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Just stuck this up elsewhere in response to the tenor of the thread. Thought it might generate some chat here, and would love to hear additional analogues.
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Rugby is NOT just a game.
RUGBY = GEOPOLITICS
A. New Zealand = America
Easily the biggest player on the international scene, and has been for a long time. Probably the only power still capable of engaging in multiple simultaneous conflicts, they are formidable in battle with a seemingly endless supply of weaponry at their disposal. Continual success is expected, with any failure treated ruthlessly and prone to generating conspiracy theories. Boundless confidence is often seen as arrogance and can make them a little sensitive to criticism. This, in conjunction with the prominence given to their culture, tends to provoke resentment in some (although there is more than a bit of envy mixed in as well).
B. South Africa = Russia
Used to be the major competition for A, but it was built on internal structures that proved to be unsustainable. Have struggled to deal with their subsequent decline in fortunes, but are considered to have large untapped resources. Can and will be great again, once they resolve their internal power struggles and establish a new, more balanced structure. Seems uncertain whether it should align with Europe.
C. Australia = China
Historically weak, but grew into the space left by the decline of B and now compete with the other international entities. Has enormous potential for growth, but is hampered by geography and a lack of appropriate infrastructure. Is working to address this, but often struggles under top-down management by an elitist, conservative group of ideologues. Has some significant weaponry, although many consider it technologically lacking and based on knock-offs from A and B.
D. England = Middle East
Significant focal point for international conflict, but is characterised by strong internal political tensions and frequently fails to present a unified face due to self-interest amongst member elements. It has arguably never sustained the sort of power that a vast abundance of natural resources should afford.
E. Ireland = Israel
Was originally part of D, but was established as an independent entity during the first half of the 20th century. Having obtained this status, would never willingly go back. Seems to have supporters everywhere and always puts up a hell of a fight in any conflict. Periodically gives D a kicking.
F. Scotland = Great Britain
Owe their position to history more than anything. Provides support for A during conflicts with D.
G. Wales = Germany
Similar roots to F. Have had brief periods of significance on the international stage, during which they caused everyone aggravation. Still manage to have a major say in international events.
H. France = France
What can you say – always unpredictable and always in the mix.
A very good post Andys, I like it a lot. Nothing to add as yet but I reckon we can come up with a few, after a few on Saturday at![]()
All a bit too close to the mark isn't it!?
Is this your work Andy?
Very clever whoever wrote it.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Love that cracker of the line about our Bros across the ditch concering: sensitive to criticism. Now aint the truest thing you would read!
Pity there wasnt a blurb saying there is nothing worse than a bad loser than a bad winner.
It's mine. Found that identifying the analogues was relatively easy, but finding a wording that was neutral enough to apply to both whilst still containing just a little needle was quite tough.
Argentina could be Lithuania - their talent has moved to F, G and H to find employment and they play their home games behind wire mesh (or an iron curtain)
Italy = Italy ???
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Italy could be Switzerland, as they have a habbit of buying Kiwi's !
a great post Andy - excellent work. Burgs might just have a challenger
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
the pressure is certainly on after that one!
Wil have to start working on my next milestone epic special![]()
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Now look what you`ve done andys, you`ve gone and started sparring with Burgs, nothing will stop him now. He`ll leave the cows munching for days on end now, just to out thread you.....
And he is good "insert good bad and ugly whistle here"
Hopefully what it says about South Africa will indeed happen "will be great again"
Every forwards dream is to become a back...
haha I love it!!Ireland - Periodically gives D a kicking.
Chuck Norris has the greatest Poker-Face of all time. He won the 1983 World Series of Poker, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoly card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game Uno.
Until they take the politics out of the sport Shaun, I wouldnt hold your breathOriginally Posted by Shaunmarn
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
nice work haha very witty