embubbleblue

The coach thought that they were enjoying the sights, but after a nap after brunch, the team had secretly gathered in the room shared by Michael Hawk and Nelson Saint Mark to review strategy tapes.
All eyes were fixed on the screen ...
Get defenders off balance and less effective by making them commit to one tackling line while attacking another. You can do this by varying your angle of attack. 

A tackler is at their strongest when they are “on square” – front-on to the defender and able to exert maximum force in contact. For this reason, you should find ways to drag a defender or a line of defenders “off square”. As soon as a defender begins to favour one side of his body and turn either out or in, he creates a vulnerable shoulder to attack.

The best teams use a combination of “overs” (running away from the pass) and “unders” (running towards the pass) lines to get their opponents to commit one way or the other. 
THE DOUBLE UNDERS DECOY LINE

The first objective is to prevent the 12 from moving too far across field towards the point of attack. The unders angles from the attacking backline forces the 12 to stop and square up on them. It is likely that the defending 12 and 13 will be disconnected. The gap has been created.
THE OVERS ATTACKING LINE FROM THE WINGER
If both of your centres are running this line, your winger can arrive through the gap.
THE EXPLOITATION
With the opposition 13 now disconnected from 12, the blindside winger has a chance to inside or outside the 13.
adapted from The Rugby Coach Weekly
 

written in the Diary of the Player of Nagaraningrad Rugby Union, Raden Wikramawardhana Sinaga
for Kania on 11th February 1422 Another Day, Another Cigar. Finally we score with the way we meant to be, a proper Try with added Conversion. sure we are losing again "god damn drop goal, suddenly soccer is allowed in rugby, what the hell?". anyway another mess to embrace but, maybe not for the backs. they really are exhausted. i thought they should be able to think while doing some heavy stuff. It seems they really couldn't think fast enough. their reflex seems decreased and i'm betting those Wiranagaras in reserve finally have some action..
Couldn't wait who we will fight against tomorrow.
with the will of maharaden

Teran Ny Miara Glenpavia
President of the Seven Hundred,
I am writing to you on behalf of our current leader, Mpitarika Kassakira Petrovikan, concerning recent events involving our naval personnel. She has requested that I handle current communication on this matter to keep privacy at this time.
In the morning of 09FEB22, our general commands centre received intelligence of your endeavour of addressing an illicit border crossing by one of our naval ships. Upon further investigation, we have discovered that this has happened multiple times over the past year - dating back to 30MAR21. I express my apologies towards this situation, and have halted current monitoring by naval vessels there until further notice, instead we are monitoring our Territorial borders double fold.
Due to the way this was handled by your officers, I would like to ask for a verbal conversation on the matter to focus on what to do going forward. As a Military man myself, I have noted the training that was practised in this situation, and I am impressed by the skills of your force. As of current, our ship has been placed under maintenance review and our officers on paid leave while we continue our investigation.
I hope for your reply in earnest and with eagerness.
Meklit Guntur
Pahefana Ny Miara
Lietna Jenar Ny Tafika Glenpavia
 

Bruno Goldwash, Loose-Head Prop for the 
Saint Mark Lions Royal Rugby Team, and his brother, Baxtor, the Tight-Head Prop,
 demonstrating their before and after looks.
The Lions don't shave until the final game of the match.

Divando Gadoatalesv, Zoran
12 February 1422
5:45 PM Overtime
Amadahy Lvaguta reviewed the footage from yesterday’s game, taking notes on what could be improved and what needs to be fixed. While the team came out on top last game, it was too close for comfort. The new players did well for their first World Cup match but she knew they could do better. But it wasn’t with the new players that she was having some issues with, it was a few of the experienced players. Ahuludegi Tsiguka, Attakullakulla Quegadu, and Duyugodv Goyadv are the three that have been having the most issues. The three of them fought in the Civil War and were among the original group of soldiers that formed the Queen’s Raspberry Berets and all three of them were there at the Battle of Yemiduga City in its most bloody moments. The war took its toll on them, all three of them were diagnosed with PTSD and it was affecting their performance on the field. While they are being treated for it, she knew she needed to help them. She wanted to replace them but the World Cup came up on such short notice that a suitable replacement had not been found for them.
She paused the footage and tossed her clipboard to the side with a sigh. The entire team needs work but how can she get the other players to understand what those three were going through by just playing the game. All the shouting and loud noises in the stadium as well as the tackling on the field was not helping their situation.
I guess I could talk to the three of them and ask if it would be alright to discuss their condition with the rest of the team. They have been pretty private about it so I am not sure if this talk should come from me or from them.
She was pulled from her thoughts when her phone vibrated and saw a notification from the RNN. When she took a look, the preview showed the stupid smiling face of SDCSN3’s Blubberman and the headline, “Blubberman attempts to undermine Zoran’s Rugby match victory with offensive comment, citizens are outraged”. She let out a groan as she debated over whether or not to read the article in its entirety before deciding to read it. Her blood boiled as she read what the loud mouth reporter had said about the country. She almost threw her phone at the wall when she received a phone call from Amo-Adawehi Tsasima she took a deep breathe to calm her nerves, begging to the Great Spirit that this wasn’t bad news.
“Hello?” she said,
“Uh, coach. We have a situation.” Amo said hesitantly.
Shit she thought to herself before replying,
“What is it?”
“Uh, well a few of us were at a sports bar, having a few drinks to celebrate yesterday’s match when the channel on the tv briefly turned to the news where they talked about the shit Blubberman said and Attakullakulla may have lost his shit and was arrested for property damage.”
Shit shit shit shit! Of course he wouldn’t take that comment well, he fought for this country’s stability for crying out loud!
“Don’t worry, I will call management and we will get him out before tomorrow’s game. Get back to your hotel rooms and make sure to not say anything to the press about this.”
“Ok, thank you coach. I will see you tomorrow.” And with that they hung up and Amadahy let out a series of curses as they changed out of her pajamas to head to the police precinct. If she wasn’t sure about whether or not to have a talk about their mental health with the team before, she sure made up her mind now.
“Damn Blubberman and his stupid comments, hopefully this hasn’t affected Attakullakulla too much.”

Hello and good morning to everyone watching this special Rugby Report! I am Karlo Nakamura-Edrense, the main host of this program that aims to keep Giovannilandians informed of the latest happenings of the 3rd Rugby World Cup, and today I bring you news about Matchday 2. We'll talk about the second match played by our rugby team, how it went, as well as other teams' performances and what to expect next.
Giovanniland 0-19 Hertfordshire and Jammbo (Halftime: 0-8)
The Rugby Match — Matchday 2 saw our team play against the Andolian team of Hertfordshire and Jammbo and lose with a score of 0-19, an unfortunate defeat for a match expected to be roughly equal. In the first half of the match, Giovanniland attempted many times to score first, but those attempts did not lead into any points. Instead, Hertfordshire and Jammbo opened the score when they were awarded a penalty after Giovannilandian player Alessandra Giovene-Tarrutio was offside and did not make an effort to return onside. The Hertfordians further increased their score after scoring a try near the end of the first half.
The scoring was 0-8 when teams returned, so the Giovannilandian players tried to score and level the game, but those goals eventually failed. The second half wasn't great for Giovanniland either, with Hertfordshire and Jammbo scoring another try 10 minutes into the second half, with two drop goals following in minutes 58' and 71'. These eleven points widened the gap to 19 points between the two teams, and despite Giovannilandian attempts to score even a few points, the score finished with no points for the Giovannilandian team.
Following the match, head coach Aquila Pinario-Oddo commiserated with the team over the defeat, and also announced a few changes in the main lineup. The Giovannilandian team will train during the bye in Matchday 3 to bounce back from the defeat, their next match being against group leader Larxia.
Elsewhere in the Cup — I'll also talk a bit about the other games of Matchday 2. In group A, the match of Zoran vs Saint Mark was a close encounter between two Auran nations, with Zoran prevailing 10-7. Meanwhile, the other match saw Denieria lose 17-19 to Teralyon, whereas Auran team Santos-Dominius enjoyed a bye. In Group B, our continent is only represented by Dilber, who won 15-3 against Einherfell. However, all eyes were cast down the other match, Dalimbar vs Fujai, pitting against each other two nations with tough political relations. The Dalimbar Union da Rugby eventually won 14-7 against the Landslag. 
In Group C, besides Giovanniland's match, Hanita Gracse played against Larxia, the latter winning 14-3 against the former, while our Lavender Island neighbors Blue Bubble had a bye. This means that both teams have achieved the same results as their respective first matches—Larxia winning twice, and Hanita Gracse sadly losing twice. Last but not least, Group D had two very close matches! Cambria prevailed over Nagaraningrad by just one point, the final result being 8-7, while the Adaikesians' victory against Min-Su had a final score of 12-10, meaning a difference of only two points.
Odds and Ends — In other sports-related news, many sport fans around Esferos have enjoyed reading or watching their favorite news broadcasters or publishers talk about the 3rd Rugby World Cup, but one particular news outlet has had many people raising eyebrows. Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3, or SDCSN3 for short, is a known television channel from Auran nation Santos-Dominius that is currently providing news about the Cup. However, their head sports correspondent Approctoflecticus Blubberman has been more known for their news reporting gaffes recently.
In the latest SDCSN broadcast, Blubberman talked about Matchday 2 results. However, they also raised some offensive opinions about our Zoranian neighbors, stating that "all that war and destruction must've hardened them - maybe a bloody civil war is good for rugby training." This is an unnecessary remark that serves nothing but to incite unneeded turmoil, whereas the intent of the Rugby World Cup is to bring nations together and celebrate the rugby sport. Due to these remarks, the Giovannilandian Rugby Confederation strongly urges Blubberman to apologize for making these inciteful comments, and the SDCSN to consider another head sports correspondent to take their place. 

Coach Rahl paced in front of his attentive players. They were seated in a small conference room at their hotel, going over the game they had just lost against the Zoranians.
"That was a decent match, and we kept it close, but we could have done so much better. Bruno and Baxtor, you are our strongest forwards. Using your strength in scrums and rolling mauls, we should be able to achieve significant territory gain. You should pick and drive until the moment is right to release it to the backs. I know you know this, but you need to keep it in your heads. What did we practice? Exactly this. You were too timid. The couple of times that you did execute well, Michael and Nelson weren't ready. You guys weren't focused."
He sipped from his cup of South Coast Blend and continued.
"There were things we did well, of course, which is part of the reason we were able to keep it close. You organized quickly. Your heads were up and looking at the opposition. You didn't do too badly at controlling the space and it was clear that you enjoyed your tackling. Communication could have been better, Michael."
Michael started to object but caught himself at a raised eyebrow from the coach.
"You are a talented team. You didn't play too badly, but can do much better. I have confidence that you will play much better. You were just overly excited by our first win. Now we have a loss. That is well enough. It will sober us up a bit and help us to focus. You have the afternoon off. Get some rest, enjoy the sights, and be ready for practice at 7 AM."

The Stig Reads About... Damian

Damian's Theme - Gates of Hell (The intro theme)
The Stig: ...... .... .... ..... .. ...... .. ... .. ... .... ....... .. ... ............. ... ...... ........ ......
.. .. ... ....... .. .... .... ........ . ........ .... .... ........... ... ...... .. ........ .. ... ........ ..... .............. ..... ... ... ... .... ..... .. ..... ....... ........ ...... .. ... .. ... ......... ....... .. ... ...... ...... ......... ... ....... ..... .. ............ .... .. ... .......... .. ... .. ........ ... ........ ... ........ ....... ... ........... ...... ......... .. ..... ....
.. ... . ........ ... ...... ...... .. ...... ... .... ...... .. .... ... .......... .... ... .... ... ....... .. ...... .. ..... .. ... ..... .. ... ......... ... ....... .. .... .... ....... ... ... ... ........... ... ... ........ .. ..... .....
...... .. . ...... .... ....... ... .... .... ........... ...... ......... .. ... ... .... .... .... ...... .. .. ... .... .. ... .... .... . ...... .... .... ..... .... .. ... ....... .. ... ....... .... .... ... .... ..........
.. ..... . ..... ..... ...... .... ......... ... ...... .. . ... ...... ... ..... ... ..... .... ...... .... ...... ........ ..... .... .... ....... .. .... ..... . ..... .... ... ..... .......... ...... .... ... ....... .. ... .... ..... .......
...... ... ..... .......... .... ... ......... .. .... .. . ......... ......... ......... ........ ... ........... ....... .. ...... .. .... . ...... ....... ....... .......... .... ... .... .... .. ...... .. ......... .... .. .......... .... ... ...... .... ..... .... ....... .. .... .....
...... ......... . ...... ......... ......... ..... ..... ........ ... .. . ...... .. .. .... ... ... ..... .... .. .... ............ .... ...... .. .... .. ...... ... .... .......
 
Thanks for listening. Return again in 2 days time for a soothing lesson from our enigma.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Häřtferdsierndeambeu) Star Breaker - Matchday 2 Result
Häřtferdsierndeambeu Ragbi - Team Star Breaker vs. Equipa Nacionala Giovannilandiana de Rugbio
 Hertfordshire and Jammbo 19-0 Giovanniland 
 (HEJ 8-0 GIO) 
Tries: Nagisa Ivanovaulait (38'), Naho Sotirova (50')
Penalties: Julian Kanzën (23')
Drop Goals: Damian Haat (58'), Chihiro Freimanis (71')
 
Injuries: Rococo Uradulov (60')
Substitutions: Rococo Uradulov | OFF - ON | James May (61')
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key (for present and future reference):
Winning Team - Losing Team
(Winning Team at Half-Time - Losing Team at Half-Time)
Drawing Team - Drawing Team
(Drawing Team at Half-Time - Drawing Team at Half-Time)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  

"Another Great Win!! Well Done Guys!" manager Eddie Hansen said, overjoyed.
"We were great out there against Hanita Grasce, a 14-3 win is great and it puts us in an amazing spot at the top of the table, but we need to buckle up for the remaining matches as we face Hertfordia and Giovanniland in the remaining Group C fixtures," Kirk said, cautiously encouraging the team.
"I expect y'all in the movie room first thing tomorrow morning. We will study the Hertfordians in this tournament. They completely mopped the floor with the Giovannilandians, so we will have to study them thoroughly and come up with some counter tactics, and some surprise tactics of our own."
"Then we will move onto the training grounds, and try to deploy those tactics, and see how they work with our set of players. Is that clear everyone?"
"Yes Gaffer. Let's go get a good night's sleep and prepare for day after tomorrow."
 
 

24th June, 1412
Felix Cage, the the Head Coach of University of Nexilia, was in New Larxia for the National Rugby College League, with his team from UN, one of the top universities in the nation. Now UN was a great university, but their Rugby team had been lacking in quality, so much so that the last time the team had won the league was 14 years ago. That was the reason Cage was hired by UN, to improve the quality of the sports program in the University.
He was on a leisurely morning stroll in the Memorial Park on the southern side of New Larxia. While jogging in the park, he went through secluded area of the park, which most people avoided due to the criminal activity on that side of the park, but ignorant to that fact, Cage kept on with his run. While running, a masked figure suddenly jumped out of a bush, brandishing a knife towards Cage, intentions clear. Now even though he was a rugby coach, he wasn't as strong as he used to be, so he tried to quietly give his wallet to the mugger, not wanting to cause any kind of trouble, when suddenly, another figure tackled the masked man to the ground in a blur, knocking out the thief.
This was when Felix Cage first met the then 18 year-old, legendary Larxian Captain, Jake Kirk. No he wasn't the mugger, he was the guy who tackled the mugger and save Cage's life, and Cage being Cage, focused more on the tackle than the fact that he saved his life.
"That was a strong tackle! Where'd you learn to tackle like that?" Felix inquired.
"Ohh that? I have been training to be fit enough to play Rugby for the past three years, a lot of coaches turned me away because I couldn't afford to pay," Kirk replied dejectedly, reminded of his past failures.
"With that tackle they should be paying you!" Cage exclaimed.
"Can you please not? I've given up trying, I can't pay and no coaches would take me without it. Who are you anyway?" Kirk replied, visibly agitated.
"Of course I have to. I'm Felix Cage, the Head-Coach of the University of Nexilia Rugby Team. Why don't you drop in at Manitoro Grounds two days later. My team is training there for the NRCL. Come and train a little, if you're good enough, we'll try to get you in. It is up to you. I'm gonna need your name by the way."
"Thank you very much for the opportunity!! My name's Jake Kirk. Once again, you have no idea what this means to me. Thank you very much," an elated Jake replied.

[The following footage took place before the complete hammering dished out to Giovanniland. Good thing Chihiro caught the whole thing on tape.]
[Inside a courtroom, the Star Breaker crew were debating on the origins of the coffee Diego always seems to drink. The mood almost went the way of the coffee itself, that is, bitter.]
Ougi Ostrovske: Who even serves Diego coffee when he's on trial?
Diego Adamov: A coffee maker obviously. I don't see why this keeps being asked.
Gankyou Kostova: It's hardly obvious, Godot.
Chihiro Freimanis: Um guys, I don't think he goes by that anymore.
Krux Andersons: He'll always be that in my head.
Galatea Sahaidachny: Stuck in the past as always, Krux.
Takumi Furman: This is why Acronix is better than you.
Krux Andersons: I wish my brother was here, despite how insufferable he can be sometimes.
Diego Adamov: I'm moving this on.
Harold McGavrilov V: This reminds me of the relationship Clarkson, Hammond & May have.
Stanislava Artemenko: Vitriolic best buds?
Harold McGavrilov V: Yes.
Machi Mihailova: They're brothers, not friends Stani.
Hyouka Felteke: Stanislava said that only that Slavaria group were allowed to call here that.
Stanislava Artemenko: Yep, I did.
Embry Obalkanska: What's Slavaria?
Naho Sotirova: That time with the basement has really messed with your memory.
Seiya Nikolov: I had heard something about that. Didn't really believe it.
Embry Obalkanska: It happened. It was mental torture, having to essentially take care of a deranged basement monster that had my parents for lunch.
Yoshikage Kramlis: You mean 'cannibal'.
Lits Fílaktri: You mean 'Embry'.
Chara Dreimanis: Whatever!
Stanislava Artemenko: Anyway, Slavaria is the teenage friend/lovers group I'm in. There's 8 people in it, including Sahaidachny.
Machi Mihailova: Galatea?
Galatea Sahaidachny: She means my son.
Rococo Uradulov: Clarkov?!
Nagisa Ivanovaulait: I was not expecting him to have friends.
Stanislava Artemenko: Lovers too.
Hyouka Felteke: Slavaria Cossack is a self-chosen harem friend group in all but title.
Stanislava Artemenko: That's right! Clarkov is the newest member, we kind of dragged him in against his will but he's become used to us. You can guess why we took notice of that boy yourselves.
Damian Haat: But how the hell did you get him of all people to join your group?
Stanislava Artemenko: Me and the others - Natalya, Yevhen, Valentyna, Myroslav, Reichiru and Lyubomyr - wanted him to open up to us about what he was actually feeling underneath that ice-covered shell. I'm happy to say it worked.
Takumi Furman: Did it though? He's still pretty emotionless.
Origami Tsvetanova: I'm guessing you haven't heard of the Dandere trope.
Rococo Uradulov: The what trope?
Origami Tsvetanova: A person who appears emotionless and cold on the outside but is actually incredibly shy on the inside.
Stanislava Artemenko: Describes him well, so does Kuudere which actually does mean 'cold'. He's a mama's boy too. Rather clingy, and highly protective of the very few who have managed to get close to him.
Galatea Sahaidachny: I owe that to being his mentor alongside being his mum.
Naho Sotirova: How he got where he is now with your mentoring I'll never know.
Galatea Sahaidachny: I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or an insult.
Naho Sotirova: It's an insult you thieving hack.
Galatea Sahaidachny: I stole nothing from Kou!
Damian Haat: Back off, Naho. I may be Jammbonevych's main rival, but I'm willing to defend Galatea in this case.
Stanislava Artemenko: That's because her son is your secret crush.
Damian Haat: The teasing isn't funny!
Stanislava Artemenko: Come on, it was hilarious!
Naho Sotirova: He's my main rival actually, so go fish.
Niko Balodis: I don't mean to be rude, but you're kind of a cheap rip-off.
Naho Sotirova: I was first. If anything, Jammbonevych is the rip-off.
Niko Balodis: Oh right.
Julian Kanzën: You really need to up your game Niko.
Origami Tsvetanova: Julian, you're near the top in almost everything you do, everyone needs to up their game compared to you.
Harold McGavrilov V: This is all starting to feel like something out of one of those manga or anime from back home.
Ougi Ostrovske: It does, and just like in many of those fictional tales, not all is as it seems right now.
Yoshikage Kramlis: You saying that reassures me that this is going to remain a normal conversation.
Chihiro Freimanis: I'm not sure.
Julian Kanzën: Woah, stop worrying Chihiro. Ougi's entire identity is built on lies so we should be fine.
Ougi Ostrovske: Is it though?
Patrick Manev: We all know it. Your misleading skills don't work on us.
[suddenly, Mizore appears from behind a wall, followed by Ongo.]
Seiya Nikolov: What the?!
Lits Fílaktri: I knew she'd be around here somewhere.
Mizore Savenko: I was listening to the whole thing.
Ongo Sidopliassova: *unintelligible gibberish*
Patrick Manev: I don't speak in random sounds, is Ongo confirming what Mizore said?
Ongo Sidopliassova: *nods*
Chara Dreimanis: But where did you come from?!
Mizore Savenko: Over there. [gestures to the wall nearby.] It's my 340th peeping spot.
Lits Fílaktri: Let me get this straight, you count the places you stalk from.
Mizore Savenko: I do.
Yoshikage Kramlis: There goes my hope of a normal and quiet conversation.
Nagisa Ivanovaulait: [glances at Ougi]
Ougi Ostrovske: Told you.
Diego Adamov: I need a coffee.
[A cup of coffee, Godot Blend #12, slides out of nowhere into Diego's hand on the desk. Ougi flashes a smug smirk to rival Clarkson.]
 
[With the coffee cup sliding in, the thought to be ended debate on where the team captain gets his coffee reignited, as a flabbergasted Kou 'Kibiki' Kovalenko watched from the distance trying to wrap his head around the inner workings of the team known as Star Breaker.]

several months before the match ...
Nelson Saint Mark, Fly Half for the Saint Mark Royal Lions, sat in a small parlor lit only by eight candles placed at points around the purple-satin-draped table. The flickering light cast alternating light and dark on the wrinkled face of the woman seated across from him. She stared at the crystals she had just thrown, her sharp green eyes searching for patterns in the sparkling reds, yellows, greens, and blues. Although officially denounced by The Faith, divination dates from the time of The Mystics and was still practiced by a few in Saint Mark, especially those of the oldest families. Nelson was from such a family. Before every important undertaking, he sought the advice of Madam Konosco.
He know better than to interrupt her, but his anxiety showed itself clearly in his taut features.
"Your team will perform better than expected." She looked up and smiled slightly. " ... and your play will prove to be crucial several times. In order to improve your light and lessen your dark, you must wear this while you play." With that she took one of the small red crystals from the table, threaded it onto a thin silver cord, and handed it to the now much more relaxed rugby player.
"Thank you Madam Konosco!" Nelson replied full of gratitude. He took the bead from her and tied it around his neck. "I'm always so grateful for your wise help and guidance." He stood, bowed slightly, and left several large bills on the table before heading through the draped doorway.
 
 
 

RWC3 Commentary: Match Day 2, Post-Match
Presented by SDCSN3 head sports correspondent Approctoflecticus Blubberman and SDCSN Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards Hector Lafontaine
[OOC Disclaimer: The following RP is presented as a script. Imagine as if these characters said and did these things on live television, which is then compiled into a clip and put on the SDCSN Sports website.]
BLUBBERMAN: Hello, everyone! From Spirit Park in Divando Gadoatalesv, Zoran, we at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! Our RWC3 coverage is brought to you by our generous sponsor today, FriLife! It's the insurance conglomerate that profits egregiously from you being in a constant state of fear and paranoia! As always, I Approctoflecticus Blubberman shall be your host for the entire duration of the 3rd Rugby World Cup. Accompanying me is Mr Hector Lafontaine, Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards for SDCSN3's online news section. Mr Lafontaine is a great chum of mine, so please give him a warm welcome!
LAFONTAINE: We are not acquainted in any way, shape or form. I am here for supervisory purposes.
BLUBBERMAN: Ignoring that expression of difficult truth, I'm going to get straight to talking about today's RWC3 news! Match Day 2 has concluded and the results of today's matches have hence been released. Although Team SD had today off as a rest day, I have been told that I don't do enough reporting to justify my current salary, so I'm going to cover the other matches in order to ensure that I can buy my 2nd mansion in lakeside Friberne.
LAFONTAINE: Nobody needed to know how undeservingly rich you are.
BLUBBERMAN: But it's a personal cause that merits promotion! Anyways, let's talk about Group A. In a rather predictable match, Zoran has defeated Saint Mark in a 10-7 victory for the defending world champion. Seems like Saint Mark couldn't deliver the upset I had hoped to see, but the Zoranians were always going to be tough opponents for any team to deal with. All that war and destruction must've hardened them - maybe a bloody civil war is good for rugby training?
LAFONTAINE's jaw drops. He takes out his notepad and scribbles quickly.
LAFONTAINE (muttering): Yet another extremely offensive remark...backlash from Zoranians possible, maybe even inevitable...serious consequences expected...I wonder how he managed to ascend to his current position...
BLUBBERMAN: In other news, Teralyon has proven that they're a force to be reckoned with, winning a 19-17 victory against Denieria. So those Teralyans aren't that bad after all. But still, they lost to us Santo-Dominians previously, so they still have quite a way to go before they can reach the top.
LAFONTAINE: Why do you insist on rubbing their defeat in their faces?
BLUBBERMAN: Because we won? Come on Mr Lafontaine, be a little patriotic. Anyways, moving onto Group B. Einherfell is now in a bad place following a 3-15 loss to the eccentric team from Dilber, with the former now at the very bottom of the group in terms of overall ranking. The landmine-happy Dalimbari have blown the friendly Fujansk sky high, it appears, with Team Dalimbar winning a 14-7 victory against their neighbour in Polaris. I love the Fujansk, but this is quite the humiliation.
LAFONTAINE: I feel like you just want the people who lost to feel as bad as possible.
BLUBBERMAN: Why shouldn't I do that? It's the only way they'll improve.
LAFONTAINE: That's literally public shaming. You know better than that.
BLUBBERMAN: Whatevs. Not my fault they lost. Anyways, let's turn to Group C. Woah! Seems like Group C saw some crushing, one-sided matches today. The Larxians triumphed over Hanita Grasce in a 14-3 victory, proving that their savviness with technology translates to savviness with sports. And the team from icy, desolate and rural Hertfordia swept the floor with the sporty Giovannilandians in an awe-inspiring 19-0 match! Gotta say good job to the Hertfordians - they really vanquished their opponents! How will Giovanniland ever recover from this shameful, utterly disastrous performance? I simply don't know!
LAFONTAINE: You better rein it in, Blubberman. Talk about Group D and then wrap it up, stat.
BLUBBERMAN: ...Fine. In Group D, the matches today were the complete opposite of Group C. Both Group D matches were quite close, actually. The Cambrians narrowly won over Nagaraningrad in a 8-7 victory that defended their honour, while Team United Adaikes won a similarly close 12-10 victory over Min-Su. Don't really have much to say, even Nagaraningrad and Min-Su held their own in their own respective matches, unlike the losers in the other groups.
LAFONTAINE: Okay, that's enough. End it!
BLUBBERMAN: Okay, okay. And that is it for us today! This is the channel for live and direct coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! I'm Approctoflecticus Blubberman, and it's been really nice to mock other countries in order to incentivise them to improve. That's my personal philosophy in regards to sports. Stay tuned to SDCSN Channel 3 for coverage of RWC3, and see you whenever stuff happens!
The camera pans away and the screen fades to dark as LAFONTAINE and BLUBBERMAN seemingly argue.

The Stig Reads About... Julian

Julian's Theme - The Emperor (The intro theme)
The Stig: ...... ...... ..... .. ... ....... .. ......... .. . ......... ...... .. ... ............... ... ...... ....... ...... ..... ......... .. ... ..... ..... .... ... ............. ... ...... ..... ....... ..... ..... ........
...... .. ... ...... .. .... .......... . .... .... ........... ...... ...... ... ..... ........ .............. .. .......... ..... .. ... ....... .... ... ..... .. .... ... ......... ............. ... .. ......... ..... ........ ....... ........ ........
...... .. . ..... ............ ....... ... .... ..... .... .... ... ...... .... .... ....... .... .. ... .......... ...... ... .... .... ....... ... ....... ........ ... . ... ......... ...... .. ...... ..... .. ... .......... ... ..... ........ ........ ... .......... ........... ...... .. ... .... .........
...... .. . .... ....... ... ........ ....... ....... ... .. .... .... .......... .... .. .... ..... ......... .. .... ....... ..... ...... ..... ... .. .... ... .... .. ...... ... .... .. ... ...... ... .. .. .. ........... ....... ...... .. ..... . .... .... ... ........ ...... ......... .... .. .. .......... ... ....... .. .... .. ... ....... .. ........ .... ... ....... ... ... .... ..... .... .. .. ........ .. ...... ....... ... ...... .......... ..... .. ... ........ .. ... ...... .. ... ......... .. ... ..... .. ..... ........ ... ... ........ ... ... ......... .. ....... ...... ... ..... .. ..... ..........
 
Thanks for listening. Come back in 2 days time for another enlightening tale from... whatever The Stig even is. We're aren't sure.

 

RWC Commentary: Match Day 1, Post-Match
Presented jointly by SDCSN3 head sports correspondent Approctoflecticus Blubberman and SDCSN Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards Hector Lafontaine
[OOC Disclaimer: The following RP is presented as a script. Imagine as if these characters said and did these things on live television, which is then compiled into a clip and put on the SDCSN Sports website.]
BLUBBERMAN: Hello, everyone! From Spirit Park in Divando Gadoatalesv, Zoran, we at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! Our RWC3 coverage is brought to you by our generous sponsor today, Arrivederci Soldi! It's the luxury fashion house with bland designs making rich people pay to dress poorly! As always, I Approctoflecticus Blubberman shall be your host for the entire duration of the 3rd Rugby World Cup. Accompanying me is Mr Hector Lafontaine, Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards at SDCSN3's online news section. Mr Lafontaine is a close friend of the show, so please give him a very warm welcome!
LAFONTAINE: I am not a friend of the show. I am here to observe and supervise this broadcast and its related operations.
BLUBBERMAN (to LAFONTAINE): Can't you have some cheer? (To audience.) Anyways, onto our main subject today. Match Day 1 has concluded and the results are out. And it appears that Team SD have triumphed against our opponents from Teralyon. A fantastic development indeed. I told you, people, even before the match began, that us Santo-Dominians would kick their a-
LAFONTAINE: Ahem.
BLUBBERMAN: ...that us Santo-Dominians would win fair and square, without any sort of violence or underhanded methods employed against our rivals. Anyways, that now places us in an advantageous position, and Teralyon in a disadvantaged position of course. In other news, Saint Mark won a decisive victory over Denieria - seems like our former colonisers have returned to their egregious ways-
LAFONTAINE: Ahem! (Shoots a glare at BLUBBERMAN.)
BLUBBERMAN: ...I mean, seems like our Auran friends up north have won in an excellent display of effort. Apologies for the slip-up there, didn't mean it at all.
LAFONTAINE: Oh, now the people in Saint Mark are definitely going to remember it now, especially after your terrible apology.
BLUBBERMAN: Aaaaaanyways, moving on! We have been informed that Team SD will not be playing tomorrow, and will instead be taking a well-deserved break after their glorious victory. Hence, we shall now move onto talking about upcoming matches in our group, which is Group A. According to official information from RWC3 organisers, today's losers will be facing off tomorrow - that means that Denieria will be playing against Teralyon.
LAFONTAINE (whispering): You really could've done better with the wording there, in regard to calling countries "losers".
A nervous BLUBBERMAN straightens up himself and continues reporting.
BLUBBERMAN: And the big news of the day is that Zoran, the defending world champion of rugby, will be playing against Saint Mark in a bellwether match! That could show us if they have maintained their winning strength from the 2nd Rugby World Cup, or if they have deteriorated since then - a likely story due to their country's extreme instability, I think - and are no match for Saint Mark. Either is possible, we'll just have to see which side emerges as the victor tomorrow.
LAFONTAINE: Oh my word - what did you just say about Zoran? Okay, you better wrap it up now. I'm going to have a chat with you later about this abysmal broadcast.
BLUBBERMAN's arm subsequently begins to tremble noticeably, affecting his handheld microphone. His audio becomes less clear and more shaky.
BLUBBERMAN (stressed): And that is it for us today! This is the channel for live and direct coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! I'm Approctoflecticus Blubberman, and it's been really nice to see Team SD win our country some early glories in their debut match. Stay tuned to SDCSN Channel 3 for coverage of RWC3, and see you whenever stuff happens!
The camera pans away from the studio as LAFONTAINE is seen walking up to BLUBBERMAN and pointing at him while saying something in a stern manner.

Results of the 2nd Match Day of the Group Stage
Group A Denieria (NPC) 17–19 Teralyon Zoran 10–7 Saint Mark Group A Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts 1 Saint Mark 2 1 0 1 32 24 +8 3 2 Santos-Dominius 1 1 0 0 18 10 +8 3 3 Zoran 1 1 0 0 10 7 +3 3 4 Teralyon 2 1 0 1 29 35 −6 3 5 Denieria (NPC) 2 0 0 2 31 44 −13 0 Group B Einherfell (NPC) 3–15 Dilber Dalimbar 14–7 Fujai Group B Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts 1 Fujai 2 1 0 1 21 14 +7 3 2 Dalimbar 1 1 0 0 14 7 +7 3 3 Dilber 2 1 0 1 34 28 +6 3 4 Nieubasria 1 1 0 0 25 19 +6 3 5 Einherfell (NPC) 2 0 0 2 3 29 −26 0 Group C Hanita Gracse 3–14 Larxia Hertfordshire and Jammbo 19–0 Giovanniland Group C Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts 1 Larxia 2 2 0 0 20 6 +14 6 2 Hertfordshire and Jammbo 1 1 0 0 19 0 +19 3 3 Giovanniland 2 1 0 1 14 26 −12 3 4 Blue Bubble 1 0 0 1 3 6 −3 0 5 Hanita Gracse 2 0 0 2 10 28 −18 0 Group D Nagaraningrad 7–8 Cambria United Adaikes 12–10 Min-Su Group D Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts 1 Cambria 2 2 0 0 37 31 +6 6 2 Min-Su 2 1 0 1 18 15 +3 3 3 United Adaikes 1 1 0 0 12 10 +2 3 4 Qostaoyae 1 0 0 1 24 29 −5 0 5 Nagaraningrad 2 0 0 2 10 16 −6 0  
For the 3rd matchday, if you want to, talk about pre-match/tournament superstitions, beliefs, and/or acts your player(s)/team does. Be creative (but with the bounds of realism)! 

Hours earlier in the Darkesian Sea, near Saint Ludger
"Starboard beam," Meyers said. Coming abeam now, speed constant, straightening out, distance about fourteen hundred, I think." The sonarman wiped sweat from his hands on his trousers.
Hang in there kid, you got this, the captain thought. The entire crew was acting like a professional.
"The turn has stopped on the starboard bow. Contact has settled back down on two-one-zero." Meyers looked up with a grin. "We got 'em again, Skipper."
"Good work, gents." Carroll went back to the attack center. The Chaudière Bay was dead in the water, slowly drifting downward with a slight negative trim.
"Alright, let's get her back on track. Build up slowly to twelve knots." A handful of seconds later a near imperceptible thrum began as the power plant pushed the boat forward.
"Attention, this is the captain," Carroll said into the sound-powered phone. The electrical units were turned off, and watch-standers in the compartments relayed his message. "The Glenpavian boat circled us again without picking us up. Well done." He placed the phone back in its rack.
"Mr. Bolmer, get us back on her tail."
"Aye, Skipper. Right eight degrees rudder, helm."
"Right eight degrees rudder, aye." The helmsman repeated the order while turning his wheel. Fifteen minutes later the Chaudière Bay was back astern of her contact.
"How do you feel about celebrating yesterday's game, Skipper?" Chief Janssen asked.
Carroll chuckled at the suggestion. He had been so focused on this latest Glenpavian field trip he nearly forgot his boy in his first world cup.
"Mr. Bolmer, what is the distance to the contact?"
"Steady at two thousand yards."
"Increase speed to fifteen knots. Get us in nice and close. COB, ready the speakers."
"Aye, Skipper!" the COB and navigator both responded with devilish grins.
Minutes later the deathly silent attack submarine roared passed her contact with Raven Shabbat's classic hit Crazy Train blaring over the electric speakers in every compartment. There was no doubt the Glenpavian boat was now well aware she had company.

10th November, 1409;
"The Falcons have done it. After 28 years in the league, they have finally won the coveted trophy and have been crowned the best team in all of Larxia!!" a commentator could be heard on the TV in the background in the house of 15 year-old, Jake Kirk.
"Dad, one day I'll be up there, lifting that trophy high above everyone's head, and you'll be so proud of me!" an over-excited Jake told his father as they were celebrating their favourite team winning the league.
"Oh you wanna play Rugby do you? Son, we're struggling to make ends meet, I have had to take out loans just for you tuition. I don't think we can afford the Rugby. Trust me no one would be more happier than me even if you play at that stage," his Dad, Matthias Kirk replied, trying not to dishearten Jake as much as he could.
"But Dad!!! Please, I'll work on the side if I have to, but please do something," Jake pleaded to his father, who was showing signs of hesitation.
"I'll try my best to get some sort of arrangement about flexible payments, but I want you to be prepared in case no one agrees," Matthias warned Jake.
"Okay Dad. Thank You just for trying!! Love you so much," Jake replied with as much gratitude as his 15 year-old self had in his body. He was truly overjoyed at this.
"Well then, Let's get to training you and getting you ready. We'll have to show off your talents well if we want to have any chance of getting good coaching."
"Yes!! Let's Go DAD!!", Jake replied with enthusiasm as they went to a park near their house to throw the ball around.
They used to spend hours on the weekends playing Rugby, passing the ball, and Jake used to play a lot with some of his closest (and quite relevant to the story) friends.
 
(OOC: @United Adaikes thanks for the really good RP prompt. I will be making this a series that will go along with the WC, which will show how my Captain Kirk got into the team.)

It has often been wondered how someone becomes part of the elite of Dalimbari sports.
Several of the team come from the dusty frontier town of Saikuz. It is a centre of one of the more active military districts, operating in eastern territory that has often served as a battlefield between the Dalimbari and their barbaric neighbours, the Cambrians and the Fujansk. Although all Dalimbari serve their kin through service in the military - indeed service is citizenship - those perhaps more hardy and courageous members serve in the frontiers, bringing Dalist ethos and civilization to the borderlands. Young Dalimbari have been brought to the east and are growing up in the same spirit as their forebearers did when they grew up in new and savage lands.
The Arts brothers are part of this gens. Captain Alexendre Arts (29, Openside Flanker) and Lieutenant Florijan Arts (25, Fly-Half) grew up in Saikuz. As children of the prominent Arts family, whose patriarch being Lieutenant General Michel Arts, they attended the prestigious General Fontaine Academy near the centre of Saikuz. Such academies were often viewed as the laboratory of the elite of the nation, crafting their pupils into becoming the next generation of leaders in all services of the Free State. In the case of the Arts brothers, their determined focus on rugby, competing for Gen. Fontaine against numerous other academies, contributed to their rise to the heights of Dalimbari rugby, the National Squad. 
Others on the current squad may not have been as privileged, however to make National Squad (or really to participate in most forms of rugby), one must be Dalimbari. While other sports leagues may recruit from within the confederated groups, Dalimbari rugby is for the Dalimbari.

09FEB220900UTC
Kassakira Petrovikan's heels click across the real wood flooring as she grumbles into the phone. 
The Trano Vao was what historians call 'The Pinnacle of post-independence Glenpavian architecture', a home for the nation's leader and its politics. Kass had decided not to move in, stating that home and work should be separate. Still, she spent much more of her time here than at home. Not what she wanted, but needs must.
What doesn't help her wish for home time is diplomatic incidents. 
She does another loop of her office. "How can you accidentally cross maritime borders 7 times?" She says, a little too calmly to actually be calm. One hand was on the phone, and the other rubbing the temples of the headache that has started to form. The answer wasnt exactly to her standards. "Are they aware? They did wh- You are kidding me right? You are actually messing with me? This is a joke. Don't play games with me Guntur." She replies, stopping in her 10th lap.
"I have a flight to Zoran in 12 hours, what do you expect me to do?" She growls "This is going to be expensive Guntur, and it is going to come out of your budget." She waits for the reply to finish before hanging up. Throwing the phone on her desk, she walks out. PR is not going to be happy.

The Bauhaus Novel - Conversation Street: Season 2, Episode 1 - Local Bumblers Radio

[Clarkson, Hammond and May arrive at the radio station exhausted and out of breath.]
Jeremy Clarkson: Ah, hello! If you've just started to view this, you are probably confused as to why we're totally out of breath.
Richard Hammond: Let me clear it up, me and James rigged a car as a prank on Jeremy, and it kind of went wrong.
Jeremy Clarkson: I spun into Quiyakaso and ran him over.
James May: It's his own fault, he should have paid attention to my warning.
Jeremy Clarkson: You're the one who rigged the car.
James May: Hammond done it too.
Richard Hammond: Don't bring me into this mate, it was your idea.
Siite Fineistje: Ah, you've arrived.
Sakuya Ileva: Hurry up, we've got not a moment to waste here.
Richard Hammond: Right, you two, come on.
[Hammond drags Clarkson and May into a planning meeting with 5 work-oriented members of the HNDRJ - Siite, Sakuya, Dia, Sekkekkyuu & Faust - where James suddenly asks a very random question.]
James May: When you're in the jet wash, should the 'bonger' go off half-way between the cycle or at the end?
Dia Mondrushchenko: Hmm.
Sakuya Ileva: Oh... [facepalms]
Richard Hammond: Oh and the show is going out live, which could be a problem given the loose connection between Jeremy's brain and mouth.
Faust Ḩarełeudeiem: The average weekly audience is apparently about 250,000-300,000.
Jeremy Clarkson: Not all of them are in invalid carriages.
Richard Hammond: Urgh!
Siite Fineistje: Get this idea out of your head!
Jeremy Clarkson: What have I said?
Richard Hammond: You said 'invalid carriages'.
Jeremy Clarkson: Well what's the word I'm looking for?
Sekkekkyuu 'AE3803': You wanna make sure he doesn't say things like that this afternoon?
Richard Hammond: What the-?! Alright, now I want you to show me how I control this 8-foot gorilla! What do you suggest I do?
[Hours later]
Siite Fineistje: The meeting has rambled on for ages and in that time, nothing has been sorted.
Sekkekkyuu 'AE3803': I don't like that.
Jeremy Clarkson: I've got the idea of reading the news butt-naked!
Dia Mondrushchenko: Almost veered off the deep end there.
Richard Hammond: You know we've got just over an hour to go, right?
James May: I still don't understand any of this.
[The others all laugh and despair at the same time. Sekkekkyuu puts an empty bin over James' head.]
Richard Hammond: So, at quarter-past and quarter-to there are the headlines that James can read...
[Half-an-hour later.]
Richard Hammond: Jeremy has announced...
Dia Mondrushchenko: Rather worryingly. 
Richard Hammond: ...that he's been working on a plan.
Jeremy Clarkson: Tonight, there won't be a single queue or jam in this region of Zoran because I'm doing the travel on this show.
[Sakuya and Faust glance nervous looks at each-other]
[25 minutes later.]
Faust Ḩarełeudeiem: Zero hour is fast approaching.
Sakuya Ileva: Even Jeremy's got busy.
Sekkekkyuu 'AE3803': You got it Jeremy?
Jeremy Clarkson: Got it.
Siite Fineistje: Are you acquainted with the studio?
Richard Hammond: Yep.
Dia Mondrushchenko: James is mastering some of the station's other technical equipment.
[James is microwaving a pie for lunch]
Richard Hammond: We've got just a few minutes to go, hundreds of thousands of Denierians, Einherfellans, Hanita Gracseans, Nagaraningradians, Teralyans, Dilberians, Larxians and Cambrians are starting their journeys to the stadiums.
James May: Are those even the correct demonyms?
Richard Hammond: I don't know, I just said what came to mind.
Jeremy Clarkson: Richard, where's the turntable? For the records.
[Siite can't help but laugh at Jeremy's silly question.]
Richard Hammond: Jeremy... there is no turntable! It's 1422!
Sekkekkyuu 'AE3803': They're all expecting their slick and helpful drive-time show.
Richard Hammond: You've got your interview first as well, haven't you?
Jeremy Clarkson: Who? What? What interview?
Richard Hammond: Oh my god that's me.
Jeremy Clarkson: I haven't got the- nngh, James you can't just nick the sheets!
James May: The car firm...
Faust Ḩarełeudeiem: We are primed and ready.
Richard Hammond: Good luck everybody! Here we go.
[The intro to the radio station played, as the trio prepared to begin their show with the other 5 watching nervously.]
 
As for how the radio show went, you'll have to wait for a future episode. We departed the 8 as the show began so we don't know what happened after that point yet. Undoubtedly, it'll be a laugh at least. Regardless since we have left them, we must leave you as well with our traditional implausible facts.
Some say he knows why the chicken crossed the road, and that he actually has two brothers... they were more into music. All we know is he's called the Stig! We're The Bauhaus Novel with Conversation Street, Esferos' most bumbling network. Take care and goodbye!

[The Stig's two brothers, pictured]
{The new series, 'The Stig Reads About...', will begin at a future date.}
 
                  

09FEB220900UTC
Kassakira Petrovikan's heels click across the real wood flooring as she grumbles into the phone. 
The Trano Vao was what historians call 'The Pinnacle of post-independence Glenpavian architecture', a home for the nation's leader and its politics. Kass had decided not to move in, stating that home and work should be separate. Still, she spent much more of her time here than at home. Not what she wanted, but needs must.
What doesn't help her wish for home time is diplomatic incidents. 
She does another loop of her office. "How can you accidentally cross maritime borders 7 times?" She says, a little too calmly to actually be calm. One hand was on the phone, and the other rubbing the temples of the headache that has started to form. The answer wasnt exactly to her standards. "Are they aware? They did wh- You are kidding me right? You are actually messing with me? This is a joke. Don't play games with me Guntur." She replies, stopping in her 10th lap.
"I have a flight to Zoran in 12 hours, what do you expect me to do?" She growls "This is going to be expensive Guntur, and it is going to come out of your budget." She waits for the reply to finish before hanging up. Throwing the phone on her desk, she walks out. PR is not going to be happy.

This post is the combined RP effort of Giovanniland and Saint Mark
With a wide grin, Prince Marcarius faced the salty wind and warm sun as The Sea Lion cut through the foamy chop of the New Zoradian harbor. It was early in the morning and the sails were taut in a stiff breeze. He and King Giovanni VI were relishing the privacy and freedom of the prince’s royal yacht. 
“Both of our teams did quite well, Giovanni. We play Zoran next and that’ll be tough. The crowd will definitely be on their side. How do you rate your chances for your next match?”
King Giovanni VI replied: “Indeed the first matchday was nice for both our teams! We won against Hanita Gracse, a newcomer to the tournament but nevertheless a good team.” He continued, “our next match will also be considerably harder. Giovanniland will play against Hertfordshire & Jammbo, which are the champions of the 1st Rugby World Cup, and have a roughly equal rating in comparison to our team (54.51 for us vs. 53.77 for them). So I think both teams have equal chances of winning.”
“Good luck to you! Have you had a chance to think about my idea of our two nations hosting a joint gala fundraiser in support of Zoran’s widows and orphans? I know they have given their blessing to the concept, and my ministers think the people of Saint Mark will be behind it.”
“That is certainly a great idea!” remarked the Giovannilandian king. “I personally support the idea, although I would also have to talk to the Prime Minister Amore Gile Abrente to confirm. However, I am sure they will also agree, and will contact them shortly after this conversation.”
“Thank you, Giovanni. I’m still haunted by the sadness in the eyes of so many of the brave Zoradians in the immediate aftermath of the war and want so much to make things better for them. It was such a tragedy.”
The prince stared at the horizon for a minute and then shook himself free of his thoughts.
“Enough of that! We are doing what we can and I’m glad we can work together on this!
Let’s take this craft out a bit further and see if we can catch some real wind!”
“Indeed! Changing the subject a little, how is Saint Mark at the moment?”, the King asked. “In Giovanniland we have just finished another edition of the Lavender Festival and New Year, and also the Empire Day celebrations on January 16th.” 
“It sounds like you’ve been busy! This is a quieter time of year in Saint Mark … after the First Light festival and before the Rebirth. I enjoyed a ski trip to the mountains with The Electors … well, enjoyed it somewhat I guess … part of it was politics, of course. I’ve also been working on my sailing. Oh! I’m hosting a private showing of several important works of the Masters in Sanctus Leo next month. I’d be honored if you could attend.”
“In fact the past few months have been busy in Giovanniland. As for the private showing, that sounds like it will be a very good time! I haven’t visited Saint Mark for a while, and this is a good opportunity to do so, therefore I gladly accept the invite,” the King replied. “Back to sports, I have also heard that many nations are talking about their own processes of inducting new players into their national teams. How does that happen in Saint Mark?” 
“Ah. Good question. As you probably know, Saint Mark didn’t even have a national team until two years ago. Last year was the first time they ever competed internationally. Rugby is just now becoming popular in our country. What we did to develop this team was to have each college and club send their three best players to open try-outs in Sanctus Leo. There, under the close observation of our coaches over several weeks, fifty were chosen. Over the next month, these were winnowed down to the current team. There was one late addition just before we arrived. Colin is the son of our coach, Sir Evan, and he plays as an Outside Center in a reserve position. Arthur Freeborn, the previous Reserve Outside Center, had some bad luck with appendicitis. How was your team formed?”
“That is certainly an interesting process! In Giovanniland, rugby was introduced in the early 14th century, and the first national team was formed in 1329 in the capital Giovannia, with some of the best players from the National Rugby League of Giovanniland, itself created four years earlier. This is a standard process used for most sports in our country, and I presume also in other parts of the world,” noted the King.
He added: “While the team that competed in the 1st and 2nd Rugby World Cup as well as in the 1st Summer Esferiad achieved great results, a large revamp was undertaken just in time for the 2nd Summer Esferiad. Managers such as Giordano Magisto retired, with the Esferiad’s stadium for Rugby in Quorivo being named after him after this fact, thus new leadership was also brought besides many new players. I hope to see their success continue during this World Cup!” 
As the King finished talking, both noticed the conversation had continued for a long time. They decided to look at and appreciate the nature around the New Zoradian harbor, as the morning passed and the sun rose to the top of the sky.
 

written in the Diary of the Player of Nagaraningrad Rugby Union, Raden Wikramawardhana Sinaga
For Kania on February 9th, 1422.
We had a good first game, even we got lots of in touch, knock on, and confusion... mostly confusion as most of us don't understand how this games works. for first half, we mostly pushing each other in this formation called "Scrum" and realize the ball are sometimes not in anyone possession and sometimes Fakhri still holding the ball for a full minutes, look confused himself. after the brief lesson the how and rules by the referee, we start again. then the ball always out of the field and yet they call it "in-touch". most the game went more ruck and maul, i know the Min Su got a score somewhere, already forget when.
second half the game getting more busier for backs, since in the first half are just forwards confusing themselves. now we know that we have to pass the ball only to sideways or behind, and every time we close to get a try, we lose a possession of the ball, luckily we got good counter those counter. at the last minutes, we having scrum in somewhere near Min Su 22 meter line and as we got the ball, Chakrabhuwana start to drop the ball and kick it high into between those 2 poles. we went mad angry at him, because this is not Football However, the referee call it score. when we ask why he said it was a Drop Goal... at that moment we realize that we should have done that since this bloody games.
After the game, we went crazy and cheers to finally score a goal then we going back to our locker room. In there we start smoking finest Nagaran Cigar and eating some assortment of Andolian Cheese which leave a "distinctive" sort of smell here, especially with Nagaran Cigar smell. hope those Min Su player can smell it or next team came up.
with the will of our maharaden
as soon Wikramawardhana close his diary book while sitting in the bus, Hanif start asking question to the coach that loud enough to be heard in the bus "What team we gonna fight next?". The coach said "a team called... Cambria". in the midst of sudden silence, the word "Taik Banteng" is heard faintly.

A collaborative post written by @Clarkov and I

Transcript:
Quiyakaso: Hellooooooo Zoran! I am Quiyakaso Gohalitsve reporting to you live just outside Spirit Park Stadium to bring you information on the 1422 Zoran Rugby World Cup!
Yesterday was day one of the tournament where we saw Saint Mark and Santos-Dominius triumph over their opponents, Denieria and Teralyon, in group A. In group B, Fujai and Nieubasria came out on top against Einherfell and Dilber. Giovanniland and Larxia  rose to the top in group C against Hanita Grasce and Blue Bubble. Lastly in group D we saw Min-Su and Cambria overcoming the Nagaraningrad and Qostaoyaen teams.
Tomorrow we will see the Zoranian Sun Hawks play their first match of the tournament against Saint Mark. Many of the players from the last World Cup have either retired or got injured while serving in the Civil War. The team had to find new talent to replace those members so this will be the first time we see the new players play on the field. When asked about what was done to prepare the players for today's match the head coach, Amadahy Lvaguta, said that they worked on having the new players work as a part of the team. She believes that the team's performance in tomorrow’s match will come down to how well the players work together on the field so they have really been drilling them and having them think as a team and to get used to playing with each other. It is believed that Queen Atsil will be attending the game in person as well and said that she wishes the players the best of luck in tomorrow’s match.
In other news, Zoranians have been complaining about a comment that SDCSN3's Blubberman made during a report yesterday where they said that Zoran was in Northern Andolia followed by solely listing off negative things the country is known for in recent years. SDCSN3 has refused to make a comment about this behavior. I mean, I know I am bad at reporting at times but jeez at least I know geography...I think. Anyways, in a ne-
Clarkson: Hammond, you blithering idiot. This isn't a shortcut at all! We are nowhere near the petrol station!  
Hammond: Look, if I am being honest, this satnav system is not the easiest to figure out.
May: You muppet, did you not set it to common?
Hammond: ...
Quiyakaso: Um, excuse me? Who are you three?
Clarkson: Oh now look what you've bloody done, you've caused us to interrupt a news broadcast!
Hammond: Yes I know, it’s bad, I’m sorry.
Clarkson: James, the reporter is in this direction [points to the right]
May: Huh? Sorry. Hello.
Hammond: Hang on a second, isn’t this Quiyakaso? That one excessively unfortunate Zoranian reporter?
Clarkson: Yes Hammond and what you’ve done is drag us straight into one of his broadcasts, you imbecile.
Quiyakaso: Yes I am the unfortuna-hey! [shakes head] I still don’t know who either of you three are. I am guessing one of you is called Hammond, one is called James, and the other one is…I actually I don’t think your name has been mentioned.
May: Chaps, I’ve got the sheets for our radio show here. [hands Clarkson and Hammond the sheets]
Hammond: Well we’ve certainly got no shortage of material. The Stig’s Environmentalist Cousin for instance has been caught using coal to power his helmet.
Clarkson: Is that not the single most amazing story ever?
Hammond/May: Not really.
Hammond: And Mecislavs Deben has lost 1,300 immigrants. So what does Quiyakaso think would most interest the listeners?
May: I think he’s more concerned with making us go away right now.
Quiyakaso: I don’t think I have ever been so lost in my life…and I have been mugged by toddlers in Dilber. Look, as long as none of you result in causing me injury, I will be happy.
Clarkson: We’re lost too, thanks to a certain hamster.
May: Usually it’s me that gets us lost.
Hammond: Enough you two! Alright Quiyakaso, I’ll introduce us. I’m Richard Hammond, the tall one is Jeremy Clarkson and the one with ladies hair is James May.
Clarkson: Yes, we’re the trio that hosts a news show called Conversation Street, it’s Hertfordshire and Jammbo’s main sports broadcaster. Well when I say news show it’s more us three mocking each other.
Quiyakaso:...Riiiiiiiight. Well it was nice meeting you three but I think the producer is either getting an evil idea involving me or looking at me to try and move past this.
Clarkson: Good idea, we need to get down to the radio station prompto.
Hammond: Yes we do, so it was nice meeting you Quiyakaso and we shall see you, well, whenever. 
May: Um, Quiyakaso, I would recommend that you move far away from this spot.
Quiyakaso: Which spot?
May: Well, Hammond and I have secretly rigged our car to only go in circles. Clarkson is about to find out.
Clarkson: Alright chaps, come on!
May: Watch this.
Clarkson: Now to just set off. I’ll leave those two here to deal with Quiyakaso… erm… what the hell?! [the car is spinning in circles]
Hammond/May: [burst into laughter]
Clarkson: I know exactly what’s happened. Hammond, May, you idiots!
[Quiyakaso only notices the car last minute and flies off screen]
Quiyakaso: Fuuuuuuuuu-[fades as he flies off screen]
Clarkson: Oh sh-!
Hammond: That wasn’t meant to happen!
May: Well I did warn him but…
Hammond: Well now what are we gonna do?!
[Clarkson gets out of the car with an unhappy expression]
Clarkson: I think that since you two sabotaged the car, I only have one suggestion to make.
[The trio glances at Quiyakaso’s body]
Clarkson: Run!
[Clarkson, Hammond & May run away and off-screen]
[camera moves to see Quiyakaso struggling to his feet]
Quiyakaso: I-I might have a broken rib…or a hip…or both…This was Quiyakaso…I will see you…whenever I get out of the hospital.