When will Zebre win a match?

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:05 pm

29 losses on the bounce and not so much as a draw but still (under current rules) worthy of an EC place.

Surely this is a joke side.

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:06 pm

Never. They'll go bust first.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:09 pm

When do they play Embra? Whistle

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:13 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:When do they play Embra?

Code:: September 2013 Sat 7 Sep 17:00 Connacht Rugby 25 - 16 Zebre Sportsground 4,084 Fri 13 Sep 19:30 Zebre v Munster Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile Mediaset Fri 20 Sep 19:30 Cardiff Blues v Zebre Arms Park Fri 27 Sep 19:30 Zebre v Glasgow Warriors Stadio XXV Aprile Medset/ALBA October 2013 Fri 4 Oct 19:15 Newport Gwent Dragons v Zebre Rodney Parade Fri 25 Oct 19:30 Zebre v Scarlets Stadio XXV Aprile Mediaset November 2013 [b]Fri 1 Nov 19:45 Edinburgh Rugby v Zebre Murrayfield[/b] Sat 23 Nov 14:30 Ospreys v Zebre Liberty Stadium Sat 30 Nov 15:00 Zebre v Ulster Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile Mediaset December 2013 Fri 20 Dec 19:05 Ulster Rugby v Zebre Ravenhill Stadium BBCNI Sat 28 Dec 15:00 Benetton Treviso v Zebre Stadio Monigo Mediaset January 2014 Sat 4 Jan 15:00 Zebre v Benetton Treviso Stadio XXV Aprile Mediaset February 2014 7/8/9 Feb Zebre v Leinster Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile 14/15/16 Feb Munster Rugby v Zebre Musgrave Park 21/22/23 Feb Zebre v Connacht Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile 28 Feb, 1/2 Mar Zebre v Cardiff Blues Stadio XXV Aprile March 2014 21/22/23 Mar Leinster Rugby v Zebre Royal Dublin Society 28/29/30 Mar Zebre v Newport Gwent Dragons Stadio XXV Aprile April 2014 11/12/13 Apr Scarlets v Zebre Parc y Scarlets 18/19/20 Apr [b]Zebre v Edinburgh Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile[/b] May 2014 2/3/4 May Zebre v Ospreys Stadio XXV Aprile 9/10/11 May Glasgow Warriors v Zebre Scotstoun Stadium

by Brendan Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:14 pm

They'll win when they score more then their opponents

by VinceWLB Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:19 pm

Hard to tell really, thought they had improved but apparently not or maybe it's just they are less improved than Connacht, Dragons etc

Also maybe the new coaching staff is even worse than the previous one...

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:20 pm

Brendan wrote:They'll win when they score more then their opponents

I had grasped that complicated concept, Brendan. But thanks for the helpful reminder.

by Mickado Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:46 pm

They won all 5 of their preseason games.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:49 pm

I have a feeling it will be this year, even though we all know they are improving, they are still looked apon as a team that can be picked off even when resting your first team players (even out in Italy), and I believe they will catch a team off guard, arrogent, and off colour and pick up a win.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:50 pm

Mickado wrote:They won all 5 of their preseason games.

A year in the Amlin and they would have a few wins under their belt, and most likely a QF appearance too.

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:52 pm

Mickado wrote:They won all 5 of their preseason games.

They don't count Mick. But out of interest, who were the opposition?

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:53 pm

Hopefully soon. Italy wasted so much time and money with Aironi. Why did they think that would work woth the size of the population there?

by Dorothy_Mantooth Mon 09 Sep 2013, 2:55 pm

Our visit there at the end of the month has an ominous feeling about it.... censored

by Mickado Mon 09 Sep 2013, 3:03 pm

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
Mickado wrote:They won all 5 of their preseason games.
They don't count Mick. But out of interest, who were the opposition?

I can't even find that out, looked on their site but it's sparse. I did read that somewhere thought.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 09 Sep 2013, 3:07 pm

Wasn't one Moglanio (think that is right) the italian league champs, and amlin regular.

by whocares Mon 09 Sep 2013, 3:38 pm

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:29 losses on the bounce and not so much as a draw but still (under current rules) worthy of an EC place.

Surely this is a joke side.

what is the point of having a cheap dig at Zebre. they have only been in the pro12 for a year so what do you actually expect.

on a related note, it looks more and more likely the HC (as we know it) will be on standbye next season. dont think it would be wise or fair to have qualification rules changing when pro12, Ap and T14 have all started.

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 3:41 pm

Emboldened as I see it must be targeted games with IW allowances

Sat 7 Sep 17:00 Connacht Rugby 25 - 16 Zebre Sportsground 4,084
Fri 13 Sep 19:30 Zebre v Munster Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile Mediaset
Fri 20 Sep 19:30 Cardiff Blues v Zebre Arms Park
Fri 27 Sep 19:30 Zebre v Glasgow Warriors Stadio XXV Aprile Medset/ALBA
October 2013
Fri 4 Oct 19:15 Newport Gwent Dragons v Zebre Rodney Parade
Fri 25 Oct 19:30 Zebre v Scarlets Stadio XXV Aprile Mediaset
November 2013
Fri 1 Nov 19:45 Edinburgh Rugby v Zebre Murrayfield

Sat 23 Nov 14:30 Ospreys v Zebre Liberty Stadium
Sat 30 Nov 15:00 Zebre v Ulster Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile Mediaset
December 2013
Fri 20 Dec 19:05 Ulster Rugby v Zebre Ravenhill Stadium BBCNI
Sat 28 Dec 15:00 Benetton Treviso v Zebre Stadio Monigo Mediaset
January 2014
Sat 4 Jan 15:00 Zebre v Benetton Treviso Stadio XXV Aprile Mediaset
February 2014
7/8/9 Feb
Zebre v Leinster Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile
14/15/16 Feb
Munster Rugby v Zebre Musgrave Park
21/22/23 Feb
Zebre v Connacht Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile
28 Feb, 1/2 Mar
[b]Zebre v Cardiff Blues Stadio XXV Aprile
March 2014
21/22/23 Mar
Leinster Rugby v Zebre Royal Dublin Society
28/29/30 Mar
Zebre v Newport Gwent Dragons Stadio XXV Aprile
April 2014
11/12/13 Apr
Scarlets v Zebre Parc y Scarlets
18/19/20 Apr
Zebre v Edinburgh Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile
May 2014
2/3/4 May
Zebre v Ospreys Stadio XXV Aprile
9/10/11 May
Glasgow Warriors v Zebre Scotstoun Stadium[/b]

by munkian Mon 09 Sep 2013, 3:41 pm

It took France AGES to come good in the 5 nations and it Italy are STILL after the elusive 6 Nations championship after what ? 10 years of the 6 Nations ?

It'll come thumbsup

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 3:48 pm

whocares wrote:
Portnoy's Complaint wrote:29 losses on the bounce and not so much as a draw but still (under current rules) worthy of an EC place.

Surely this is a joke side.
what is the point of having a cheap dig at Zebre. they have only been in the pro12 for a year so what do you actually expect.

on a related note, it looks more and more likely the HC (as we know it) will be on standbye next season. dont think it would be wise or fair to have qualification rules changing when pro12, Ap and T14 have all started.

That just demonstrates the inadequacy of ERC members to negotiate properly. But changes will be made this season and on the hoof.

by **Notch** Mon 09 Sep 2013, 3:50 pm

They came very close to winning maybe 7 or 8 times last season and psychologically fell to pieces when in a winning position. That burden of the first win is really massive. Once they get that, they'll win a few more.

by munkian Mon 09 Sep 2013, 3:53 pm

Notch wrote:They came very close to winning maybe 7 or 8 times last season and psychologically fell to pieces when in a winning position. That burden of the first win is really massive. Once they get that, they'll win a few more.

Winning breeds confidence, I'm not expecting the same scoreline when we play them again at home.

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 3:58 pm

Notch wrote:They came very close to winning maybe 7 or 8 times last season and psychologically fell to pieces when in a winning position. That burden of the first win is really massive. Once they get that, they'll win a few more.

And if they don't, then what? Just try, try and try again whilst all the time leaching money?
Scotland is a good example of that and must rue ever getting involved in the Rabo.

by whocares Mon 09 Sep 2013, 3:58 pm

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
whocares wrote:
Portnoy's Complaint wrote:29 losses on the bounce and not so much as a draw but still (under current rules) worthy of an EC place.

Surely this is a joke side.
what is the point of having a cheap dig at Zebre. they have only been in the pro12 for a year so what do you actually expect.

on a related note, it looks more and more likely the HC (as we know it) will be on standbye next season. dont think it would be wise or fair to have qualification rules changing when pro12, Ap and T14 have all started.
That just demonstrates the inadequacy of ERC members to negotiate properly. But changes will be made this season and on the hoof.

I doubt it.
if those changes include reducing participation from 24 to 20, it is in my opinion too late to make it a fair contest for those potentially affected by such changes as it might depend of how they finish in the league.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:03 pm

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
Notch wrote:They came very close to winning maybe 7 or 8 times last season and psychologically fell to pieces when in a winning position. That burden of the first win is really massive. Once they get that, they'll win a few more.
And if they don't, then what? Just try, try and try again whilst leaching money?

Leaching money off who? Italy are paying 3 million a year to the other pro 12 nations for the participation of Zebre and Treviso in the league during this 4 year trial run.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:06 pm

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
Notch wrote:They came very close to winning maybe 7 or 8 times last season and psychologically fell to pieces when in a winning position. That burden of the first win is really massive. Once they get that, they'll win a few more.
And if they don't, then what? Just try, try and try again whilst all the time leaching money?
Scotland is a good example of that and must rue ever getting involved in the Rabo.

Not sure about that, but I'll wait for further explanation?

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:09 pm

LF4L, is that a contribution by each nation into the league or just by Italy?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:16 pm

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:LF4L, is that a contribution by each nation into the league or just by Italy?

Extra payment by the FIR.

When you have finished telling us how to run our league, can we....... A fock it. I don't really care what you do with yours.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:18 pm

From what I read, Italy are on a 4 year trial run in the Rabo, With this being their final year in this trial run. They had to pay 3 million a year (which is split between the other 3 unions ) for the privalege of taking part in the rabo.

If they are taking on full time then I dont think they have to pay this fee.

by munkian Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:19 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Portnoy's Complaint wrote:LF4L, is that a contribution by each nation into the league or just by Italy?
Extra payment by the FIR.

When you have finished telling us how to run our league, can we....... A fock it. I don't really care what you do with yours.

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:19 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
Notch wrote:They came very close to winning maybe 7 or 8 times last season and psychologically fell to pieces when in a winning position. That burden of the first win is really massive. Once they get that, they'll win a few more.
And if they don't, then what? Just try, try and try again whilst all the time leaching money?
Scotland is a good example of that and must rue ever getting involved in the Rabo.
Not sure about that, but I'll wait for further explanation?

Well the Scottish structure has now lost its sense of purpose and has coalesced into two pro teams (one of which is currently successful in a footy mad town and one in Edinburgh). I was listening to R5's 'state of the game' programme last week (and I'll pick up the link if I find it) when the dissent was expressed albeit too late.

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:25 pm

munkian wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Portnoy's Complaint wrote:LF4L, is that a contribution by each nation into the league or just by Italy?
Extra payment by the FIR.

When you have finished telling us how to run our league, can we....... A fock it. I don't really care what you do with yours.

Except from the small fact that I wasn't telling anyone to do anything. I was just observing the fact that Zebre hadn't won a game. But it does affect the top competition.

Which plays nicely into the Franglos aspirations to secure all four semis next year.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:34 pm

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
Notch wrote:They came very close to winning maybe 7 or 8 times last season and psychologically fell to pieces when in a winning position. That burden of the first win is really massive. Once they get that, they'll win a few more.
And if they don't, then what? Just try, try and try again whilst all the time leaching money?
Scotland is a good example of that and must rue ever getting involved in the Rabo.
Not sure about that, but I'll wait for further explanation?
Well the Scottish structure has now lost its sense of purpose and has coalesced into two pro teams (one of which is currently successful in a footy mad town and one in Edinburgh). I was listening to R5's 'state of the game' programme last week (and I'll pick up the link if I find it) when the dissent was expressed albeit too late.

Hmm, what we have now may not be perfect, but it's difficult to know what would have happened if either the status quo of clubs or an alternative system had been allowed to run its course - so, all-in-all, its impossible to confirm or reject your view

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:34 pm

We'll see. It's just a smokescreen to get more bags of cash and control.

The PRL would play in pink kit with "I'm a plonker" written on it to get that.

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:52 pm

Just to remind contributors out, I'll repeat to them that I favour 32sides in 8x4 pools in the qualifying rounds of ERC competitions later splitting into h/a games of a primary, secondary and tertiary cup competitions.

i.e. Nothing like any tabled proposal.

i.e. I'm neutral in the squalid bickering.

When will Zebre win a game?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 09 Sep 2013, 4:59 pm

A better question is why would you care?

by GoodinTightSpaces Mon 09 Sep 2013, 5:01 pm

maybe he is from Zebra and not leicester:D Very Happy

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 09 Sep 2013, 5:04 pm

A better question would be when will an english team win the HC again?

by Scrumpy Mon 09 Sep 2013, 5:09 pm

When are they playing the Scarlets? Whistle

Shocking to think they're in the HC

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 09 Sep 2013, 5:09 pm

1 out of the last 9. And that was Wasps.

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 09 Sep 2013, 6:52 pm

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
Notch wrote:They came very close to winning maybe 7 or 8 times last season and psychologically fell to pieces when in a winning position. That burden of the first win is really massive. Once they get that, they'll win a few more.
And if they don't, then what? Just try, try and try again whilst all the time leaching money?
Scotland is a good example of that and must rue ever getting involved in the Rabo.

Leaching money - so they should go bust so that your billionaire sugar daddies can hold onto their purse strings? King JW (and even Prince JS) wipes his ar$e with more money than they leach. There is more money funnelled under the table to poach players of the quality of North from Scarlets and raid the SH (and pacific nations) for players than a club like zebre will ever cost. And at least that money goes towards promoting rugby in Italy and helping to raise the profile of the game over there.

by **Notch** Mon 09 Sep 2013, 7:10 pm

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
Notch wrote:They came very close to winning maybe 7 or 8 times last season and psychologically fell to pieces when in a winning position. That burden of the first win is really massive. Once they get that, they'll win a few more.
And if they don't, then what? Just try, try and try again whilst all the time leaching money?
Scotland is a good example of that and must rue ever getting involved in the Rabo.

Only people Zebre are leaching money off of are the FIR who are delighted to be able to give young Italian players gametime in the Pro12. It's the FIR who are footing the bill, putting in the investment and may end up in difficulties if the Zebre venture fails. Everyone else is making money out of it if anything. More teams and more fixtures in the league means more money via TV rights being sold, gate receipts, any additional sponsorship etc.

Let's be realistic- most Irish, Scots and Welsh fans want to see the Italian sides compete and develop (not to mention the away trips) but the reason they are in the Pro12 is because it makes more money for the league's stakeholders.

by **Notch** Mon 09 Sep 2013, 7:16 pm

The interesting question for me is; were you happier when teams that were worse than Zebre qualified from an Italian club competition.

by Brendan Mon 09 Sep 2013, 7:55 pm

Notch wrote:The interesting question for me is; were you happier when teams that were worse than Zebre qualified from an Italian club competition.

Ah but only 2 of the 10 got in. Thats only 20% so not fair on them.

In two years they will be as strong as the bottom irish and welsh teams.

This year one or two wins is all we ask.

Remember that its much harder to win in the Pro12 aroini afterall won in the HC before the Pro12.

by Portnoy's Complaint Mon 09 Sep 2013, 8:55 pm

Two wins before January is a big ask, Brendan. One is aspirational.

by Brendan Tue 10 Sep 2013, 9:20 am

Portnoy's Complaint wrote: Two wins before January is a big ask, Brendan. One is aspirational.

Rugby year. Anyway regardless how rubbish they are i would rather have them and improving italy then replace them with another team from the existing rabo nations.

by **Notch** Tue 10 Sep 2013, 10:09 am

Aironi did win in the HC first, but Zebre don't have the good fortune to be playing Biarritz! Biarritz really are a poor side. Yet still somehow ranked 6th in Europe.

by beshocked Tue 10 Sep 2013, 10:46 am

LeinsterFan4life wrote:A better question would be when will an english team win the HC again?

Leinster fan remind us how Leinster did in the HC last season compared to the English contingent?

This season I think. With Saints,Leicester and Sarries they have 3 very strong contenders. I think all three are stronger than last season too.

Portnoys Complaint I agree with you. It's disappointing that Zebre are in the HC. No one wants to see a side being repeatedly beaten. The Amlin is their level.

by Brendan Tue 10 Sep 2013, 12:22 pm

beshocked wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:A better question would be when will an english team win the HC again?
Leinster fan remind us how Leinster did in the HC last season compared to the English contingent?

This season I think. With Saints,Leicester and Sarries they have 3 very strong contenders. I think all three are stronger than last season too.

Portnoys Complaint I agree with you. It's disappointing that Zebre are in the HC. No one wants to see a side being repeatedly beaten. The Amlin is their level.

I guess we dont want the italian S10 sides or spainish sides in the Amlin either as they don't win, add nothing and those Spainish and Romanain teams do nothing to get in as they are regions lets kick them out too. They add nothing to the competition or European rugby.

Facts are that italy is getting better due to both teams not just treviso.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue 10 Sep 2013, 12:54 pm

Brendan, away with your logic, young man!! Do you expect the great English clubs and their glorious leader McCafferty to think of anything beyond the end of their bank accounts?!

by beshocked Tue 10 Sep 2013, 1:07 pm

Brendan I suppose it depends what you see the Amlin and HC as.

I don't see the HC as a development competition.

I do understand your view point - as a Pro12 fan you believe in HC rugby being handed to Pro12 sides on a platter with little to no qualification needed. You want to keep your nice juicy cake. Anyone who wants to perhaps re-balance things is seen as greedy and in the wrong.

The Amlin is a development competition. It is a 2nd tier competition more suitable for helping the likes of Spanish and Romanian teams. Next you'll be telling me you want those sides in the HC.

You want to keep the status quo because it heavily favours the Pro12 sides despite the vast majority being poor in the HC.

Alasbut100ofus it's odd that you are willing to insult your own club, Exeter.

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When will Zebre win a pro game?