England v Australia Dec 2016

From 14 players to 14 wins this week,
Is this the confidence with which we speak?
What is the secret of Eddie's conundrum?
Creating momentum, doing the hum drum!

Execution of the game in hand,
Let pundits talk of unbeaten slams,
Fish n chips, wooden fork with 'styrene tray,
Simple game plan this Saturday.

Players have the blue print for all "What ifs?"
The chance to use their skill and gifts.
Play the game from what they see ahead;
Have set plays but use their heads!

Australian grand slam dashed hope in Dublin,
Revenge on their minds are looking for trouble in
Twickenham, as whitewash lays its heavy weight;
Cuts deep, with Eddie and his press bait!

Can resurgent Wallabys find that extra form?
Can England manage that early storm?
They have the backs to cut to shreds,
England no penalties don't lose those heads!

Defence is key against those backs,
First up tackles to stem attacks;
Cheika knows balanced tightly in the scrum
How to unpick England, they can be undone.

England expects no press disrespect!
But for Eddie this will be the best win yet.
Strength in depth, eye for the common goal
Confidence, belief, keeps this team whole!

Grind them down, hit them hard;
Send them your own seasons greeting card;
End the year on a mighty high,
Come on England! Just one more try!

14 Believe

With your back to the wall when you're down to fourteen,
On the line is your body once more.
You've given your soul, you're battered, you bleed
Take heart and look at the score!

Phase after phase you've tackled and felled
Argentina will never give up;
Together your teamwork will keep them repelled,
It's time to make your own luck!

With Robshaw wired, he's here and inspired,
He's taken some crap on the chin,
He takes deep breath in, he's stoked and he's fired
And he knows that you never give in.

The villains of last year you poor world cup zeros
The judge says your sentance is quashed!
Prodigal sons you Twickenham heroes
13 wins on the spin you've white washed!

Look in the mirror and look at your mates
Together see what you've achieved;
That glint in the eye of New English greats
And its all because you believed!

England v Argentina

12 conquests under my command
Another one is what I demand
Excellence push the playing boundaries
These players moulded in english foundaries
Out of the shallow now into the deep
Victory focus keep clean sweep
Its time to play the master stroke
No need to fix if it ain't broke

Pumas bred on prime Pampas beef
Hope to cause the English grief
Pushed Scots close in Murrayfield
At Twickenham they will not yield
Pride of the Argentine this fierce pack
In England - Twickenham renewed attack
Sublime backs who are full of pace
A chance to rile get in the English face

But Eddie knows he has the squad,
the odds in favour to keep down trod
Take on the beef with fish n chips
Full of beans as Eddie quips
Execute play all the phases
Their last hurrah as England braces
Play at speed back row hunt and roam
Dominate the scrum to #CarryThemHome

England vs Fiji

The Autumn breeze swirls around Twickenham stands
As we sit and wait with clasping hands
The flags flutter the fans utter
Eddie makes demands

The game will not be one of ease
Internationals never an easy breeze
Eddies stern your shirt is earned
A must win game to seize

Don't let South Sea islanders blow us of course
Cheer full voice  until you're hoarse
Ten from ten another then
Next must win game of course!

Standing tight stand up as one
Ready for the starting gun
Listen chaps no handout caps
Continue this momentum

In fine voice Sweet Chariots echoes
Victory comes to those
Stand up proud, sing out loud 
Defeat those from the Archipelagos

Come on England's chosen players
Like St George the Dragon slayer
Honour the Rose thats worn by those
Who answer English prayers!

The Jersey

Untouchable but by the few
Earned the right by the chosen who
Stand above, are worthy
To wear the Lions Jersey

Untouchable but by the few
Worn by those committed to
the game, its glorious journey
Who earn the Lions Jersey

Untouchable but by the few
The legends who have worn it too
Remember one thing firstly
It is more than just a Jersey

Shirt of Legends

Eighteen victories on the bounce,
Matches close, matches trounced.
World Cups back to back,
Welcome of mighty All Black's!

Dominant in this great game:
Kiwi Fern this silver slither,
Others bow and wither.
Haka's sight is no forgiver,
Ruthless streak not for the meek;
Relish the tourist's visit.

But might, for Lions too.
The very best of Northern lights!
See chink of light against the Black
They've earned the right
To wear the shirt of legends.

Summon up every ounce of spirit,
Honour housed inside the badge:
Cameraderie held within it!
The chosen few, to join the pride,
Who wear the shirt of legends!

So as Young Lions, you take the field;
For everyone on British Isles,
You wear the shirt for us.
Hand picked few, go join the pride
You've earned the right,
Bright leading lights
To wear the shirt of legends!

Numquam im GOBO cacate

Remember the one and only rule,
The law of touring's golden jewel:
Play your rugby please think smartly
Above all else Numquam im GOBO cacate!

Whatever happens, whatever japes,
Remember together we are mates;
On the field, or in the Sun,
We know the rule that's number one:
Numquam im GOBO cacate!

Dougal obeyed law laid in stone,
Team comes first, you're never alone;
And when you've heard the final whistle,
Remember President's prime epistle:
Numquam im GOBO cacate

Rules and boundaries, over stepped marks.
Some are pushed by cunning larks,
But there's a line that never be crossed,
Or we'll cast away, your soul be lost:
Numquam im GOBO cacate!

Bow down low to Buffalo rules,
Accept the fine, right stupid fools!
Keep left and down them hard,
But don't forget the motto's card:
Numquam im GOBO cacate!

Some rules for bending, some you break,
But there is one you never piss take:
The golden rule, you may annoy,
BUT never shit on a Good Old Boy!
Numquam im GOBO cacate!

Rugby Boots

I remember my first pair of metal studded boots.
How they played the Pied Pipers most mesmeric of flutes
That magic and memories the sound stirs around
Footsteps on tarmac on my old school playground
A magnificent feeling with joy I abound
Matched mud on my knee caps with a resonating sound

Was I watched at all by a Twickenham crowd?
Each metallic step would they cheer out loud?
Alas not for me it's my imagination that matters
Each step was a symbol a symphonic clatter
Accompanied of course by some small school boy chatter!

Transforming those small steps now each mighty stride
Oh first rugby boots how they'd be my guide
From moulded boot boy to the moulding of men
To shape me to guide me, oh yes and then
It gave me the hope of playing  U10

Those metal studs, bolt-like, seeming so small
But screwed in my boots made me ten feet tall
There were six metal studs screwed into each boot.
Dreaming that magic make me fleet of foot
Giving me confidence I started to strut

Like iron hammer stud striking church bell
With the sound of each footstep my chest it did swell
Protecting cajoling symphonic brotherhood.
This choral caste, that made each step good
Ensured I blossomed from this yearling bud!

The peeling of each ringing star studded stride
Each concrete footstep it filled me with pride
Something immense I now do belong
Collective protection in this happy throng
The church bell rang loudly I joined in its song

That simple sound of metal studded boots
The echoes from corridors like fine armoured suits
The moulding of me from forbidden fruit
Team bonding together they showed me the route
The thoughts that it triggers of my playing days
We should all have played rugby is the sound that it says!

U13 Rugby

I may have never played for the Lions
Or pulled on my countrys shirt
I've played some games of rugby though
Had my face rubbed in the dirt

I've trained down in a mud bowl
On a cold wet Thursday eve
I've cantered out on a perfect pitch
And rolled up rugby sleeves

When the rain sheets down and playing up hill
And the wind blows in your face
You know there'll be a second half
The score line is no disgrace

Been battered raked and bruised a bit
Suffered the odd bloody nose
But with these little incidents
Confidence comes and grows

Batten down the hatches
Get on and give your all
Believe in yourself believe in your team
The bigger, the harder they fall

Been soundly thrashed had glorious wins
Its time now to believe
That playing through those hard times
You have to give to receive

The Lions play for the jersey
They play for the honour and crest
I play for all of my team mates
And as long as I try my best 

According to Sir Ian McGeechan
In an eloquent speech
I'm part of the Lions team make up
Oh what Rugby heights I've reached!

Six nations Rugby - The Grand Slam 2016

The nightmare passed today, we woke
The soothsayer Jones had spoke
Of days like this, no joke
To play and win not choke

Those mental scars of last year healed
The memories now remain concealed
Buried beneath, not be revealed
But remind us when we take the field

That World Cup pain, oh how it ended
The branding from those burning embers
Loses! Everyone remembers
Drives us on, how it offend us !

For 13 years chances spurned
But now the tide has turned
Our favours now returned
I O Us of course be burned

The mantra is now one of trust
Self belief , just go and bust
A gut, let others taste your dust
World cup memory left to rust.
 
The winning journey has begun
This Grand Slam has been won
By victorious prodigal sons
Onwards to the land of the rising sun!

The Changing Room

A bit of motivation

As you sit upon the changing, bench gathering your thoughts,
Staring at the concrete floor, focusing on nought.
This is just another game, but on a bigger stage,
Take your chance to write  your name on this historic page.
Prepared for peak performance,
Mentally you bet
Ready for the challenge, crouch mind set!

Your feet are gently tapping, no nerves would be untrue,
But the sound of studs on concrete floor what does it mean to you?
Everything and everyone, in that sound it's found
Nerves transformed and channelled to that haunting tapping sound 
Of studded boots on hallowed ground that echoes all around.
Calm yourself, control your thoughts, you mustn't peak too early.
There's experience in this changing room, deep breaths will now help surely.

You are only as good as this next game,
To the grind stone once again
But remember your magnificence of all past games and then,
Your skill and dedication will certainly bring more.
Bottle all those positives your greatest still in store,
This is your time get ready, you'll play your best game yet;
Come on England's finest crouch bind set!

The drip of perspiration that collects on furrowed brow;
We know this salt like teardrop but keep controlled for now.
Your passion what it means to you, soon we'll see it flow
When the anthems start, your toughened shell, emotion now on show.

Tight bonding in the changing room, just one last final squeeze
As you step out of the changing room to Twickenham's sweetest breeze.
That sound of studs now echoes as you walk out one by one 
But you know you are together as you stride in union
To the chants and cheers of Twickenham; the roaring has begun.
Remember, we are with you, you live our dreams and hopes
The whole squad and you lucky ones, you 15 Glorious blokes
You know you're not alone as you wear our English Rose
Come on England's finest let's #carrythemhome

Six Nations Rugby France v England Match day

Oh come on England's Chariot
Encamped in Paris fair
Welcomed by their Gallic friends
Can they stem their flair?

Once more unto the breach dear friends
Is the cry with which we're met
It starts at every moment
And of course there's crouch bind set!

Stiffen all those sinews
Prepare for each onslaught
Repel all of those phases
Defend and give them nought

There's no such thing as easy games
when playing at this level
It's a little thing - execution
Call it detail's devil

Don't leave it in the changing room
nor on the training pitch
Take it with you on your shirt and 
With twinkle toes bewitch

The games afoot my dear friends
It's time to out perform
Come on all let's hit them hard
It's time for Honfleur storm

English followers are behind you
We know Trafalgar's duty
Come on you Sweetest Chariot
You are a thing of beauty

Its time to stamp authority
Taste victory so sweet
Your time to make some history
But please think on your feet!

Wear the shirt with honour
Best you all play out your skin
On come on English finest
The Grand Slam you can win!

Six Nations Rugby France v England

The Championship neatly packed inside the bag,
To Paris, the English like rutting stags.
Defences shored and pride restored, 
This English team can't be ignored.
Heads held high, job not quite done
The Grand Slam challenge still to be won!

The World Cup ghosts finally laid to rest,
Although haunting Welsh put to the test.
Welsh first half lacked the passion and fire
Their championship dashed in a funeral pyre.
The chariot rumbled in a fine procession
English strength? They kept possession!

Precision was sharp, like clinician's incision;
Accuracy tight, made decisions with vision.
Immense Itoje , turned over ball 
A firm foundation of new fortress wall!
Execution key, hands up be counted
With pride bring on this French encounter!

The forwards grinning, four from four
The thirst of backs oh just one more;
So on to France a smouldering giant?
Will they turn over and be compliant?
Their Scottish loss showed fits and starts,
Do they have one win left in their hearts?

I have a hunch that this "Le Crunch!"
Will be won by the English bunch
Of players who wear the bright red rose,
A team rebuilding, where confidence grows
Who've had to swallow that bitter pill
But are now showing they have the will;

To savour the taste of victory sweet,
No Grand Slam agony! Oh no repeat!
They've been together, through thick and thin
And taken criticism on the chin.
They sampled pain, now tell your story.
Its time to bask in all your glory!
"Greatness awaits," says General Jones
Come on England lets #CarryThemHome !

Six Nations Rugby England v Wales

The Welsh destroyer of our world cup dreams,
Can they rip grand slam thoughts at the seams?
Two wins, one draw they've come for more
To steal the championship from our door!

Revenge is a dish best served cold 
The memories return, they'd remained untold.
September day, a burning ember
The dragons fire oh we remember!

Men of Harlech's battle calling,
Ready to give an English mauling.
Injury depleted hearts of desire
Heat of Sosban Fach it did inspire!

The heartache, the pain we were undone.
With Welsh passion we were overcome.
The twisting knife, no last ditch kick
Lineout lost, cut to the quick!

But now new fortress foundations laid
A Phoenix rises, debts be repaid.
New General Jones the wily fox,
Can fix with new tricks in his box!

Hartley hares from scrum to scrum,
The towering pack knows what be done.
Finer balance in the new back row
As we watch Vunipola rumble so.

Creative backs, stern in defence
Can send the Welsh from whence
They came, over Brecon Beacon Hill
Oh take your wilting daffodil!

St George send David Cardiff bound
Chase and Harry go and hound
Don't let them settle, no quick ball
Cheered on by the Twickenham roar!

Nullify Roberts the Welsh wrecking ball,
It's time to make the mighty fall!
Board your chariots of desire
Extinguish burning dragons fire!

The backs with power and twinkle toes,
They wear with pride our English Rose.
The talking's done, no more time to speak
English scythe cut short the leek!

Almighty clash it will unfold,
Take your bow of burning gold
To pierce the heart of dragons fire
Inspired by chariot of desire!

Momentum building three from three
At home again let demons free
Erase from minds World Cup headstone
Come on England let's #CarryThemHome!

Six Nations Rugby England v Ireland Match Day

#Shouldertoshoulder, lead by Rory Best,
Upon their shirts their shamrock crests.
1 draw, 1 loss, tide turns today
The roars, the cheers, oh what a day!
The ringing of Fields of Athenry,
Come on Ireland we'll hear them cry!

Your cabbage patch will be our Green,
To haunt your World Cup broken dream.
Irish pride and Celtic gall
To crush your crumbling fortress wall
You have 2 wins under your belt
Well, welcome home it is heart felt!

Our Irish finest Heaslip and Finn Mac Cumhail
The Causeway's best fight tooth and nail
A chance to give a bloody nose
To those who wear the white and rose;
Come on Connaught clans and men of Munster, 
Leinster greats and players of Ulster!

The chariot returns to Twickenham home
First welcome for new General Jones.
Aggressive pack, wild and heavy freight
Take on up front avenge the world cup weight!
Scots threat quelled, Azzuri felled
To Ireland with a team well gelled.

The mighty pack, those twinkle toes
Of backs the thorns of English Rose,
Who dart and probe, get under skin
Beguile break through for first home win?
Who would bet against this set 
A game in store appetite now wet.

The Shamrock Guiness pours
The Irish Whiskey, now what's yours?
With open arms and soft words spoke
An all embracing tackle choke.
Look forward to this mighty craic
For honours, with the Champions back to back!

General Jones rebuild our home!
Return to winning ways home grown
The bigger - the harder - the Irish fall
The Red Rose building the fortress wall
Let's carry on where we left in Rome
Come on England lets #CarryThemHome!

Six Nations England v Ireland

Reigning champions, its about regaining pride
As they march to Twickenham, no place to hide!
The raining poured in the Stade de France,
Not quite #6Nations jig or merry dance.
The ball became a bar of soap
Did the Championship slip to a distant hope?

Principality draw, a one point loss;
It was close a bit like one coin's toss,
The knife edge, the margin between the loss or win,
The line, the difference it is so thin.
So near, so far will fans now beg
Heads held high or tails 'tween legs?
Is the bit now firmly between their teeth
Surely this year no #6Nations wreath!

So Ireland are they on the rack
What welcome from the Cabbage patch?
Will Joe Schmidt repair their wounds?
Turn into Irish wolfhounds soon?
As they search for their first victory
But England await, let's wait and see.

The English fresh from travels abroad,
Italy and Scotland put to the sword;
New general Jones showing his authority
Goading, gaining notoriety.
The tinker, the tailor, changing the mix
Jonathan Joseph adding his hat tricks.

Sniping half backs, bossing pack
Prepared for Irish planned attacks.
Sextant Sexton with his high ball
Elementary for Watson, please stand tall.
A house party for Nowell and Brown,
Come on England lets go to town!

Momentum building it's time to strike
Fear into Irish and all alike.
Too early to talk of things grand slam
Focus on the game at hand!
It's time a chance balance redress, 
Let's rebuild Twickenham's strong fortress,
Continue from where we left in Rome
Come on England lets #carrythemhome!

Six Nations Rugby Italy v England

They put to rest old Banquo's ghost
That tragedy of the World Cup hosts
The Calcutta Scythe cut Scottish Woe
A win's a win, not greatest show
To take on Scots in burning cauldron
The result for Jones  "Job done we won!"

Wheels back on the straight and narrow
A new victorious burning arrow
The chariot rumbled, Vunipola trundled
The forwards bossed and bundled
The backs combined and try created 
But also kept the Scots sedated

The chariot heads towards the Appian Way
A good hiding required the papers say
General Jones building to a burning glory
To the Azzuri for another story
Parisee apart from botched dropped kick
Was a class above, what makes him tick?

The breakdown's key says General Jones
On the road to Stadio Olimpico 
God's speed and pace is what we need
Unlock quick ball let backs be freed
Seek burning gold, chariot of desire
Come on England's Swing Low Choir
Its time boys to go inspire
And listen to Jones our new messiah!

Six Nations Rugby Scotland v England 2016

A chance for the World Cup hosts,
To bury deep those World Cup ghosts.
Make Murrayfield a buried field,
The nightmare signed and sealed
Beneath cairn stones,
Which pave the way for General Jones,
To ignite a chariot of desire
Come on England's new messiah!

Auld enemy from Highland and Scottish borders,
Seeking revenge these motivated marauders,
With reeling open wounds still gaping.
They feel England for the taking?
Australian loss tore at their soul.
A renewed vigour with a hardened goal
So near, so far, last kick, last gasp,
An English victory is within their grasp!

The budding flower springs eternal hope.
World Cup success now still in scope
Pretenders to the Crown this year!
Battle hardened, brave hearts full of cheer;
To Murrayfield with fired bellies and poems Burning,
A victory now is what they're yearning.
To seal a win on their home turf
No longer playing second string serf!

England's noble yeoman of the guard.
Fight inch by inch and yard by yard,
New Captain's passion felt from the Hartley
Inspire the spirit, but do it smartly.
Prepared to repel this blue onslaught.
They'll fight their corner, first victory sought.
English pack and backs combine as one;
There's unfinished work still to be done.

The celtic wild oh how they'll rile,
Keep honest discipline, stay rank and file.
Tackle hard get in their face
No penalties, be chieftains of this pudding race!
Clashing clansmen clad in tartan cloaks,
Again armed with their tackle chokes
Poised with pints of heavy thoughts
Brave heart Scotland a victory wrought!

The English folk fight common foe,
Will Calcutta scythe reap Scottish woe?
Can backs repeat with twinkle toe
And the forwards' chariots rumble so?
A chance England for recompense.
The games afoot and so intense,
Wipe away that memory loss
Time again for 6 Nations boss!
Return to winning ways home grown
Come on England #CarryThemHome!