A Historic Day For Munster Rugby

In an effort to class up this joint a little bit (Just kidding guys) I decided to bring this story to the Bad News Bloggers community. Despite being an American rugby is a passion for me, I played overseas and had the opportunity to watch Munster play, it truly is a magical experience. However, what took place at Thomond Stadium on Tuesday night was something for the ages.


While the majority of people in the United States were at work on a Tuesday afternoon, across the pond in Ireland rugby history was nearly made in one of the most memorable matches I have ever witness. It is the fall test season, and current the New Zealand All Blacks are on a tour of Europe. Tuesday night they made their way into Southern Ireland and found themselves in an hostile environment in Thomond Park in Limmerick where they would take on European powerhouse Munster RFC.

The matched the 30th anniversary of when a Munster side took out the All Blacks, and became the first and only Irish side to beat the New Zealand team. Tuesday's match was meant to be a friendly between the two historic sides. As both team turned to many of their reserve players to carry the bulk of the minutes because the All Blacks were fresh off a tough match on Saturday where they took on Ireland and many of the Munster starters were members of that Irish side. Backups or not, Tuesday night's game was a special occasion.

The atmosphere in Thomond Park is always loud, and everyone in attendance knew they were in for a special treat. However, the Park was ready to explode as both teams met at midfield field pregame in preparation for the All Blacks Haka. Munster, which now sports four of their own New Zealanders had a surprise for the visiting side. The four Munster imports stepped in front of their teammates and proceeded to perform the Haka, challenging the New Zealand side and letting them know this would not be a typical game. The crowd was electric as they watch the Munster players perform the ritual dance. Once they were finished the New Zealanders answered with their versions of the traditional chant. And both teams were ready for the battle of their life.

Munster played one of the best games I have ever seen a side put together, and it is unclear if they caught the Kiwi's off guard or what, but they took the All Blacks to the limit. With four minutes to go in the contest, Munster was leading 16-13, before the New Zealand back line was finally able to show their ability on the outside and dot a try down.

New Zealand would hold on manage to come away with the win, but it took everything they had to do so. In the end there is no doubt that the All Blacks have a new found respect for Irish rugby and for Munster and its strong traditions. After the game the All Blacks showed their appreciation for the crowd and for Munster by applauding the fans who had been on their feet for the entire evening. Truly Tuesday's game marked a special moment in rugby history.

No Ties in Our 10 Things I Think that Smell Like Shit

Another week of sports, another week of 10 things that seem just a little too ripe.

1. The NFL Dress Code? No Ties! Perhaps its shocking that Donovan McNabb wasn't aware of ties in the NFL or not (according to Big Ben), but it is disappointing. Still, I cannot fully comprehend how McNabb could not know the rule, but still play the OT period like he did (with a last second heave...suggesting the game could end). What's more baffling is that this is the lead story on the Eagles and not Andy Reid who insisted on passing almost 60 times even though his QB has tossed 3 INTs. Oh, and he's been McNabb's coach for 10 years (and only NFL coach)...so we can only assume he's the only teacher McNabb's had for NFL rules. Seems reasonable
2. Kaiser Goodell wants an ID card too. The lead is a bit unfair. Roger Goodell actually wants to cut down on scalping and I have to admit, more power to him. While its nice to be able to acquire the big ticket you want, its frustrating when it costs 5 to 10 times its face value. Of course I'm curious to see how that impacts the sales days that typically occur months before the season...and moreover if scalpers aren't buying them in bunches, do the time windows (sometimes meer minutes for a season's worth of tickets available) expand because big time scalpers arent buying them up. If it takes Goodell's plan to allow me to get my ticket at a reasonable price, I'm all for it...ID or no ID.
   
3. C.C. Dragging his Feet. Rumor out of New York is Sabathia is waiting for the L.A. offer before he starts negotiating. Sabathia would love to go to California, but only is the L.A. offer is only slightly less than NY's. And given the way the Yankees are posturing, I don't see that happening. Given the way the Yankees are, I don't really blame C.C. but he is just another player who will feel the heat given people's reactions to large payouts.
   
4. Rich Rod needs to 'Get a Life'. Praise be to Michigan bloggers, fanboys and message board posters alike. Apparently Rich Rodriguez not only reads you, but doesn't like what you write. As a message board veteran, everyone knows that the anonymity causes venom to spew and frankly you can't take any of it too seriously...unless you're the headcoach of a premier college football program in the midst of its worst season...ever
5. Re: Pacman might be back...man. Pacman has again completed alcohol counseling and is eagerly awaiting a Roger Goodell implemented reinstatement. Is there any bigger joke in the NFL today? Ok, save McNabb et al. I just don't understand how, even assuming that this most recent transgressions are minor by comparison, you can simply let the guy walk back in. But with Jerruh the owner, we all know, money talks and bullshit walks
6. Tiki lays it down on McNabb. Another Tiki Barber speaking moment, another dissed QB. Of course the last time this happened, said QB won a Super Bowl (does this work again). Why does Tiki talk anymore? Has he reached overpaid status? Will he and McNabb compare Super Bowl Rings? Does he steal Ronde's?
7. Economy sets sights on LPGA. Every league is facing it, but now the LPGA is living it. As a (relatively) premier sports league, the LPGA is making drastic changes to its schedule to ensure is long term viability. Fan or not, it truly goes to show how bad things are.
   
8. That guy...didn't vote for Howard. As a lead for yesterday's DLL's, I pointed out how Albert Poo-Holes (deservingly) won the MVP in the NL. That doesn't mean I didn't think Howard didn't deserve mention, especially considering you pick your top 10 (each writer that is). Thefightins.com found that guy who didn't vote for Howard. What a dick!
9. He can't do it all. Davidson is currently ranked 21st in the nation and they'll probably acquire the automatic bid to the tourney by virtue of the Southern Conference standings but in all his 35 ppg magic, Stephon Curry is doing it all by himself. The man is a college basketball god, who's giving bracketologists creamy upset special (as much of an upset as a #9 seed can be) wet dreams. X-Factor has a name...and its Stephon Curry.
   
10. And this one doesn't stink. Golfer J.P. Hayes realizes he was "cheating" during a PGA Qualfier and turns himself in. As a golf leyman, I really don't see the impact that the ball could have had (who knows, maybe it was huge), but I'm J.P. Hayes could and did. Hayes, realizing he was using an unapproved ball, told an official, after he used it for two shots, that it was unapproved and was penalized for it. Then, he spoke with an official that night and (and I'm just piecing it together here) was essentially told the ball would disqualify him. Hayes will not be a full fledged member of the tour because of his honesty and, while I respect his honesty, I do not believe he should be allowed on simply because he was honest. Still, don't feel bad for Hayes, he has over $7 million in career earnings. Again, don't feel bad, but respect the man and his integrity.
    

Random Yet Entertaining Soccer Video of the Day

The best English Premier League game in history according to many. Oh don't worry, plenty of goals here condensed into 2:30.

Another Newcastle collapse when they could've won the Premier League title with a few weeks left in the season, Liverpool were out of it, but they had a chance to play spoiler.

Martin Tyler's commentary gives me chills.

DSRTSV - 11/18/08

Early last year Gerry McNamara was called overrated by a Syracuse paper. Well, not really, it was actually a Jim Boeheim assistant who told the paper on the condition of anonymity.

Well Boeheim didn't like that...and he let it known:




And no, I couldn't find any instance of Boeheim being fined for the comments.

"10 fucking games!"

In Dallas: Everything Must Go!

Think the economy was going south before?

The Dallas Cowboys have announced that they will be auctioning off practically everything at Dallas Stadium. Costs range from 50 dollars (for a "No Bags or Purses" sign) to roughly $3,000 for the lockers of Terrell Owens or Tony Romo.

Other fun items:

• Numerous lighting fixtures
• Seating Signs
• Turnstiles
  
• Rugs/Mats
• Warning Signs
• Phones...
• Sinks
• Showers
• Tubs
  
• Too many stars to count

And the coup-de-grace. You can own the "Throne of Champions" (pictured above) for just a $500 opening bid. Yes you can own the very seat where the likes of Leon Lett or Larry Allen dropped a massive deuce.

I wonder what you think when you outbid someone to own the great shitter of the Dallas Cowboys?

Sweet...

NFC Playoff Picture (Week 12 Edition)

We are coming up on week 12 in the 2008 NFL season and only two of the four National Football Conference divisions have clear leaders. Unlike last year, the NFC appears to have some legitimate teams. Though not all is good in the NFC. In fact, they have the only winless team left, the Detroit Lions (0-10), who are dead last in the NFC North division. Will the NFC have a Super Bowl winner again this year? Read on to find out:

NFC North:

Green Bay Packers 5-5

Chicago Bears 5-5

Minnesota Vikings 5-5

Detroit Lions 0-10

This division seems to be on par with the very weak AFC West. The top three teams all being tied for first, and really, any one of the three could easily win the division in the end. If Chicago's QB Kyle Orton can stay healthy they have the potential to win it. But, Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers has shown a lot of promise, especially in Green Bay's 37-3 blowout victory on Sunday over the Bears.

Green Bay's only real test remaining on their schedule is their week 13 matchup with the 8-2 Carolina Panthers. Minnesota's remaining schedule looks to be a lot tougher, and I just don't think the Bears have the firepower to beat out the Pack for this division. Sunday's game, again, told me everything.

As for Detroit. Oh, man have they got a lot of things to work on. First of all, having Daunte Culpepper as their QB isn't going to do much good. Plus, when you add in the defensive weaknesses and lack of coaching, you've got a whole lot of trouble in Detroit...Like usual. Detroit still hasTampa, Tennessee, Indy, New Orleans and the Pack to play. There's a chance the Lions could be the first team to go 0-16 in NFL history.

Division winner: PackersNFC East:

New York Giants 9-1

Dallas Cowboys 6-4

Washington Redskins 6-4

Philadelphia Eagles 5-4-1

Eli Manning and his Giants look to be well on their way to another playoff appearance. This time, with a division title to their name. They very easily could be 10-0, like the Titans of the AFC South. Though their remaining schedule is pretty tough, the Giants will easily roll into the playoffs with the top seed.

Tony Romo saved the Cowboys season with the 14-10 victory over the 6-4 Washington Redskins on Sunday, and you can't rule them out of the playoffs just yet. If Dallas can win four of their last six games, they have a shot at a playoff spot. But, that obviously won't be an easy task. Yes, their next two games are winable (49ers, Seahawks), but their last four games are tough matchups with Pittsburgh, New York (Giants), Baltimore and Philly.

The Redskins, tied with Dallas, are still alive as well. The 7-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently lead the wild card race, but with RB Earnest Graham possibly out for the season and QB issues, this team is in no shape to win a playoff spot. Only two of the Skins six games still to be played are losable games. Jason Campbell has done a pretty nice job so far this season, I believe he can do it. Skins win sixth playoff spot in the NFC.

So, despite the slow start for Dallas, the NFC East will still have three playoff teams. I have lost all confidence in Donovan McNabb and ANdy Reid's Eagles after their tie with the 1-8-1 Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Division winner: Giants

NFC South:

Carolina Panthers 8-2

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-3

Atlanta Falcons 6-4

New Orleans Saints 5-5

I can seriously say that I called this one. I knew the Panthers would have a great season, and Jake Delhomme would have a bounce-back season after his successful Tommy John Surgery. And, it was all possible because of their success in the running game. Rookie Jonathan Stewart, out of Oregon, and DeAngelo Williams have run opposing defenses to death. Carolina's schedule seems to favor them, as well.

Not only has Carolina surprised many (other than me, of course), but rookie QB Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons has too. Who woulda thought that Ryan would carry this team to a 6-4 record through 11 weeks? If Atlanta's defense had performed better on Sunday, they could be 7-3 and tied for second with Tampa. But, I expect Atlanta to quickly pass Tampa in the standings, due to a few key injuries suffered by Tampa.

Many thought Drew Brees and the Saints would be having a much better season, too. But instead, Delhomme leads his Panthers to the top of the division, and is poised to take them to the playoffs this season. It's just too bad the Falcons won't have a good enough record to win the wild card. Wouldn't that be something?

Division winner: Panthers
NFC West:

Arizona Cardinals 7-3

San Francisco 49ers 3-7

Seattle Seahawks 2-8

St. Louis Rams 2-8

This one isn't even close! Kurt Warner has done a very good job leading the Cardinals to a 7-3 record. Although it does help a lot when you've got guys like Anquan Boldin (leads NFL in TD receptions) and Larry Fitzgerald (second in NFL in receiving yards with 939) catching balls for you. Not many expected the Cards to be winning this division through 11 weeks, but the injury to QB Matt Hasselbeck and poor defensive play by the favorites, the Seattle Seahawks, opened the door for the possible league MVP (through the first 11 weeks, anyway) Kurt Warner.

There really isn't much else to say about this division. It's quite obvious the Cardinals are easily going to win the division, and there isn't going to be a wild card team come from this division. This, like the AFC West, is an embarrassment. The other three teams are a combined 7-23. That's all I'm going to say...

Division winner: Cardinals

David Wright Follows A-Rod's Gravy Train

This one, fresh out of the New York Post (quality publication that it is):

Apparently, Davey Boy was using his boyish charm during his "Do the 'Wright' Thing" charitable campaign when he was overtaken by a pack of "cougars."

And by cougars we do indeed mean middle-aged woman who "Middle-age women with bad '80s hair." According tot The Post, the women "were practically pushing down little kids who were trying to get baseballs signed."

During the tirade, Wright was heard exclaiming: "Ladies, calm down! Please, relax."

Balls to you sir. More 40 year old ass is what A-Rod Approves!

Daily "Linkin' Logs" - MVP Edition (11/18/08)

I've always been a pretty big fan of Albert Pujols. I think a lot of people respect him, and are really in awe of watching (arguably) the best hitter in baseball. Most people think Pujols could do a number of things, including breaking Hank Aaron's 755...

So Albert won his 2nd MVP yesterday. Pretty simple to pick the guy who batted .357 with 37 homers and 116 RBIs (top 10 in each).

"I see it this way: Someone who doesn't take his team to the playoffs doesn't deserve to win the MVP"

But what I enjoyed most about the MVP award was Pujols being forced to face the music for his comments when Ryan Howard earned the award in 2006, a year in which Ryan Howard batted .313 with 58 homes and 149 RBIs and his team finished just outside the playoffs. This year Pujols got the honor, for a team that really faded down the stretch and didn't have a shot in the final week.

And yet he still won it.

"I think the writers made the right choice in 2006. [Howard] did deserve it (the MVP)."

Well, I guess all is right again in MVP/non-playoff team world as both have now not won the MVP in the same year as they won a World Series...

Fair enough

• Pedro Martinez has declared that he'll pitch in '09. Omar Minaya has stated that the Mets will be in the mix, though I can't image them (nor can Minaya) making any offer that would blow Pedro away. Then again, I can't see any team really doing that.
• PFT is surmising that maybe een Andy Reid didn't know the overtime rules, given the way he handled Philly (Trenton Times) beat writer Mark Eckel's OT question. Now I've been as annoyed with Reid as anyone else, but the guy is a meticulous planner and student, I really somehow doubt that he didn't know the rule. I believe its possible he overlooked the fact that McNabb didn't know, but I really can't imagine that Reid didn't himself.
  
• Not a link: Not sure if this is a trend, but our friend Mookie brought it to my attention the following two facts: 1) Prior to the 2007 playoffs, I declared the New York Giants the worst 10-6 football team I'd ever seen - They went on to win the Super Bowl 2) During our weekly "Pick 'em" contest about a month ago, I said that the Buffalo Bills would be the AFC Conference Champs - They haven't won a game since. With that said: The Dallas Cowboys are going to win out and claim the Super Bowl title 41-0. Done.
• A Little Late: The Bluey Blog discusses the 66 million dollar "Oops" by the NFL during the Steelers-Chargers game.
• Knicksblog let's us know they might have a chance against the World Champs since Kevin Garnett is out after slapping Andrew Bogut
• ESPN is apparently the projected winner of the BCS Bowls, starting in 2011.
• And finally, EC let's us know Roger Clemens Pedophile status and public image has now reached DefCon 3