@Crucial said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@No-Quarter said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Crucial said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

Just enjoy the game and result and stop analysing everything. Save it for the early hours and the fat jokes.
I know we can’t help it with the ABs but how about leaving this area of the game to enjoy things?
It’s why I didn’t even open the thread during the match.
Check out that crowd. ABs might get more people but that was one of the best rugby crowds I have seen in NZ for enjoying being there and supporting.
Awesome days rugby. Both games had tension, skill, mistakes and players giving everything to the end.

You seem to be advocating for us to not take the women's game seriously? Just enjoy it for shits and giggles but don't worry if we play well or not? Who cares what tactics they use as long as everyone has a bit of fun? That's the attitude I'd take towards watching a kids game, not top level professional sport.

Not at all.
My comment was more about “uneducated “ negativity.
If you start from that kids game space then build up expectations based on the nuances and abilities there’s a better understanding.
Don’t judge it like you would an ABs game and it is more enjoyable.

Treating the women's game as a level above watching a kids game, to be enjoyed and not analysed, is probably one of the most offensive things you could say about it. Surely the goal is to have the BFs taken as seriously as the ABs, that's never going to happen with attitudes like yours.

@No-Quarter said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Crucial said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@No-Quarter said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Crucial said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

Just enjoy the game and result and stop analysing everything. Save it for the early hours and the fat jokes.
I know we can’t help it with the ABs but how about leaving this area of the game to enjoy things?
It’s why I didn’t even open the thread during the match.
Check out that crowd. ABs might get more people but that was one of the best rugby crowds I have seen in NZ for enjoying being there and supporting.
Awesome days rugby. Both games had tension, skill, mistakes and players giving everything to the end.

You seem to be advocating for us to not take the women's game seriously? Just enjoy it for shits and giggles but don't worry if we play well or not? Who cares what tactics they use as long as everyone has a bit of fun? That's the attitude I'd take towards watching a kids game, not top level professional sport.

Not at all.
My comment was more about “uneducated “ negativity.
If you start from that kids game space then build up expectations based on the nuances and abilities there’s a better understanding.
Don’t judge it like you would an ABs game and it is more enjoyable.

Treating the women's game as a level above watching a kids game, to be enjoyed and not analysed, is probably one of the most offensive things you could say about it. Surely the goal is to have the BFs taken as seriously as the ABs, that's never going to happen with attitudes like yours.

Give it a rest. You are taking my comments to a totally unintended place.

I used the words 'nuance' and 'understanding' and particularly said 'same but different'.
I have never said to judge it as an inferior product or said it was like a kids game.

All I was trying to do was suggest a way to approach the games for those that don't follow the women game apart from scores. Reset your expectations, not lower them. For example, long clearance kickers are rare so don't wonder why teams try to run out of their 22. Simple things like that. I know it took me a while to tune in and thought it would help others get the same level of enjoyment out of the game instead of some of the negative criticisms that were being thrown around.
Positive analysis and comments, all good. I'd just rather the negativity stayed away for a while.
If taking the BFs as seriously as the ABs means dour moaning spectators critiquing every act and decision and expecting deadly serious players that can only smile after a big win then yeah, you can fuck off with that aim.
Check out that crowd yesterday. That was like the old days of the sevens circuit. Families having fun. If the game wants to be healthy in the long term, long may things stay like this. Competitive, hard exciting games where mistakes aren't the end of the world.

@canefan said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

That was a great spectacle and in the end who would have thought it would be shades of 2011 with another French kicker having the last chance to win the game. Its going to be massive next weekend. Managed to get some tickets so I'll be there ️

We tried to get 2, only 'obscured view' available now In fact all gone it appears

@Machpants said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@canefan said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

That was a great spectacle and in the end who would have thought it would be shades of 2011 with another French kicker having the last chance to win the game. Its going to be massive next weekend. Managed to get some tickets so I'll be there ️

We tried to get 2, only 'obscured view' available now In fact all gone it appears

I reckon they will work out how to release more.
The current 40k configuration is to take into account the entertainment and possibly hasn't opened everything for staging costs (more security/ staff/ catering etc)
If they know there is demand they will try and increase supply I reckon.

@Crucial said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Machpants said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@canefan said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

That was a great spectacle and in the end who would have thought it would be shades of 2011 with another French kicker having the last chance to win the game. Its going to be massive next weekend. Managed to get some tickets so I'll be there ️

We tried to get 2, only 'obscured view' available now In fact all gone it appears

I reckon they will work out how to release more.
The current 40k configuration is to take into account the entertainment and possibly hasn't opened everything for staging costs (more security/ staff/ catering etc)
If they know there is demand they will try and increase supply I reckon.

I hope you're right

Max capacity is 50k. Surely they haven't taken out 20% of the Stadium setting for the music?

Edit: they can also fit in another 10k temporary

@Machpants said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@canefan said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

That was a great spectacle and in the end who would have thought it would be shades of 2011 with another French kicker having the last chance to win the game. Its going to be massive next weekend. Managed to get some tickets so I'll be there ️

We tried to get 2, only 'obscured view' available now In fact all gone it appears

Yeah. I was out last night and just didn't have the chance to buy online even though there were decent tickets in the upper tier of the South stand around 10pm. Two hours later and all I got was 4 tickets high in the corner, one of which has a restricted view which I assume is the guard rail

@Machpants said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Crucial said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Machpants said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@canefan said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

That was a great spectacle and in the end who would have thought it would be shades of 2011 with another French kicker having the last chance to win the game. Its going to be massive next weekend. Managed to get some tickets so I'll be there ️

We tried to get 2, only 'obscured view' available now In fact all gone it appears

I reckon they will work out how to release more.
The current 40k configuration is to take into account the entertainment and possibly hasn't opened everything for staging costs (more security/ staff/ catering etc)
If they know there is demand they will try and increase supply I reckon.

I hope you're right

If they release more i will to get better seats, they are that cheap

Poor 65 year old Wayne Smith. What a coach, hope he paces himself and doesn't get any more deja vu feelings!

@nostrildamus said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

Poor 65 year old Wayne Smith. What a coach, hope he paces himself and doesn't get any more deja vu feelings!

Couldn’t have been much more deja by than last night.
Same ground, same opposition, holding onto a one point lead…..

@Crucial said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@nostrildamus said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

Poor 65 year old Wayne Smith. What a coach, hope he paces himself and doesn't get any more deja vu feelings!

Couldn’t have been much more deja by than last night.
Same ground, same opposition, holding onto a one point lead…..

And a French kicker with a chance to make the go ahead penalty kick

@Crucial Couldn't agree more about the enjoyment of the women's game I find is that the seeming fun hasn't gone out of it as we see in mens test rugby. I a rugby man for whole life, and even I have switched on to the womans game, not because it is lesser skilled game , not really but slightly different skills, and at this stage don't appear to be quite as 'robotic'?
I have watched the WC and the one thing that keeps slamming into even my thick skull, is when you see the players playing with a joy, even having a smile and a bit of a dance it kind of makes me think kids etc watching the games just be more inclined to say Hell that looks fun, can I play that Mum or Dad?

@Dan54 said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Crucial Couldn't agree more about the enjoyment of the women's game I find is that the seeming fun hasn't gone out of it as we see in mens test rugby. I a rugby man for whole life, and even I have switched on to the womans game, not because it is lesser skilled game , not really but slightly different skills, and at this stage don't appear to be quite as 'robotic'?
I have watched the WC and the one thing that keeps slamming into even my thick skull, is when you see the players playing with a joy, even having a smile and a bit of a dance it kind of makes me think kids etc watching the games just be more inclined to say Hell that looks fun, can I play that Mum or Dad?

Yeah. Interesting how the French and Canadians were so delighted they had participated.

What a pulsating game. It beggars belief how we couldn't kill the French off in the final 10 minutes, we were all over them but made a few poor decisions and moments of poor execution. With England having their trials against Canada, and with 2/3 of the cartel coaching our girls, we have a massive chance

Just to add...

That was one of the best set of semi finals I can recall in either the mens or womens RWCs

So close with uncertainty right to the line in both and some cracking play.

Very excited for next week's final.

Slightly odd one for me as I always want the Black Ferns to win but if England do win I have built some contacts that mean I may actually be able to present the Utrecht Shield...

@Dan54 think you only need to look at how much Stacey Fluhler seems to enjoy herself to see what it still means to these girls.

Not that it doesnt mean an awful lot to the men, its just sometimes I think they forget they are playing the game they are meant to love (similarly us as fans, we are meant to enjoy watching it)

@Davesofthunder said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

Just to add...

That was one of the best set of semi finals I can recall in either the mens or womens RWCs

So close with uncertainty right to the line in both and some cracking play.

Very excited for next week's final.

Slightly odd one for me as I always want the Black Ferns to win but if England do win I have built some contacts that mean I may actually be able to present the Utrecht Shield...

Do you mean the physical shield? That would be awesome for you but I hope you get a contact in NZR instead

@taniwharugby said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Dan54 think you only need to look at how much Stacey Fluhler seems to enjoy herself to see what it still means to these girls.

Not that it doesnt mean an awful lot to the men, its just sometimes I think they forget they are playing the game they are meant to love (similarly us as fans, we are meant to enjoy watching it)

Amen taniwha, one of the reasons I try not to hung up on results (though I obviously like my team winnng) and have found I get great enjoyment over the moments in games? Hard to explain, but I really enjoy seeing a sweetly timed pass, signs of good vision, and someone who makes a tackle or good play, and then gets to feet to make himself available in defence or attack etc. Just find these days where I get probably most enjoyment, I know it probably just me , but I look for the positives in any game I watch, notice the cock ups , but don't let them decide a game if I can help it.

@taniwharugby said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Dan54 think you only need to look at how much Stacey Fluhler seems to enjoy herself to see what it still means to these girls.

Not that it doesnt mean an awful lot to the men, its just sometimes I think they forget they are playing the game they are meant to love (similarly us as fans, we are meant to enjoy watching it)

I’m not sure if the ABs read the Fern or not but I thought the post try celebrations against Wales seemed more joyous. And not in a rah rah sort of way, but genuine happiness in the moment of what just happened, especially that first Taylor try and then the Aaron Smith try.

@ACT-Crusader not to derail the thread but not playing well (and losing) will no doubt affect confidence and ability to enjoy the game...if they are enjoying it, they tend to be more relaxed and make less errors and then will win.

I listened to Enoka speak a few weeks back and these guys are feeling the heat, no matter how hard they try to ignore the noise.

@Dan54 said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@taniwharugby said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Dan54 think you only need to look at how much Stacey Fluhler seems to enjoy herself to see what it still means to these girls.

Not that it doesnt mean an awful lot to the men, its just sometimes I think they forget they are playing the game they are meant to love (similarly us as fans, we are meant to enjoy watching it)

Amen taniwha, one of the reasons I try not to hung up on results (though I obviously like my team winnng) and have found I get great enjoyment over the moments in games? Hard to explain, but I really enjoy seeing a sweetly timed pass, signs of good vision, and someone who makes a tackle or good play, and then gets to feet to make himself available in defence or attack etc. Just find these days where I get probably most enjoyment, I know it probably just me , but I look for the positives in any game I watch, notice the cock ups , but don't let them decide a game if I can help it.

Not just you. :man_raising_hand:

Not reading the Fern during a game helps, too!

@Stargazer said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Dan54 said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@taniwharugby said in Black Ferns v France, RWC Semi Final:

@Dan54 think you only need to look at how much Stacey Fluhler seems to enjoy herself to see what it still means to these girls.

Not that it doesnt mean an awful lot to the men, its just sometimes I think they forget they are playing the game they are meant to love (similarly us as fans, we are meant to enjoy watching it)

Amen taniwha, one of the reasons I try not to hung up on results (though I obviously like my team winnng) and have found I get great enjoyment over the moments in games? Hard to explain, but I really enjoy seeing a sweetly timed pass, signs of good vision, and someone who makes a tackle or good play, and then gets to feet to make himself available in defence or attack etc. Just find these days where I get probably most enjoyment, I know it probably just me , but I look for the positives in any game I watch, notice the cock ups , but don't let them decide a game if I can help it.

Not just you. :man_raising_hand:

Not reading the Fern during a game helps, too!

Yep. Kept way away then made the mistake of reading it later and commenting on the comments.

Think I'll just stick to my own enjoyment on the final (not that I think I will be calm enough to post).
Should be a sweep of the Halbergs if they pull this off.

@Crucial me too!

There is a watch party arranged at the Cabbage Patch in Twickenham for the final which should be ace.

There will be England reps there but I hope some ex Black Ferns who live in London show up as it would be super cool to present it to one of them

Should be a great way to watch and I hope a few more kiwis make it. I will be there with the real Utrecht Shield