Chuckrobinson, I am in complete support of this forum being a First XV based thread. In saying that though, there is a place for small news such as scores from the third XV games. But not whole game breakdowns like this clown spikhaza has submitted, no one really cares about anything from the third XV. In more interesting news, anyone know when duo sikimeti and Tuttle shall be returning to the paddock?
I think it's primarily First XV based however there is without doubt room for discussion around smaller teams. This is a community after all, for players, coaches and all those with general interest. I think if people weren't contributing to First XV talk then it would be a problem however theres only been a couple of posts and it's by players - the guys who play the game, who go to the gps schools, so I think they absolutely should have every right to post whatever content on GPS rugby they like. If people are only interested in First XV scores and analysis that's fine - but it's clear that as students at these schools with a major stakehold in the rugby we have a right to discuss what we like, especially when there are responses from other students - as there has been in recent weeks hence my sudden wading into Third XV discussion. It's not like I haven't commented on the first XV - a significant majority of my posts have been about that. This forum is also a place for anyone involved in GPS rugby at whatever level to post, and it so happens there is a market for Third XV football every now and then. I certainly don't think the posting has been excessive like you've insinuated, if anything it was a team list from either side & a few lines of banter, nothing special there. I regularly have very long posts - look at the non schoolboys section for almost 2 years of evidence of this.
In short, as students we have in my opinion a bigger stakehold in the game than the old boys - in the same way as players have a higher stakehold than the fans - they are the ones on the pitch and thus have a right not to highjack the thread, but add in small discussion points here and there. It's also pretty clear that it's been done in good spirit and it's not harming anyone, and we are contributing to First XV talk too. I would certainly make a case that I've made a pretty objective contribution to the first XV contribution and have hence earnt the right for a bit of discussion that might not be of interest for you lot in offices but to those who are connected the most, who have the most to take from playing GPS rugby - that is sportsmanship, character & respect.
Back on topic now, Junior is reportedly out for the season which is a major blow for BBC. BBC's game plan revolves around dominating the collisions at the break down and getting go forward, then giving the backs some quick ball and going wide. Junior was a major part of it and whilst his replacement Bronson is more than able physically, there is something that Junior brings to the team that makes him an enforcer, inducing fear into the opposition. Sad news for him but he does have another crack next year.
In terms of BBC V GT this weekend, without giving too much away I'd say that Terrace need to defend well on the fringes to shutdown bbc and limit BBC #14 McCleans involvement in the game. This guy was a 100m champion in his age group last year and is deadly with ball in hand. Conversely, BBC need to open up more space and opportunities for him, whereby it was seen last week he was very restricted against Terrace with such low possession, particularly in the second half.
To win, Terrace need to control the game very well through Dalgleish, who has the chance to show how good he can be this weekend. His tactical kicking and passing game will make or break Terrace, and expect him to have a much bigger role to play than his opposite number 10. Should be a great game and looking forward to a great Saturday afternoon watching the footy.