two tries as well.
Stevens was outstanding in midfield. Sam too.
Latu - back to his best.
Front row was absolutely solid throughout, and the pack was an absolute joy to behold, seemingly able to push the opposition off the ball at will.
It was just a superb second-half performance wot did it.
Can't really overstate that.

 

[Kneeza]

Don't think there were any injuries TBH.

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

Standouts? Halaifonua was certainly one when he had a sniff. Reminds me of a young Lomu. Throwing defenders around at will!
White, as I said, looked back to his best. Two tries as well.
Stevens was outstanding in midfield. Sam too.
Latu - back to his best.
Front row was absolutely solid throughout, and the pack was an absolute joy to behold, seemingly able to push the opposition off the ball at will.
It was just a superb second-half performance wot did it.
Can't really overstate that.

If Halaifonua stays fit he’ll be the player of the year in his position!

So much focus on the packs this years, upfront you feel we are strong front and back row, 2nd row still a worry.

Gutted I’ve missed today but im incredibly proud to hammer a pests side (no matter how strong or weak) is a fantastic message/marker.

The club need to really kick on their PR and grab the casual fun towards the BPA!

Straw poll it’ll be interesting on here as to how many will go to a game this season at the BPA now that wouldn’t previously!?

 

[chiefdave]

If it was John Butler I’d be surprised he’s Cov through and through!

They had the report from Butler and then Eakin started up about how the Cov public don’t like Wasps but they are wrong and should be grateful to them.

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

They had the report from Butler and then Eakin started up about how the Cov public don’t like Wasps but they are wrong and should be grateful to them.

Shock, why are we meant to be grateful?

(Like I’ve said previously the only thing I’m grateful about is that I feel Cov have ‘come out swinging’ since their arrival & made me feel more of an affinity to my club!)

 

[Kneeza]

Eakin's a dick.
I'll only be grateful to them when they finally disappear up their own chutes.

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

Enjoy!!

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

 

[GlastoSkyBlue]

Having not long surfaced following too much celebration after yesterday. I'd just like to say what Kneeza said is bang on and I'm very excited for how we'll go this season. I can see us ending up somewhere between 4-6 this season as we have strength in depth.

We did Euro champions last weekend then Wasps this weekend. That said I think they may both have been weaker than what they would usually field - did the pests play on Friday? Still great achievement though.

Not sure the case has been put very well, but I do hope this is an annual fixture. It's a good competitive match for both sides and will always attract plenty of interest (and cash) which benefits both clubs, most importantly CRFC.

Looking forward to next week now.

 

[GlastoSkyBlue]

One thing to note though, this fixture isn't now possible because Wasps have done anything in particular i.e. should get credit for. It has become possible because we got promoted last season and have pushed our team to a point where we are competitive enough to give a Premiership team a game - and win

 

[Ashdown]

Perspective needed of course but go back not long at all and Cov were coming away from administration, finishing a long way back from League winners, crowds of perhaps 900 some days. I was disappointed with the bars in the club house yesterday though, less choice of beers, disorganized staff etc. Another slight moan is there was nowhere anyone could buy any merchandise, it was a good opportunity to make a few extra quid. Things are slowly becoming more professional but they need to keep improving and fast. Was quite amusing to see the face of the ticket office lady though as I picked up tickets for the match as she recognised us from buying a 6 match package at the City only 2 weeks ago. You really can support both Cov teams. I couldn't help have some extra animosity to Wasps fans though and took great delight in winding a few up to their drubbing.

 

[Kneeza]

Was quite amusing to see the face of the ticket office lady though as I picked up tickets for the match as she recognised us from buying a 6 match package at the City only 2 weeks ago. You really can support both Cov teams. I couldn't help have some extra animosity to Wasps fans though and took great delight in winding a few up to their drubbing.

Our Jo will just be happy to take your hard-earned off you .

Yep, there were plenty of arsey wasps fans by the end of the game, and I probably didn't help much by telling several of them in front of us where to insert their poxy flags during the first half. Funnily enough, they weren't much in evidence in the second stanza.

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

Perspective needed of course but go back not long at all and Cov were coming away from administration, finishing a long way back from League winners, crowds of perhaps 900 some days. I was disappointed with the bars in the club house yesterday though, less choice of beers, disorganized staff etc. Another slight moan is there was nowhere anyone could buy any merchandise, it was a good opportunity to make a few extra quid. Things are slowly becoming more professional but they need to keep improving and fast. Was quite amusing to see the face of the ticket office lady though as I picked up tickets for the match as she recognised us from buying a 6 match package at the City only 2 weeks ago. You really can support both Cov teams. I couldn't help have some extra animosity to Wasps fans though and took great delight in winding a few up to their drubbing.

I remember those days all too well, you’d turn up and every week it seemed like another set of 15 starting, the club was a on deaths door, im sure the club website even said the club was being liquidated?

Haha I’d seen on social media reports of wasps fans whining about the hostility towards them yesterday, I’m sure nobody was hurt and it was more tough love towards them? Suppose that’s what happens when all your used to is the lovey dovey atmosphere of the flagging waving Ricoh, fireworks, nicely undercovered stadium.

 

[Covstu]

Not a fan of rugby in most contexts but over the moon by this result when I seen it. Well done Cov!

 

[wingy]

Perspective needed of course but go back not long at all and Cov were coming away from administration, finishing a long way back from League winners, crowds of perhaps 900 some days. I was disappointed with the bars in the club house yesterday though, less choice of beers, disorganized staff etc. Another slight moan is there was nowhere anyone could buy any merchandise, it was a good opportunity to make a few extra quid. Things are slowly becoming more professional but they need to keep improving and fast. Was quite amusing to see the face of the ticket office lady though as I picked up tickets for the match as she recognised us from buying a 6 match package at the City only 2 weeks ago. You really can support both Cov teams. I couldn't help have some extra animosity to Wasps fans though and took great delight in winding a few up to their drubbing.

Yes so. since around three seasons ago when this Irish guy took over the bar it's gone downhill
The previous crew were excellent
Think they started reducing the choice available last year,Purity gold was off last season.

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

Yes so. since around three seasons ago when this Irish guy took over the bar it's gone downhill
The previous crew were excellent
Think they started reducing the choice available last year,Purity gold was off last season.

I don’t get how they are getting it so wrong! It’s going backwards I wasn’t drinking at the Moseley game but those I was with were they said they’d finally started pre pouring but it was still taking as long!
Plus the inside bars had stopped serving spirits (think this has now been reversed) Saturday will be interesting!

 

[Kneeza]

I drive, so I don't drink. That's my rule. However, it seems the bar issue is definitely a problem that needs sorting.
On the odd occasion I get a lift I drink in the Broomy. Decent ales and ciders, and atmosphere. It's a shame the club can't replicate or at least get close to that.
Ubu, Kingstone Press and Greene King?
No ta.

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

I drive, so I don't drink. That's my rule. However, it seems the bar issue is definitely a problem that needs sorting.
On the odd occasion I get a lift I drink in the Broomy. Decent ales and ciders, and atmosphere. It's a shame the club can't replicate or at least get close to that.
Ubu, Kingstone Press and Greene King?
No ta.

Yeah usually go in the Broomfield pre game if I have time.
Just thought I guess Greene King as league sponsors will that mean they’ll be the only Ales etc (not that I’m an ale drinker)

Fancy predicting Saturdays starting 15, near impossible surely!?

Surely to start?-
Gibbons
Nilsen
Boulton
Jubb
Makafai
Kessell
Maisey
Stevens
Halaifonua
Stokes

Prob?
Ram
Adams
J. Bulumakau
Fenner
New 2nd row?

Leaves a few places open.

I’d have Preece for sure, but wasn’t sure if the fact he was in dev team Friday night was to 80mins in or is out of favour?

Plus did I read Nutley was injured on sat?

 

[Kneeza]

Greene King have to have one pour-point per location. Other than that, the club can have what it likes.
I'll let Winters etc choose the team, but I'd like to see Ram start at 7, Makaafi at 8, and Halaifonua at 15. Gibbons at LH and Boults tight, with Tolmie hooking and Nilsen on the bench (both capable at blindside too, so useful options). Voss and Jubb definite. Beech and Jeannot make up the FR benchers. Stokes, Hutchinson, Nutley, Tuitupou make up the rest of the bench. But then Preece would miss out, and that's when I confirm I don't want to be a DoR.

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

Latest odds (at the best available)

RFU Championship Winner Betting Odds | Rugby Union

Cov joint last, surely lazy bookies, ie newly promoted must be the one of the 2 weakest....

 

[Ashdown]

Latest odds (at the best available)

RFU Championship Winner Betting Odds | Rugby Union

Cov joint last, surely lazy bookies, ie newly promoted must be the one of the 2 weakest....

That's got to be worth a fiver with RW at the helm.

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

That's got to be worth a fiver with RW at the helm.

Shame they don’t pay out on E/W for 2nd or 3rd place as you’d be looking at 50/1 for a 3rd place finish!

Surely a straight shootout between Ealing and London Irish!?

 

[oldskyblue58]

Went to the game on Saturday, I try to go to a couple of games most seasons and have done for years

It is good to see Cov doing well and hopefully they surprise a few this season and upset the odds above. It is a tough league that they are now in. Consolidating a position mid table would be a good season and I feel that needs the team to get off to a decent start.

I thought the first half was tight Saturday with the Cov pack dominating but Wasps having real pace in the breakaway. Second half Wasps faded but that should not detract from the good rugby that Cov played. They fully deserved their win. There will be far tougher matches to come.

The caution I have from this result is that Wasps only had 4 players in the squad that are on the fringes of the first team and those 4 are probably 3rd choice. You can only beat what is against you and Cov did a great job but ............

fingers crossed for a good season and good luck Cov

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

Sad to read about saturdays opponents-


26, due to a blood clot (his 2nd) on his lung

 

[scottccfc]

wouldn't wish premature retirement on anybody

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

Here’s our boys-

 

[I_Saw_Shaw_Score]

So after 8 years Cov’s return to the championship is less than 24 hours away!

Bookies have Cov at 7/2 for the win Jersey 1/4 !

I’m sure Kneeza will know more but Jersey have arguably the best pack in the division and if that clicks Cov could be in for a long afternoon!
I’m going for a narrow Cov defeat tomorrow 23-24!

Predictions for the year-
London Irish to win the league ahead Ealing by a dozen or so points, Cov my head says 6th heart says 9th & Hartpury and London Scottish bottom 2.

 

[Ashdown]

In the meantime at an action packed BPA Cov rugby just go 20-12 up with 10 mins to go !