NationStates Jolt Archive

Scores will start on Friday, May 26th.




Group 1:
Haraki (1) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11031083&postcount=10)
Milchama (6) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11024720&postcount=7)
McPsychoville (11) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11017939&postcount=3)
Xandabia (Unranked) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11018414&postcount=4)

Group 2:
AMW China (2) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11076266&postcount=72)
Starblaydia (7)
East Lithuania (20)
Lisburn Mateys (Unranked) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11017547&postcount=2)

Group 3:
Larkinia (3) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11036423&postcount=18)
Rorysville (8) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11024071&postcount=6)
Virginia Nova (10)
Snake Eaters (15)
Marceau State (Unranked) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11032325&postcount=11)

Group 4:
PopularFreedom (4) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11020865&postcount=5)
Sarzonia (9)
Harlesburg (17)
Benlandngdo (Unranked)
Trotsgrad (Unranked) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11037597&postcount=22)



Matchday Schedule (Played twice)

Groups of Four:
1: 1v2, 3v4
2: 1v3, 2v4
3: 1v4, 2v3
4 through 6: Repeat
7 through 9: Repeat
10: All teams BYE

Groups of Five:
1: 2v4, 3v5, 1 BYE
2: 1v3, 4v5, 2 BYE
3: 1v4, 2v5, 3 BYE
4: 1v5, 2v3, 4 BYE
5: 1v2, 3v4, 5 BYE
6 through 10: Repeat



Admittedly, this gives the teams in groups of four one extra game, but remember that bye dates are counted as a victory with four points onto your score for ranking purposes and so you really have nothing to complain about (Although maybe they should only be counted as three).

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9163/starlogo2ti.jpg
Rugby?? Whats that??

Well the Mateys are entering their first ever rugby competition but do not expect much considering thre are only four teams in the domestic league and it is also a very young squad.

Coach = Cyril Hinds

Tight forwards
1 Ryan Quinn - 16 - Dromore RC
2 Lee Harvey - 17 - Friends Uni
3 Adam Tucker - 23 - Lisburn RC

4 Luke Poots - 16 - Dromore RC
5 David Curry - 18 - Wallace Uni

Lose Forwards
6 Gary Crowe - 17 - Wallace Uni
7 Timothy Lee - 23 - Lisburn RC
8 David Gilkenson - 16 - Wallace Uni

Backs
9 Harry Mcalease - 18 - Wallace Uni
10 Patrick Calow - 18 - Wallace Uni
11 Martin Hanna - 17 - Wallace Uni
12 Ian Whitten - 23 - Lisburn RC
13 Stuart McQueen - 16 - Friends Uni
14 Daniel Ard - 17 - Wallace Uni
15 David Higgens - 25 - Lisburn RC

Do wat ever you want, no big injuies though cause i cant be bothered making up subs at the minute

Kits are the same as the nations Football jersery's made by Pumba .Inc

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9178/mateyshome8by.jpg http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4941/mateysaway1ye.jpg

The Psychotic Ones

After a damn good try at the last World Cup, almost all of the previous squad keep their places. The only exception is Dirk Degler, who finds himself dropped in favour of Rob Raine of Royston Valley. As usual, the Novistranan presence is strong, as eight of the squad's fifteen are Novistranan, begging the question of how well the Psychos would do if ever Novistrana formed a team of their own.

Starters - Forwards

1) Anatoly Lanik, Carson City
2) Emil Novak, Ellis Island
3) Todor 'Teddy' Tomas, Ellis Island
4) Greg Bacon, Triela
5) Byron Lasek, Cednia
6) Calvin Miller, Carson City
7) Andris Kotalik, Tanguay City
8) Robert Raine, Royston Valley

Backs

9) Anchjo Sevak, Tanguay City
10) Erik Strong, London
11) Bendik 'Benny' Vojacek, Triela
12) Harry Trevor, Carson City
13) Sean Damon, Port Alberni
14) Dean Simon, Port Alberni
15) Ivan Janek, London

Extract from an Article in The Balmanno Telegraph

Jim McGadden, the Xandabian National coach today announced that the team for the opening game of Xandabia's RWC campaign will be as follows;

Forwards

No. Name Nickname Height Weight Age Caps

1 Ed Mitchell "Baby Face" 6' 16st 6 26 12
2 Matt Sampson "Stamper" 6' 1" 17st 2 28 16
3 Ian McTaggert "Pig" 5' 11" 17st 4 29 18
4 Vince Larrson "Sky Scraper" 6' 5" 17st 25 14
5 Thor Magnusson "the Hammer" 6' 8" 17st 2 27 22
6 John Jamieson "JJ" 6' 4" 16st 4 26 14
7 Alex Estoban# "Exocet" 5' 8" 16st 2 28 28
8 Dougie Mcmaster "the Destroyer" 6' 4" 16st 7 27 32

Backs
No. Name Nickname Height Weight Age Caps
9 Mike Blairstrom "Stroming" 5' 11" 13st 5 26 20
10 Chris Petersson "fizzer" 6' 12st 6 27 25
11 Sean Lamort "Death Ray" 6' 2 16st 2 26 21
12 Andie Hinshelwood "Brick Wall" 6' 3 16st 28 26
13 Scott Hastie "Razor" 6' 1" 16st 2 29 32
14 Iwan Toucerston "Twinkle-toes" 6' 4" 15st 6 28 33
15 Gavin Godberson*Big Gav" 6' 6" 16st 3 30 42
aka "The South Island Seige Gun"
* Captain
# Vice-captian and Pack Leader
Reseves
Back Ross MaGuinees "Wester" 5' 11" 14st 26 6
Back Rory Rickett "The Pocket Rocket" 5' 7" 14st 6 29 28
Fwd Dougie Macdonald "The Ram" 6' 17st 4 28 20
Fwd Peter Forbes "The Great" 6' 4" 18st 29 30
Fwd Barry Richardson"the [Pink] Panther 5' 10" 16st 2 27 22
Fwd Steven Cumberland "the Butcher" 6' 17st 2 26 16

"The team is a blend of experience and new talent that we've brought on during the recent tour of South Africa, I think wee Jimmie has done us proud" said Captain Gavin Godberson, Xandabia's leading points-scorer and captain for a record 22nd time.

The squad appeared to be relaxed and in good shape when I visited them at their hotel. Although being billed here as complete under-dogs Coach McGadden wouldn't have it any other way "there's no pressure on the boys so they can just go out there and play their game the burden of expectation lies heavily on the shoulders of opponents and we hope to capitalise on that".

A message from Roland Miramik, Ministry of Athletics, PopularFreedom

The Camelot Wasps, and their team dedicated to the art of speed, are proud to represent the nation at the 6th edition of the Rugby World Cup.

Overview
The Camelot Wasps franchise were participants in the now defunct Rugby Premier League. As of the 2007 rugby season they will be apart of the PopularFreedom Rugby League.

History
The Camelot Wasps existence is as a direct result of the demise of the Camelot Sentry expansion franchise granted to the town by the PopularFreedom Rugby League in 2005. Organizers of the Sentry expansion team, unhappy with the way their franchise was given instead to Locke Harbour South, worked tirelessly throughout the latter part of 2005 to organize themselves, the Sacredicity Saints, and the Brunstone Avalanche into a group of rugby teams which got together with other rugby nations to form the Rugby Premier League.

Roster
Coach: Steve Smithy
1 Lester Douglas (Prop)
2 Ollie Waverly (Hooker)
3 Pierre Givens (Prop)
4 Hank Gravenstone (Flanker) -fwds captain
5 Al Besterlio (Lock)
6 Thomas Glenshields (Lock)
7 Mark McCowan (Flanker)
8 Jefferson King (8-man)
9 Ivan Pauro (Scrum-Half)
10 Bob Marketlonte (Fly-Half) - captain
11 Simon Caine (Inside Centre) - kicker
12 Cliff Clemons (Outside Centre)
13 Patrick Dunigan (Winger)
14 Roger Ismaillio (Winger)
15 Gaven Henderickson (Fullback) -back up kicker

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

16 Carl Becker (Winger, Centre, Fly-Half)
17 Mark Rogers (Hooker)
18 John Wyando (Lock, 8-Man, Flanker)
19 Owen Dougall (Scrum-Half, Fly-Half)
20 Andrew Winger (Centre, Fullback)
21 Phil Camuelson (Prop)

Home Stadium:
Name: Oceancove Field
Neighbourhood: Oceancove
Town/City: Camelot
Region: Camelot
Nation: PopularFreedom

RPing INFO:
Strengths: Speed, Tackling
Weaknesses: Lineouts


My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y (Max 2 per game - don't kill, maim, or paralyze them)
Godmod injuries to my players Y (Max 2 per game - don't kill, maim, or paralyze them)
Hand out Yellow cards/sin bin to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y (as long as my players are not killed, maimed, or paralyzed)

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
Sportsnet RV Ruggers Huddle


Rorysville is Proud to announce thier Roster for the RWC VI
Coach: Don Sitller
1 Jordan Staal (Prop)
2 Erik Sodderstrom (Hooker)
3 Adam Huet (Prop)
4 Ian Ross (Flanker)
5 Scott Lokerty (Lock)
6 Lawrence McCarty (Lock)
7 Ron Dilles (Flanker)
8 Doug Greenleay (8-man)
9 Max Evenall (Scrum-Half)
10 Mike Staal (Fly-Half)
11 Patrice Lafleur (Inside Centre)
12 Aaron Evans (Outside Centre)
13 Ryan Scotts (Winger)
14 Kirk McCarty (Winger)
15 Eric Staal (Fullback)

-----------------------------------------------

16 Scot Mcarfety (Prop)
17 Rory Barclay (Lock)-Suspended 2 Games
18 Mark Davis (8-Man, Flanker)-Called up from Reserve Squad
19 Jeff Stillman (Winger, Centre, Fullback)
20 Alexei Yagouden (Fly-Half, Fullback, Winger)
21 John Swartz (Lock, 8-Man)
22 Craig Higgins (Scrum-Half, Fly-Half)
IR Levon Truuie (8-man)-Out Indefinitly

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my point breakdown - Y
Choose my point scorers - Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players - Y
Hand out red cards to my players - N
RP injuries to my players - N
Godmod injuries to my players - N
RP other events - Y as long as you don't kill or injure my players

Swooton Herald-Picayune-Update-Dispatch-Dominion-Star-Register-Telegram

Sports Section

Our Anti-Aging potions are working wonderfully

Well there isn't much else to say as we unveil the exact same roster that not only represented us in Rugby World Cup IV but also Rugby World Cup V. With the only one change that Leo Faziz is our new starting number 3 replacing Lyle Floosher to give the Warriors some more speed. Many of the players want to build on the suprising performance of last time as this will be many of their last Rugby World Cups.

1. Marian Luppers
2. Ray Koremary
3. Leo Faziz
4. Kevin Gilbert
5. Ulton Fennerborough
6. Melech Giles
7. Kenny Parks
8. Danny Limeron
9. Jonny Romeman
10. Terry Cormack
11. Raveed Shulman
12. Makos Jurosh
13. Bobby Sachkani
14. Terry Daneski
15. Corey Battenpush
Subs:
16. Yoni Fleen
17. Jacob Torbinski
18. Yaacov Machnochi
19. Thomas Dulen
20. Perry Flortenson
21. Chester Millar
22. Tucker Midel
23. Miles Cherren
24. Bob Tuuuune
25. Lyle Floosher

and for easy reference the rugby newspaper of Milchama:
Swooton Herald-Picayune-Update-Dispatch-Dominion-Star-Register-Telegram

A knock at the door interrupted coach Steve Smithy.

It was Mark Rogers, #17, backup hooker on the Camelot squad.

Steve Smithy: Hey Mark, how can I help you?

Mark Rogers: I was just coming back from the field sir, stayed late to pratice a little extra.

Steve admired the kid. At 21 years of age he had a work ethic of gold, just no real experience to back it up except at the colt level of play.

Mark Rogers: What is that you're reading sir?

Steve Smithy: Copy of the Lisburn Star. I like to read different newspapers from different nations, this is from the nation of Lisburn Mateys. We don't have them in our pool however always good to know something about your competition.

Mark Rogers: Where is Lisburn Mateys? Never heard of them.

Steve Smithy: Region of N Ireland.

Mark Rogers: Where is that?

Steve Smithy: You read much?

Mark Rogers: Just rugby stuff in our paper the Camelot Free Press sir.

Steve Smithy: Well, you should expand your horizon. I try and avoid that paper as it is extremely biased. So what you here for anyhow?

Mark Rogers: Sir, I saw the starting roster for the upcoming World Cup. Says Ollie is starting at hooker?

Steve Smithy: Yep

Mark Rogers: Sir, when will I get a chance to start, let alone play?

Steve Smithy: Just bide your time kid. I am not promising anything but will try and get you in there.

Mark Rogers: Yea but sir, you know I can win more scrums then Ollie...

Steve Smithy: Yes, and I also know you are young and inexperienced. This isn't the Sacredicity Saints (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sacredicity_Saints?goobergunch1_session=601f3adbe303beabf032229c4ec282a1) or Brunstone Avalanche (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Brunstone_Avalanche?goobergunch1_session=601f3adbe303beabf032229c4ec282a1) we are going against. These are world class teams.

Mark Rogers: Sir, I know I can prove myself against these teams.

Steve Smithy: Good. So when I call on you you will be ready then.

Mark Rogers: I will sir.

Steve Smithy: You better be. Now get outta here, I wanna finish this paper so I can go home. See you at practice tomorrow.

As Mark left, Steve watched the kid leave before continuing with his reading. He liked the articles in this paper he had to admit. Much better writing then those in the hometown Camelot Free Press. He looked at his pile of papers, looking at the headline of The Balmanno Telegraph while shaking his head. Every nation had on their front page something about their rugby squad heading to the Rugby World Cup. He went through the papers he had. Lisburn Star has a rugby story, The Bamanno Telegraph from the nation of Xandabia had a story. Milchama's paper, he wasn't even gonna try and look at the entire name since it was so long, had a huge cover picture of one of their rugby players on the front. Then he picks up the Camelot Free Press. Front page is an article on the recent win by the Camelot Scorpions, the city's Extreme Soccer League franchise. Somewhere deep in the sports section is a blurb about the rugby team heading to the World Cup.

'Disgusting', Steve stated this outloud in regards to his disgust about his home paper priorities.

Scouts from PopularFreedom were in Haraki to watch the first matches of their group.

Most had been assigned to watch the Harlesburg vs Trotsgrad match as the team played Harlesburg in their first match on match day 2.

John Simmons, one of the scouts got his ticket off a scalper as tickets had been sold out apparently. Still fuming over the $900 he had to pay for one ticket in the bleednose section of the stadium he hoped he was wearing the correct colours as he was dressed in Trotsgrad garb, and well if his ticket put him in the Harlesburg section of fans he knew that his job of scouting would not be as effective as he was sure he would be distracted by someone throwing something his way.

Haraki's national team coach has announced Haraki's team for the sixth Rugby Union World Cup.



1 – Alexander Dupree – Loosehead Prop – Revolution
He plays for his home side from the city of Vitasale, where he was born, and rumours abound that he lives with his parents, which he denies – “although she is agood cook” – he definitely has some secret to his play. Not as tall as some props, he is stocky and large, with powerful arms that he uses to make devastating tackles and rush right through defensive lines, making him one of the best crash ball players on the field.
2 – Brad Winters – Hooker – Kiros RFC – Captain
The fastest forward on the team and the captain of Kiros RFC, the best rugby team in Haraki, he’s the best man at crash balling on the team. Can quite often steal the ball against the feed off of throw-ins to scrums, and often lifts his second foot off the ground during scrums to aid the take. Although it makes it more dangerous, he relies on the size of his props to support him and using both feet gives him an extra advantage that has helped him take Kiros RFC to the top of Haraki’s league two years running. Actually scores a large portion of tries, and is also a spectacular line-out thrower. Was assistant captain for World Cup V, and got the captain position for World Cup VI due to outstanding leadership.
3 – Philip Lasnet – Tighthead Prop – Kiros RFC
Winters brings with him from Kiros RFC his tighthead prop, used to helping him in scrums. Not quite as tall as Morris, he is stockier and has no neck. With very strong arms, he almost always joins Morris in the ruck, and is the primary lineout lifter for Haraki’s first jumper in seven-man lineouts and the back lifter for four-man lineouts. Good at driving the scrum back and using it as a ground-gaining device rather than simply a penalty.
4 – Sid Galworth – Lock – Uses Raiders
Another of the team’s best ruckers, Galworth is the second jumper for Haraki when they are forced to run a seven-man lineout. Although moderately fast, his specialty is in the rucks and scrums, where his powerful legs can be put to good use driving the opponents back. He plays for the Uses Raiders, who were defeated in the last season 17-12 in the playoff final against Kiros RFC. Mysteriously enough, he is also a magnificent tactical kicker and actually takes a lot of drop goals for his team. When deep in the opposition’s end, sometimes when he calls for a crash ball instead of running it he kicks a drop goal, almost unheard of coming from a forward.
5 – Kevin Lanning – Lock – Dragons
Hailing from the [North Atherlon] Dragons, Lanning is the tallest man on the team and Haraki’s first jumper for lineouts. Not as talented at kicking as his companion, he specializes in tackles that make the spectators wince. Has racked up more injuries against other players than any other in the Harakian league over the last season.
6 – Michael Benes – Blindside Flanker – Caltis Union RFC
The son of the famous Victor Benes, Michael follows in his father’s footsteps by playing professional and international rugby. He is the best tackler on the team and usually does not enter rucks, choosing instead to post along the outside of them to catch those running on the other team and bring them down. He also often crashes the ball, and is good at advancing and gaining ground on the field, although he usually does not capitalize on offensive plays to score tries. Stands at the back of lineouts to catch long balls.
7 – Nick Renset – Openside Flanker – Susa Black and Reds
A quick man, any fly half on an opposing HRL team would be ready to tell you of the many times they have been battered silly by Nick Renset, tearing off the side of scrums to come straight at them. He has become famous in the media for his diving tackles, often just as the opposition is making a kick, quite often forcing a knock-on. He chooses to wear a scrum cap ever since a concussion last season following a straight-arm to the face from an opposing prop and subsequent raking on the ground.
8 – Thomas Gerryin – Number Eight – Liusu Griffons
Quite fond of the pick and go, he seems almost to hold the team backs in disdain, as he will instead choose to gain ground by picking the ball out of a ruck, scrum or maul and trying to sprint it past the opposing flankers. However, he is also fast enough that often in loose play he joins the back line to create an extra man so they can exploit holes in the defence. He is well-known for his tendency to take opposition players into touch rather than wrapping and taking them down.
9 – Carl Thint – Scrum Half – Arkia Pirates – Assistant Captain
The best ball handler in the HRL, by far, and one of the best passers. He is small and quick, rushing into the back of rucks to pick the ball up and recycle it to the back line or crashers before the opposition forwards can free themselves from the ruck. He is also fond of picking the ball up right out of the ruck and running it through the defence himself, gaining significant ground due to the other team not expecting it. He also manages to be a good punter, and when trapped behind his own 22, often picks it and punts it far down the field into touch. The best scrum half in the HRL, far and away, he is multi-talented and has definite star factor.
10 – Nathan Cannon – Fly Half – Isasi Lions – Goal Kicker
He plays fly half for the Isasi Lions, and is the best kicker in the Harakian league, by far. Many considered him one of the best kickers in World Cup V, and thus one of the best players in the world. Cannon takes all the team’s kicks for posts and is especially good at drop goals. He is most famous for one last year in which, after his forwards forced a turnover deep in their own end, he kicked the ball over sixty metres down the field and straight through the posts on full time for a game winning goal. However, despite his excellent kicking, he is also a great runner, sprinting through holes in the defence to score tries himself.
11 – Daniel Virlan – Left Wing – Susa Black and Reds
Has the best catching hands on the whole team, even better than the fullback. Any punts on his side of the field are always caught by him, and his strategy then is to run as far and as fast as possible without passing at all, choosing instead to get taken down and have it rucked out over him. Very fast, he is too selfish to make any other position but wing or fullback, and his passing is worse than it should be. As such, he never passes, due to inability and selfishness. Good with a punt if trapped behind the 22, especially as he is always so close to the sideline.
12 – James Keay – Inside Centre – Uses Raiders
As fast as a wing and as talented as a fullback, Keay (Pronounced Key-ay) played fly half for Haraki in World Cup V. However, his lack of ability to make drop kicks – although he is a very talented punter – led to delays in scoring while he passed to Nathan Cannon which cost Haraki points. Coach Allan Ferris could not deny his skill, though, so he was relegated to Inside Centre where he can still make plays with the other backs. His specialty is making plays or passing and rejoining the line further up for an overlap.
13 – Adam Farreley – Outside Centre – Arkia Pirates
The second fastest player on the team, he is most often found playing right wing for the Arkia Pirates. However, due to differences between the coach and his players, he was instead assigned to outside centre. He still acts a lot like a wing, though, exploiting holes in the defence and his outrageous speed to make his way to the try line. However, his speed is now coupled with the ability to draw off the fullback and pass off to the wing for a perfect try.
14 – Kurt Ellis – Right Wing – Tri-City Gold
Coming from Division Two’s Tri-City Gold, Ellis is only twenty-two years old but has been playing rugby all his life. He’s fairly large for a wing, making him good at tackles, but also he’s fast, although not as fast as Davies who he replaced or reserve scrum half and wing Adam Halsey. His technique is nearly flawless, though. Could also fill in for any injured centre.
15 – Brad Weckit – Fullback – Caltis Union RFC
Although caught in a bidding war over this talented fullback, Caltis Union, the first rugby club to offer him a position, eventually triumphed and managed to sign him. Although slated a reservist for World Cup V, former fullback Xavier Walker degenerated over the course of the Cup so badly that Weckit was the starting fullback by the end of the cup, and managed to take Haraki all the way to a victory in the final against AMW China. Now he has returned for his second World Cup to try and preserve Haraki’s tenuous grasp on the championship. His main strength is his speed, although he also has very good handling skills and is unafraid to make any tackle.


Reserves

16 – Ian Halvith – Hooker, Prop – Barbarians
The [Ferria Borderlands] Barbarians’ hooker manages to make his way onto the World Cup team for Haraki. Built like a prop with the leg speed of a hooker, once he wins the ball he helps drive the scrum as much as either of his props. Nearly impossible to injure, he is a good choice to fill in any injured or tired front row players.
17 – Neil Higgins – Lock – Isasi Lions
Higgins is a tall man, renowned in the league for his adeptness at lineouts. As the Isasi Lions run a four-man lineout system, Higgins is their only jumper and almost always manages to take the ball. Part of that is his long arms and incredible height – He stands over 6’8” tall – but much of it the speed with which he gets into the air, before the other team’s jumper even starts to jump. Higgins is fairly slow, though, but strong as a push in a scrum, ruck or maul.
18 – Joseph Vaughan – Number Eight, Flanker – Vidaen Whites
The Whites bring onto the team their eight man, Joseph Vaughan, as a reserve for the sides and back of the scrum. He’s fast, strong and nimble, and although his passing isn’t great, he’s still an all-round great player. Often joins the back line beside the wing during loose play to create an overlap.
19 – Adam Halsey – Scrum Half, Wing – Kiros RFC
The fact that he is a tiny man should not be taken against Halsey. Standing barely 5’3”, he is the shortest player on the team. However, he is a fantastic passer and runs like the wind. When playing scrum half he tends to pass more, although the national team coach, Allan Ferris, has also picked him for wing as he is fast and an excellent ball handler to catch kicks or long passes.
20 – Kyle Ennisby – Fly Half – Dragons
The Dragons’ fly half comes to the team as a reserve. He is their goal and tactical kicker, and most likely the second best in the league, after Nathan Cannon. Should Cannon take an injury or fatigue overcome him, Ennisby would take over for him. He’s not as fast as some fly halves, but has the passing ability of a scrum half, making up for it with long passes to outside centres and wings.
21 – Jasper Hull – Centre, Fullback, Fly Half – Liusu Griffons
Playing centre for the Griffons, with Thomas Gerryin as Number Eight, he sees the ball less than some other players. However, when he does get it, he’s a devil. A good tactical kicker and very fast, had Ferris not placed Cannon as a centre to get his kicking ability on the field, most likely Hull would have been chosen. A devastating tackler as well, famous for diving tackles to the knees for players that the crowd are sure is on a try-scoring breakaway.
22 – André Tulua – Flanker, Centre, Fullback – Vicily Vipers
A Karaki native, he grew up on a farm raising domesticated animals and wrestling cows. He got very good at running because there wasn’t much else to do, there was no school bus, and he frequently slept late. His strength makes him a good flanker, while at the same time his speed makes him a good centre, and his tackling ability thanks to strength and lack of inhibitions makes him an excellent flanker or fullback. He is an all-round great player, and one who hopes to take his division two team to the top.

Coach – Allan Ferris – Uses Raiders
The coach of the Uses Raiders brings his wisdom and expertise to light as coach of the national team as well. He has chosen an all-star team to represent the nation, spread out over all of Haraki’s top twelve Division One teams. The other teams in Division One and all those in Division Two have expressed their indignance at their exclusion from the team, but have been mostly ignored. Ferris coaches a very aggressive offensive game, and has taken the Raiders almost to the top two years in a row, only to be defeated by Kiros RFC both times, first in the semi-finals and then in the finals just last season. This season, under his watchful eye, the Uses Raiders have a perfect record – except for their one season loss against Kiros.

Ferris himself once played for the Dragons until his retirement at age 32. During his tenure (He played fly-half), the Dragons won the championship five times and were at the top of the division tables eight of his eleven years. However, that was in the time nearly a decade ago when the Dragons had a nearly unbeatable team, until they aged. Many retired, many received career-ending injuries, and following their exit from the team three of the star players went on to coach domestic clubs. Ferris has been the most successful of those three. The Dragons today still hold the fourth-place spot in Division One and are a force to be reckoned with, but another team, Kiros RFC, has stolen their thunder. The Dragons have a cadre of good, younger blood, but they have lost the outstanding team that won them so much.






The back line has been shuffled up quite a lot, with only two players maintaing their space from last year, being Adam Farreley and Daniel Virlan. Nathan Cannon and James Keay switched places, Xavier Walker was fired from the team due to his complete lack of ability during the group stages of World Cup V, which led to Brad Weckit taking over as starting fullback for the playoffs and for the sixth Cup. Right Wing Sam Davies broke a tendon in season play and has left his club side, South Atherlon RFC, and the national team, possibly for good.

Replacing Davies is Kurt Ellis, a wing from the division two team Tri-City Gold. He's fast, but many are wondering if his regular competition is competitive enough to make him a good addition to the team when facing the best players in the world.

Only one forward was replaced, Loosehead Prop Brian Morris, who retired from rugby altogether due to his age - 33 - at the end of the last season. Division Two's Vicily Vipers sent in their very own Alexander Dupree to replace him. Taking the #22 spot from Brad Weckit is André Tulua, a man that manages to play both forward and back positions due to speed and strength.



Some have already criticized Allan Ferris for not replacing either Thomas Gerryin or Daniel Virlan, citing their selifshness and unfriendly personalities. Ferris, who is known for his disdain for the media, simply told them that he wasn't interested in their personalities, only their skill, but that if they were 'big enough dicks' he would replace them and make them sit on the bench.



OOC: PF, you can use the Atherlon Times or the Haraki News Network Print Edition as your newspaper. They're my nation's two main newspapers and both have a fairly large sports section.

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Marceau's Official Newsletter of the Rugby World Cup

Marceau is Proud to announce its Rugby World Cup Roster
1 Marcell Lemaire (Prop)
2 Guy Laflamme (Hooker)
3 Christopher Huet (Prop)
4 Marc-Antoine Desnoyers (Flanker)
5 Cédrick Desjardins (Lock)
6 Yvon Lacountier (Lock)
7 Ales Lacountier (Flanker)
8 Sylvan Lapointe (8-man)
9 Louis-Philippe Lachance (Scrum-Half)
10 Philippe Lalonde (Fly-Half)
11 Felix Lafleur (Inside Centre)
12 Jordan Gagné (Outside Centre)
13 Sébastien Laferrière (Winger)
14 Michelle Lezclair (Winger)
15 Jonathan Alain-Rochette (Fullback)

-----------------------------------------------

16 Xavier Gagné (Prop)
19 David Chabot-Maltais (Winger, Centre, Fullback)
20 Jean-Benoit Côté-Vallières (Fly-Half, Fullback, Winger)
21 Vincent Beaulieu (Lock, 8-Man)
17 Suspended-Jean-François Rioux (Scrum-Half)
18 Suspended-Jaques Kirrel (Flanker)
22 IR-Christobal Marle (Lock)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my point breakdown - Y
Choose my point scorers - Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players - Y
Hand out red cards to my players - Y
RP injuries to my players - Y(NO KILLING)
Godmod injuries to my players - N
RP other events - Y as long as you don't kill or injure my players

Marceau will play it's home Games at Spartan Stadium on Marceau States Campus except Matchday 8 will be played at Invasion Field due to Size of Seats needed for the event

Marceau's Qualifing Schedule
MD 1 -@ #10 Virginia Nova
MD 2 -@ #15 Snake Eaters
MD 3 -@ #8 Rorysville(to be played at Celtic Field)
MD 4 -@ #3 Larkinia
MD 5 -BYE
MD 6 -vs. #10 Virginia Nova
MD 7 -vs. #15 Snake Eaters
MD 8 -vs. #8 Rorysville(To be Played at Invasion Field)
MD 9 -vs. #3 Larkinia
MD 10-BYE

Matchday One Scores:

Group 1:
Haraki (30 - 35) Milchama
McPsychoville (25 - 11) Xandabia

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
--------------------------------------------------------------------
McPsychoville 1 0 0 25 11 14 0 4
Milchama 1 0 0 35 30 5 0 4
Haraki 0 0 1 30 35 -5 1 1
Xandabia 0 0 1 11 25 -14 0 0

Group 2:
AMW China (21 - 10) Starblaydia
East Lithuania (7 - 14) Lisburn Mateys

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
--------------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 1 0 0 21 10 11 0 4
Lisburn Mateys 1 0 0 14 7 7 0 4
East Lithuania 0 0 1 7 14 -7 1 1
Starblaydia 0 0 1 10 21 -11 0 0

Group 3:
Rorysville (24 - 8) Snake Eaters
Virginia Nova (18 - 14) Marceau State
Larkinia BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Rorysville 1 0 0 24 8 16 0 4
Virginia Nova 1 0 0 18 14 4 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 1 14 18 -4 1 1
Larkinia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Snake Eaters 0 0 1 8 24 -16 0 0

Group 4:
Sarzonia (24 - 19) Benlandngdo
Harlesburg (10 - 17) Trotsgrad
PopularFreedom BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Trotsgrad 1 0 0 17 10 7 0 4
Sarzonia 1 0 0 24 19 5 0 4
Benlandngdo 0 0 1 19 24 -5 1 1
Harlesburg 0 0 1 10 17 -7 1 1
PopularFreedom 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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SportsnetRV Ruggers Huddle
What a Game What a Game Rorysville opens up RWC VI with a Victory over #15 Snake Eaters 24-8.

"Well things got offmuch as they did throughout the Previous World Cup This time I hope we can continue this style of play as we are in a tough group.The Staal Brothers(Mark and Jordan) Really Dominated and Dictated the play throughout the game and Alexei Yagouden Scored early on a beatiful run. This group if it stays healthy could end up on top the Group at the end of Qualifing.----------(Reporter asks a Question in Mid Statement------Coach what about the match against Rival Marceau comming up ?--------Well this game will be a Huge Event in Fact the match being moved to Celtic Field to accomodate the overflow Crowd is going to make it the most Historic Event in our Nations Rugby Program as Marceau is under the GOverning body as well matches like this and the one on Matchday eight will go a long way to get the National Rugby League Started as well as state programs much like what Soccer and Hockey have with thier State Cups for National Bragging Rights those State programs help develope the National Teams in fact if you look at the Soccer Club in just two Cups they have climbed from Unranked to 147th to 88th and our Program in Short Time went from Unranked to 8th this speaks volums for our Support at Home. With that Said those Fluer De Lys stand a Tough Match as they Enter our Turf and Face the Moose Factory in Full effect."--Coach Sitller

a Note on the Upcomming Match on Sunday Versus Marceau-RV City Police and RV State Police as well as Celtic County Police and RV Copunty Police have increased Officers in the Area for Sundays Game as a Crowd of More than 102,000 fans Expected to pack Celtic Field we also expect nearly 200,000 fans in total around the stadium if bot more not too mention the Crowd in town for Monday's Challenge Shield Qualifing Cup Final Between Rorysville and Outer Islands at Celtic Field so with all the crowds plus the Holiday,use Mass transit if you are traveling into the Core(all Lines have addede more Busses,El-Trains,Subways,GOTrains for the Weekend to all Routes within the Core)Also Air Marceau and Air RV are Offering Special DEals on Flights for Saturday and Sunday into RVIA


Standings for Group 3 after Matchday 1
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Rorysville 1 0 0 24 8 16 0 4
Virginia Nova 1 0 0 18 14 4 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 1 14 18 -4 1 1
Larkinia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Snake Eaters 0 0 1 8 24 -16 0 0

Other Scores from RWC VI
Group 1:
Haraki (30 - 35) Milchama
McPsychoville (25 - 11) Xandabia
Group 2:
AMW China (21 - 10) Starblaydia
East Lithuania (7 - 14) Lisburn Mateys
Group 3
Virginia Nova (18 - 14) Marceau State
Larkinia BYE
Group 4:
Sarzonia (24 - 19) Benlandngdo
Harlesburg (10 - 17) Trotsgrad
PopularFreedom BYE

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Marceau's Official Newsletter of the Rugby World Cup

Well the Fleur De Lys Dropped thier First ever International Match and drop a close one to Virginia Nova 18-14. The First Game ever in the International History of Marceau Rugby.The Outlook is Positive though as they managed to hang in thier Tough against the Tenth Ranked team in the World now if that Level play can Hold out as Marceau will face #15 Snake Eaters before Facing #8 Rorysville in an Emotional Epic to be played at Celtic Field in Downtown RV City.The Only thing that Conrens us here at SLAM is the overlooking fact as they could be looking too far ahead to the Rorysville Match and llok past Snake Eaters.
"Well this one was tough we hung in tight all match against a better club and came out only 4 points down in the end. There was alot that we did right and following the model of what Rorysville did in the last World cup was a smart one and if things go that way we will be a force to be reckoned with. Our squad is a group of talented young Players who will suprise you in the end of all this these players were the top Graduated Players in all of thier Colleges and with the Rorysville Sporting Governing Body Kicking in Funding for us we were able to compenstate these players so ythey could play Rugby and not have to worry about paying for housing and food for thier families.The Creation of a National Rugby League will also mean these players will have a future in our Sport."--Coach Lemaire--"Coach what about the Match against Rorysville on Sunday?"--Reporter--"Well that Match is a couple days away and while I would love to discuss that match we have a tough test comming up on Saturday against the 15th ranked Snake Eaters who will be ready to play as they were beaten by Rorysville and I think that is our Frst Concern ask me after that match about the Game on Sunday"--Coach Lemaire

as you can see Coach is ready to take on all teams but is focussed as he needs to have these players thinking one game at a time though I'll admit it will be tough as 102,000+ are expected at Sunday's Match and an Amazing Atmosphere surronding the Stadium as they will face off in an epic battle. Rorysville will have the day Off in Preparation for the match meanwhile Marceau will travel to Snake Eaters and face an Aggitated squad who got beaten 24-8 by Rorysville.


Marceau's Qualifing Schedule
MD 1 -@ #10 Virginia Nova L 18-14
MD 2 -@ #15 Snake Eaters
MD 3 -@ #8 Rorysville(to be played at Celtic Field)
MD 4 -@ #3 Larkinia
MD 5 -BYE
MD 6 -vs. #10 Virginia Nova
MD 7 -vs. #15 Snake Eaters
MD 8 -vs. #8 Rorysville(To be Played at Invasion Field)
MD 9 -vs. #3 Larkinia
MD 10-BYE

Standings for Group 3 after Matchday 1
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Rorysville 1 0 0 24 8 16 0 4
Virginia Nova 1 0 0 18 14 4 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 1 14 18 -4 1 1
Larkinia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Snake Eaters 0 0 1 8 24 -16 0 0

Other Scores from RWC VI
Group 1:
Haraki (30 - 35) Milchama
McPsychoville (25 - 11) Xandabia
Group 2:
AMW China (21 - 10) Starblaydia
East Lithuania (7 - 14) Lisburn Mateys
Group 3
Rorysville (24 - 8) Snake Eaters
Larkinia BYE
Group 4:
Sarzonia (24 - 19) Benlandngdo
Harlesburg (10 - 17) Trotsgrad
PopularFreedom BYE

A Promising Start

The sixth Rugby World Cup got off to a more promising start for the Psychos today, as they took a comfortable win over Xandabia, a newcomer to the rugby scene, 25-11. Both Kotalik and Lasek put up strong performances, scoring twice each, but Sean Damon was less reliable than in the past, converting just one of the tries before adding a drop goal late on.

Scorers:
Andris Kotalik - 10 (2 Tries)
Byron Lasek - 10 (2 Tries)
Sean Damon - 5 (Conversion, Drop Goal)

Galaxians start off right

27 May 2006 (ASP) -- What a difference a year makes.

With a full on professional league that features most of the players on their roster, the Sarzonian national rugby team are off to a promising start to the sixth Rugby World Cup, getting four tries in the space of 16 minutes spanning the first and second halves and racing to a 24-19 victory over Benlandngdo.

Scrum half Ben Nightingale parlayed a stellar season with the Woodstock Athletic Club into one of the best offensive outings by a Galaxian in World Cup play, getting bookending tries as the Galaxians fought back from a 13-3 deficit midway through the first half. He set up one other try directly by drawing the defence toward him and passing to an open Chris Benson on the right flank and indirectly by pressuring the opposing defence.

"It was great to get a match in which we all played well for 80 minutes," Nightingale said. "We've got to continue that for the rest of this tournament."

Sarzonia (1-0-0) improved their lifetime record in World Cup play to 9-0-6 overall, marking one of the few teams that hadn't had a domestic league and hadn't been a mainstay in the sport that have had a winning record. However, the story behind this team was the league that established with the momentum of the near miss by the Galaxians.

"Our league needed a big push to get started and beating Starblaydia in qualifying gave us that push," Benson said. "Last time out we had maybe a handful of professionals. Now most of the team is. Even with a new league, that's going to make all the difference in the world."

While the league itself may be among the bottom of the worldwide barrel in terms of quality of play, the fact that a professional league exists at all is a major lift to the Galaxians play. Most of the team's players cited the establishment of the league as a factor in their improvement from the previous World Cup.

"Oh, no question," said Nightingale. "We have a better idea of what to expect now."

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Rugby copy football to win on debut!!

The Mateys international rugby team won in their debut onto the international scene, with a hard fought 14-7 victory against East lithuania.

The match was mainly bogged down in the forwards which suited the Mateys who are a more forward orintated team with lots of moves from lineouts, scrums and plently of mauls and hit ups off 10.

The Mateys scored 1st after a series of mauls from a line out on the Lithuanian 22, Try scorer was flanker Gary Crowe who used to play as number 8 but with him and Gilk being such exciting players they both had to start for club and country. Calow converted with an excellant strike as the ball practically on the touch line.

The second try came in the second half with a bit of mind games being played, Calow had started to involve the outside men more and more as the game progressed and after a ruck he driffted across and it was looking like he would feed a pass out to number 13, instead The monster Whitten came inside on a switch and when he is up to full speed and the defence is wrong footed nothing wil stop him, as he broke through two tackles to touch down under the posts.

Lithuania scored a deserved try towards the end of the game after some considereable pressure

Larkinia Wraps Up Final Pre-World Cup Practice

Chris Jackson
Associated Press

"Come on you slackers, we're going to be late for the game! What? What do you mean we have a bye this round?"

This final shout from Larkinia "SuperRugbyCoachingLegend™" Ian Jones resonated through the airport as the Larkinian team at the end of yesterday's practice. Larkinia, returning to the Rugby World Cup after a third place finish four years ago, set the bar higher for this World Cup Campaign.

"We're expected to finish first or second this year, both in the home and international rugby press," Jones said. "We're hoping to live up to those high expectations."

The Larkinian Eagles team has kept most of the young squad from their previous World Cup attempt in the current squad. The forwards are anchored by National Team captain and Eight-Man Sean Collins and tighthead prop Mark Gordon.

Collins, captain of defending Super League champion Onaki Lions, was recalled from Super League duties to lead the Eagles.

"It's a great honor," Collins said, "We have a lot to work towards this year. This hopes of Larkinia are riding on us here."

Lineouts will probably be the domain of towering 6' 6" lock Kurt Hodges.

"We thought that lineouts were one of our weak points during the last World Cup," Jones said, "And I think we addressed that in our team this time around. Hodges has the height and wingspan to pick up most of the throws that come his way."

Hodges downside might be his aggressive streak, considered by some to be too aggressive and nasty for a World Cup series.

Meanwhile, the backs are hoping the chemistry between scrum-half Pat Devlin and fly-half Chris Davies carries them through another World Cup. The pair had been playing for the Suzuki Warriors, Super League runner-ups, for the past two years.

On the wings are Mike O'Connors and mercurial runner Ed Pitt. Pitt, a former Olympic-trained sprinter, switched to rugby eight years back and was a shining star in the previous World Cup.

The backline is wrapped up with fullback Ben Williams. Williams, team captain for the Lyonne Gulls, brings his bone-jarring tackling and power running style to a team that was accused of being soft in the previous World Cup.

This year's World Cup players have spent the last year-and-a-half working and training at the Larkinia Olympic Facilities in the mountains outside of Larkinian Capital, Golden Agate before returning to Haraki for one more attempt at a title.

Larkinia World Cup Roster
1 - Loosehead Prop - Christian Weaver - Warriors
2 - Hooker - Jessie Barin - Gulls
3 - Tighthead Prop - Mark Gordon - Lions
4 - Lock - Kurt Hodges - Golden Agate Revolution
5 - Lock - Marcus Blackadder - Ghosts
6 - Blind side Flanker - Nicholas Ford - Olympic Development
7 - Open side Flaner - Mike Davis - Lions
8 - No. 8 - Sean Collins - Lions (c)
9 - Scrum half - Pat Devlin - Warriors
10- Fly half - Chris Davies - Warriors (k)
11 - Wing - Mike O'Connors - Lyonne Harlequins
12 - Inside Center - Nick Lodos - Gulls
13 - Outside Center - Rob Ellis - Olympic Development
14 - Wing - Edward Pitt - Lions
15 - Fullback - Ben Williams - Gulls

Reserves
16 - Chris Moore - Prop/Hooker - Harlequins
17 - Brian Digiea - Flanker/No. 8/Fullback - Olympic Development
18 - Steve Landolfi - Lock - Ft. Stanton Reds
19 - Bruce Smith - Scrum half/fly half - Olympic Development
20 - Brian Mangus - Utility Back - Lions
21 - Owen Hunter - Center/Wing - Warriors
22 - Scott Bernard - Flanker/Center - Gulls

The Balmanno Telegraph

Signs of hope amid disappointing start for Xandabia (25 -11 to Mcpsychoville)

“Well I have to say it was very disappointing, not the start we’d been hoping for at all” commented a forlorn looking Jim McGadden “mind you I thought the pack overall coped very well with the early loss of big Dougie McMaster to the sin bin and I think you have to accept that at this level if your scrummaging on your own line with seven men against six then the odds are you’re going to concede a score – Kotalik spotted the gap and took his chance well full credit to the lad. I was more disappointed about Lasek’s 1st try, I think we gave away a soft score there. You can’t afford naïveté at this level and you’ve got to play the referee. Hopefully that experience will sharpen the boys up a bit for the next game.” Commenting on Xandabia’s only try of the match, which came just before half-time, he said “ It was pleasing to see us come straight back after the second try I still thought going into the break 10-5 that the game was ours for the taking” . Talking us through Xandabia’s only try the coach had nothing but praise for the creativity of his side ‘Well it started really with a great throw-in from Matt(Sampson) that picked out JJ at the back of the line. We re-cylced quickly from his break and the missed pass from Blairstrom to Hinshelwood created acres of space for Scott (Hastie) and the threat of Big Gav (Godberson) up in the line drew Dean Simon to the outside so when "Twinkle-toes” Toucerston came in on the angle there was nobody to stop him. It was always going to be a tough kick from that wide angle but I know Gav is disappointed that his “siege gun” couldn’t deliver the goods”. “I can’t really complain" said the big man "the competition ball is the same one we’re all using but it is much lighter than the one I’m used to at home and I haven’t had quite as much kicking practice with it as I would have liked with all the press conferences and everything, still I did get that penalty in the second half which I was quite pleased with”. The second half was dominated by the Mcpsychoville team who played a tight game through their pack resulting in a second try, from a rolling mall, for the big 2nd row Byron Lasek, converted by Sean Damon, and a typical flanker’s try from the ubiquitous Andris Kotalik who was on hand to take an inside pass from the scrum-half Sevak after a sniping run round the fringes caught Lamort out of position. The game ended with a dramatic end-to end passage of play with Damon and Petersson claiming a drop-goal apiece.

Haraki Falls 30-35 to Milchama
From the Atherlon Times

Pete Vans, Atherlon. The hardened Harakian national rugby team let several easy tries through in the first half to make the game nearly impossible to win against Milchama.

Three early tries in the first twenty minutes gave Milchama a 21-3 lead with Haraki's only points coming from a drop goal by Harakian fly half Nathan Cannon. Although deep in their own end by thirty-five minutes in, Milchaman hands in the ruck gave Nathan Cannon a clearance kick that he bounced into touch almost at the Milchaman 22-metre line. The resulting maul from the Harakian-won lineout made it close to Milchama's try line, only to have Milchama hold the maul up and force a scrum. Brad Winters managed to steal it and the Harakians managed a pushover try for Thomas Gerryin. Milchama ended the first half with another converted try for a score of 28-10 at halftime, a rather imposing gap for any team.

But the Harakians were ready to make it a great comeback, with an overlap in the back line and a pass to speedy fullback Brad Weckit making a Harakian try, which Nathan Cannon converted. Only three minutes later, a breakaway from half gave left wing Daniel Virlan a try which Cannon converted, before making a penalty for Milchaman players entering the ruck offside. The score was 28-27 for the Milchamans with ten minutes left, and the Harakians were desperate not to let the Milchamans beat them.

Harakian coach Allan Ferris made the decision to replace tired new wing Kurt Ellis with Kyle Ennisby, creating what some sports bloggers called the K-E Combination. Ennisby, one of the fastest players on the team, and fresh legs, still wasn't quite enough to get Haraki the win. Nathan Cannon managed another drop goal five minutes from the end for a score of 30-28 for Haraki, and it seemed Haraki was ready to make history with a fantastic comeback, until Terry Daneski made a breakaway on full time. Weckit missed the tackle, his arms slipping off Daneski's legs, and as he hit the ground he had to watch Daneski sprint away to score a try right under the posts for an easy conversion to end the game 30-35 for Milchama.

What looked like Harakian victory was snatched away by the Milchaman team. But since Haraki and Milchama will face each other again on Matchday Four and again on Matchday Seven, there should be plenty of time for Haraki to make up for this one error.

Steve Smithy, coach of the Camelot Wasps, looked at the copy of the Atherlon Times, one of the newspapers from the host nation of Haraki, he had on his desk of his hotel as it dealt with the matches from the 1st day of the Rugby World Cup.

He also looked over his reports from his scouts on both matches from his pool.

He was particularly interested in the Harlesburg match. Seemed like Trotsgrad had broken through the Harlesburg backs with two early runs to reach a 14-0 lead early in the 1st half.

Harlesburg was able to draw to within 7 with a late try in the latter part of the 1st half but Trotsgrad again used their backs to cause havoc for Harlesburg in the 2nd half.

Harlesburg did have a good pack however and that was something that the Wasps were going to have to deal with, especially since both Harlesburg tries came from their pack.

One of his scouts, John Simmons, had also noted that Harlesburg did win most of the lineouts in their match against Trotsgrad which was a concern for Coach Steve in light of the fact where that was a huge weakness of the Wasps.

Steve Smithy printed out 2 signs in bold which he planned on putting on the entrance and exit to the Camelot Wasps locker room. It stated, 'KEEP THE BALL ON THE FIELD'.

If his team did that, he knew, with their speed, they would most assuredly get the win in their match over Harlesburg.

Trotsgrad National Team

1 Lev Virovik
2 Boris Firov
3 Radko Ivanovich
4 Zavid Mikhailovich
5 Oleg Petrov
6 Leonid Kuznetsov
7 Giorgy Spara
8 Anton Szedleav
9 Evgenia Pachek
10 Andrei Cectomir
11 Stanislav Lachon
12 Zakhary Rabositz
13 Roman Abnik
14 Nikolai Vaceslav
15 Ivan Nikitka
--------------------------------
16 David Havel (prop)
17 Egor Feodokh (hooker, scrum-half)
18 Jon Puska (flanker, 8-man)
19 Aleksei Iuvenalii (lock, prop, flanker)
20 Greg Jarohnev (scrum-half)
21 Ekim Wlodimiro (fly-half, centre, scrum-half)
22 Vladimir Zaclize (winger, fullback)
-----------------------------------

OOC: Below are the links to everyone who has posted their roster thus far
Haraki (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11031083&postcount=10)
Larkinia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11036423&postcount=18)
Lisburn Mateys (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11017547&postcount=2)
Marceau State (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11032325&postcount=11)
McPsychoville (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11017939&postcount=3)
Milchama (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11024720&postcount=7)
PopularFreedom (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11020865&postcount=5)
Rorysville (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11024071&postcount=6)
Xandabia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11018414&postcount=4)

Matchday Two Scores:

Group 1:
Haraki (47 - 27) McPsychoville
Milchama (24 - 31) Xandabia

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Haraki 1 0 1 77 62 15 1 5
Milchama 1 0 1 59 61 -2 1 5
McPsychoville 1 0 1 52 58 -6 0 4
Xandabia 1 0 1 42 49 -7 0 4

Group 2:
AMW China (24 - 6) East Lithuania
Starblaydia (13 - 13) Lisburn Mateys

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 2 0 0 45 16 39 0 8
Lisburn Mateys 1 1 0 27 20 7 0 6
Starblaydia 0 1 1 23 34 -11 0 2
East Lithuania 0 0 2 13 38 -25 1 1

Group 3:
Larkinia (43 - 10) Virginia Nova
Snake Eaters (24 - 18) Marceau State
Rorysville BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 1 0 0 43 10 33 0 4
Rorysville 1 0 0 24 8 16 0 4
Snake Eaters 1 0 1 32 24 -10 0 4
Virginia Nova 1 0 1 28 57 -29 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 2 32 42 -10 2 2

Group 4:
PopularFreedom (31 - 19) Harlesburg
Benlandngdo (22 - 21) Trotsgrad
Sarzonia BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Trotsgrad 1 0 1 38 32 6 1 5
Benlandngdo 1 0 1 41 45 -4 1 5
PopularFreedom 1 0 0 31 19 12 0 4
Sarzonia 1 0 0 24 19 5 0 4
Harlesburg 0 0 2 29 48 -19 1 1



First post updated to include links to rosters.

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Marceau's Official Newsletter of the Rugby World Cup


Again another Loss for this Squad This Time Chaulk it up to overlooking todays oppenent. The Young Squad was too busy looking to tommorrow's Historic Matchup with Rorysville instead of Paying attention to an angered Snake Eaters Squad. By the Time Marceau got into this one they were down 24-3. The Remaining 15 points were null and void though they made it a closer score they weren't even close in this game.
"Well I had hoped we would be able to play this game and have our heads here but the guys were overlooking to tommorowo now we are in a bind early and This team will have to play near perfect throughout the rest of this Tournament.They really need to execute their plays with more Form. Sébastien Laferrière Really lead them in the attempt to tie things up with his try late in the second half but it fell just a bit too short."--Coach Lemaire

Well tommorow is the day as Marceau will face Rorysville in RV City in front of 102,000+ The Game can also be watched in the Plaza of Heros and the Spirt of Marceau Plaza and also at Invasion Field along with a concert before the Match featuring Marceau's Hotest Bands the event at Invasion Field is a Charity event Tickets are only $15 The Event will feature Bands Performing Before the Match then the Match will be Simulcast in the Satdium followed by Marceau City's very own "Lost Generation" and a Fireworks Display afterwards.

Matchday 3 Preiview-Rorysville is comming off the Bye Day and Well rested after thier 24-8 Beating of Snake Eaters on Day 1 meanwhile a pair of losses by Marceau will make them Hungry for a win against thier Arch Rival.

Marceau's Qualifing Schedule
MD 1 -@ #10 Virginia Nova L 18-14
MD 2 -@ #15 Snake Eaters L 24-18
MD 3 -@ #8 Rorysville(to be played at Celtic Field)
MD 4 -@ #3 Larkinia
MD 5 -BYE
MD 6 -vs. #10 Virginia Nova
MD 7 -vs. #15 Snake Eaters
MD 8 -vs. #8 Rorysville(To be Played at Invasion Field)
MD 9 -vs. #3 Larkinia
MD 10-BYE

Group 3 Standings after Matchday 2
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 1 0 0 43 10 33 0 4
Rorysville 1 0 0 24 8 16 0 4
Snake Eaters 1 0 1 32 24 -10 0 4
Virginia Nova 1 0 1 28 57 -29 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 2 32 42 -10 2 2

from the pages of the Camelot Free Press

2006-05-28

CAMELOT WASPS WIN FIRST MATCH IN RUGBY WORLD CUP.
National representatives able to blow open close match in 2nd half.

International Report from Haraki - Despite being outnumbered in the stands, the Camelot Wasps still put on a tremendous show, and were able to defeat their opponents the Harlesburg National Rugby squad by a score of 31-19 in action yesterday in the Rugby World Cup.

Led by their captain, flyhalf Bob Marketlonte, the Wasps, or speed machines as they are sometimes nicknamed, tore up the field as the team used their speed to their advantage in overcoming a far superior pack.

'They had a really good pack, and their jumpers were awesome', noted Wasps coach Steve Smithy. However once we got it out to our backs it was clear sailing.

The Wasps started off poorly, giving up a try in the early stages of the match after Harlesburg was able to ruck down the field and barrel in for a score to make it 7-0 with the convert.

After both teams traded penalty kicks to make the score 10-3 for Harlesburg, the Camelot Wasps started to get the ball out to their backs who started to roar down the field. In the 25th minute outside centre Cliff Clemons was able to slice through the Harlesburg backs and past the enemy fullback to score the first try for the Wasps in Rugby World Cup play. Inside centre Simon Caine hit a perfect convert to knot the score at 10 a piece.

The score was 16-10 for Harlesburg entering halftime after two more Harlesburg penalty kicks. Camelot coach Smithy changed his players during the second half putting Mark Rogers in for Ollie Waverly at hooker. Noted coach Smithy, 'nothing against Ollie, I just want to see what Mark can do'. Mark proved his worth, winning the majority of scrums during the half which helped to ensure the Wasp backs were able to get the ball. In fact in the 49th minute it was the Camelot backs, off a Harlesburg scrum that Rogers was able to steal, who found a hole in the Harlesburg backs and quickly scampered through to take the lead 17-16 with the convert. Harlesburg again fought back this time with a quick drop kick off the restart from just inside the 50 to retake the lead 19-17.

On the ensuing restart however the Harlesburg kicker, for reasons still unknown, choose to kick the ball to the Camelot backs. Camelot winger Patrick Dunigan caught the ball and ran untouched around the Harlesburg team and into the tryzone for his second try of the match and a 24-19 lead for PopularFreedom with the convert.

That try seemed to break Harlesburg as Camelot were able to maintain possession for most of the remainder of the half, scoring one try in the final seconds off a fullback crash by Camelot fullback Gaven Henderickson to make the score 31-19 with the convert.

Following the match the Camelot fans began to rejoice in the stands while other fans from the nation seemed relatively surprised by the result.

'It was good to see so many fans in the stands', noted Camelot captain Marketlonte after the win. 'I know most are from Camelot, but you can tell there are quite a few from the capital as well which is good to see. Nice to know we have support from other parts of the country besides just our own city'.

Camelot will next represent PopularFreedom against the nation of Benlandngdo, who were winners over Trotsgrad yesterday 22-21. Both Haraki national papers seem to give the Camelot Wasps the edge going into the match though some reporters are still unsure about the Wasps after their first match. 'Well sure they won, but how did their pack do?', noted one popular reporter from PopularFreedom.

Hopefully the Wasps will be able to silence the critics once and for all after their next match.

Larkinia Starts World Cup Campaign Strong!

All throughout Larkinia, sports fans, politicians and the rest of the rugby loving public was delighted when they turned on their radios to hear the latest news report from Net News 54, the leader in Fair and Balanced News.

((And now you can too ;) sorry it's not the best quality, but not to bad for a guy with a headset and some software. Cut and paste the URL, don't try to click on it directly, or it won't work. Let me know if there are problems, this is my first try using Tripod to host this.))

http://larkinia.tripod.com/rugby1.mp3

The Balmanno Telegraph

A “Great” win Milchama (24 - 31) Xandabia

After their poor showing against Mcpsychoville it was inevitable that changes would have to be made in the pack and lock Vince Larrson paid the price for his poor performance in the lineout being replaced by the larger and more combatative Peter Forbes.

The 18st lock was quick to remind everyone that he earned his nickname Peter “The Great” not for his size but for his devastating breaks with ball in hand. Time after time from penalties and rucks his powerful runs smashed Milchama defenders aside and caused chaos in the defensive line. His critics have always lambasted him for his lack of agility at lineouts but he silenced them this afternoon with a catch and drive to set up a rolling maul that drove Milchama back into their 22 and lead to a try for the elusive flanker Alex Estoban. Godberson duly converted and it was 7-0 with 15 minutes played.

Milchama came straight back from the kick off and some determined rucking sucked in the defense and created a great attacking platform just inside Xandabia’s 22. There was a clear 3-2 overlap on the left and Terry Daneski when he realized he was opposite the prop McTaggert was screaming for the ball. The centre Makos Jurosh tried to force the long pass but it was beautifully intercepted by Lamort who went the length of the field to dot down under the posts. Godberson obliged with the conversion to take the score to 14-0.

“JJ” Jamieson was penalized from the re-start for an obstruction on Parks and Milchama took the 3 points. Milchama struck again moments later when Hinshelwood spilled the ball in the tackle and Daneski won the foot-race to the line after the ball had been kicked ahead. 14-10 with 28 minutes gone.

“We knew we had a game on our hands” said coach Jim McGadden “but when Big Gav crashed over under the posts I knew the boys had the belief in themselves that we could make this one ours”. Commenting on his try the captain said “yes it felt good but what really pleased me about my own game today was the improvement in my kicking game as I’ve been out there all day every day practicing since our last match”. Xandabia ran in at half-time with a comfortable lead of 21-10.

This paper doesn’t like to speculate what went into the Milchama half-time oranges but they came out a different team at the start of the second-half scoring two quick tries which they converted to take them to a lead of 24-21. It looked like Xandabian heads might go down under this onslaught but Big Gav’s monumental penalty from within their own half to level the scores gave them new heart. “now the whole world knows why we call him “siege gun”” quipped Blairstrom whose sniping work round the fringes was rewarded 20 mins into the 2nd half. The conversion took the score to 31-24 and at that stage a resurgent Xandabia threatened an avalanche of further scores but a dogged defense by the Milchama side kept them out.

Final Score: 31-24

Man of the match – “Big Gav” Godberson
A captain’s performance with 1 try, 4 conversions and a penalty.

Radio report from National Sports Network, courtesy of the PopularFreedom Ticker (www.geocities.com/PopularFreedomTicker/2006-05-28-002-NSN.wma)

OOC: Larkinia's radio report is AWESOME so I thought I would create one of my own. Apologies to Benlandngdo in advance, if I crucified your nation's name.

OOC: Let's just say that both PF and Larkinia will be getting the max RP bonus next matchday.







That's More Like It!
From the Atherlon TImes

Pete Vans, Atherlon. Haraki's national rugby team looked to avenge their end-game loss to Milchama as they played McPsychoville and beat them 47-27, in the highest-scoring game of Matchday Two. Here in Atherlon, playing to a packed but not-quite sold out Haraki Field. Here in this sprawling urban metropolis, the Hawks played to over a hundred thousand cheering fans, but the stadium did not reach its full capacity of 175,000 seats.

The Hawks had the kickoff but Nathan Cannon managed to send it high and short, letting James Keay run forward and catch it. The ensuing ruck left Haraki's backs stretched out to the left side of the field with only new Right Wing Kurt Ellis on the right, facing off against Bendik Vojacek. A long pass from harakian scrum half Carl Thint gave Ellis the ball, and he took off, sidestepping Vojacek and straight-arming away fullback Ivan Janek for a try right under the posts in the first minute of the game, easily converted by Cannon. Haraki followed up with another try by Ellis and then one by Daniel Virlan, showing a first half that proved to be dominated by the backs. McPsychoville responded with a converted and an unconverted try, plus a penalty kick for a high tackle by Thomas Gerryin, putting the score at 21-15 for Haraki heading into half.

McPsychoville created some trouble coming out of the gate in the second half with another converted try thanks to a pushover maul off a long penalty punt for touch and the resulting lineout, putting them one point ahead of Haraki, and starting the second half off dominated by the packs. Haraki followed up with a long drop goal by Nathan Cannon to put them back in the lead, and a penalty for hands in the ruck to put the score 27-22 for Haraki. This was followed by Alexander Dupree crashing through the Psychoes' line to make a try which Cannon converted. The Psychoes responded with an unconverted try right in the corner off a long breakaway, with Brad Weckit forcing Vojacek into the corner for a harder conversion. With ten minutes left in the game, the score stood at 34-27, still anyone's game. That was when Haraki's team went wild.

In front of thousands of screaming fans from the nation's capitol and plenty who had come in from outlying regions or other cities to see the match, and an estimated three hundred and fifty million viewers on television, less than the nearly half billion recorded watching the Milchaman game, Nathan Cannon took it as his own task to put the game out of the Psychoes' reach. He scored a try right through a hole in the opposition defence at seventy-five minutes, converted it, two minutes later followed it up with a drop goal, and right on full time pulled off a penalty kick for hands in the ruck, pulling his points total to twenty-two and cementing his position as Haraki's best fly half.

The man of the match for Haraki was Nathan Cannon, whose leadership on the field and outstanding play put him out in front with one try, five conversions, two drop goals and two penalty kicks. If there was a Rugby Hall of Fame, he would be a shoe-in.

Pete Vans is the Atherlon Times' rugby correspondent, giving you coverage for all Haraki's games in the World Cup.

Swooton Herald-Picayune-Update-Dispatch-Dominion-Star-Register-Telegram

Sports Section

Get your heads in the game

Now this just looks like our football team. The Milchama Warriors rugby team played like an enigma for the past two games. While against the defending champions Haraki the Warriors flew high and played the type of high scoring hard pounding rugby Milchamians love in their 35-31 victory. Then in the second match against newcomers Xandabia the Warriors despite having the lead for most of the game faded near the end and let the Bats come back and
win the game 31-24. The team is looking to improve on their shocking (and I mean shocking) semi final appearance last tournament including an upset of PopularFreedom. If the Warriors can continue their progress it would mean a final this time but coach Fredrick Goodman is not looking forward. He said, "We cannot look ahead to what could happen. We need to focus on the now and how we are winning and looking to repeat that performance."

The only question coming into the cup was how the new starter Leo Faziz would do and he has been great as he assisted two tries in the Haraki game and his runs and passing ability has been essential to the Milchama offense. On the defensive he has been a liability but so far it has been a trade off.

Milchama statistics:
Try leaders:
Luppers 3
Daneski 2
Limeron 2
Shulman 1

Assist leaders:
Limeron 4
Faziz 2
Fennerbourough 1
Giles 1

OOC: Just don't injure the players, do whatever else you want.

Matchday Three Scores:

Group 1:
Haraki (33 - 21) Xandabia
Milchama (17 - 27) McPsychoville

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Haraki 2 0 1 110 83 27 1 9
McPsychoville 2 0 1 79 75 4 0 8
Milchama 1 0 2 76 88 -12 1 5
Xandabia 1 0 2 63 82 -19 0 4

Group 2:
AMW China (24 - 18) Lisburn Mateys
Starblaydia (27 - 7) East Lithuania

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 3 0 0 69 34 45 0 12
Lisburn Mateys 1 1 1 45 44 1 1 7
Starblaydia 1 1 1 50 41 9 0 6
East Lithuania 0 0 3 20 65 -45 1 1

Group 3:
Larkinia (30 - 13) Snake Eaters
Rorysville (38 - 17) Marceau State
Virginia Nova BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 2 0 0 73 23 50 0 8
Rorysville 2 0 0 62 25 37 0 8
Snake Eaters 1 0 2 45 54 -9 0 4
Virginia Nova 1 0 1 28 57 -29 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 3 49 80 -31 2 2

Group 4:
PopularFreedom (40 - 7) Benlandngdo
Sarzonia (13 - 12) Trotsgrad
Harlesburg BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
PopularFreedom 2 0 0 71 26 45 0 8
Sarzonia 2 0 0 37 31 6 0 8
Trotsgrad 1 0 2 50 45 5 2 6
Benlandngdo 1 0 2 48 85 -37 1 5
Harlesburg 0 0 2 29 48 -19 1 1

The Balmanno Telegraph

Red Card Ruins World Cup Dream Haraki (33 - 21) Xandabia

Xandabia ran in a hat-trick of trys all of them converted but after the controversial sending off of fly-half Petersson their hard-fought 21-14 lead was quickly engulfed in a tide of Haraki possession.

Petersson, who had done such a magnificent job of marshalling the defence and whose creativity and blinding pace had created all three scores, was judged to have used a swinging arm on Haraki’s star player Nathan Canon. Canon required a moment’s treatment on the field for a cut to his temple but was not seriously hurt in the incident that came 10 minutes into the second half. “We shall be reviewing the television footage” said a grim-faced Coach McGadden “Fizzer is not a dirty player and I am sure he would never set out to deliberately injure another player” asked if he was just defending brutal violence McGadden stated “ it is the policy of the XRU to take disciplinary matters very seriously indeed, however the maxim of innocent until proven guilty should apply and I’m not about to pass judgment until I have had a chance to review the evidence. In my view the Referee was in completely the wrong place to see anything and it was a long way for the Touch judge who flagged it, we’ll see”.

Xandabia responded to the sending-off by brining Alex Estoban, the speedy, hard-tackling flanker out of the pack to inside centre and brining Godberson up from full-back to fly-half, while Lamort dropped back to fullback. A shocked 14-man Xandabia fought valiantly to stave off the inevitable with the siege-gun boot of Godberson pining Haraki back in their 22 time after time but they were playing 10 man rugby with only nine men. The pack soon began to miss the ruthless foraging of Estoban in the ruck and maul and Hiraki exploited the greater space around the fringes to telling effect.

Petersson himself was unavailable for comment. ‘He’s devastated at this” said room-mate and half-back partner Mike Blairstrom “ we all are. Chris is the perfect gentleman sportsman and there’s no way he would ever hit someone”. Speaking to other players it is clear the whole camp has suffered a shock to morale. “Rugby players a re supposed to be standard –bearers for decency and sportsmanship and that’s Chris to a T” said his captain Big Gav Godberson. “

The red card put a dampener on what had been a very exciting performance from the Xandabians who had obviously raised their game to take on the group leaders. Great angles of running from the back line saw tries for Toucerston, Hastie and Lamort. All converted by the big man as we have come to expect.

McGadden’s head-aches are not all on the disciplinary front either with injuries confirmed to Mitchell and Hastie.

Pages 2, 37 & 9 for in depth analysis and our pictures of “that” tackle.
Have your say on 08457 226 423.
P.14 Rugby thuggery shames Xandabia – Cpt. of Women’s Curling team.

from the pages of the Camelot Free Press

2006-05-29

CAMELOT WASPS DESTROY BENLANDNGDO RUGBY SQUAD AT RUGBY WORLD CUP.
Backs put on speed clinic.

International Report from Haraki - At the last Rugby World Cup, a certain coach, of a certain club representing the nation of PopularFreedom noted that a team needed to be well rounded in his defense of why his team were slower than snails. The Camelot Wasps however proved his theories wrong on the pitch yesterday. Led by 3 tries by winger Patrick Dunigan, the Camelot Wasps, absolutely dominated their match against Benlandngdo yesterday.

From the opening kickoff, you could tell that Benlandngdo did not have the speed to counter the rocket like speed the Wasps brought to their match. Off the opening kickoff in fact, winger Patrick Dunigan was able to catch the ball and then run through most of the Benlandngdo defenders en route to his first of three tries on the day to give PopularFreedom a 7-0 lead with the convert.

Minutes later, it was the Wasps again who after a Benlandngdo knock-on were able to get the ball out to the backs who again passed it to Dunigan who got his second try of the match, all within the first 5 minutes. Inside Centre Simon Caine, missed the convert however which made the score 12-0 for the PopularFreedom side as rugby fans from the nation were already celebrating in the stands.

At the 15 minute mark, after a few problems with their forwards, it was the Camelot Wasps again who after the ball was fed out to them, kicked a nice high up and over which was allowed to drop by the Benlandngdo backs. Without missing a step, Outside Centre Cliff Clemons was able to gather the ball and run it in for the Wasps third score of the match making it 19-0 for PopularFreedom with the convert.

On the ensuing kickoff Fullback Gaven Henderickson was able to gather in the ball and race back through the swiss cheese which was the Benlandngdo defense to score PopularFreedom's fourth try, which with the convert made it a 26-0 score while the Camelot fans in the stands especially were going nuts.

The Benlandngdo squad then substituted a few of their players off which helped to settle the match down for the remainder of the half, though PopularFreedom was able to score one more try off a great individual run by Dunigan to make the score 33-0 with the convert at the half.

Entering the second half the only concern was the forwards of the Wasps who were not dominating the Benlandngdo squad in the same way that the backs were. As the teams took the field, the Wasps had used 6 substitutions as they pulled quite a number of their starters in place of substitutes. This move seemed to contribute to the opening score by Benlandngdo who took the opening kickoff and rumbled through the Wasps to score their first and only score of the game to cut the PopularFreedom lead to 33-7.

The Wasps were okay during the second half, but unable with their substitutes to dominate as they had in the first. In fact Benlandngdo was able to dominate most of the second half though unable to score again. Finally in the 77th minute Camelot winger Roger Ismaillio was able to close the scoring with a run around the Benlandngdo backs and into the try zone for his first try of the match to put the score at 40-7 with the convert. Moments later the match was done and the PopularFreedom fans and players celebrated their win.

After the match, coach Steve Smithy was all business as he focused on preparation for today's match against Trotsgrad. Hopefully the Wasps can come away with a win today to increase their record and come closer to winning their group.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
SportsnetRV Ruggers Huddle

The Big Match happened and an Emotional Game started off with FAns Singing the RV and Marceau Anthems at Full Volume The announced attendance inside Celtic Field was 103,367 A Capacity Crowd also Gathered at Invasion Field in Marceau to watch the game Simulcasted as well as at two plazas in Marceau City. The Overpacked stadium was boisterous throughout the game and When MArceau opened Scoring on a Brilliant Run By Jonathan Alain-Rochette The Stadium errupted from the North Stands as Marceau's Faithfull felt the GAme going thier way that lasted all of 10 minutes when Rorysville Scored two quick trys Patrice Lafleur, and then a run by Kirk McCarty put Rorysville up by 7 Marceau answered back with a try by Jordan Gagné they went into Halftime tied at 14 all After Halftime MArceau took the lead on a kick to put them up by 3 after 20 Minutes of back and forth action Rorysville answered and put the game away with 3 more trys and a Kick then with 2 minutes left a Fight broke out on the field Jeff Stillman,Max Evenall,Levon Truuie for Rorysville and Christobal Marle,Jaques Kirrel,Vincent Beaulieu for Marceau were Red Carded for thier Parts in the Brawl all 3 for both teams will be sitting out Matchday 4.After the Game the Crowd left the stadium and Celebrated on Celtic Avenue no Arrests and no Rioting the Celebrations were kept clean.
"Well it's good to stay in the Win column this Marceau Squad was tough oppenent I can see them being a force within a couple years,As for the Stadium I have nbever felt more pride in my Country and the Fans are amazing it was an unbelievable experience to coach in there.The Fight was the Pure Emotion of Rorysville and Marceau no less would be expected Marceau was hurt and the Emotions boiled over all six players have spoken top each other after the gameand let's just say there is no bad blood between them. Our next opponent Virginia Nova will be a tough one I look forward to our next match."--coach Sitller

Group Three Standings after Matchday 3
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 2 0 0 73 23 50 0 8
Rorysville 2 0 0 62 25 37 0 8
Snake Eaters 1 0 2 45 54 -9 0 4
Virginia Nova 1 0 1 28 57 -29 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 3 49 80 -31 2 2

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/5856/slammrrwc0tq.gif
Marceau's Official Newsletter of the Rugby World Cup

The Big Match happened and an Emotional Game started off with Fans Singing the RV and Marceau Anthems at Full Volume The announced attendance inside Celtic Field was 103,367 A Capacity Crowd also Gathered at Invasion Field in Marceau to watch the game Simulcasted as well as at two plazas in Marceau City. The Overpacked stadium was boisterous throughout the game and When MArceau opened Scoring on a Brilliant Run By Jonathan Alain-Rochette The Stadium errupted from the North Stands as Marceau's Faithfull felt the GAme going thier way that lasted all of 10 minutes when Rorysville Scored two quick trys Patrice Lafleur, and then a run by Kirk McCarty put Rorysville up by 7 Marceau answered back with a try by Jordan Gagné they went into Halftime tied at 14 all After Halftime MArceau took the lead on a kick to put them up by 3 after 20 Minutes of back and forth action Rorysville answered and put the game away with 3 more trys and a Kick then with 2 minutes left a Fight broke out on the field Jeff Stillman,Max Evenall,Levon Truuie for Rorysville and Christobal Marle,Jaques Kirrel,Vincent Beaulieu for Marceau were Red Carded for thier Parts in the Brawl all 3 for both teams will be sitting out Matchday 4.After the Game the Crowd left the stadium and Celebrated on Celtic Avenue no Arrests and no Rioting the Celebrations were kept clean.
"Well We had them on the ropes a couple times well at least I think we did.We had some great plays but in the end our inability to finish the plays killed our hopes of winning. The Game was High Spirited and Highly emotional The Fight Between the six players boiled down to hurt pride and in the case of Chistobal pent up aggrivation of being Cut by Rorysville he had something to prove. The Players did talk after the game and there is no bad blood between the players the will however miss out on our next match against Larkinia. That match will be another tough one as we will be playing the 3rd best team in the world and comming off this emotional game it will be tough to keep our energy levels where they need to be."--coach Lemaire

Marceau's Qualifing Schedule
MD 1 -@ #10 Virginia Nova L 18-14
MD 2 -@ #15 Snake Eaters L 28-14
MD 3 -@ #8 Rorysville L 38-17
MD 4 -@ #3 Larkinia
MD 5 -BYE
MD 6 -vs. #10 Virginia Nova
MD 7 -vs. #15 Snake Eaters
MD 8 -vs. #8 Rorysville(To be Played at Invasion Field)
MD 9 -vs. #3 Larkinia
MD 10-BYE

Group Three Standings after Matchday 3
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 2 0 0 73 23 50 0 8
Rorysville 2 0 0 62 25 37 0 8
Snake Eaters 1 0 2 45 54 -9 0 4
Virginia Nova 1 0 1 28 57 -29 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 3 49 80 -31 2 2

((Sorry guys, no audio updates right now, I'm at work. ;) I'll get working on a regular story ASAP))

Larkinia Still Holding Strong in World Cup

Steve Jackson
Associated Press

Forward play was the order of the day in Larkinia's Rugby World Cup campaign. The Eagles powered over the Snake Eaters, 30-13, to maintain a tenuous hold on first place in Group 3.

The Eagles found themselves in the hole 7-0 after kickoff. Snake Eaters were able to spin out the ball quickly to their weakside wing off of a 50-meter scrum. The Eaters flankers were able to break off of the scrum quickly and created an overload on the weakside of the field that wing Ed Pitt and fullback Ben Williams were unable to contain.

After converting the try and a Larkinian kickoff, the Snake Eaters found themselves driving again, feeding their momentum with a drop-goal from 20-meters out.

Down 10-0, Larkinian SuperRugbyCoachingLegend™ Ian Jones switched tactics. The ensuing kickoff angled away from the pack towards the far sidelines where Pitt caught the ball in midstride and sprinted down to ten meters out before being tackled. By then the rest of the backline emerged around Pitt and rucked the ball to the try line. Outside center Rob Ellis then dove over the line, with Snake Eaters in tow.

A quick Eagles return from kickoff, and the Eagles were once again driving down the field in a rolling maul. The ball was repeatedly passed to a backline that found themselves stuffed by a tightening Eaters' defense.

Where the backline was slowed, the forwards picked up the slack for the Eagles. Lock Kurt Hodges and reserve flanker Scott Bernard each scored tries in opposing corners of the pitch as the Eagles took a 17-10 lead going into the half.

After halftime, the Snake Eaters added to their total off of an another amazing drop kick. With Eagles' defenders all around, somehow the ball had time to hit the ground and fly through a dozen hands trying to block it and, more importantly, through the goal posts.

Larkinia's defense tightened up after the drop goal, and the Eagles found themselves in opposition territory for much of the rest of the second half. Captian and eight-man Sean Collins scored another try and Fly-half Chris Davies slotted two penalties to round out the Larkinian scoring.

"I think the boys put a good effort out on the field today," SuperRugbyCoachingLegend™ Jones said. "It was a little tense at the beginning, but I like how the boys kept their composure and started playing like the well-oiled machined... well-lubricated, with alcohol possibly, but they were a machine nonetheless, for a change."

Upon hearing about the Marceau State-Rorysville Brawl, Jones looked somberly at the scouts returning from the Marceau game.

"It's too bad when something like that happens," Jones sighed. "I'm hopeful that both sides will maintain their composure in our upcoming match. Sounds like it was something they needed to get out of their systems. Now if you'll excuse me, it sounds like I need to read some new scouting reports."

Controversial Red Card Gives Haraki Another Win
From the Atherlon Times

Pete Vans, Atherlon. Haraki played newcomers to the World Cup scene Xandabia in a game that looked to be going Xandabia's way at half, until Harakian coach Allan Ferris made some major changes to the team to give Haraki a squad that simply overpowered the Xandabian side, boosted by a red card to Xandabian fly half Chris Petersson.

Petersson's leadership and Haraki's inability to predict his next play led to two consecutive Xandabian tries near the twenty-five minute mark, both converted, and it seemed Ferris' team may have been falling apart. But they managed to rally behind Nathan Cannon, who should be a shoe-in for at least assistant captain next year. Long kicks including one up and under caught by Adam Farreley led to god advancing down the field for ten minutes, granting Haraki two tries, both converted by Cannon, and both by left wing Daniel Virlan. Xandabia managed to come back with another converted try just before half, for a score of 21-14 against Haraki.

Allan Ferris reportedly got angry at his team, although also seemed impressed by the Xandabians' performance. After the game, he was quoted as saying "I see big things in the future for this team. I'm betting top ten within three cups." He made some large changes, most notably: Kurt Ellis, Haraki's rookie right wing, was taken off for Adam Halsey, the lightning-fast scrum half from Kiros RFC. Adam Farreley and James Keay, neither of whom were playing to their full potential, were both replaced: Jasper Hull at Inside Centre and André Tulua at Outside Centre. In the forward pack, only eight-man Thomas Gerryin was replaced, to watch the second half as Joseph Vaughan took his place. Brad Weckit stayed at fullback and Daniel Virlan, who performed so well the first half, stayed on.

Haraki scored first at forty-five minutes, with a pass out of the ruck going to lock Sid Galworth, who took a frop goal from the 22 for three points. Five minutes later came the controversial red card of Chris Petersson for an intentional stiff arm to the face against Nathan Cannon, who thankfully was not seriously harmed. He came off the field for much of the rest of the game though, replaced by Kyle Ennisby at fly half, while Cannon had treatment at the Haraki bench for an injured temple. He retook the field at 70 minutes though, to play the last ten.

The Xandabians seemed shaken enough by the call to allow André Tulua to score a try through their defence at sixty minutes, which Ennisby converted to bring Haraki up 24-21. Vaughan managed to gain significant ground several times running on the side of the scrum where flanker Alex Esteban was moved to centre. A penalty deep in Xandabia's end led to 3 points by Ennisby, which served to make the Xandabians panic. With the score 27-21 with twelve minutes left in the game, they tried their best to advance ground, with some nice long kicks by Gavin Godberson into touch in the Harakian end. But when Cannon retook the field it was all over. His fantastic kicking drove the Xandabians back, and as their form got sloppier as they tried to turn up the aggression, Cannon managed to slot home two penalty kicks in the dying minutes of the game to put it out of reach of the Xandabian team.

Tries: Virlan (2), Tulua (1)
Cons: Cannon (2), Ennisby (1)
DGs: Galworth (1)
Pens: Ennisby (1), Cannon (2)



Pete Vans is the Atherlon Times' rugby journalist.

Matchday Four Scores:

Group 1:
Haraki (35 - 7) Milchama
McPsychoville (10 - 12) Xandabia

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Haraki 3 0 1 145 90 55 1 13
McPsychoville 2 0 2 89 87 2 1 9
Xandabia 2 0 2 75 92 -17 0 8
Milchama 1 0 3 83 123 -40 1 5

Group 2:
AMW China (24 - 12) Starblaydia
East Lithuania (28 - 7) Lisburn Mateys

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 4 0 0 93 46 57 0 16
Lisburn Mateys 1 1 2 52 72 -20 1 7
Starblaydia 1 1 2 62 65 -3 0 6
East Lithuania 1 0 3 48 72 -24 1 5

Group 3:
Larkinia (45 - 18) Marceau State
Rorysville (30 - 3) Virginia Nova
Snake Eaters BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 3 0 0 118 41 77 0 12
Rorysville 3 0 0 92 28 64 0 12
Snake Eaters 1 0 2 45 54 -9 0 4
Virginia Nova 1 0 2 31 87 -56 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 4 67 125 -58 2 2

Group 4:
PopularFreedom (35 - 5) Trotsgrad
Sarzonia (33 - 14) Harlesburg
Benlandngdo BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
PopularFreedom 3 0 0 106 31 75 0 12
Sarzonia 3 0 0 70 45 25 0 12
Trotsgrad 1 0 3 55 80 -25 2 6
Benlandngdo 1 0 2 48 85 -37 1 5
Harlesburg 0 0 3 43 81 -38 1 1

Larkinian Backline Takes Charge

The Eagles continue their world cup campaign in Haraki with another win, this time 45-18 over Marceau State.

Game summary and your emails here

http://larkinia.tripod.com/rugby2.mp3

radio clip courtesy of the PopularFreedom Ticker

Live Broadcast just prior to today's match of PopularFreedom verses Sarzonia in Haraki (www.geocities.com/PopularFreedomTicker/2006-05-30-001-NSN.wma)






OOC: I really worked hard on this one, tell me what you all think. :)

radio clip courtesy of the PopularFreedom Ticker

Live Broadcast just prior to today's match of PopularFreedom verses Sarzonia in Haraki (www.geocities.com/PopularFreedomTicker/2006-05-30-001-NSN.wma)






OOC: I really worked hard on this one, tell me what you all think. :)


((I'm having problems connecting to the file. Is there another way to access it?))

Haraki Avenges Matchday One Loss
From the Atherlon Times

Pete Vans, Atherlon. Highly hyped both by word of mouth and by advertising, the second match between Haraki and Milchama, the reigning World Cup champions and the only team to beat them thus far in the Cup, had record attendance of 109,000 people filling the stadium to see what some were calling a revenge match, which Haraki ultimately won 35-7.

A Harakian kickoff far down the field followed by magnificent tackles and rucking by the Harakian forwards gave them a quick turnover, and a long arcing pass to Daniel Virlan on the left wing by scrum half Carl Thint left Virlan racing over the line to score a try, which Harakian fly half Nathan Cannon converted. The Harakians continued to press the offence, not willing to risk another Milchaman victory, giving Thomas Gerryin a pushover try off a scrum, and having Carl Thint pick the ball and run off a ruck only five metres from the Milchaman end for another try, both converted by Nathan Cannon.

With an imposing Harakian lead of 21-0 heading into halftime, the Milchamans seemed discouraged. But a short and high kickoff was caught by wing Terry Daneski, who managed to gain significant ground before the Milchaman forwards took over, eventually forming a rolling maul that was pushed over the Harakian try line before Milchaman eight-man Danny Limeron picked the ball out and dropped to the ground for a converted try.

But the Harakians were unwilling to give the Milchamans a comeback, and two bounced kicks into touch by Nathan Cannon advanced down the field far enough that James Keay could take the ball out of a Harakian-won lineout and pass to Adam Farreley, who sprinted past the defence only to pass back to James Keay on his left to fake out the fullback, leading to Keay running between the posts and scoring a fourth Harakian try, which Cannon converted.

The Milchamans seemed to be getting angry, and after a long kickoff, Milchaman Melech Giles intentionally high tackled dam Farreley, gaining Farreley a bloodied nose and Giles ten minutes in the sin bin. André Tulua took the field at Outisde Centre, and managed to get himself a try two minutes from the end, once more converted by Cannon, for a 35-7 Harakian win.

Tries: Virlan, Gerryin, Thint, Keay, Tulua
Cons: Cannon (5)



Pete Vans is the Atherlon Times' rugby journalist.

[OOC: Could you save the radio broadcast in .mp3 format?]

Woodstock Daily Mail

Galaxians prepare for major test

by George Landis
Special to the Daily Mail

Facing their second consecutive World Cup of Rugby and third World Cup overall, the Sarzonian national team weren't picked by many in Sarzonia to challenge for the group lead with fourth ranked PopularFreedom and 17th ranked Harlesburg sharing the group. Most expected this young team having only begun their domestic league last year to falter in the big matches.

However, this team has belied the predictions thus far, earning wins by 13-12 over Trotsgrad and a team-record 33-14 walloping of Harlesburg to set up the showdown with PopularFreedom with first place in Group 4 and undefeated records for both sides on the line.

"We've begun to hit a bit of a stride thus far," said scrum half Ben Nightingale. "You're starting to see the results of our hard work in the past year or so."

"I don't think anyone expected us to be undefeated heading in. It was a possibility considering our ranking (ninth in the world), but to go in and beat Harlesburg that easily? I don't think anyone counted on that happening," said number 8 Brent Connelly. "This is going to be the biggest game we've played in about three World Cups. It's going to take a lot of doing to remain focused."

Maintaining focus was not expected to be the biggest worry for a team that by all rights should be taking their lumps from more experienced rugby nations but has found ways to win matches they ought to have no rights competing in. But with both PopularFreedom and Sarzonia sporting 3-0 records, flanker Dave McGovern said the team would be opening eyes around the rest of the world.

"Oh, no question," McGovern said. "They're starting to take us a little more seriously. At least that's the sense I get. This team can sneak up on people, though I don't know how long that's going to last."

The Balmanno Telegraph

Mud, sweat and tears
McPsychoville (10 - 12) Xandabia

A much-improved performance from the pack was the foundation upon which Xandabia built this famous victory but at the end of the day it was the kicking boots of Xandabia’s star captain Gavin Godberson that was the difference between the two sides.

Coach McGadden made a number of changes to the team that lots the opening encounter between these two sides. Steven "the Butcher” Cumberland (6' 17st) replaced McMaster at no.8 bringing a bit of extra bulk to the pack and in the front row the injured Mitchell made way for Dougie Macdonald. It was in the back division that the greatest changes came after the enforced absence of Petersson was compounded by Scott Hastie failing a last minute fitness test Pint-sized speedster Rory "The Pocket Rocket" Rickett came in at wing while Toucerston moved across to fly-half with "Wester" Ross MaGuiness coming in at outside centre. “It was always my intention to give everyone a run-out” commented the coach “but this wasn’t quite what I had in mind”. The new combinations gelled remarkably well although the experience and versatility of sevens-players MaGuiness and Rickett(who seemed to be everywhere) saved the Xandabians from embarrassment on a number of occasions.

The game was played in the pouring rain into the teeth of a howling gale that swirled so unpredictably that neither side gained much of an advantage from it.

Mcpsychoville won the toss and it seemed to begin with that the wind might favour them as they hoisted Garry Owen after Garry Owen that kept Xandabia penned inside their 22 for the first 20 mins of the game. The back three were severely tested on a number of occasions but the tactic of aerial bombardment eventually paid of for Mcpsychoville when a wicked gust snatched the ball away from the unlucky Rickett into the grateful hands of the onrushing Vojacek who dotted down in the corner. The conversion attempt went wide.

Eventually the continued kicking back-fired when Novak was penalized for being offside. Blairstrom took a quick tap and fed the charging Forbes who’s 18st was eventually hauled down by the combined efforts of Raine, Kotalik and Miller. Xandabia recycled quickly through MaGuiness who popped the ball up to Cumberland. Xandabia drove the resulting maul, rolling it steadily towards the Mcpsychoville 22. Estoban then broke away, feeding Blairstrom in the tackle. Blairstrom jinked committing the defender before releasing the ball to Rickett who’d come off his wing in search of work. Rickett’s dancing feet and electric pace carved through the defence for a well-earned try under the posts to level the score. Even from straight in front Godberson was taking no chances with the wind and he fairly blasted the ball between the uprights, deep into the stand. They went in for half-time with the game poised at 7-5 to Xandabia.

In the second half the Mcpsychoville side opted to keep the ball in hand and openside flanker Andris Kotalik asked all sorts of questions with his driving play round the fringes but Estoban and Jamieson kept him firmly in check.

The wind by this stage had switched round so that it was blowing more across the pitch than down it. Mcpsychoville drove a series of lineouts to set up a scrum 5 metres from the Xandabian line. Both scrums were having real trouble keeping their footing by this stage as the pitch began to cut up and when the scrum went down for the third time the referee awarded a penalty against McTaggert for taking it down. Mcpsychoville prodded the ball into the corner to set up another lineout. Lasek took beautifully to set up the drive that lead to their 2nd try. The conversion again went wide so at 10-7 it was still all to play for with 10 mis remaining.

At the restart Godberson dummied left, where his pack were drawn up to kick deep towards the left-hand touch-line. Lamort and Toucerston were after it like greyhounds from a trap in what was obviously a pre-planned move that caught Mcpsychoville cold. The conditions were too much this time for Godberson who pushed the conversion wide across the face of the posts.

Xandabia seemed content having regained the lead to do anything to cling onto it. As in the game against Haraki, Lamort dropped back to fullback so that Godberson could move up to fly-half while Toucerston moved out to centre and MaGuiness to wing. McGadden also used the opportunity to bring on some fresh legs in the form of Barry Richardson who replaced Estoban in the back row.

The mighty siege Gun boot ensured that the remainder of the game was played in Mcpsychoville territory. Blairstrom and the forwards kept the ball tight setting up a series of rolling mauls that ran down the clock without ever seriously threatening Mcpsychoville’s defences.

When the final whistle went a relieved Xandabia ran out worthy winners at 10-12. ‘ I felt the lads showed a lot of tactical nouse today” said the coach, “they had a plan and they stuck to it. They didn’t panic went they went behind in the 1st half and the way they hung on at the end to grinding out the win showed real maturity.”

In other RWC news the disciplinary hearing will take place this afternoon for Chris Petersson before a specially convened committee of referees. The committee will review footage of the incident as well as taking statements from the match referee, the touch judge, the Haraki & Xandabian coaches and the players involved. The panel may decide that being sent off and missing the following game may be sufficient punishment or, in the worst case, he may be fined for brining the game into disrepute and be forced to fly home early. At his club back home where he is captain of the 1stXV and is their leading try-scorer this season and all-time points record holder they are planning an all night candle-lit vigil. Club Chairman Brian Wallstone explained ‘None of us can quite believe it. He’s such a good lad and never been in any sort of trouble before. He’s always been such a great encourager of the young and he’s always first to the bar after a game sharing a jar with the other team”.

Full match stats p.3, p4 we rate the key players of the tournament so far. P6 Will you be boycotting Haraki goods if Petersson is banned?

[QUOTE=PopularFreedom]radio clip courtesy of the PopularFreedom Ticker

Live Broadcast just prior to today's match of PopularFreedom verses Sarzonia in Haraki (www.geocities.com/PopularFreedomTicker/2006-05-30-001-NSN.wma)




OOC:That's fantastic well done

radio clip courtesy of the PopularFreedom Ticker

Live Broadcast just prior to today's match of PopularFreedom verses Sarzonia in Haraki (www.geocities.com/PopularFreedomTicker/2006-05-30-001-NSN.wma)






OOC: I really worked hard on this one, tell me what you all think. :)

Damn! This is amazing! Way to go dude! I see I'm going to have to step this up a bit. ;)

"Nathan! Nathan! Can you comment on-"

"Mr Cannon! A moment of your time, please!"

"Mr Cannon, I just want to-"

"SHUT UP!"

The last voice was Allan Ferris, the Haraki national rugby team coach, bellowing over the din of reporters. "Nate has agreed to answer some questions, what with the upcoming disciplinary hearing against Xandabian fly half Chris Petersson and possibly the World Cup in general. But please, one at a time."

The twenty-two year old fly half stepped up to the podium, pointing to a woman in the front row. "Yes?"

"Mr Cannon, can you comment on the incident in which Chris Petersson of Xandabia stiff-armed you in the head?"

"Yes. I don't think it was intentional. Those of you who've played, you know how it is. You're standing, waiting for it out of a ruck, running with the ball, trying to make a tackle - sometimes shit just happens. That's the only time I've ever seen a red card given in play, and I'm really surprised by it. It should have just been a high tackle penalty call. I won't be pressing charges or anything."

"What will you say the disciplinary hearing tomorrow?" shouted a man in the third row.

"The same thing I just told you. I think it was an accident, especially with Chris Petersson's record in club play. You."

A man in the second row raised his hand. "You've kicked a nearly perfect record this Cup so far, much better than the previous one. Can you comment?"

Cannon laughed. "We've only played four games. There's plenty of time for me to f- screw up."

"Do you think you can take Haraki to the top again?"

"I'll give it my best shot."

"Are you aiming for the captaincy next year?"

"It'd be nice, but I'm making no hopes. It'll go to who deserves it most. I think Brad's doing a good job this year, and James did a great job two years ago." He checked his watch. "I'm out of time. Thanks for stopping by."

As all the reporters shouted out trying to get another question in, Nathan Cannon turned and walked back away from the podium. A crowd of screaming girls behind the reporters blew him kisses and screeched.

Matchday Five Scores:

Group 1:
Haraki (29 - 18) McPsychoville
Milchama (27 - 29) Xandabia

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Haraki 4 0 1 174 108 66 1 17
Xandabia 3 0 2 104 119 -15 0 12
McPsychoville 2 0 3 107 116 -9 1 9
Milchama 1 0 4 110 152 -42 2 6

Group 2:
AMW China (21 - 3) East Lithuania
Starblaydia (14 - 22) Lisburn Mateys

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 5 0 0 114 49 76 0 20
Lisburn Mateys 2 1 2 74 86 -12 1 11
Starblaydia 1 1 3 76 87 -11 0 6
East Lithuania 1 0 4 51 93 -42 1 5

Group 3:
Larkinia (49 - 14) Rorysville
Virginia Nova (27 - 12) Snake Eaters
Marceau State BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 4 0 0 167 55 112 0 16
Rorysville 3 0 1 106 77 29 0 12
Virginia Nova 2 0 2 58 99 -41 0 8
Snake Eaters 1 0 3 57 81 -24 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 4 67 125 -58 2 2

Group 4:
PopularFreedom (31 - 35) Sarzonia
Harlesburg (25 - 7) Benlandngdo
Trotsgrad BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sarzonia 4 0 0 105 76 29 0 16
PopularFreedom 3 0 1 137 66 71 1 13
Trotsgrad 1 0 3 55 80 -25 2 6
Harlesburg 1 0 3 68 88 -20 1 5
Benlandngdo 1 0 3 55 110 -56 1 5

OOC: Thanks. :) My computer was down for most of the afternoon however was able to finally get it into an MP3 version...

http://www.geocities.com/PopularFreedomTicker/2006-05-30-001-NSN.mp3

Again enjoy and glad you all like it. :)

PS: Congrats to Sarzonia on the win.

PPS: Will post news report on the loss tomorrow as currently dead tired now

Woodstock Daily Mail

Galaxians complete furious comeback to pull off upset

by Ryan Calvin
Daily Mail Staff Writer

30 May 2006 -- With the final 20 minutes of the match approaching and PopularFreedom ahead by a 31-8 margin, the most highly anticipated contest the Sarzonian national rugby team had played since their knockout stage appearance in World Cup 3 looked like a lost cause. However, the Galaxians finally found the range with a flurry of tries and scored 27 unanswered points to rally past PopularFreedom for a 35-31 victory.

"Unbelieveable," said one Galaxians supporter after he and his fellow Sarzonians were beckoned by the team to join their celebration on the field. Sarzonia won a match that almost exceeded the Starblaydia win in World Cup 5 for drama, intrigue, and for momentum possibly generated by the victory.

"Our lads showed a lot of grit and determination," said Incorporated Football Federation chairman Dave Wilson, who watched the rugby match from a luxury suite. "It's hard to fathom what this kind of win will do for the lads, but it's definitely a cause for celebration."

With Sarzonia's national football team sporting a 0-2 record in the third Dragon Invitational in Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, a tournament the Stars won the first two times it was contested is now looking like a lost cause for the team. The Stars women's footballers have earned a dominating 5-0 record and have the widest goal differential in the second Women's World Cup.

But the Stars women were prohibitive favourites with inaugural champions Liverpool England not taking part. The Galaxians weren't anyone's favourites to even finish the group as one of the teams expected to advance to the groups stage, let alone sport an undefeated, untied record.

"This is going to do that new league a world of good," another fan said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see it turn a profit within two years at this rate."

Now may not be a time for most Galaxians' supporters to predict the future. They're too busy enjoying the present.

from the pages of the Camelot Free Press

2006-05-31

COLLAPSE!!!
The Camelot Wasps blew a 23 point lead in the 2nd half to lose 35-31.

International Report from Haraki - 'What happened?'

Most PopularFreedom fans leaving the stadium looked stunned while Sarzonia fans were joyous as the Camelot Wasps blew a 23 point lead losing to the Sarzonia national squad 35-31.

Players of the team refused to talk to the media as the team huddled in their dressing room after the match. Fans however were a different story. 'Fire Smithy', yelled one angry fan in reference to the Wasps coach.

It was in fact coach Smithy who had substituted in all 6 substitutes just before Sarzonia's grand comeback.

The Wasps had played brilliantly up until the 60th minute in fact scoring tries in the 5th, 22nd, 35th, and 39th minutes to lead 28-0 at the half, and after a quick try by Sarzonia to begin the second half and an exchange of drop goals, PopularFreedom still led 31-8 at the 60th minute mark. Then Smithy, after having already substituted in 4 substitutes at half, substituted in Andrew Winger at fullback, while putting in Phil Camuelson at prop for Lester Douglas.

What Smithy was thinking is still unclear, perhaps he figured that Camuelson had played well against previous squads, however Sarzonia was a much better team, and better ranked.

'They should have pounded them in more', one fan stated when asked did he agree with the substitutes.

Whatever the case, between Camuelson's inability to hold the scrum up , which led to a rash of penalties on the Camelot forwards, to Andrew Winger's inability to tackle, the Wasps completely disintegrated in the final 20 minutes with Sarzonia scoring 5 unanswered tries to snatch the victory from PopularFreedom.

One can only hope that the Wasps can rebound from this defeat as they face their next match tomorrow.

The Balmanno Telegraph

Petersson cleared! (oh and we won too!)
Milchama (27 - 29) Xandabia

The tension in the Xandabian camp this morning was electric as the team began its final preparation for this afternoon’s clash with Milchama. The disciplinary panel convened at 12pm and so assistant coach Frank Telfson has the task of keeping the players focused on the upcoming game.

Milchama have obviously been drilling hard since the last time these two sides met as they quickly established a 15 point lead. Eventually Xandabia manage to get some good field position as the result of a penalty against Ulton Fennerborough for handling in the ruck. It looks easily within Godberson’s range but instead he elects to kick for the corner. The take from the lineout is good and the forwards set up a strong driving maul that carries a restored Sampson over for his first international try. The angle proves too much of a challenge and the scores stay 15-5 with 6 mins left of the 1st half.

Milchama waste no time in striking back through a beautiful cross field kick whose wicked bounce beats Lamort to set up a try in the corner.

At half time things are looking bleak for Xandabia and the supporters seem unusually quiet. All at once a rumbling murmur arises from the Xandabian section of the crowd that grows in volume to a chant “Pe-ter-sson, Pe-ter-sson, Pe-ter-sson,”. Moments later confirmation comes through on the stadium tannoy.
The RWC disciplinary panel on reviewing all the evidence and interviewing those involved have found that there is no case to answer in the matter of Chris Patterson of Xandabia”. Shouts of delight turn to roars of joy as moments later the Xandabian team take the field with the familiar figure restored to his no.10 position.

It was not long until we were treated to a glimpse of the magical talent we had been missing as the dancing feet of Petersson carved through the Milchama midfield to put Toucerstone in at the posts. Godberson slotted the conversion easily to pick up the extra 2 points to take the score to 20-12.

The next score came from another piece of Petersson genius 3 minutes later when his long looped pass found Lamort who’s zig-zagging run spit the defence wide open. Petersson took a perfectly timed pop pass on the switch to set up a one on one with the full-back whom he shimmied round to score a great comeback try. Godberson again did the necessary to take the score to a nail-bitingly close 20-19.

Milchama dug in and the next ten minutes saw them build phase after phase of possession with only heroic tackling from the Xandabian defence keeping them at bay. The stroke of the hour found Milchame encamped on the Xandabian 22 with a well-positioned attacking scrum. A sudden wheel of the Xandabian scrum gave Blairstrom the split second he needed to rob a hapless Jonny Romeman at the base of the scrum. He scampered away with Estoban on his shoulder. Quick hands spun the ball away from the covering defence and released the speedster Rickett who needed no second invitation to show what he was made of and raced in to set up an other easy conversion. The Xandabia crowd leapt to its feet as the scoreboard lit up 20-26 to Xandabia.

The Milchama team huddled under the posts looked shocked at their sudden reversal but sharp words from their captain restored them. A penalty against JJ Jamieson for offside gave Milchama an excellent position to attack from as they kicked deep into Xandabia’s 22. Milchama executed a textbook catch and drive but were unable to ground the ball over the Xandabian line. From the 5m scrum Milchama’s no.8 picked up but was just held up short by Estoban, unfortunately the good work was undone by a penalty for preventing fair release. Milchama piled on the pressure through a forward charge but the only result was another scrum. Eventually with only 6 mins remaining Milchama breached the defence and kicked the vital conversion to restore their lead.

From the restart Milchama seemed determined to deny Xandabia any possession; happy instead to run the clock down with a series of drives through the forwards. Eventually however possession came back to Xandabia when a hospital pass to Terry Cormack lead to him being knocked into the middle of next week by the combined power of Estoban and Toucerston – spilling the ball forwards in the process. With the clock rapidly running down Blairstrom fed the scrum while Petersson dropped back into the safety of the pocket. The whole sequence seemed to happen in slow motion - a diving pass from Blairstrom perfectly taken by Petersson - he looks up one, two and ball sail away straight and true for the uprights to seal a remarkable victory.

P.3 Fair play Haraki., P5. Who’s your pin-up girls? Chris or Nathan

Coach Steve Smithy looked at his hotel desk just prior to leaving his hotel room for the stadium. The hotel of his team in fact was directly across from the main stadium where they played their games and practiced as well. Normally he usually got their early, however today he had his assistant coaches running the drills for the players. He had done a lot of thinking the previous night, and not much sleeping. Then of course this morning he got every newspaper he could. Almost like he was hoping yesterday was a bad dream. Like somehow the newspapers would tell him he had dreamed the entire thing.

Of course, the front pages of most of the papers had coverage of his squads loss.

The Camelot Free Press of course had it as front and centre of their first page with the headline, 'COLLAPSE'. The Woodstock Daily Mail had their front page noting, 'Galaxians complete furious comeback to pull off upset'. The Lisburn Star was more direct with their story on the 3rd page, 'Worst coach of the year?', with a picture of Coach Smithy underneath the title.

Coach Smithy remembered what had happened then. He turned on the television, however of course he had left it on Rorysville sportsnet which of course was documenting the loss by Camelot in full detail when he happened to turn it on.

Even the radio would not let coach Smithy off the hook. Net News 54 in fact had some parody spoof about his coaching decisions while the National Sports Network had their daily, 'Say hello to a sportstar', call in show where callers could call in to state their opinions on certain sports celebrities in the nation. Of course today they choose Coach Steve Smithy. He still remembered the one older lady noting that her, 'dead dog could make better decisions than Smithy'.

Shaking his head he went to leave his room. As he locked his door the bellboy came down the hallway.

Bellboy: 'Coach Smithy, I got these papers like you asked'

Coach Smithy thanked the bellboy and paid him a tip then took a look at the headlines of the other papers while shaking his head. The Balmanno Telegraph had the title, 'Crushing defeat' on page 3 about the Camelot loss. The Associated Press headline screamed out, 'Can you say choke?'. Slam Sports Rugby Central joked, 'Want to die? Talk to these guys', showing a picture of a number of ticked off PopularFreedom fans after the match. Haraki News Network Print Edition crooned, 'PopularFreedom Overrated', while their other national had on their front page, 'The Gaffe of RWC 6 with Smithy's face close up'.

Coach Smithy tossed the papers on the floor inside his door, on top of the Swooton Herald-Picayune-Update-Dispatch-Dominion-Star-Register-Telegram which was the only paper that had anything positive to say about him, then locking the door he went downstairs. As he entered the lobby and headed to the stairwell to the tunnel to the stadium he saw a copy of the Sacredicity Citizen. Curious to see a copy of another PopularFreedom newspaper on the counter in the lobby he walked a bit closer. Noticing his picture on the front, he read the caption underneath, 'Clipboard $5, Rugby Ball $50, Pair of cleats $100, knowing that Camelot will forever be remember for blowing a 23 point lead in RWC6 - PRICELESS.

The hotel clerk, noticed that someone was at the counter and asked if Coach Smithy needed any help. Coach Smithy just waved him off. The clerk however recognized the face of Coach Smithy and noted:

Hotel Clerk: Hey, you look familiar, have you been on television recently?

Coach Smithy glared at the hotel clerk while another clerk looking in his direction shouted outloud, 'Hey Tom, that's the coach of that rugby team who was voted worst coach thus far at the Rugby World Cup'.

Coach Smithy clenched his fists and restraining himself walked away as both clerks laughed.

OOC:man how could an 8th raned lose to a 3rd ranked so bad:headbang:
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
SportsnetRV Ruggers Huddle

8th Ranked Moose Suffer Horrendous Defeat at the Hands of 3rd Ranked Lariknia. Suspended Players Stillman,Evenall,Truuie returned to action after thier one game Suspension for thier part in the Brawl between Marceau and Rorysville on Matchday three.But their return did little to spark the Mooses Offense and the defense was as pourous as a Civ.
"Well this one is one that I'm not proud of I'm not sure what it was I had hoped the Tight play from the previous match against Virginia Nova would continue and get better with the return of 3 starters this loss is making it look more and more like we need a lineup shift. The scoring Runs By Mike Staal and Patrice were things of brilliance. unfortunatly for us Lariknia was a notch above us on Defense and they shut us down after Halftime and put us away with effeciency as for our play I'm embarrased to see a group as talented and Higly Ranked as us get taken apart by a squad only a few notches above us.....We'll have to look onward to our next opponent.When we travel to Snake Eaters and run through the group one more time... Snake Eaters will be looking to beat us on thier soil so in order for us to continue we'll need to step it up"--Coach Sitller
Try's Scored by RV
M.Staal,P.Lafleur
Try's Scored by Lariknia
B.Williams(2),R.Ellis,M.Blackadder,E.Pitt,O.Hunter,B.Mangus

#15 Snake Eaters is up next for Rorysville last time Rorysville beat Snake Eaters 24-8
Other Group 3 Results
Virginia Nova (27 - 12) Snake Eaters
Marceau-BYE
Standings after Matchday 5 Group 3

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 4 0 0 167 55 112 0 16
Rorysville 3 0 1 106 77 29 0 12
Virginia Nova 2 0 2 58 99 -41 0 8
Snake Eaters 1 0 3 57 81 -24 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 4 67 125 -58 2 2

Matchday Six Scores:

Group 1:
Haraki (29 - 20) Xandabia
Milchama (17 - 7) McPsychoville

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Haraki 5 0 1 203 128 75 1 21
Xandabia 3 0 3 124 138 -24 0 12
Milchama 2 0 4 127 159 -32 2 10
McPsychoville 2 0 4 114 133 -19 1 9

Group 2:
AMW China (24 - 5) Lisburn Mateys
Starblaydia (17 - 24) East Lithuania

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 6 0 0 138 54 95 0 24
Lisburn Mateys 2 1 3 79 110 -31 1 11
East Lithuania 2 0 4 75 110 -35 1 9
Starblaydia 1 1 4 93 111 -18 1 7

Group 3:
Rorysville (36 - 3) Snake Eaters
Virginia Nova (10 - 8) Marceau State
Larkinia BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 4 0 0 167 55 112 0 16
Rorysville 4 0 1 142 80 62 0 16
Virginia Nova 3 0 2 68 107 -39 0 12
Snake Eaters 1 0 4 60 117 -57 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 5 55 135 -60 3 3

Group 4:
Sarzonia (23 - 3) Benlandngdo
Harlesburg (17 - 6) Trotsgrad
PopularFreedom BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sarzonia 5 0 0 128 79 49 0 20
PopularFreedom 3 0 1 137 66 71 1 13
Harlesburg 2 0 3 85 94 -9 1 9
Trotsgrad 1 0 4 61 97 -36 2 6
Benlandngdo 1 0 4 58 133 -76 1 5

OOC: Oh no! Scores posted... no time to get post in... wait, Oh, we had a bye this time.. Whew. ;)

OOC: I really had hoped that more nations from last time would've entered. The group stages are being far, far too easy for the top teams, because the teams below them didn't sign up this time. And if current trends continue, we'll have enormous point gaps opening up. Oh well. We can hope for improvement in the future.

OOC: I really had hoped that more nations from last time would've entered. The group stages are being far, far too easy for the top teams, because the teams below them didn't sign up this time. And if current trends continue, we'll have enormous point gaps opening up. Oh well. We can hope for improvement in the future.

OOC: That should build some hope for the future, I think there is a little more RPing this time around and hopefully more people from now will come back next time.

OOC: Didn't know the games were already on, someone should make an announcement next time on the sign up thread.

China downs Lisburn
AMW China 24 - Chou try, Bayer try, Peng try, 3x conversions (Spencer), 1 penalty (Spencer)
Lisburn Mateys 5

After arriving late at the tournament due to transport problems, we here at RugbyChina are proud to recommence coverage of the Chinese team as they progress through the world cup. Many new faces in this team as the mediocre forwards from last season were sent to pasture.

Chinese team info
1 – Roger Lam – Loosehead Prop – New Frontiers
Critisised after the 5th world cup for a rather mediocre scrum, Lam is hanging onto his spot in the Chinese team by the skin of his teeth. Still regarded as one of the best scrummaging props in China, but quite ordinary internationally. On the plus, he is as fast as a winger with good evasive footwork and performs quite well in the rucks and mauls, fitting in well with Coach Graham Hart's game plan.

2 – Derrick Wong – Hooker – Beijing
A solid performer, Wong makes up for his lack of flair and vision and attacking impetus with his high work rate and disciplined, conservative approach to rugby. One of the most consistent performers out of the forwards, and never seems to have a bad game. Good on defence and a very physical player, the big man always makes ground with ball in hand.

3 – Dean Woo – Tighthead Prop – Hong Kong
The best scrummaging player in China, and the only one who has consistently destroyed international opponents at the 5th world cup. A young player at only 23, Woo has huge potential and offers the greatest hope for China's front row in the future. His speed has improved hugely since the 5th world cup.

4 – Jack Lim – Lock – Beijing


5 – Kieran En – Lock – Guangdong
A solid performer at the last world cup where he stole many opposition lineouts with his great jumping, En missed the most of domestic season with a foot injury but played with a hungry streak in the last two games, earning a recall.

6 – Ewan Zhang – Blindside Flanker – Guangdong
7 – Coleman Liu – Openside Flanker – New Frontiers
8 – Andrew Hui – Number Eight – Taiwan

9 – Jason Dao – Halfback – Beijing
Making his debut for China in the 6th World Cup, Dao replaces former halfback Ming after a brilliant season for his club. One of the best passers in the team, Dao also has excellent vision and is able to create gaps in defences. A great evasive runner with good stepping, and an average tackler.

10 – Carl Spencer - first 5/8s - Hong Kong (Captain)
Best No 10 in China and possibly Asia, Spencer has a brilliant all-round game and the good vision. Kicked 85% accuracy in regional rugby, and is known for his evasive running skills. Prefers to run the ball and rarely kicks, but he is very good at tactical kicking. Has excellent passing skills like any No 10, but not the most sturdy defender and was guilty of slipping tackles at the last world cup. Posseses flair and an uncanny ability to fool opposition players with his stepping and passing skills, and break defence lines. Spencer tends to take risky options such as blind passing, but almost all of them have paid off and resulted in outrageous tries.

11 – Jonathan Bayer – Left Wing – Hong Kong
A fairly new arrival to the Chinese rugby team, Bayer is an enormous winger who relies on his speed and power to break defence lines. He favours going through other players and despite his weight of 115kg, he has a 100m sprint time of 11.2s. Not the best under the high ball, but his kicking has improved substantially since the first world cup.

12 – Alan Peng – 2nd 5/8s – Beijing
With Spencer, the two men form a formidable midfield attack. Peng is an excellent defender, making up for any percieved weakness in the rest of the backline. He is a good runner although he tends to employ tactical kicking more. Plays a more defensive style of rugby than Spencer, will kick for touch inside their own 22 and makes less risky choices.

13 – Peter Lee – Outside Centre - Guangdong
Quite a physical player, Lee's strengths are his defensive efforts and ball distribution. He seems to enjoy being tackled, and has caused countless injuries for opposition players. Quite a fast runner.

14 – Mark Chou – Right Wing – Guangdong
A more "traditional" winger than his left wing counterpart, Chou possesses excellent pace, footwork, kicking and catching skills. Has added an element of physicality to his game this year, something missing from many other wingers in the club games.

15 – Jay Chen - Fullback - Taiwan
The fastest backline player, Chen is a good goal kicker and tactical kicker, and one of the best defenders in the world. In addition, his speed, vision and improving footwork means he has the ability to act as a surprise weapon, often appearing "out of nowhere" to score tries. There are some questions over his ball distribution, which has kept him from moving further midfield.

RESERVES

16 - Aaron Jiang - Hooker - Hong Kong
17 - Steven Chu - 5/8s, 2nd 5/8s, Winger - Hong Kong
Played two group games for China in the 5th World Cup as a stand in for Spencer, where he showed his potential. A relative newbie at only 20 to the team, Chu has shown good vision and pace, and is expected to improve greatly over the next few years. A good runner and kicker, possesses a good all-round game but does not have Spencer's flair. Plays conservatively.

18 - Aaron Kwok - Fullback, Centre, Winger - Hong Kong
19 - Michael Chiang - 2nd 5/8s, Winger, Centre - Taiwan
20 - David Dong - Lock - Shanghai
21 - Stewart Kennedy - Prop - Shanghai

OOC: I really had hoped that more nations from last time would've entered. The group stages are being far, far too easy for the top teams, because the teams below them didn't sign up this time. And if current trends continue, we'll have enormous point gaps opening up. Oh well. We can hope for improvement in the future.

I think the problem there is that there's us - ranked 11, if I remember correctly - being put in the same group at the first and sixth seeds, and even then still falling to an unranked side. It seems very indicative of a flaw in the scorinator somewhere.
There's also the criticism China and Snake Eaters have made - there's been no indication that the tournament started, and the results have been going much, much too fast - although that's just my opinion.
Further, there's the problem I've expressed in the past of a host scorinating his team's own matches; while this might not be as big a problem in the World Cup coming, with Krytenia and Casari, that Haraki have lost one match of six and have already won a cup themselves is looking more than a little suspect.

I'd appreciate an explanation.

OOC:I would agree with the point about how quickly the scores are coming. I feel I am struggling to do justice to the games in an attempt to post one match before the next one starts.

I don't know how the ranking system works but as a newcomer to NS who very much enjoys rugby (a fact that has influenced the development of my nation) I would not want the systemt to be too biased towards nations that have competed before, just for that reason. This point will also affect particpation if someone new comes along and is simply mullered in every game they won't enjoy and won't come back.

I think the Xandabian team had been treated pretty fairly results wise so far.

I have enjoyed reading (& listening to[fantastic effort] the match reports, particulalry where there has been interaction between players.

I very much hope we will make the quarter finals and look forward to morre exciting NS rugby to come.

Further, there's the problem I've expressed in the past of a host scorinating his team's own matches; while this might not be as big a problem in the World Cup coming, with Krytenia and Casari, that Haraki have lost one match of six and have already won a cup themselves is looking more than a little suspect.
That's the biggest concern I have: The fact that you're doing your own scorinating. You could ask someone to take over the scorinating of matches your team plays in. I've scorinated in the Cherry Cup and in the Women's World Cup and Starblaydia has done some rugby scorinating IIRC.

The other thing is, you probably should give 24 hours at least before posting a next round of scores. I haven't had nearly as much time for NS as I used to with a new job and trying to arrange for everything from dealing with family drama to the time and money it's costing me to get a car transferred to my name and I'm sure other people have far greater demands on their time than I do.

I'm doing my own scorinating for the group stages, yes, but I'm going to ask someone else to scorinate all playoff matches for my team, since that really would be unfair. But before you criticize me for that, also notice that I'm the only person leading a group who has lost a match. I'm seeing that with the absence of the mid-ranked teams - most people entered in this Cup are either between ranks 1 and 10 or right at the bottom/unranked, which is making it fairly one-sided for the scorination.

With regards to McPsychoville's concern about there being a flaw in the scorinator, I'm seeing itwork exactly as I had thought it would. The higher-up teams are doing well, while the lower-ranked teams, not so well. Upsets are still happening, however, most specifically in Group 1, where the second-place spot is currently an unranked team. I haven't noticed any problems with the scorinator so far.

And the last concern is the time between posting scores. If you look at the post times, you'll see I'm posting them around 24 hours apart. Usually I have things on in the evenings and once that's done, I come home, make the scores, post the scores, and go to bed. Most are up between 11 and 12 my time, one matchday per real day. It seems like less time because less people are RPing than in other sports competitions.

OOC: Haraki, if you'd told us in the sign-up thread, you might have seen more of the people from the last tournament. THEN, it might have been better. And only then.

As such, it's allowed large gaps to open up between the teams. Look at it: in the last tournament, once I knew, I could make a difference, and managed to score. However, now, having missed five matches, I cannot make a difference! It's a terrible miscarriage of justice, I say. As a direct result of not knowing thanks to an oversight (at least, I hope that is what happened), my ranking has seriously suffered. AND YET, CHina has only just started posting, and he won't have suffered at all! Yes, yes, the rankings are different, but they should be ignored. Sure, it's more realistic, but it overcomplicates things and makes it harder for those lower down to improve, whilst those at the top don't need to post and yet can sit there quite happily.

On the scoring, I cannot comment, as I know I couldn't write anything to do it.

...

After arriving late at the tournament due to transport problems, we here at RugbyChina are proud to recommence coverage of the Chinese team as they progress through the world cup. Many new faces in this team as the mediocre forwards from last season were sent to pasture.

... lolrofl :)

Coach Steve Smithy quickly rushed through a copy of the Camelot Free Press newspaper before he left his hotel room to dash across the street to the stadium for the match today. His squad was playing Harlesburg, a team they had beaten by 7 points earlier in Rugby World Cup play, so he was a bit nervous however he still could not resist reading up about what the hometown paper was writing about his team.

As he browsed through it he was a bit relieved. Front page story (http://invisionfree.com/forums/The_Heartland/index.php?showtopic=3783&st=23) was on the Camelot Scorpions (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Camelot_Scorpions), the hometown squad from the Extreme Soccer League (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/PopularFreedom_Extreme_Soccer_League). He had to admit when he first heard about them he was not interested as hey it was soccer he thought. Then he saw the matches and was so impressed since they hit as hard as rugby players if not more so. Now he was doubly impressed with the sport since the Scorpions win had helped to push back a few pages stuff about the Wasps.

Coach Smithy was still a bit unhappy when he saw the articles about his team and especially about him but at least it was not on the front page today.

His watch alarm went off and he quickly grabbed his keys and gear and opened the door to his hotel room. Locking it he again went down the elevator and then walked down to the tunnel which went directly to the main rugby stadium. All the while he could only focus on his plans for today.

Many called his move to keep his lineup the same, mistaken however he knew it was his backups who had let him down last game. Then again he could have replaced them but what was the point though he did have one more prop flying in to join the team but that guy would not be here for a few days so no sense in announcing it and rattling the squad.

He just hoped his team would play with fire today.

He stopped for a second in the tunnel just before entering the elevator that took him up to ground level of the stadium. He realized that you could hear the crowd from where he was and he could hear PopularFreedom chants. He could actually make out the words or at least part of it. He tried talking it out as he rode the elevator upwards.

'Wasps had better win or...'. He could not make out that last part, wait there it was again. 'Wasps had better win or ... gonna end up ...'

He could hear it clearer now but still could not figure it all out.

Wait a second, he heard the chorus again and as the elevator doors opened to the first floor of the stadium so that he heard it clearly now and frowned as he heard the PopularFreedom fans singing:

'Wasps had better win or Smithy, gonna end up dead'

OOC: Yes PF, some New Zealand commentators actually talk like that in R.L. As for the Chinese team winning most of their games, I think we were lucky to be placed in a weak group.

The effect of the rankings do seem a bit whack but consistent with Real Life, especially when the top 5 teams have point differentials of 100+ points more than the next 5 ranked teams.

All in all, I believe the rankings ought to be kept but made a bit weaker.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
SportsnetRV Ruggers Huddle

Moose Return To form against Snake Eaters and Dominate 38-3. This is what we looked for with Rorysville now If they could only play this well against teams like Lariknia.The Game started with an Early Kick by Rorysville to put them up by 3 then The Offense Really kicked into overdrive with 4 straight trys by Scotts,Eric Staal,Jordan Staal,Mike Staal the Combination of the Staal Brothers in the Starting Line Up(Eric Staal in for Yagouden) made for a formidable punch. Rorysville would go on cruise control only allowing a Kick for a mere 3 points by Snake Eaters late in the game.
"Well the boys played defense and offense just like I expected them to With the lineup shakeup I think they responded great and I plan on using this lineup for awhile as it has some new spark with all the Staal Brothers inserted in the starting group Now Look out for the fourth Staal Jared who was too young to play for us this time but I expect him to be on the next World Cup Squad as out of the four he is probally the best of them.But when you grow up and learn from Mike,Jordan and Eric it's not hard to see why he is the best. As for this game they executed thier plays with precision and detremination which they lacked in the last game.Our next match is after our off day and will be in Marceau I expect another emotional Tilt as Marceau will be looking for revenge and possibly thier first win. I don't understand how they arn't getting any results in the win column but I expect them to show us who they are."--Coach Sitller

Other Group 3 Results from Matchday 6
Virginia Nova (10 - 8) Marceau State
Larkinia BYE

Group 3 Standings after Matchday 6
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 4 0 0 167 55 112 0 16
Rorysville 4 0 1 142 80 62 0 16
Virginia Nova 3 0 2 68 107 -39 0 12
Snake Eaters 1 0 4 60 117 -57 0 4
Marceau State 0 0 5 55 135 -60 3 3

OOC: I might be out of pocket tonight for a while (at work tonight), so I can't get a news post in, if I can it'll be short. But stay tuned for an eventual radio interview with coach Jones. ;)

OOC: I think the thing about the huge point differential is to do with the absence of the mid-ranked teams. We have the really good ones combined in groups with the new and poorly-ranked ones.



Matchday Seven Scores:

Group 1:
Haraki (12 - 24) Milchama
McPsychoville (27 - 10) Xandabia

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Haraki 5 0 2 215 152 63 1 21
Milchama 3 0 4 151 171 -20 2 14
McPsychoville 3 0 4 151 143 -2 1 13
Xandabia 3 0 4 134 165 -41 0 12

Group 2:
AMW China (31 - 28) Starblaydia
East Lithuania (6 - 11) Lisburn Mateys

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 7 0 0 169 82 98 0 28
Lisburn Mateys 3 1 3 90 116 -26 1 15
East Lithuania 2 0 5 81 121 -40 2 10
Starblaydia 1 1 5 121 142 -21 2 8

Group 3:
Larkinia (15 - 8) Virginia Nova
Snake Eaters (22 - 15) Marceau State
Rorysville BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 5 0 0 182 62 119 0 20
Rorysville 4 0 1 142 80 62 0 16
Virginia Nova 3 0 2 68 107 -39 0 12
Snake Eaters 2 0 4 82 132 -50 0 8
Marceau State 0 0 6 70 157 -67 4 4

Group 4:
PopularFreedom (24 - 24) Harlesburg
Benlandngdo (7 - 14) Trotsgrad
Sarzonia BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sarzonia 5 0 0 128 79 49 0 20
PopularFreedom 3 1 1 161 90 71 1 15
Harlesburg 2 1 3 109 118 -9 1 11
Trotsgrad 2 0 4 75 104 -29 2 10
Benlandngdo 1 0 5 65 147 -83 2 6

OOC: Roster is finished, please link to this thread.

Chinese team info
1 – Roger Lam – Loosehead Prop – New Frontiers
Critisised after the 5th world cup for a rather mediocre scrum, Lam is hanging onto his spot in the Chinese team by the skin of his teeth. Still regarded as one of the best scrummaging props in China, but quite ordinary internationally. On the plus, he is as fast as a winger with good evasive footwork and performs quite well in the rucks and mauls, fitting in well with Coach Graham Hart's game plan.

2 – Derrick Wong – Hooker – Beijing
A solid performer, Wong makes up for his lack of flair and vision and attacking impetus with his high work rate and disciplined, conservative approach to rugby. One of the most consistent performers out of the forwards, and never seems to have a bad game. Good on defence and a very physical player, the big man always makes ground with ball in hand.

3 – Dean Woo – Tighthead Prop – Hong Kong
The best scrummaging player in China, and the only one who has consistently destroyed international opponents at the 5th world cup. A young player at only 23, Woo has huge potential and offers the greatest hope for China's front row in the future. His speed has improved hugely since the 5th world cup.

4 – Jack Lim – Lock – Beijing
An ordinary player in world cup, Lim has shown extraordinary form recently and has been made vice captain of the Bejing club. Has a good jumping game, and has gained experience and rugby intelligience since the last world cup. Quite a strong fellow and has shown glimpses of flair with his passing and running, but so far they are just glimpses.

5 – Kieran En – Lock – Guangdong
A solid performer at the last world cup where he stole many opposition lineouts with his great jumping, En missed the most of domestic season with a foot injury but played with a hungry streak in the last two games, earning a recall.

6 – Ewan Zhang – Blindside Flanker – Guangdong
A powerful and strong runner, Zhang poses a constant threat to opposition defence lines and always makes ground. What he lacks in creativity he makes up for in hard work and discipline. Traditionally an openside flanker for his club game, Hart has the speed to run around opponents. Hart's selection of Zhang is a departure from the use of a bulky blind side suggests a free-ranging attacking mindset.

7 – Coleman Liu – Openside Flanker – New Frontiers
Liu is a defensive specialist, never shying away from tackles and is quite aggressive. New to the chinese squad, Liu has only played 7 games for his club, and his lack of experience may work against him. Almost as fast as a back.

8 – Andrew Hui – Number Eight – China Sevens
The biggest player in the Chinese sevens team, Hui is fast, aggressive, and consistent. Manages to get to loose ball very quickly, an adept scavenger with great vision, and has won many turnovers for the team. There have been some criticisms that he plays off-side, although Hui has never had more than one penalty in a game.

9 – Jason Dao – Halfback – Beijing
Making his debut for China in the 6th World Cup, Dao replaces former halfback Ming after a brilliant season for his club. One of the best passers in the team, Dao also has excellent vision and is able to create gaps in defences. A great evasive runner with good stepping, and an average tackler.

10 – Carl Spencer - first 5/8s - Hong Kong (Captain)
Best No 10 in China and possibly Asia, Spencer has a brilliant all-round game and the good vision. Kicked 85% accuracy in regional rugby, and is known for his evasive running skills. Prefers to run the ball and rarely kicks, but he is very good at tactical kicking. Has excellent passing skills like any No 10, but not the most sturdy defender and was guilty of slipping tackles at the last world cup. Posseses flair and an uncanny ability to fool opposition players with his stepping and passing skills, and break defence lines. Spencer tends to take risky options such as blind passing, but almost all of them have paid off and resulted in outrageous tries.

11 – Jonathan Bayer – Left Wing – Hong Kong
A fairly new arrival to the Chinese rugby team, Bayer is an enormous winger who relies on his speed and power to break defence lines. He favours going through other players and despite his weight of 115kg, he has a 100m sprint time of 11.2s. Not the best under the high ball, but his kicking has improved substantially since the first world cup.

12 – Alan Peng – 2nd 5/8s – Beijing
With Spencer, the two men form a formidable midfield attack. Peng is an excellent defender, making up for any percieved weakness in the rest of the backline. He is a good runner although he tends to employ tactical kicking more. Plays a more defensive style of rugby than Spencer, will kick for touch inside their own 22 and makes less risky choices.

13 – Peter Lee – Outside Centre - Guangdong
Quite a physical player, Lee's strengths are his defensive efforts and ball distribution. He seems to enjoy being tackled, and has caused countless injuries for opposition players. Quite a fast runner.

14 – Mark Chou – Right Wing – Guangdong
A more "traditional" winger than his left wing counterpart, Chou possesses excellent pace, footwork, kicking and catching skills. Has added an element of physicality to his game this year, something missing from many other wingers in the club games.

15 – Jay Chen - Fullback - Taiwan
The fastest backline player, Chen is a good goal kicker and tactical kicker, and one of the best defenders in the world. In addition, his speed, vision and improving footwork means he has the ability to act as a surprise weapon, often appearing "out of nowhere" to score tries. There are some questions over his ball distribution, which has kept him from moving further midfield.

RESERVES

16 - Aaron Jiang - Hooker - Kowloon League
A convert from league, Jiang is a big and strong fellow who is difficult to tackle due to his size, top-end pace and footwork. Has a good throw but his tendency to make errors under pressure has held him back.

17 - Steven Chu - 5/8s, 2nd 5/8s, Winger - Hong Kong
Played two group games for China in the 5th World Cup as a stand in for Spencer, where he showed his potential. A relative newbie at only 20 to the team, Chu has shown good vision and pace, and is expected to improve greatly over the next few years. A good runner and kicker, possesses a good all-round game but does not have Spencer's flair. Plays conservatively.

18 - Aaron Kwok - Fullback, Centre, Winger - Hong Kong
A flexible player who has good footwork, pace, and tactical kicking, hence can play in three positions. Somewhat weak in defence, an area of concern for a prospective fullback.

19 - Michael Chiang - 2nd 5/8s, Winger, Centre - Taiwan
Player of the year from the Taiwan club, Chiang has already represented his country in the under-19s world cup, where he has shown excellent talent. Expected to replace Peng when he retires. Good all-round player, and has shown a preference to kick instead of run.

20 - David Dong - Lock, Flanker, Prop - Shanghai
Captain of the second division Shanghai Club, Dong plays blindside flanker for his club but has the knowledge and ability to produce a decent scrum and has good catching skills. A big and strong player with good acceleration but poor top-end speed, was held back from a starting position for this reason but Coach Graham Hart who favoured a mobile pack.

21 - Stewart Kennedy - Prop - Shanghai
Lack of depth among forwards sorely exposed here. Kennedy made a good showing in the scrum for his club, but has never played even regional competition rugby. A dark horse for the competition, given that Hart seems to be able to spot good talent in bad places.

RPing info
In general, most of the Chinese tries come from the midfield backs, followed by the wings, although Spencer has a degree of unpredictability around him.

Strengths : Speed, kicking.
Weaknesses : Scrum

RP rules: Everything is permitted.

RugbyChina.com

A close shave

AMW China 31 - Bayer try, Chou try x3, 1 pen (Chu), 4 conv (Chu)
Starblaydia 28 - 3 tries, 2 conversions, 3 penalties

With both No 10s injured, Spencer who sustained an ankle injury in last weeks game and Steven Chu who was injured in a handbag fight, Coach Hart had moved fullback Jay Chen to No 10 and brought on the heavily criticised Aaron Kwok. Starblaydia were favourites to win the game, but when Chu was declared fit to play late this afternoon, the TAB suspended all betting on the game. They came close though, with the lead changing hands several times during the match.

China started off strong, with Peng offloading deceptively to winger Chou who scored between the posts in the 3rd minute after a mistake by the defenders, with Chu converting. Another 3 minutes later, Starblaydia struck back with a try and a penalty to bring the scores up to 10-7. Two penalties, one to Hui for an offside and one to En for collapsing the scrum gave the Starblaydia side 6 easy points, and they went into the break with a 16-7 lead.

The try-scoring machine that was the Chinese backline hit back, again and again in the first 10 minutes of the second half. The first try resulted from some brilliant ball movement by halfback Dao and No 10 Chu. Attacking from the left wing, Bayer gained 12m, drew in the defence and offloaded to Dao. Dao threw a huge 30m cut-out pass, skipping centre Lee and No 12 Peng straight into Chu's trusty hands. Chu threw another long spiralling pass to Chou, who was able to waltz under the posts with most of the defence still on the other side of the field.

Chu and Bayer both had a hand in the third try of the match four minutes later. Feeding off a rolling maul set up by En in place of Dao who was slightly concussed from an earlier tackle, Chu threw a reverse pass to Bayer who trampled his opposition winger and scored in the corner. Chu had an excellent night with the boot, kicking his third conversion, bringing the score to 16-21.

The Starblaydian side didn't give up, and showed why they were in the world top ten with a massive driving scrum that gained them 12m and a try by the posts, but the conversion was missed, equalising the scores at 21-all.

Annoyed at his missed conversion attempt, the Starblaydian No 10 lifted his game with a try in the corner ten minutes later, in the 60th minute of the match. No 12 Peng dropped the ball after a mighty tackle by the No 10, and the loose ball was kicked ahead and scored, giving the Starblaydians a 7 point lead with 19 minutes left.

Chu put the Chinese in front again in the 70th minute by slotting a penalty from the edge of the field awarded against the opposite flanker for challenging the referee's call. The game was getting tight now, and discipline from both sides was beginning to fray.

In a testament to Fullback Chen's experience and pace, Chen saw a drop-goal coming and charged it down, kicking the loose ball forward and into space, where it was taken by Right winger Chou for his hat-trick and a 31-28 win for the Chinese.

Matchday Eight Scores:

Group 1:
Haraki (22 - 15) McPsychoville
Milchama (26 - 26) Xandabia

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Haraki 6 0 2 237 167 70 1 25 Q
Milchama 3 1 4 177 197 -20 2 16
McPsychoville 3 0 7 166 165 1 2 14
Xandabia 3 1 4 160 191 -41 0 14

Group 2:
AMW China (31 - 5) East Lithuania
Starblaydia (27 - 5) Lisburn Mateys

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 8 0 0 200 87 123 0 32 Q
Lisburn Mateys 3 1 4 95 143 -48 1 15
Starblaydia 2 1 5 148 147 1 2 12
East Lithuania 2 0 7 86 152 -66 2 10 E

Group 3:
Larkinia (33 - 17) Snake Eaters
Rorysville (6 - 3) Marceau State
Virginia Nova BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 6 0 0 115 79 135 0 24 Q
Rorysville 5 0 1 148 83 65 0 20
Virginia Nova 3 0 2 68 107 -39 0 12
Snake Eaters 2 0 5 99 165 -66 0 8 E
Marceau State 0 0 7 73 163 -70 5 5 E

Group 4:
PopularFreedom (9 - 14) Benlandngdo
Sarzonia (28 - 15) Trotsgrad
Harlesburg BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sarzonia 6 0 0 156 94 62 0 24 Q
PopularFreedom 3 1 2 170 104 66 2 16
Harlesburg 2 1 3 109 118 -9 1 11
Trotsgrad 2 0 5 90 132 -42 2 10 E
Benlandngdo 2 0 5 79 156 -78 2 10 E





OOC: Added, AMW.

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/5856/slammrrwc0tq.gif
Marceau's Official Newsletter of the Rugby World Cup

Another Close one and this one Hurts even More as Marceau Losses to Rorysville 6-3 in a defensive showdown between perenial rivals Rorysville and Marceau.The crowd at Invasion Field was just as Boisterous as it was at Celtic Field if not more Security Was trippled for the event as fears of Violence in the stands and on the streets as Rorysville Ruggers ad Marceau Ruggers Clashed at the Stadium. No Violence was reported except on the Field as Marceau's Jean-François Rioux Delivered a nasty Forarm blow to Rorysville's Levon Truuie Causing a Bench Clearing Brawl at the 17th Minute of play For his part in starting the Brawl and for the Nasty Fotarm J.F. Rioux was red carded and sent off He will more than likely be suspended for at least 2 games. Further on in the game a nasty Clothsline esque tackle by Rorysville Ron Dilles on Christobal Marle of Marceau Drew another Altercation as Marceau's Jaques Kirrel stuck up for his teammate and Went after Dilles causing another altercation on the field Both Dilles and Kirrel were Red Carded for thier play and both are suspended for thioer next games. The Play continued on the rough side as Rorysville went into the Half up 3 the seond Half saw Marceau Tie it up and pull the game into more rough play Yellow Cards were issued to Players on Both sides. The Tie would be broken late in the game with a kick by Rory Barclay Putting Rorysville up 6-3.The Game would wind up with no more violence on the field.
" well this game got ugly quick as both teams were fighting tooth and nail for the win. I apologize to Rorysville and the Fans of Rorysville as well as our Fans for the Nasty Play that took Place in the match. I have sent my Letter of Apology to the Sporting Governing Body as well as the RV Rugby Association and Head Coash Sitller. As for the rest of the game We played them closely and with some good energy I think In the future when these teams meet it will be a Great match and hopefully not so Violent as these Squads are friends off the field.I hope Truuie Recovers from His Concussion and I hope on Our side Marle is reported as ok just slightly concussed he should be ready for Action after the Qualifing Round."--Coach Lemaire

Marceau's Qualifing Schedule
MD 1 -@ #10 Virginia Nova L 18-14
MD 2 -@ #15 Snake Eaters L 28-14
MD 3 -@ #8 Rorysville L 38-17
MD 4 -@ #3 Larkinia L 45-18
MD 5 -BYE
MD 6 -vs. #10 Virginia Nova L 10-8
MD 7 -vs. #15 Snake Eaters L 22-15
MD 8 -vs. #8 Rorysville L 6-3
MD 9 -vs. #3 Larkinia
MD 10-BYE

Group Three Standings after Matchday 8
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 6 0 0 115 79 135 0 24 Q
Rorysville 5 0 1 148 83 65 0 20
Virginia Nova 3 0 2 68 107 -39 0 12
Snake Eaters 2 0 5 99 165 -66 0 8 E
Marceau State 0 0 7 73 163 -70 5 5 E

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
SportsnetRV Ruggers Huddle

Another Close one as Marceau Losses to Our Moose 6-3 in a defensive showdown between perenial rivals Rorysville and Marceau.The crowd at Invasion Field was just as Boisterous as it was at Celtic Field if not more Security Was trippled for the event as fears of Violence in the stands and on the streets as Rorysville Ruggers ad Marceau Ruggers Clashed at the Stadium. No Violence was reported except on the Field as Marceau's Jean-François Rioux Delivered a nasty Forarm blow to Rorysville's Levon Truuie Causing a Bench Clearing Brawl at the 17th Minute of play For his part in starting the Brawl and for the Nasty Fotarm J.F. Rioux was red carded and sent off He will more than likely be suspended for at least 2 games. Further on in the game a nasty Clothsline esque tackle by Rorysville Ron Dilles on Christobal Marle of Marceau Drew another Altercation as Marceau's Jaques Kirrel stuck up for his teammate and Went after Dilles causing another altercation on the field Both Dilles and Kirrel were Red Carded for thier play and both are suspended for thioer next games. The Play continued on the rough side as Rorysville went into the Half up 3 the seond Half saw Marceau Tie it up and pull the game into more rough play Yellow Cards were issued to Players on Both sides. The Tie would be broken late in the game with a kick by Rory Barclay Putting Rorysville up 6-3.The Game would wind up with no more violence on the field.

"Well the Nasty PLay carried over from our last match against them and the Cheapshot by Rioux is the kind of thing that is unexceptable I'm not Condoneing what BArclay did either as a result of this match we lost a player to Injury and a Player to Red Card it will be hard to play with the=ings like this happening We are Forced to call up a couple Players from the Reserve Squad,on the bright side we won another tight game and another High Emotion High Energy Game which is a good test for us in the future. Now with this match out of the way we can focus on Qualifing for the Cup's Knock out Round as we missed out by a point in the previous World Cup and look to really show the world what Rorysville Rugby is all about"--Coach Sitller

As long as Rorysville can Gain At least a point in the Next 2 Games they will Qualify for the Next Round of the Cup. Unfortunatly all Marceau has left is to Hope for a win in thier Final Game of the Qualifing round as they were Elminated from Contention in the World Cup.Rorysville's Next two Games are against #10 Virginia Nova and #3 Larkinia The match against Virginia Nova Will Decide the Fate of VN and Rorysville as VN needs 8 points to Catch Rorysville and tie them on Points.

Other Scores from Group 3 MD8
Larkinia (33 - 17) Snake Eaters
Virginia Nova BYE

Group 3 Standings after Matchday 8
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 6 0 0 115 79 135 0 24 Q
Rorysville 5 0 1 148 83 65 0 20
Virginia Nova 3 0 2 68 107 -39 0 12
Snake Eaters 2 0 5 99 165 -66 0 8 E
Marceau State 0 0 7 73 163 -70 5 5 E

Matchday Nine Scores:

Group 1:
Haraki (15 - 17) Xandabia
Milchama (26 - 27) McPsychoville

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Haraki 6 0 3 252 184 68 2 26 Q
McPsychoville 4 0 5 193 191 2 2 18 Q *
Xandabia 4 1 4 177 206 -39 0 18 E
Milchama 3 1 5 203 224 -21 3 17 E

* - Qualifies due to better point differential

Group 2:
AMW China (24 - 12) Lisburn Mateys
Starblaydia (12 - 17) East Lithuania

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 9 0 0 224 99 125 0 36 Q
Lisburn Mateys 3 1 5 119 155 -60 1 15 Q
East Lithuania 3 0 7 103 164 -61 2 14 E
Starblaydia 2 1 6 160 164 -4 3 13 E

Group 3:
Larkinia (22 - 19) Marceau State
Rorysville (13 - 22) Virginia Nova
Snake Eaters BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 7 0 0 137 98 39 0 28 Q
Rorysville 5 0 2 161 105 56 0 20
Virginia Nova 4 0 2 80 120 -30 0 16
Snake Eaters 2 0 5 99 165 -66 0 8 E
Marceau State 0 0 8 92 185 -73 6 6 E

Group 4:
PopularFreedom (28 - 14) Trotsgrad
Sarzonia (6 - 14) Harlesburg
Benlandngdo BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sarzonia 6 0 1 162 108 54 0 24 Q
PopularFreedom 4 1 2 198 118 80 2 20 Q
Harlesburg 3 1 3 123 124 -1 1 15 E
Trotsgrad 2 0 6 104 160 -56 2 10 E
Benlandngdo 2 0 5 79 156 -78 2 10 E

Saturday, June 3, 2006
SACREDICITY CITIZEN

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: CAMELOT WASPS FALTERING AT RUGBY WORLD CUP.
Team embarrassing the nation at World Cup tournament.

International Report from Haraki - After a loss verses Harlesburg, and a tie verses previously unranked Benlandngdo, the Camelot Wasps find themselves in the possible situation of missing the playoffs with one game remaining.

'It will all depend upon their play verses Trotsgrad', noted national rugby talkshow host, John Hammond.

Meanwhile in Camelot today they held a rugby rally on the streets though some fans were wearing paper bags on their heads after the loss yesterday against Benlandngdo. 'Just embarrassing', exclaimed one fan in regards to his perception of the team's performance. Needless to say if the Wasps fail to make the playoffs there will be a lot of questions about whether the Sacredicity Saints should have represented the nation again after such a strong showing in Rugby World Cup 5. One can only wonder how far PopularFreedom had gone had the Saints in fact represented the nation instead of the poor strategy of the Wasps.

Matchday Nine Scores:

...Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 9 0 0 224 99 135 0 36 Q
Lisburn Mateys 3 1 5 119 155 -60 1 15 E
East Lithuania 3 0 7 103 164 -61 2 14 E
Starblaydia 2 1 6 160 164 -4 3 13 E
...

OOC: Question, are not 2 teams suppose to make it from each pool?

OOC: Question, are not 2 teams suppose to make it from each pool?

My fault. Typo. Fixed now. Sorry.

RugbyChina.com

Chinese team through!

2nd 5/8ths Alan Peng overcame a poor performance and a shoulder strain from last week, scoring two tries to guide the Chinese team to a 24-12 win over the Lisburn side to enter their second RWC semi-final after the ninth game. The side has performed extremely well this time round, many players are peaking, and China and Larkinia are the only teams to go through the group stages undefeated. Coach Graham Hart has indicated that the benches will be used for the next game in order to rest key players.

Looking forward to the semi-finals, analysts believe the Haraki team are a shadow of their former selves and have lost form after losing 3 of their group games despite being placed in a relatively weak group, although "they aren't cup holders for nothing", a rugby editor wrote.

Larkinia's Eagles are probably China's biggest opposition with the danger man being fullback Ben Williams, having won all of their group games thus far. "Their strength lies in their forwards, which is unfortunately for Hart, China's weakness." a rugby editor notes. "Getting the scrum right and shutting down No 9 Devlin and No 10 Davies will be crucial."

"Cannon from the Haraki side will also be a dangerous player."

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
SportsnetRV Ruggers Huddle

Moose Drop Important one to Virginia Nova. Rorysville needs a mere point to qualify for the next stage of the Rugby world cup again with this team we come down to one stinking point at least this time we are on the upper side and as long as a VN loss or a single point by Rorysville the Moose will go on. as for the match it was a very entertaining match between Rorysville and Virginia Nova Rorysville Jumped out to an early 8-0 Lead on a try by Eric Staal then just 8 minutes later Virginia Nova Scored and scored again to end up the half at 14-8 Virginia Nova. A couple Kicks by Rorysville would put this one back to within a point until Virginia Nova scored late in the second to put the game away it would end up 22-13 The Moose will play Larkinia to round up the Qualifing for the World Cup the other Important game in the group is between Virgina Nova and Snake Eaters.
"Well I don;t know what to say all I can figure is that with the linup changes the team needs to resettle themselves and play like they can we had a tough match befor ethis one and we have another tough match after this one needless to say this one was tough as Virginia Nova is trying to qualify.The Emotional Drain of the Game versus Marceau Played a huge factor on tonights performance as we lost 2 Players 1 to Injury and one to a suspension Unfortunatly we won't have the services of either in our final Clash of Qualifing against Larkinia and we'll have a bit of Revenge on our minds as up to tonight they were the only team to beat us."--Coach Sitller

As for the Mooses next opponent they will face the 3rd Ranked Larkinia in the Final Day of Qualification.

Other Scores from Matchday 9 Group 3
Larkinia (22 - 19) Marceau State
Snake Eaters BYE

Group 3 Standings after Matchday 9
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 7 0 0 137 98 137 0 28 Q
Rorysville 5 0 2 161 105 56 0 20
Virginia Nova 4 0 2 80 120 -30 0 16
Snake Eaters 2 0 5 99 165 -66 0 8 E
Marceau State 0 0 8 92 185 -73 6 6 E

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/5856/slammrrwc0tq.gif
Marceau's Official Newsletter of the Rugby World Cup

Marceau Drops Final Game of Qualification to Larkinia 22-19. At least they made this one close it'll only serve as a notice to who they are with a never give up attitude.With three players in the press box it wasn't so easy to play against a team like this.Now as for the Players and even the Coach we'll decide on that in the Gap between now and the next World Cup of Rugby.
"Well not the way I wanted it to end but at leats wer were able to run neck and neck with them for awhile but in the end the differences showd through this young squad. I can only look forward to our next experience in the World Cup as we gained some valuable knowledge in this one."--Coach Lemaire

Marceau's Qualifing Schedule
MD 1 -@ #10 Virginia Nova L 18-14
MD 2 -@ #15 Snake Eaters L 28-14
MD 3 -@ #8 Rorysville L 38-17
MD 4 -@ #3 Larkinia L 45-18
MD 5 -BYE
MD 6 -vs. #10 Virginia Nova L 10-8
MD 7 -vs. #15 Snake Eaters L 22-15
MD 8 -vs. #8 Rorysville L 6-3
MD 9 -vs. #3 Larkinia L 22-19
MD 10-BYE

Group Three Standings after Matchday 9
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 7 0 0 137 98 137 0 28 Q
Rorysville 5 0 2 161 105 56 0 20
Virginia Nova 4 0 2 80 120 -30 0 16
Snake Eaters 2 0 5 99 165 -66 0 8 E
Marceau State 0 0 8 92 185 -73 6 6 E

Portland Press Herald

Despite loss, Galaxians are in

by Cam Spencer
Special to the Press Herald

For the first time in this sixth Rugby World Cup, the Sarzonian national team lost a match by the score of 14-6 to a Harlesburg side they thrashed in their previous encounter. While most observers were chalking up the loss to it being a meaningless tilt, the players to a man expressed disappointment they didn't bury Harlesburg.

"We need to show a better killer instinct than we did," one player said. "We didn't get a single try this match. That's not acceptable, especially since we're going to be facing a PopularFreedom side that's going to be out for blood after what happened the last time we played them.

To wit, Sarzonia were down 31-8 and PopularFreedom looked for all the rugby world like a team that was about to get into "garbage time" mode, to borrow a basketball term. However, Sarzonia scored 27 unanswered points to steal the 35-31 win that propelled the team into first place. Except for this performance, the team never looked back.

"We just need to play a much better brand of rugby the next few times out. Pretty soon, we're not going to have the luxury of 'next game'. We've got to make sure we don't screw things up from here on out," another player said.

OOC:I thinK Rorysville is all but Qualified even if Virginia Nova wins they would hafta wn by 87 and Rorysville would have to be shut out as that could happen I find it Highly unlikely.

My fault. Typo. Fixed now. Sorry.

No problem. :) Just figured I would get you to update it before others noticed/complained, lol :)

-----------------------
OOC:I thinK Rorysville is all but Qualified even if Virginia Nova wins they would hafta wn by 87 and Rorysville would have to be shut out as that could happen I find it Highly unlikely.

OOC: You're correct, however mathematically they still can make it, but realistically as you noted...

NSN radio broadcast courtesy of the PopularFreedom Ticker website

http://www.geocities.com/popularfreedomticker/2006-06-04-001-NSNfinal.mp3

OOC: click on the link for it to load. :)

"And in sporting news, Snake Eaters has crashed out of the Rugby World Cup in spectacular style. Late arrivals and errors on behalf of senior tournament management meant the team suffered throughout the group stages. Some might say that the tournament was rigged to the higher ranked teams from the start, with lower ranked teams suffering even further. If these accusations are proven to be true, then it would cause outrage within the internation rugby community."

The reporter stepped over to a screen to show what he meant,"If such accusations are true, then the higher ranked teams will have significantly increased their lead over those ranked lower down, who have conversly slipped in the rankings."

He stepped back towards the main desk,"The tournament managers have strongly denied that there was any bias, but there are others who might be feeling the same way. I'm Brad Johnson, six o'clock news."

OOC: That was entirely IC, alright.

"And in sporting news, Snake Eaters has crashed out of the Rugby World Cup in spectacular style. Late arrivals and errors on behalf of senior tournament management meant the team suffered throughout the group stages. Some might say that the tournament was rigged to the higher ranked teams from the start, with lower ranked teams suffering even further. If these accusations are proven to be true, then it would cause outrage within the internation rugby community."

The reporter stepped over to a screen to show what he meant,"If such accusations are true, then the higher ranked teams will have significantly increased their lead over those ranked lower down, who have conversly slipped in the rankings."

He stepped back towards the main desk,"The tournament managers have strongly denied that there was any bias, but there are others who might be feeling the same way. I'm Brad Johnson, six o'clock news."

OOC: That was entirely IC, alright.

OOC: For what it is worth, I hope to co-host the RWC 7 where a new ranking system will be used to prevent such a huge division between teams.

Also, please comment on my NSN news clip radio report. I want to know if it works or not after the last one people had trouble with, thanks.

OOC: For what it is worth, I hope to co-host the RWC 7 where a new ranking system will be used to prevent such a huge division between teams.

Also, please comment on my NSN news clip radio report. I want to know if it works or not after the last one people had trouble with, thanks.

OOC: Wasn't able to listen to your last one but heard this one. Nice job with the voices.

OOC: Nice job with the voices, but it always seems that you do your radio reports every time you get ready to face Sarzonia. :p

Meanwhile, I've got my sports grunts writing stories in my two papers of record because all the main beat writers try to cover men's and women's football... ;)

Though that would certainly change if the Galaxians win the tournament.

OOC: Honestly, I don't see a problem with the ranking system as it's happening now. Yes, the higher-ranked teams are having a lot easier time, but that's because the mid-ranged teams all didn't sign up for the next tournament, so we're seeing gaps of, say, 2 to 7 to 20 to unranked in Group 2, whereas had the mid-range teams signed up it could have been more like 2 to 5 to 13 to 19 to 23 to unranked, which would have made a lot more potential for upsets and such. I'd rather keep the rankings as they are, and I'll give two extra reasons for that. First of all, in real life good teams do breeze through group stagesin the RWC, for example in the 2003 RWC all four top-seeded teams in the four groups won every game they played. And for people who bring up the fact that 'it's not real life', of course it's not real life. But still, to reference a different NS sport, you do see NSfootball giants like Bedistan or Audioslavia finishing top of their groups with very few losses or draws.

I'm going to update rankings after qualifying is finished and use the new rankings for score generation for the playoffs. Hopefully that will show us what needs to be changed or let be, and hopefully next cup we'll see an increase in the number of mid-ranked teams that sign up, because I think a lot of the things people are complaining about wouldn't happen then.





Haraki Qualifies With Auspicious Losses
From the Atherlon Times

Pete Vans, Atherlon. The host nation of Haraki has qualified for knockout stages of the the sixth Rugby World Cup, with all nine games having been played, but Haraki's team finished group stages with two straight losses, first to McPsychoville and then to Xandabia. Third Group 1 nation Milchama had already beaten Haraki in both teams' first game.

Many are wondering if Haraki, last cup's world champions, are already faltering. Although individual performances have been even better than last cup - with a particularly spectacular performance this year by fly half Nathan Cannon - the team overall has been playing fine until the last two games. With Haraki now on a two-game losing streak, many are wondering if this will carry on into the knockout stages with Haraki's first game against Group 2 second place Lisburn Mateys, newcomers to the international rugby scene this year.

The second playoff spot from Group 1 goes to McPsychoville, a team which performed poorly last year and got their playoff spot this year from Milchama in both teams' last game, with a score of 27-26 for the Psychoes. In Group 2, AMW China pulled off a perfect qualifying campaign, with nine wins and no losses, making them the team to beat this year. AMW China also boasts an outstanding +125 point differential, the highest of any team this year. Sneaking into second place are newcomers Lisburn Mateys, with the most surprising result of this cup coming in with #7-ranked Starblaydia finishing last in the group.

In Group 3, Larkinia have cinched the group championship, only one win away from a perfect record, and second-seed Rorysville have all-but made it, with a loss versus Larkinia (Likely) and a Virginia Nova win against Snake Eaters (Could go either way) plus Virginia Nova managing to climb (or Rorysville managing to fall) 86 points in order for Rorysville not to qualify. Not likely.

Group 4 sees Sarzonia and PopularFreedom facing off for the group championship. With Sarzonia 4 points ahead of PopularFreedom but PopularFreedom 26 point differential points ahead of Sarzonia, the winner of this group takes the group title, although both teams are guaranteed a qualification spot. When they last met on Matchday Five, both teams were undefeated and Sarzonia won 35-31, winning 27 unanswered points near the end of the game for the greatest comeback of the Cup. Most betting parlours have Sarzonia favoured although not by much.

Right now, it looks as if the playoffs will be Haraki vs. Lisburn Mateys, AMW China vs. McPsychoville, Larkinia vs. PopularFreedom and Sarzonia vs. Rorysville. My predictions can be found below.

Haraki 14-31 - Lisburn Mateys 7-17
AMW China 42-54 - McPsychoville 0-15
Larkinia 21-28 - PopularFreedom 14-21
Sarzonia 14-21 - Rorysville 7-15

Haraki 14-21 - AMW China 28-42
Larkinia 24-28 - Sarzonia 14-19

Final: AMW China 14-28 - Larkinia 14-24
3rd Place: Haraki 14-21 - Sarzonia 14-28

As much as I'd like to be optomistic about Haraki's performance, I just don't think that they can match up to powerhouses AMW China in the semi-finals, and I think even though they mat gain a victory over Lisburn Mateys they'll cop out the way they've been doing lately and fall to 4th or below. I think PopularFreedom vs. Larkinia will be the most-watched match in a long time, but I think that the four group champions will ultimately move on. Just the thoguhts of a humble rugby reporter.


Pete Vans is the Atherlon Times' rugby correspondent.

Matchday Ten Scores:

Group 1:
All teams BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Haraki 6 0 3 252 184 68 2 26 Q
McPsychoville 4 0 5 193 191 2 2 18 Q *
Xandabia 4 1 4 177 206 -39 0 18 E
Milchama 3 1 5 203 224 -21 3 17 E

* - Qualifies due to better point differential

Group 2:
All teams BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
AMW China 9 0 0 224 99 125 0 36 Q
Lisburn Mateys 3 1 5 119 155 -60 1 15 Q
East Lithuania 3 0 7 103 164 -61 2 14 E
Starblaydia 2 1 6 160 164 -4 3 13 E

Group 3:
Larkinia (14 - 21) Rorysville
Virginia Nova (20 - 27) Snake Eaters
Marceau State BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 7 0 1 151 119 32 1 29 Q
Rorysville 6 0 2 182 119 63 0 24 Q
Virginia Nova 4 0 3 100 147 -37 1 17 E
Snake Eaters 3 0 5 126 185 -73 0 12 E
Marceau State 0 0 8 92 185 -73 6 6 E

Group 4:
PopularFreedom (35 - 17) Sarzonia
Harlesburg (14 - 7) Benlandngdo
Trotsgrad BYE

Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
PopularFreedom 5 1 2 233 135 98 2 24 Q
Sarzonia 6 0 2 179 145 36 0 24 Q
Harlesburg 4 1 3 137 131 6 1 19 E
Benlandngdo 2 0 6 86 170 -85 2 11 E
Trotsgrad 2 0 6 104 160 -56 2 10 E

Just quickly on the whole rankings issue. I'm the one who should be complaining. I got to quarterfinals last time and was seeded 6 overall but yet I finished last in the group and really couldn't beat anybody lower than me (although i did do quite well against Haraki for some strange reason.) Yet I'm not complaining (of course rugby just a fun side sport for me) much if at all. Also Haraki is probably right and maybe things will be better for outrounds. If not change the ranking system.

And ... updated rankings as of the end of RWC VI.

# Nation Total WCVI WCV
1. AMW China 52.4 39.5 12.9
2. Larkinia 40.1 27.7 12.4
3. Haraki 39.2 25.8 13.4
4. PopularFreedom 38.25 28.8 9.75
5. Rorysville 37.15 30.3 6.85
6. Sarzonia 29.45 22.6 6.85
7. Virginia Nova 19.45 12.8 6.65
8. McPsychoville 18.85 12.3 6.55
9. Milchama 16.7 8.4 8.3
10. Starblaydia 16.1 8.1 8.0
11. Harlesburg 14.45 14.1 4.35
12. Lisburn Mateys 10.5 10.5
13. Snake Eaters 9.25 4.0 5.25
14. Prolestan 9.0 0.00 9.0
15. East Lithuania 7.3 4.9 2.4
16. Xandabia 7.1 7.1
17. San Haven 7.0 0.00 7.0
18. Silage 6.3 0.00 6.3
19. Rubicon States 5.25 0.00 5.25
20. MeusDomus 4.8 0.00 4.8
21. Marceau State 4.0 4.0
22. Benlandngdo 4.0 4.0
23. Trotsgrad 4.0 4.0
24. Artitsa 3.0 0.00 3.0
25. Chicanada 3.0 0.00 3.0
26. Gwazzaria 2.0 0.00 2.0
27. Karullia 2.0 0.00 2.0

OOC: Sorry I vanished guys, my gf came back into town this weekend and I've been out. Will try to get a post off later on tonight or tomorrow.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
SportsnetRV Ruggers Huddle

Teh Moose are in They went into Today's Game with the Knowledge that as long as they notched a single point they were and in fact Mathmatically they were in so with that they played a team that handed it to them tight and came out with the Fearless attitude and won the match 21-14. Rorysville lept out to and early lead with a pair of beatifull Runs one by Patrice Lafleur the other by Mike Staal. Larkinia managed to climb back into the game and scored a try late in the first half. They went into the Half at 14-7 Larkinia managed top tie the score with a run by Rob Ellis to not the score at 14 all But Late in the second Half Rorysville managed to score again and put themselves uo 21-14 which the game would end at. With the win Rorysville will move onto the next Round of Play.
"Well the boys showed what they are made of and pulled ourselves into a victory against the third best team in the world,We moved uo in the Rankings as we are now the fifth best team in the world we arn't finished here with this World Cup our goal i still the finals so we are halfway tehre no we need to continue on thi spath"--Coach Sitller

Other Scores from Matchday 10 Group 3
Virginia Nova (20 - 27) Snake Eaters
Marceau State BYE

Group 3 Standings after Matchday 10
Nation W D L PF PA PD BP P
---------------------------------------------------------------
Larkinia 7 0 1 151 119 32 1 29 Q
Rorysville 6 0 2 182 119 63 0 24 Q
Virginia Nova 4 0 3 100 147 -37 1 17 E
Snake Eaters 3 0 5 126 185 -73 0 12 E
Marceau State 0 0 8 92 185 -73 6 6 E

Man, I missed it! TG ME NEXT TIME YOU START ANOTHER TOURNY.

Man, I missed it! TG ME NEXT TIME YOU START ANOTHER TOURNY.

Considering I posted a link to the signup thread in the RP thread for WCV ... I'd just rather not get into TGing individual nations, sorry.

OOC: My new ranking is higher than I expected, to be honest.

OOC: Nice job with the voices, but it always seems that you do your radio reports every time you get ready to face Sarzonia. :p

...

OOC: Glad you like. Also, for the record, you are the top ranked team in my pool so gotta make sure I try and acquire every advantage I can get :)

Radio broadcast from NSN today courtesy of the PopularFreedomTicker:

http://www.geocities.com/PopularFreedomTicker/2006-06-05-001-NSN.mp3

Quarter-Finals:

Haraki (24 - 26) Lisburn Mateys
AMW China (36 - 5) McPsychoville
Larkinia (41 - 26) PopularFreedom
Sarzonia (18 - 33) Rorysville


Semi-Final Schedule:

Lisburn Mateys vs. AMW China
Larkinia vs. Rorysville

Quarter-Finals:

Haraki (24 - 26) Lisburn Mateys
AMW China (36 - 5) McPsychoville
Larkinia (41 - 26) PopularFreedom
Sarzonia (18 - 33) Rorysville


Semi-Final Schedule:

Lisburn Mateys vs. AMW China
Larkinia vs. Rorysville


OOC: Quarters were suppose to be 1st in one pool vs 2nd in the next. Why did Larkinia face PF therefore and Sarzonia face Rorysville? My team can lose against Rorysville just to make it easier, I dont mind, just all I care is that my news clip is correct and based on the way Group 3 and 4 ended the teams you have the teams mixed up.

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SportsnetRV Ruggers Huddle


The Moose Is Loose? Rorysville advances to World Cup Semi-Finals with thrilling Victory over Sarzonia in the RWC VI Quarterfinals. The Match started out in front of a Boisterous Crowd but Rorysville managed to take the Home Crowd out of it with 2 quick Trys and just 10 minutes later Sarzonia Would Score a try and a kick to put them down by 4 with that Rorysville Continued on by adding another Try Just before the Half. 21-10 at the half Rorysville would open up the scoring again with another try followed by a Kick by Sarzonia put the score at 28-13 Sarzonia added a try to put it to within ten points but Rorysville would add another try and put the game away 33-18.

"well the guys are playing like a Machine much as I hoped they would after all the troubles we had with the Lineup and suspensions and Injuries the Guys are really Working hard and I won't make another Starting Change even though our Players are back From Suspension the Current Starters are on too good of a roll.Sarzonia is a Great Team and a great Pace to the play It was a great battle of the fifth and sixth place teams.I look forward to seeing how we can match up against Larkinia for the third Time this Cup We split the Qualifiers and This one is with even more importance."--Coach Sitller

Rorysville's Next Opponent is (4)Larkinia in the RWC VI Semi-Finals If Rorysville advances they will face either (18)Lisburn Mateys or (1)AMV China.

other Scores from RWC VI Quarterfinals
Haraki (24 - 26) Lisburn Mateys
AMW China (36 - 5) McPsychoville
Larkinia (41 - 26) PopularFreedom

Upcomming Matches for RWC VI
Semi-Finals
Lisburn Mateys vs. AMW China
Larkinia vs. Rorysville

RugbyChina.com

China crushes McPsychoville on the way to the semis

AMW China 36 - Chou try, Peng try, Hui try, Dao try, Spencer try, 4 conv (Spencer), 1 penalty (Spencer)
McPsychoville 5

The Chinese team looked ominous today as the backline ran riot to score five tries to one in a 36-5 defeat of the McPsychoville team. It was an expected result, but the size of the defeat was not, dealing a huge psychological blow to the McPsychoville team.

It was clear that the rest had a positive impact on the team. If the forwards had been getting flak from the media, it only feed their hunger as they aggressively turned over the ball several times during rucking and matched the McPsychoville scrum blow for blow.

With the forwards creating enough space, halfback David Dao showed his class after looking restrained all season with a burst of incisive running sending him flying through the opposition defences to put the first points on the board in the 5th minute with a try in the corner. Struggling with the pace of the attack, fullback Jay Chen stole an intercept and offloaded infield to Peng who scored again between the posts a minute later. The scores remained locked at 14-0 until halftime, but that was already a daunting gap to chase down.

Winger Chou opened the scoring in the 62nd minute of the game after capitalising on a Spencer grubber that slid through the defence like butter. Just minutes later Spencer worked the backline in a 80m try that went through 8 players before he scored by the corner, but missed the conversion.

With the game well and over at 36-0, McPsychoville managed a consolation try, but had no hope of winning.

In other big news, world champions Haraki were toppled by little-known team Lisburn 26-24 in a dramatic upset. This means AMW China will be playing Lisburn again after facing them twice in the group games.

“And in international news, troops continue to land in Iansislian Gallaga. President Williams hasn’t addressed the Larkinian response yet. Rumors have it that Larkinian naval vessels are nearing Iansislian waters.

Next up is Sports Today. And we’ll take a look at the Larkinians in the Rugby World Cup after these messages from Sports Today’s sponsor and the official sponsors of the Larkinian National Rugby team…”

(again, you might have to cut and paste these in, and they are set up in Windows Movie files)

http://larkinia.tripod.com/rugby.wmv

(Sorry the picture is so small, and sorry about my 'accent' slipping, what can I say at this time of the morning ;) )

“And in international news, troops continue to land in Iansislian Gallaga. President Williams hasn’t addressed the Larkinian response yet. Rumors have it that Larkinian naval vessels are nearing Iansislian waters.

Next up is Sports Today. And we’ll take a look at the Larkinians in the Rugby World Cup after these messages from Sports Today’s sponsor and the official sponsors of the Larkinian National Rugby team…”

(again, you might have to cut and paste these in, and they are set up in Windows Movie files)

http://larkinia.tripod.com/rugby.wmv

(Sorry the picture is so small, and sorry about my 'accent' slipping, what can I say at this time of the morning ;) )


Awesome dude! Love the video clip though what is with the rabbit? lol :)

((Thanks man! Ya know, it's the killer bunny from Holy Grail, the scene where the Enchanter is warning the knights of the round table about the killer rabbit. I thought it was appropriate, "look at the pace, look at the power... look at the bones, look at the big gnashy teeth." ;) ))

Missed Convert Costs Haraki WCVI
From the Atherlon Times

Pete Vans, Atherlon. Although Harakian fly half Nathan Cannon had been in absolutely fantastic form through the entire tournament so far, one missed kick was all it took to take Haraki out of the running for the finals.

Haraki scored twice in the first half, with one convert, to answer to Lisburn Mateys' two converted tries. The converted was a pushover near centre by Thomas Gerryin, the second was a sprint into the corner by Daniel Virlan, missed by Nathan Cannon.

After half, with the score 14-12 for Lisburn Mateys, Haraki managed a converted try near the posts by a breakaway run by fullback Brad Weckit, which the Mateys responded to with a converted and an unconverted try over fifteen minutes. With ten minutes left, the Harakians were down 26-19, one converted try away from forcing extra time.

The Harakians spent their time wisely, forcing the Mateys down the field and almost scoring several times. Cannon missed a drop goal from thirty metres out, and the Mateys used the chance to pull a 22-drop out far from their own end, with two minutes left. On full time, a daring and risky chip and chase by Nathan Cannon let him sprint out ahead of the rest of the team. As the Mateys' fullback reached for the ball, Cannon kicked it on the ground out of his hands, carrying on the sprint and kicking it into their end, diving down onto it for five points.

With all Haraki's hopes resting on his one conversion, Cannon lined it up perfectly from around thirty metres out, made a nice kick ... and hit the post. Moments after the ball collided with the white metal bar, Cannon reportedly dropped to the ground and screamed. Lisburn Mateys beat the Harakians 24-26 and will now have to face rugby giants AMW China in the semi-finals.

Nathan Cannon was awarded Man of the Match by Allan Ferris despite his two missed converts and missed drop goal mostly for fantastic clinch play near the end of the game.

Pete Vans is the Atherlon Times' rugby correspondent.

OC: (Everything below is IC - honest! OOC though I noted the screwup, it is a mistake so all good. I honestly do not care about it however I always dig controversy (my nation in football WC 26 being a perfect example lol) so I can write stuff like the stuff below IC, lol. :) - Haraki feel free to rip my government or if you don't like the political roleplay let me know and I will stop, I really dig political RP and want to carry it over into RWC 7 unless you not up to it. :))

Greetings,

The nation of PopularFreedom makes an official request to the governing body of the Rugby World Cup to strip the nation of Haraki from the opportunity of hosting this prestigious tournament again. Our nation was to have played Rorysville yesterday however when we arrived on the field we found out that our quarterfinal match had been changed and was against Larkania. Had we known we would have prepared differently and the shock confused our team. We are furious with this incompetence on the part of the organizers for this mistake and demand a hearing into this matter at once!

Sincerely, Roland Miramik
Ministry Of Athletics, PopularFreedom

OOC: Damn. I can't believe I did that. I honestly and humbly apologize. Also, the below is also IC, not OOC. OOC I'm very sorry for the screwup.





"We did what?"

"We scheduled the wrong teams against one another."

"Really?"

"Yeah. PopularFreedom should've played Group 3 second place Rorysville, not Larkinia."

"Oh, I remember that switch. What about it?"

"PopularFreedom lost and now they're mad because of it. They want our heads."

"Send them back a message..."


To: Roland Miramik
From: The Harakian Ministry of Sports

We understand your concern over the match, but we assure you that there was plenty of notice in advance. A message was sent to all team coaches and the media the morning of the day before your game detailing the reason for the switch:

Although usually the playoff schedule is 1v2, 2v1, sometimes it will be switched around for special cases. In the case of your game, it was switched due to weather interference with airlines running between Kiros and Susa, where your two games were being held. Since yours and Larkinia's teams were already both in the same city from group stage games, we switched the schedule to stay on schedule.

It is unfortunate that you did not notice the changeup. However, this was announced well in advance and had been posted as a message to all teams' coaches as of the morning before your game, giving you enough time to adjust accordingly. We apologize for the misunderstanding, but this was due to unavoidable curcimstances.

The Haraki Ministry of Sports




In other news, semi-finals:

Lisburn Mateys (24 - 27) AMW China
Larkinia (15 - 29) Rorysville



The final will be AMW China vs. Rorysville
The 3rd-place match will be Larkinia vs. Lisburn Mateys

OOC: All good, I was more disappointed cause I spent over an hour on the previous news clip for it (wish I had saved the outtakes as they were hilarious, could not even get my name, 'Cam Richardson' correct half the time, lol). Mistakes happen though so again all good and do not worry about it. I am gonna politically RP it for a bit if you are cool with that though IC. :)

2006-06-06

RUGBY: FALLOUT FROM WORLD CUP RUGBY LOSS IMMENSE.
Rioting plagues Camelot streets while Minister of Athletics openly criticizes hosts.

Camelot - Fans littered the streets and began overturning cars in downtown Camelot yesterday after the Camelot Wasps lost in the quarterfinals of yesterday's match verses the Larkania national squad. Riot police were able to quickly get the crowd under control though their was more sporatic problems during the day today.

Fans were upset after the Wasps, representing PopularFreedom at the Rugby World Cup, had their match changed from verses Larkania to verses Rorysville.

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/5151/20060606riots8nx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Riot police handle groups of unruly youths on the streets of downtown Camelot today.

'We're not mad that we had to play Larkania, we're mad because we prepared for Rorysville and no one informed us of the switch', noted an angry coach Steve Smithy after yesterday's match.

Meanwhile the Minister of Athletics, Roland Miramik, sent off a stern letter of disapproval to both the chief organizers and the governing body of the Rugby World Cup. 'We have a mistake and it needs to be rectified', noted a visibly furious Miramik.

Though PopularFreedom realizes that not much will come out of any protest with the semi-finals having already been played, PopularFreedom still wishes to make as issue of it.

'We have an injustice here and we need to ensure that it will not happen again', noted one of the Wasps' trainers just prior to their departure back home to PopularFreedom today.

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SportsnetRV Ruggers Huddle

THE MOOSE ARE IN!!!!!With the Amazing Win over Larkinia in the Semi-Finals of the 6th Rugby World Cup Rorysville will Face Top Ranked AMW China in the Final of RWC VI. This match has sent shockwaves throughout Rorysville's Rugby Community. The word is the Rorysville Sporting Government Agency will Announce the Formation of a Professional Rugby League Consisting of 12 teams all over Rorysville. The Former Set up of Multiple Independant Leagues wasn't as good of a developer of Talent and with this the Players can focus on thier Games and not on having a job plus being a rugby player.As for the Semi-Final Victory over Larkinia it was the Third time they met up this Torunament and Rorysville took the Best of 3 Series 2-1 with this win meaning more than anything else. 29-15 the Final And lets review this Historic Match for Rorysville. Early on Larkinia Carried the Play and took an Early 8-0 Lead Rorysville looked just one step off of being unstoppable. Larkinia took a 15-0 LEad into Halftime and looked to hold the game. At the Start of the Second Half after a much heated Halftime Talk by Coach Sitller Rorysville came out on Fire and Played with an unbelieveable Aggresiveness and took the game into thier hands Scoring 2 Tries within 10 minutes of the start of the second half. Rorysville would Continue the Aggresive play wioth hard tackles by Sodderstrom and Lokerty leading to Larkinia Turnovers and a pair of Trys Rorysville would pull ahead to it's 29-15 lead and run out the clock with a shutdown defense.
"Well what more can be said win or lose tommorow I am proud of these boys and the effort we put forth on the field. an amazing resilancy was shown as we were down and out in the first half then we managed to get the game the way we wanted it. I think the Play that really put us over the edge was Sodderstroms Tackle on Mike Davis jarring the ball loose and causing a turnover and leading to Evenalls Run for the go ahead points. Lokerty's hit on Ellis was the stuff that legends are made of and it signaled the end to Larkinia as we had taken over the game on both the scoreboard and physically"--Coach Sitller

In the Other Semi-Final Matchup
AMW China beat Lisburn Mateys 27-24

Lisburn Mateys and Larkinia will meat for the Third Place match

AMW China and Rorysville will face off for the RWC VI Final from Hakari Stadium in Hakari's Capital The Game will be telivesed Live Nation Wide on SportsnetRV.

The Cities in the Newly Formed RVPRL
Rorysville,Marceau,Lawrence,Laval,York,Dorval,Island City,North Lake,North Polaris,Thunder Bay,Twin Cities(Sherbrooke/Val D'Or),and Aubin Team Names and Stadiums to be announced at a letr date.

RugbyChina.com

Finals fever! - China reaches the finals!

After China won against Lisburn, Rorysville produced a huge upset against favourites Larkinia, winning decisively 29-15.

"We weren't expecting this, I don't think anyone was." Hart said to media today.

Hart has stuck with the full strength team that demolised McPsychoville two weeks ago, and has refused to comment on what happens if they win.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9163/starlogo2ti.jpg
Mateys have out done themselves

Shock number 1, qualify from the group stages

Shock number 2 , Beat hosts Haraki 24 -26 in a nail bitting match in which the Mateys scored a very late try from 6 foot 8 , 17 stone Gary Crowe who has petrified defense lines throughout the tournament, that try tied the score at 24 -24 but Paddy Calow stepped up to the plate to slot a relativly easy conversion, this match has been tipped as the best world cup match of all time, and it was clear both teams respected each other highly swapping shirts and shaking hands at the end of the game

in the semis however the Mateys where drawn with ranked number 1 AMW China a team who the Mateys had played twice before and had been beaten by twice before, this time though the teams where a bit more evenly matched and the Mateys actually gave the Chinese a game but China went ahead after the second half after an execelltant move by the backs leaving the score at 24 - 11 after 50 minutes, with many thinking the Mateys where out.
The Mateys however after kick off trundled up into the oppisitions 10 metre line and paddy calow hit a superb drop goal making it 24 - 14
After the next kick off the Mateys used the same tactic slowly using the forwards and inside runs to slowly trundle up the line, but when the time was right Calow called "WHITE!!" , the Mateys players having practised it time and time again new exactly what was happening, the 1st centre came inside, dumby switch, the 2nd centre came inside, another dumby switch and then finally a pop out to the winger Danny Ard who burned downt he line to score right on the touch line, 24 - 19 , could this be a great comeback?

The Chinese spured on by the crowd who where starting to get on their back score a penalty from Spencer which put the game to bed , the Mateys however scored another late consolation try, but it was a good game all round AMW China 27 - 24 Lisburn Mateys

Final:
AMW China (39 - 40) Rorysville


Third-Place Match:
Larkinia (34 - 14) Lisburn Mateys




Congratulations to our World Cup VI winners, Rorysville.

1. Rorysville
2. AMW China
3. Larkinia
4. Lisburn Mateys







Updated group rankings, including all of RWC VI. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11093715&postcount=95)

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SportsnetRV Ruggers Huddle


MOOSE ARE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thats right this is not a joke the nation of Rorysville are The Champions of Rugby World Cup VI Shocking the world with thier aggresive style and Upsets all the way to the Final game by beating #1 Rank AMW China 40-39.THere has been mass CElebrations on the streets of Rorysville some minor Disturbances in the Ayre District of Rorysville. In the Collegetown District the streets were overcome with improv victory Parades as Citizens flocked to the streets to enjoy the celebrations
Some Random Shots from the Victory Celebrations

http://www.imgcity.net/server/primary/2559892.jpg
Students from URV City Celebrate in Collegetown with a Bonfire
http://www.imgcity.net/server/primary/RangersStadium.jpg
National Stadium Where the Game was Simulcasted Sets off Fireworks in Celebration
http://www.imgcity.net/server/primary/stonessupporters1.jpg
Supportsers of the RCRFC Celebrate as Coach Sitller was the Coach of the Team. With the Formation of the RVPRL There will no longer be small clubs like these.

As for the game It started out with a bang as Rorysville's Lokerty hit Carl Spencer and Jarred the ball loose the loose ball was picked up by Eric Staal and run in for the games first try. The Game would continue at this pace as both teams battled for position and exchanged trys and ended the first half with AMW Ahead 27-23. AMW China would go ahead Jason Dao Notched a pair of trys to go ahead by a score 39-23 Rorysville would once again bounce back and Notch the final Points to go ahead on a Jordan Staal Penalty Kick with just 2 minutes remaining and Rorysville would hold on to the lead 40-39 and win the game and the World Cup.Congratulations to Rorysville on its vitory as well as to AMW China on thier brilliant run to the final.
"Well not much more to be said than it's over and I always knew we hada shot but the way we won it was unbelievable again and again we can't be counted out. My hat is off to these boys as they showed what it takes to win something so big and with this Big things in Rorysville Rugby at home will happen not too mention the Big Welcome home were bound to get. I can't wait to get home with the trophy"--Coach Sitller

As for the other game today Larkinia Beat Lisburn Mateys in the Third Place Match 34-14

Congrats to all teams on a well played Rugby World Cup VI.

SIGN UP FOR RWC 7 HERE (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=486631)