Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Off Topic => Sports Arena => Topic started by: cdbearsfan on September 14, 2019, 11:54:23 AM

Title: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 14, 2019, 11:54:23 AM
Starts on Friday.

Discussion and predictions, who will finish runners-up to Scotland?

You can have a look at the draw and possible permutations here...

https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/bracket

I fancy New Zealand to win against Wales in the Final, but I don't really know much about rugby so just guessing. Will the Japanese humidity benefit any particular team?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 14, 2019, 11:59:14 AM
This is probably the most open RWC that there’s been for a long time. None of the top sides, including NZ, have looked that impressive over the past couple of years.

However, I still expect NZ to win over a northern hemisphere team in the final.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 14, 2019, 12:01:41 PM
Having rule thro that bracket predictor, I’ll go for NZ v Ire in the final
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 14, 2019, 12:03:59 PM
CD - in order to have a NZ v Wales final, I assume that you have Wales winning their group ?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 14, 2019, 12:13:54 PM
England vs SA in the final for me. The power they both bring will be too much for everyone ejse.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 14, 2019, 12:30:21 PM
England have the most potent attacking options in the tournament in my opinion. Defensively is still a bit of a worry, and our propensity to throw in an awful performance almost out of nowhere is fatal in a knockout situation.

I think the winner will come from us, NZ and SA.

I'll go with the springboks.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 14, 2019, 12:31:05 PM
Having rule thro that bracket predictor, I’ll go for NZ v Ire in the final

Yeah. Aussies aren't that good these days, are they?

I was looking at the draw and thinking England maybe better to finish second and avoid Kiwis in semis.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 14, 2019, 01:34:21 PM
I've got it as:

A
Ireland
Scotland

B
New Zealand
South Africa

C
England
France

D
Wales
Australia

QF
Eng bt Aus
NZ bt Sco
Wal bt Fra
SA bt Ire

SF
Eng bt NZ
SA bt Wal

Final
Eng vs SA and I have no idea who would win it.

Wales will suffer from not having enough going forward, Ireland look in a bit of trouble, they've been poor for most of 2019. NZ are obviously a massive test for England but I think England have a fitness advantage

Most importantly I think this will be a a very high scoring tournament, there's only really Wales (of the big sides) that don't have defensive problems and the sheer amount of pace, power and quality from the top 5-6 teams means gaps will be exploited.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 14, 2019, 05:43:54 PM
It’s interesting. It feels very open.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 14, 2019, 06:04:55 PM
Unless Argentina can sneak in ahead of France, the quarter finalists can probably be pencilled in already. I can’t see any of the non-6N/Rugby Championship teams having a chance to progress.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 14, 2019, 06:48:18 PM
Unless Argentina can sneak in ahead of France, the quarter finalists can probably be pencilled in already. I can’t see any of the non-6N/Rugby Championship teams having a chance to progress.

Japan are the wildcard for me, at home and a better side than they get credit for. They'd need to beat the scots though really and that's a tough game for anyone because scotland are so potent going forward when Russell gets going. They're the closest to bringing an upset for me.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 14, 2019, 06:51:29 PM
Yep, Japan over Scotland is probably the only chance of a real upset
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 17, 2019, 05:10:41 PM
Wales assistant coach Rob Howley sent home from Japan. Looks like a breach of betting regulations

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49733089
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 20, 2019, 09:08:03 AM
England v Saffers final, anyones game.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 20, 2019, 10:11:39 AM
England v Saffers final, anyones game.

Good man.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 20, 2019, 12:15:15 PM
Not a great start for Japan.

Few decent competitive looking games over the weekend.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on September 20, 2019, 12:27:20 PM
This is going to be a brilliant tournament. I'm hooked already
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 20, 2019, 12:58:24 PM
I think Japan will win by a hatful here, Russia did really well but they're fucked already and falling off tackles, that happening in the last 5 is ok, in the first 5 of the 2nd half screams out that this is going to be a very long 40 minutes.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 20, 2019, 12:58:34 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/Sy43tjT/IMG-3004.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Sy43tjT)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 20, 2019, 01:27:58 PM
I may have been wrong, Japan should be getting the chances but they're just making too many mistakes. It'll still be a reasonably comfy win but they're probably 10-15 points short already and would've been looking at 50 for the match.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 20, 2019, 04:13:29 PM
Yep, Japan over Scotland is probably the only chance of a real upset

Scotland Ireland should be a good game and a possible Sweaty win.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 20, 2019, 07:04:23 PM
Jspan looked poor. However, the wingers and Number 8 looked ok going forward.

I expect Ireland and Scotland to just bombard the full back with high balls. He didn’t want to know.

I was quite surprised by the Russians, especially given how bad they’ve been in the warm up matches. However, Samoa should have no problem with them.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on September 21, 2019, 06:38:08 AM
I can't be the only person who hears the gong at 40 and 80 minutes and launches into "Jungle Boogie" ?

https://youtu.be/QHGOO73Gxg4
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 21, 2019, 08:50:43 AM
French starting like a train
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 21, 2019, 09:15:36 AM
Not a big rugby union fan, but blokes at work reckon Argentina will beat France.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on September 21, 2019, 09:15:41 AM
It's a little humid here, but nothing like August. By the start of October, the weather will be really nice for rugby.

Lots of New Zealanders out and about in Tokyo/Yokohama, as expected, though chatting to a few last night in a bar, they weren't overly confident. Most thought England to be favourites. The Japanese believe they are going to win. I fancy the French, but know very little in general about rugby, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 21, 2019, 09:40:40 AM
Great fightback by Argentina this half
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 21, 2019, 09:52:26 AM
All set up for a good finish here. Shame Fiji couldn't hold on earlier.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 21, 2019, 10:00:38 AM
Bugger. Wonder if kicking is more difficult in humid conditions.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 21, 2019, 10:04:18 AM
Great game and a mass brawl to finish off. Argentina will be gutted after coming back into it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on September 21, 2019, 10:04:52 AM
Excellent game, with the punch-up at thr end the cherry on the cake.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 21, 2019, 10:06:33 AM
Don't know about humidity but the kick to win was a very hard one. The one the French missed about 5 mins earlier was much easier.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on September 21, 2019, 11:01:12 AM
Don't know about humidity but the kick to win was a very hard one. The one the French missed about 5 mins earlier was much easier.

Could be the wind? There is a massive typhoon on the way.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 21, 2019, 11:06:32 AM
I just thought the moisture in the air might make the ball move, like Wasim Akram bowling after it has been pissing down.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on September 21, 2019, 11:19:46 AM
New Zealand looking a bit impressive.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on September 21, 2019, 11:30:50 AM
I just thought the moisture in the air might make the ball move, like Wasim Akram bowling after it has been pissing down.

I think you could be right, mate. Yokohama stadium isn't far from the sea, either. I've no idea if that could add moisture, though. Probably...what with all that water! Some scientists to the thread, please!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 21, 2019, 11:35:22 AM
Worryingly for everyone else, SA physically dominated the 1st 20 minutes, and then NZ just decided to step it up and pulled away.

They continue to do this, then the tournament becomes a bit of a formality.

Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 21, 2019, 11:48:05 AM
Couldn't see anyone but NZ winning before the tournament and nothing to change my mind so far
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 21, 2019, 12:04:04 PM
Maybe I spoke too soon. Springboks making a game of it. Better pass to the winger on that last break he was in.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: DB on September 21, 2019, 12:17:09 PM
Great match this.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 21, 2019, 12:24:35 PM
That's the game for NZ
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 21, 2019, 12:29:33 PM
Enjoyable game, this. Shame there isn't an Argentina or at least a Japan in this group so as to add a bit of jeopardy for the losers. Both of these will annihilate Italy, Namibia and Canada.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 21, 2019, 12:35:08 PM
That could be the final.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 21, 2019, 03:04:49 PM
There may now be an argument that England would be better served finishing second in their group.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 22, 2019, 08:36:39 AM
It's not like South Africa would be that much easier. Let's just get through and see what happens.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 22, 2019, 09:05:12 AM
This is looking a bit one sided although I'm not sure that was a try. Haven't seen TMO used once for tries yet I don't think.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 22, 2019, 09:22:40 AM
This is really poor from Scotland. Fringe defence is terrible.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 22, 2019, 10:34:01 AM
This is a shellacking. Japan will be targeting the Scotland game for their chance to get through.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on September 22, 2019, 10:41:12 AM
My wife has already taken a keen interest in the world cup, as she did with the football last summer. And it hit my wallet, hard, with all the time spent in bars. I hope Scotland improve and beat Japan, and I can spend money on things other than £7 pints :)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 22, 2019, 12:08:02 PM
TMO galore in this match now.


Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on September 22, 2019, 12:10:08 PM
Some sensible refereeing this half after some howlers in other matches.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 22, 2019, 12:11:44 PM
TMO galore in this match now.

It is but it's been really well reffed. My only complaint is that for Manu's first try their 11 clearly put him in a headlock, evenvthough the try was scored that should've been a yellow.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 22, 2019, 12:14:29 PM
Uninspiring 1st half. Poor discipline at the breakdown again mitigating some reasonable physicality.

We have so many attacking weapons I wish Youngs would kick from the base a lot less.

Tonga will surely tire after about 50 minutes, so England should be targeting at least another 5/6 tries.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 22, 2019, 12:38:05 PM
These handling errors are poor
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 22, 2019, 12:49:16 PM
Uninspiring 1st half. Poor discipline at the breakdown again mitigating some reasonable physicality.

We have so many attacking weapons I wish Youngs would kick from the base a lot less.

Tonga will surely tire after about 50 minutes, so England should be targeting at least another 5/6 tries.

The kicking game was all about making sure tonga get tired,  given they look fucked now i suspect it worked. What's messed us up are tge handling errors. That needs to be addressed.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 22, 2019, 12:51:19 PM
Handling errors and poor discipline (yet again).

Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 22, 2019, 12:54:56 PM
It must be a horrific game for a neutral to watch.

Countless stoppages and error strewn
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 22, 2019, 12:56:06 PM
Still can’t believe that a bang average player like Ben Youngs is England’s most capped scrum half
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 22, 2019, 01:01:43 PM
70 minutes gone, 25 points up and we still kick possession away
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 22, 2019, 01:12:36 PM
Job done but need to be more clinical against better teams. I have a feeling we'll raise our game when required so not too concerned.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on September 22, 2019, 01:16:38 PM
Job done and we were very rusty. There will be much tougher games ahead so hopefully they can cut down on the handling errors and capitalise on the possession that they had.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 22, 2019, 01:18:43 PM
We will need to. The handling errors were so basic and poor it is a worry. Discipline at the breakdown must improve. Too many penalties given away.

Overall it was just a horrible game to watch. Too many stoppages. World Rugby really needs to get a grip with how much time is wasted setting scrums. There was one scrum in the 2nd half, that by the time the ball was fed in, nearly 2 minutes had coms off the clock. That must be unacceptable.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 23, 2019, 01:44:20 PM
OK own up, who voted Wales?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 23, 2019, 02:54:33 PM
They've a chance, I reckon. One of six teams who could realistically win it. I voted NZ, though.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Dr Butler on September 23, 2019, 02:57:40 PM
I just have a feeling that the Saffers may click into gear at some point, but after watching them vs NZ may be not :)

UTV
The Doc
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 23, 2019, 03:01:11 PM
NZ are the team to be beaten until someone does, and I can't see a chance of that happening until the final.

Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 23, 2019, 04:15:02 PM
I honestly think England are slight favourites right now. We didn't play well yesterday but we only conceded 1 score, from a penalty, against a decent side despite the fact that we couldn't catch. A few more games as a unit to become a bit more clinical and I think we'll have th epower to score against anyone and then in defence we have a lot of big tacklers who will throw themselves at teams to slow play down and stop them crossing the gainline. It's largely what SA did for about 70 minutes of their first game, the issue was they had a little spell of inaccuracy and poor defence and it lost them the game.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 23, 2019, 06:37:53 PM
NZ are always favourites for this tournament. Their quadrennial brainfarts used to be amusing and provide a bit of excitement but they've ironed those out and it's hard to see anyone stopping them. England beating NZ at a world cup? We might have done in 03 but I'd be amazed if we did this time.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 23, 2019, 08:56:54 PM
Really enjoyed the Argentina France game. Always good to have a close game.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 23, 2019, 09:48:01 PM
NZ are always favourites for this tournament. Their quadrennial brainfarts used to be amusing and provide a bit of excitement but they've ironed those out and it's hard to see anyone stopping them. England beating NZ at a world cup? We might have done in 03 but I'd be amazed if we did this time.

This is a very different NZ and their breakdown shithousing has been highlighted after the first game. They've lost number 1 in the rankings for a reason.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 23, 2019, 10:58:48 PM
Be nice to have some less predictable results. I think that's eight games out of eight won by the favourites, now.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 23, 2019, 11:21:09 PM
Be nice to have some less predictable results. I think that's eight games out of eight won by the favourites, now.

It was a funny round of games tbh, the only 2 games where an upset was even remotely possible were NZ/SA and Ire/Sco (although this was unlikely) but neither of those would've been massive shocks either.

I can't see many shocks though, mainly because the top 6 are too good for the rest and then there's a pretty big gap between the 5 weak teams (Canada, US, Russia, Uruguay and Namibia) and the rest. Most of the good games will come from the teams in the middle in the group stage, Scotland, Japan and Samoa could be some tasty games and the 2 I'm really looking forward to are Argentina vs Tonga and Georgia vs Fiji, there's going to be some big collisions in those 2.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 24, 2019, 12:26:20 PM
More high tackle controversy in Samoa vs Russia, with 2 contentious ones.

Lee-lo first was, in my opinion, correct as a Yellow, it was high but, in my opinion, it slid up from the chest to neck because of the carrier dipping and turning a shoulder to the tackle, would've been a very harsh red card.
Matu'u on the other hand was a red by any interpretation, head-on-head and the tackler goes down like he's stunned means that it was nothing like safe. Poor decision that one and I suspect it'll be a big story again after the game.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 24, 2019, 01:03:49 PM
As I'd expected before the start Russia looked fucked early in the 2nd half after playing largely the same team as Friday, Samoa had a 15-20 minute blitz to seal the win. Good effort from Russia to try t get a try on the board here but too little too late I think.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 24, 2019, 01:14:58 PM
Be nice to have some less predictable results. I think that's eight games out of eight won by the favourites, now.

Only chance left of an upset that might affect the QF is Japan over Scotland.

Does coming third in the group give teams automatic qualification for 2023 ? If so, that'll keep some interest going in the otherwise dead rubbers
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 24, 2019, 01:24:39 PM
Yes, third place teams qualify for 2023. In the very unlikely event that France finish below third, they'll qualify anyway as hosts.

Only half-watching today's game but it seems that Russia were right in it at half-time but failed to capitalise on playing against fourteen then thirteen men. Samoa battered them after the break.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 24, 2019, 02:10:34 PM
Yes, third place teams qualify for 2023. In the very unlikely event that France finish below third, they'll qualify anyway as hosts.

Only half-watching today's game but it seems that Russia were right in it at half-time but failed to capitalise on playing against fourteen then thirteen men. Samoa battered them after the break.

4 day turn around from their first game was the difference, Russia were fucked by half time and they only came back into it slightly when Samoa had 5 tries and were easing off the gas. The 2 yellows (the 2nd was a clear red, the first 50/50 red/yellow) were a leveller for a while but I doubt they'd have won even if they'd played out against 14 (13 would've been too big a difference though).

I have a teeny tiny worry for England as well but thankfully we're 'only' playing the US and we've only got 5 players starting from the Tonga 15. I suspect Billy V, Marler and Curry will only last a little over half the game and the bench suggests Watson and Farrell will be on for Daly and Ford pretty early as well. Fiji  and Italy also have a short turnaround but again, only playing Uruguay and Canada so won't be too upset. as it's a good chance to rotate.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 24, 2019, 02:48:16 PM
It's ludicrous that the differing turnaround times still haven't been addressed. Just play every match from Friday to Monday and have a minimum six day turnaround between games. The tournament would only have to be about one week longer so no great loss. Be better for fans in terms of not having to take time off work, too, and better for TV fans in inconvenient timezones.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 24, 2019, 08:05:35 PM
I agree 1 group per day friday to monday and then double up on the last week saturday and sunday, means the tournament lasts 8 weeks but given the world rugby safeguarding around rest days, etc it would just be sensible.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 25, 2019, 08:07:06 AM
UPSET!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2019, 09:25:31 AM
And that shows how much of a leveller the scheduling can be.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 25, 2019, 09:33:17 AM
Well done the Urus

Yes, it's an upset, but all it means is that Fiji are in a bit of danger of not finishing third in their group. The tournament is set up so as to avoid any real jeopardy for the top teams.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 26, 2019, 12:44:25 PM
Italy looked good this morning, Canada were weak in defence but it was still a strong performance and guarantees them 3rd in the group.

England vs the US 19-0 at half time and looking very easy, complete dominance in the scrum and maul and disrupting their line out means they've never really had a foothold in the game. If England can keep this up it'll end up with 60-70 points on the board.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 26, 2019, 01:26:07 PM
Red card coming here, fucking awful shot but the US 7, clear shoulder charge to Farrell's face.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 26, 2019, 02:09:59 PM
England eased off a bit once they had 5-6 but it was still a big, and professional win.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 26, 2019, 02:22:52 PM
Red card coming here, fucking awful shot but the US 7, clear shoulder charge to Farrell's face.

Did you see the Francis hit Paul ?

I haven't yet but BBC text commentary suggests a possible citing and ban
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 26, 2019, 02:43:54 PM
Red card coming here, fucking awful shot but the US 7, clear shoulder charge to Farrell's face.

Did you see the Francis hit Paul ?

I haven't yet but BBC text commentary suggests a possible citing and ban

I think a ban would be harsh but a yellow at the time wouldn't have been a terrible decision, there was another US player who made a similar hit and I'd say the same for him as well but in both cases they had their arms down and wrapped properly and there was no intent to hurt the opponent. The one that was a red had absolutely no mitigating factors, it was fucking awful, I've seen a broken jaw from a similar hits so he gets absolutely no sympathy from me for seeing his tournament over after 3/4s of a game (he'll get a 5-6 week ban I suspect).
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 26, 2019, 02:52:26 PM
The Aussie bloke got a three match ban, so I suspect that'll end up being the standard now for the tournament.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 26, 2019, 03:41:31 PM
The Aussie bloke got a three match ban, so I suspect that'll end up being the standard now for the tournament.

I agree, but he was trying to make a legitimate tackle and just got it badly wrong, the one today isn't the same.




the coverage starts about 1.43 (which is when the video should start if you click it) see what you think.


Just for clarity, the Francis one is so minor (comparatively) that they don't even include it on those highlights.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on September 26, 2019, 03:53:29 PM
I don't watch enough rugby to know how severe it is of a "crime", but the shoulder barge looked bad without being awful, to my eyes.

Tbh, I thought England were pretty poor today. Loads of errors against limited opposition, with Heinz looking particularly poor. French commentators seem to love Genge and Cokanasiga.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 26, 2019, 04:31:31 PM
I don't watch enough rugby to know how severe it is of a "crime", but the shoulder barge looked bad without being awful, to my eyes.

Tbh, I thought England were pretty poor today. Loads of errors against limited opposition, with Heinz looking particularly poor. French commentators seem to love Genge and Cokanasiga.


Final bit on the red card, it was after the whistle and there was no attempt to make it a tackle, as I said above, I been in a game where a guy got a broken jaw from something very similar so it's one of those things that I look at more critically (along with spear tackles which would be an auto 12 week ban for me). Out-muscling someone chest-to-chest is illegal but I'm fine with it, but as soon as you use your shoulder you're trying to hurt them, especially if you put your arm across your body like he did (therefore making no attempt to tackle). If you do it and only make contact with their body/arms then it's a yellow but as soon as that drifts to the face it's about as easy a red to award as you'll ever see. It's the equivalent of a 'studs up over the ball tackle' in football, there's just no mitigating factors at all.

On the errors I think it's because of the games being indoors. Aus and Fiji had problems in Sapporo as well (where our first game was) but this was the first game in Kobe, Scotland and Ireland both play at this one in their next games so it will be worth keeping in mind. Thankfully England are in more traditional surroundings from now on. I disagree on Heinz though, I thought he did well without doing anything outstanding, or making any major mistakes.

I'm not surprised about the 2 the french commentators loved, France always like a powerful carrier and those 2 are amongst the best in the world, Coka in particular was superb today he 'won' every single impact, either breaking the tackle or driving beyond the support tackler before going down (which stops the easy turnover) I thought he was exceptional. Credit to Watson as well who was electric when he came on.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 26, 2019, 05:22:11 PM
Looked to be tough conditions today. That shoulder barge was awful.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 27, 2019, 09:59:07 AM
I don't watch enough rugby to know how severe it is of a "crime", but the shoulder barge looked bad without being awful, to my eyes.


It was very bad. Clearly a red card and the bloke should be banned for the rest of the tournament.

Not even the pretence of wrapping arms, after the whistle, plenty of time to pull out....as the ref said at the time, no mitigating factors.


EDIT......as Paul said
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on September 28, 2019, 08:48:40 AM
A big Leeds United flag hanging from the stands in the Japan Ireland game.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on September 28, 2019, 10:13:08 AM
That was a good comeback by Japan!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on September 28, 2019, 10:13:51 AM
Bollocks. Wallet to take the proverbial battering now!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: JD on September 28, 2019, 10:14:35 AM
What an upset. Going to be an interesting group this one.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: garyshawsknee on September 28, 2019, 10:22:41 AM
Cracking game. Relentless from Japan.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 28, 2019, 10:23:48 AM
Brilliant from Japan.

Bad result for Scotland
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 28, 2019, 10:25:58 AM
Well, Scotland getting what they deserved for their pathetic performance against Ireland. Well done, Japan.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 28, 2019, 10:35:14 AM
That was a properly impressive display.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 28, 2019, 10:47:09 AM
Brilliant by Japan, I'd given them an outside chance of qualifying but they're looking a great bet for the quarters now.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 28, 2019, 10:49:53 AM
Looks like I've missed the result of the tournament so far travelling down to Villa Park. Better be worth the trip now!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 28, 2019, 10:58:39 AM
9mins in and the ball has barely left the namibian 22, fair play to them defending their line for so long but this gas got battering written all over it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: manic-road on September 28, 2019, 11:01:33 AM
That is a fantastic result for the World Cup, ranks up there with Japan beating South Africa at the last World Cup.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 28, 2019, 11:19:07 AM
That is a fantastic result for the World Cup, ranks up there with Japan beating South Africa at the last World Cup.

This is bigger I'd say, SA were struggling a bit in 2015 anyway, Ireland were number 1 ranked in the world 3 weeks ago and came into the tournament with genuine aspirations to win it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 28, 2019, 11:25:45 AM
I'd say it's bigger because it feels less like a one-off shock and more like part of the ongoing development of the Japanese game. For a few World Cups there have been nine teams battling for eight QF spots. I think that might be up to ten for this tournament and the next few.

Is there anyway they could find room in the schedules to add Japan to the Four Nations?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 28, 2019, 12:19:59 PM
Namibia are the poorest side I’ve seen
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 28, 2019, 12:55:51 PM
I'd say it's bigger because it feels less like a one-off shock and more like part of the ongoing development of the Japanese game. For a few World Cups there have been nine teams battling for eight QF spots. I think that might be up to ten for this tournament and the next few.

Is there anyway they could find room in the schedules to add Japan to the Four Nations?

Japan and the us are joining the championship (former tri-nations).

Edit - looks like it's japan and then either the us or fiji. There was some debate about making it 2 6 tier leagues and adding all the pacific island teams, namibia, uruguay and canada but i think that idea is dead.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Damo70 on September 28, 2019, 01:16:32 PM
I have had a little bet on Australia to win the tournament at 18/1 for a bit of interest.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on September 28, 2019, 01:22:34 PM
I'd say it's bigger because it feels less like a one-off shock and more like part of the ongoing development of the Japanese game. For a few World Cups there have been nine teams battling for eight QF spots. I think that might be up to ten for this tournament and the next few.

Is there anyway they could find room in the schedules to add Japan to the Four Nations?

Japan and the us are joining the championship (former tri-nations).

Edit - looks like it's japan and then either the us or fiji. There was some debate about making it 2 6 tier leagues and adding all the pacific island teams, namibia, uruguay and canada but i think that idea is dead.

Is that confirmed that Japan are joining, Paul? Just I haven't seen any confirmation of that, yet. Not here in Japan, anyway.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 28, 2019, 01:23:00 PM
I'm watching the Japan game on demand. 68 gone. Did anyone at any point check how many players they'd got on the pitch, cos it seems like way more than 15! Incredible display.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on September 28, 2019, 01:27:20 PM
Japanese TV coverage of the world cup is unbearable. As with football and any other big event, they've got dreadful boy band members and crusty old celebrities doing the studio analysis and interviewing players after the game.

It's like watching a group of kids on Christmas morning. If the kids were pretending to like Christmas. And getting paid a kings ransom to do so.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 28, 2019, 02:51:56 PM
I'd say it's bigger because it feels less like a one-off shock and more like part of the ongoing development of the Japanese game. For a few World Cups there have been nine teams battling for eight QF spots. I think that might be up to ten for this tournament and the next few.

Is there anyway they could find room in the schedules to add Japan to the Four Nations?

Japan and the us are joining the championship (former tri-nations).

Edit - looks like it's japan and then either the us or fiji. There was some debate about making it 2 6 tier leagues and adding all the pacific island teams, namibia, uruguay and canada but i think that idea is dead.

Is that confirmed that Japan are joining, Paul? Just I haven't seen any confirmation of that, yet. Not here in Japan, anyway.

It was a few years ago, and then they started trying to push the silly world league thing. Now that's dead the conversation is starting up again and I think the result today, along with the popularity of the tournmament so far, make it a case of when not if. The real change is that Fiji are now considered a better option than the US by many, largely because the latter are struggling to turn improvements in the 7 into improvements in the 15man game.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on September 28, 2019, 02:57:31 PM
I'd say it's bigger because it feels less like a one-off shock and more like part of the ongoing development of the Japanese game. For a few World Cups there have been nine teams battling for eight QF spots. I think that might be up to ten for this tournament and the next few.

Is there anyway they could find room in the schedules to add Japan to the Four Nations?

Japan and the us are joining the championship (former tri-nations).

Edit - looks like it's japan and then either the us or fiji. There was some debate about making it 2 6 tier leagues and adding all the pacific island teams, namibia, uruguay and canada but i think that idea is dead.

Is that confirmed that Japan are joining, Paul? Just I haven't seen any confirmation of that, yet. Not here in Japan, anyway.

It was a few years ago, and then they started trying to push the silly world league thing. Now that's dead the conversation is starting up again and I think the result today, along with the popularity of the tournmament so far, make it a case of when not if. The real change is that Fiji are now considered a better option than the US by many, largely because the latter are struggling to turn improvements in the 7 into improvements in the 15man game.

Ah, ok. I think it'd be good for the Japanese rugby team, and the popularity of the sport in general. It's still way behind baseball and football, but may pick up because of the World Cup.

Funnily enough, the university I work at here is where Michael Leitch studied, so rugby is a big deal for this school. I've even seen him jogging and walking his dog in and around campus. I'll stop him one of these days and get a photo.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 29, 2019, 09:15:22 AM
Good start to Aus-Wales
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 29, 2019, 09:40:22 AM
Bit one sided now. Wales turning up against a southern hemisphere team in the WC for once. Fair play to them.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: OzVilla on September 29, 2019, 09:45:48 AM
Aussie tv former players going mental about the referee at the end of that half, the word disgrace being used a lot.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 29, 2019, 10:30:01 AM
Another comeback. Wales really on the rack here but still got the lead.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 29, 2019, 10:47:37 AM
Wales hang on. It's strange how often a team gets close with a comeback only to let the other team back in. See also Argentina v France.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on September 29, 2019, 10:48:56 AM
Wales did well to cling on there. That turn over in the last minute saved them. The Aussies had the momentum and would have gone on to win.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villa Lew on September 29, 2019, 12:36:41 PM
130th appearance for Alun Wyn Jones making him the most capped Wales player, what an inspirational captain he must be.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 29, 2019, 02:27:44 PM
Aussie tv former players going mental about the referee at the end of that half, the word disgrace being used a lot.

I bet they were singing his praises when Hooper wasn't binned for that late tackle, as he should have been

Anyhow, great from Wales.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 30, 2019, 12:14:36 PM
Good first half for Scotland, Russell has been superb, his 2 moments of real class creating the tries. The Hogg drop goal was great as well. However Despite getting 12 points Laidlaw is playing poorly, he's thrown 5-6 really poor passes when scotland had overlaps, a better passer at 9 and they could have another 15-20 points here.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on September 30, 2019, 01:16:53 PM
As someone that doesn't understand rugby so well, and watching with Japanese commentary (of which I understand about half), why was the Samoan chap sent off and Scotland given 7 points? Illegal tackle?

Anyway, well done Scotland.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 30, 2019, 01:37:10 PM
Samoa seem a pale imitation of the competitive team they used to be.

In fairness it seems that all 3 of the pacific nations have regressed in this world cup. Fiji, Samoa and Tonga have all been very poor so far.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on September 30, 2019, 02:34:33 PM
As someone that doesn't understand rugby so well, and watching with Japanese commentary (of which I understand about half), why was the Samoan chap sent off and Scotland given 7 points? Illegal tackle?

Anyway, well done Scotland.

He illegally stopped a try being scored, which meant a Penalty Try was awarded. Teams no longer have to convert a Penalty Try, it's just a straight 7 points.

Normally this would also just be a 10 minute Sin Bin offence but because the player had already served one Sin Bin period, he was sent off.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on September 30, 2019, 04:12:09 PM
Yep, the worst bit about it is that all he needed to do was make a show of using his arms to complete a legal tackle and it wouldn't have been a problem. He was thick as fuck for the first yellow as well, if he'd waited until they crossed the line he could've dived in and stopped it as he did because there's no offside then.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 01, 2019, 10:12:28 AM
Red card coming here, fucking awful shot but the US 7, clear shoulder charge to Farrell's face.

Did you see the Francis hit Paul ?

I haven't yet but BBC text commentary suggests a possible citing and ban

I think a ban would be harsh but a yellow at the time wouldn't have been a terrible decision, there was another US player who made a similar hit and I'd say the same for him as well but in both cases they had their arms down and wrapped properly and there was no intent to hurt the opponent. The one that was a red had absolutely no mitigating factors, it was fucking awful, I've seen a broken jaw from a similar hits so he gets absolutely no sympathy from me for seeing his tournament over after 3/4s of a game (he'll get a 5-6 week ban I suspect).

Just to go back to this, the citing panel came to the same conclusion as me and dismissed it below the red card threshold so Francis is available.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 02, 2019, 07:41:14 AM
As someone that doesn't understand rugby so well, and watching with Japanese commentary (of which I understand about half), why was the Samoan chap sent off and Scotland given 7 points? Illegal tackle?

Anyway, well done Scotland.

He illegally stopped a try being scored, which meant a Penalty Try was awarded. Teams no longer have to convert a Penalty Try, it's just a straight 7 points.

Normally this would also just be a 10 minute Sin Bin offence but because the player had already served one Sin Bin period, he was sent off.

Ah, understood. Thank you, mate.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 02, 2019, 09:56:22 AM
France have been awful so far in this match, 2 very good tries from nothing,which you'd expect against weaker opposition, but the structured play is terrible and they should probably have had a yellow card or 2 already given the amount of penalties they've given away in the 22.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 02, 2019, 11:28:36 AM
I've gotten worked up about it here before, but there is literally no point in any other team turning up in the refs aren't going to call forward passes against NZ. Ten minutes in, and at least two blatant forward passes with no sanction. Their running game is good enough, without favours from the officials.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 02, 2019, 12:03:22 PM
I've gotten worked up about it here before, but there is literally no point in any other team turning up in the refs aren't going to call forward passes against NZ. Ten minutes in, and at least two blatant forward passes with no sanction. Their running game is good enough, without favours from the officials.

I agree, forward passes, not releasing in the tackle and side entry at rucks have to be truly ridiculous for NZ to be called up for them, it's been a problem for a long time and all 3 combined make it very difficult to compete with them.  That said, Canada are a terribly weak side this time around (after looking a decent team in the last couple of world cups).
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: AsTallAsLions on October 02, 2019, 12:09:08 PM
Gwan the ABs
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 02, 2019, 04:00:21 PM
Canada won the last twenty minutes 0-0
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 03, 2019, 01:29:38 PM
Sounds like Ireland made hard work of beating Russia
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 03, 2019, 03:00:03 PM
Sounds like Ireland made hard work of beating Russia

Like a few of the games the conditions were horrible, hot and humid so there were plenty of handling errors. The bigger problem was that Ireland ran in 2 early tries so Russia just tightened the game up and dragged Ireland down to their level. That Ireland let it happen and only really got going again in the last 10 (they did get a try just before half time and another on about the hour but they came from nowhere really) will be a worry for them because, whilst there were some excuses, a top tier side with ambition to win the tournament really should be pulled into a bun fight with a team like Russia. 1 try from 20 minutes against 14 men will worry them a touch as well. During the Ostrikov yellow I thought Russia were the better team (and they probably didn't deserve to get nothing).


As it will come up, the first yellow was the right decision, it was clearly a high tackle but a red card for it would've been really harsh.


Overall it was a fucking awful game (which is a shame because Georgia Fiji earlier had been decent).
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 04, 2019, 12:07:19 PM
Italy have now taken the crown for the most stupid thing anyone has done at the world cup (from the American guy who shoulder charged Farrell) with their props lifting and spearing after the whistle, utterly pathetic and I hope Lovotti in particular gets a long ban for that one, everyone knows how dangerous it is. I think the other guy is lucky to get away with it as well, could easily have been 2 reds.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 04, 2019, 02:07:39 PM
Just seen the Italy incident. What a pair of absolute idiots.

From listening to Wayne's conversations with the TG and TMO, it seems like he was only able to punish the worst offender.

I haven't watched all the game yet, but it'll be interesting to see if Italy also get reprimanded for possibly faking a head injury in order to not immediately lose a player when the game went to uncontested scrums.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 04, 2019, 02:14:40 PM
Italy have now taken the crown for the most stupid thing anyone has done at the world cup (from the American guy who shoulder charged Farrell) with their props lifting and spearing after the whistle, utterly pathetic and I hope Lovotti in particular gets a long ban for that one, everyone knows how dangerous it is. I think the other guy is lucky to get away with it as well, could easily have been 2 reds.

Should have been I reckon.  It looked to me that no. 17 was actually the worst offender, as he seemed to have a better grip on the SA player and was driving his head into the ground.  Could he be done after the event?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 04, 2019, 04:30:42 PM
Italy have now taken the crown for the most stupid thing anyone has done at the world cup (from the American guy who shoulder charged Farrell) with their props lifting and spearing after the whistle, utterly pathetic and I hope Lovotti in particular gets a long ban for that one, everyone knows how dangerous it is. I think the other guy is lucky to get away with it as well, could easily have been 2 reds.

Should have been I reckon.  It looked to me that no. 17 was actually the worst offender, as he seemed to have a better grip on the SA player and was driving his head into the ground.  Could he be done after the event?

He could be cited post match, both as bad as each other, there's no rule that says you couldn't have sent both of them off.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 04, 2019, 04:54:33 PM
Let’s hope the injury to Cheslin Kolbe isn’t serious. He’s been my favourite player of the tournament so far
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 05, 2019, 09:10:49 AM
Argentina have come out of the blocks here.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 05, 2019, 09:14:26 AM
Good try. Billy hasn’t had a good start.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 05, 2019, 09:16:24 AM
England opened them up there though,  was far too easy. Followed by a cheap hit and a bit of a fight.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 05, 2019, 09:16:52 AM
That is the first time I've seen a scrum lost on the strike, rather than a shove, in probably 15 years, if not more.

Just goes to show what can happen when the scrum-half doesn't feed it straight to the second row...
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 05, 2019, 09:23:47 AM
That’s a red card.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 05, 2019, 09:27:11 AM
That’s a red card.

Justifiably so too.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 05, 2019, 09:30:46 AM
I think if Nigel Owen had given a yellow for the blatant late hit before, it would have been enough of a warning for the Argentina players to calm down a bit. No choice with the red card though.

Its been a horrible scrappy game so far. Poor handling errors again and too many stoppages. The big issue for us now is to avoid injury. Late in the game with Argentina not having a lot to play for I can imagine there will be cheap shots a plenty.

Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 05, 2019, 09:38:04 AM
That is the first time I've seen a scrum lost on the strike, rather than a shove, in probably 15 years, if not more.

Just goes to show what can happen when the scrum-half doesn't feed it straight to the second row...

There's also been a lineout throw that was reasonably straight too.

Crazy times.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 05, 2019, 09:50:09 AM
Farrell’s kicking from the tee is well off today.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 05, 2019, 09:52:58 AM
Farrell’s kicking from the tee is well off today.

Yep, and with Ford's goalkicking being so reliable lately Farrell will need to improve that he wants to keep that job.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 05, 2019, 09:57:39 AM
It won’t matter today, but fucking hell Farrell has missed another easy one. That’s 9 points we’ve left out there.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 05, 2019, 10:05:22 AM
Well the last 10 minutes of the half we played sensibly and allowed the numerical advantage to take effect. It should be a stroll now and we just need to make sure no one gets injured when Argentina inevitably bring out the cheap shots. Their world cup is effectively over now so they will want to leave a mark on someone.

As I said earlier, it was clear the mindset Argentina came out with, and a yellow card for the poor, blatant late hit on Farrell would have probably made them reassess. There wasn't an option other than red for the hit by the lock.

Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 05, 2019, 10:07:54 AM
Dallaglio suggesting that the hit on Farrell is affecting his kicking. Jonny soon put him right!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: manic-road on October 05, 2019, 10:19:23 AM
England will run away with it second half, Argentina look knackered now.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 05, 2019, 10:24:04 AM
Ford has been exceptional.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 05, 2019, 10:40:33 AM
Hope Marler injury isn’t bad.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 05, 2019, 10:49:17 AM
Not been great in last 10 or so mins.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 05, 2019, 10:51:22 AM
Argentina score. England have been rubbish for a while here.

Probably harsh to single him out but I think Heinz is bang average.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 05, 2019, 11:07:26 AM
I thought we were pretty average for most of the second half and their try seemed to shake us out of a collective stupor.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 05, 2019, 11:10:57 AM
Bit boring, that.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 05, 2019, 11:17:23 AM
Game over afted the red card and once England got the 4th they took it down a notch. It was only when they scored that we looked like we woke up. So long as the injuries aren't serious I'd say it was a near perfect game, 45 minutes if graft and then played it like a training session.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Colhint on October 05, 2019, 11:18:49 AM
Bit boring but I liken it to Juve being 3-0 up with 15 mins to go. Rest players see out the game.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 05, 2019, 11:47:51 AM
Is the hush in the stadium down purely to Japanese politeness? It's a bit spooky.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 05, 2019, 01:29:00 PM
Fantastic performance and result for Japan. Scotland are in real trouble now in this group.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on October 05, 2019, 02:54:35 PM
In trouble? They're as good as out.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 05, 2019, 03:42:20 PM
Some photos from today's game.


(https://i.ibb.co/NjXHC1Y/DSCPDC-0003-BURST20191005184326504-COVER.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NjXHC1Y) (https://i.ibb.co/ryCpfxG/DSC-0430.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ryCpfxG) (https://i.ibb.co/t2LwZP8/DSCPDC-0002-BURST20191005184356562-COVER.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t2LwZP8) (https://i.ibb.co/6rgJNL5/DSC-0415.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6rgJNL5) (https://i.ibb.co/VCjyFvz/DSC-0408.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VCjyFvz) (https://i.ibb.co/tbZQCqD/DSC-0411.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tbZQCqD) (https://i.ibb.co/5nsr1qN/DSC-0412.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5nsr1qN)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 05, 2019, 05:40:18 PM
In trouble? They're as good as out.

They need 2 bonus point wins, the first is possible but beating Japan heavily will be tough.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 06, 2019, 08:42:28 AM
Looks good Axl. Is world cup fever in full swing over there now Japan are doing well?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 06, 2019, 10:00:17 AM
Come on Tonga!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 06, 2019, 11:13:39 AM
Looks good Axl. Is world cup fever in full swing over there now Japan are doing well?

Yes, massively. A lot of bandwagon jumping, but that's fair enough. I suppose it's the same for all big sporting events. I've been here for 6 years now and can't remember meeting anyone who ever mentioned rugby, besides a few expats.

Baseball is still king, and football isn't far behind, but it's nice to see so many families enjoying the games, as usually you don't really see Tokyo families spending much time together. Too busy with work and all that.

Scrap what I said about baseball, actually. Work is king!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 08, 2019, 12:15:08 PM
Scotland's world cup could be ended by Typhoon Hagi(bi)s

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49973347
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 08, 2019, 03:58:39 PM
Is monsoon season not roughly the same time every year? Doesn't seem to be very good planning.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 08, 2019, 06:12:40 PM
In fairness they have the option to relocate games. It would be embarrassing for Japan to have games called off, and embarrassment is not something Japanese culture particularly embraces!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 08, 2019, 06:50:54 PM
In fairness they have the option to relocate games. It would be embarrassing for Japan to have games called off, and embarrassment is not something Japanese culture particularly embraces!

the default is to mark it as a 0-0 draw but I suspect a 0-0 draw which was decisive in the final placings of a group would be something they'd like to avoid.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 08, 2019, 07:01:37 PM
Quote
One of World Rugby’s contingency plans is to move both matches to other venues in Japan to ensure they go ahead but that would cause havoc for more than 140,000 supporters across the weekend and prove a huge logistical headache for tournament organisers.

That's from the Guardian.

Yes relocating games would come with problems, but I guess would still be infinitely preferable to the embarrassment of a team being knocked out in such a way.

Even if just having it as a 0-0 draw would be in the Japanese teams interest, I can't see them going down this route. The Japanese don't cope well with shame.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 09, 2019, 06:07:04 AM
In fairness they have the option to relocate games. It would be embarrassing for Japan to have games called off, and embarrassment is not something Japanese culture particularly embraces!

Haha. Spot on, mate. The typhoon will end up being a little bit of rain and some wind, as it usually is. If there were games being played in Okinawa, then I could understand the issue.

They're going to have bigger problems with the Olympics being in the middle of summer. They're stubborn old sods once they've made a decision, so they'll just move the marathon to 5am or something like that, and say 'there you go, problem sorted!'
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 09, 2019, 08:43:04 AM
In fairness all the endurance races at the recent Athletics World Championships in Qatar were held in the middle of the night so there has already been a precedent set, there.

Anyway three early tries for Scotland, looking good for a bonus point win.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 09, 2019, 09:51:38 AM
In fairness all the endurance races at the recent Athletics World Championships in Qatar were held in the middle of the night so there has already been a precedent set, there.

Anyway three early tries for Scotland, looking good for a bonus point win.

5 points were always coming here, Russia are a very weak side (and are lucky to be there) and they were always going to knackered by this game. Japan are a much better side and 8 days of rest vs 4 days gives them a massive advantage. Lots of the Scotland team will be changed for Sunday but even still they'd have trained for a game today and a big chunk of this 23 will have to be involved.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 09, 2019, 11:43:02 AM
Come on Fiji.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 09, 2019, 12:00:31 PM
In fairness all the endurance races at the recent Athletics World Championships in Qatar were held in the middle of the night so there has already been a precedent set, there.

Anyway three early tries for Scotland, looking good for a bonus point win.

Ah, I didn't know that. Fair enough.

Alot of people here don't understand why the Olympics weren't just held in October time, as I think they were the last time Tokyo had them in 1964.

The heat in the Tokyo summer is simply unbearable. There is a genuine fear that either an athlete or a spectator could die.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 09, 2019, 12:32:29 PM
Wales injury count starting to add up now, as well as their missed tackle count.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 09, 2019, 01:38:55 PM
Wales injury count starting to add up now, as well as their missed tackle count.

Most of the injuries are pretty minor but the Biggar one should be a major worry, that's 2 failed HIA's in the world cup so far. He may well be forced out of the rest of the competition if they can't prove that he's not still carrying the effects of them. Players have missed months because of stuff like this in the last couple of years (George North was a high profile example a couple of seasons back). The issue is that Biggar has a habit of tackling at knee height and getting caught in the face for his troubles.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 10, 2019, 01:06:08 AM
England, France has been called off. No news regarding the Scotland Japan game, as of yet.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 10, 2019, 01:09:51 AM
It'll be off. Two World Cups in a row Scotland have been shafted out of.

At least the football team are doing well... 😢
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 10, 2019, 01:12:34 AM
It'll be off. Two World Cups in a row Scotland have been shafted out of.

At least the football team are doing well... 😢

Sorry mate!

You never know. Because of the magnitude of the game, and the fact the hosts are playing, it might be rescheduled. Or at least that's what people are hoping.

It'd be against the rules, but rules are there to be broken, and all that, however.

It is Japan though, and this is the land of abiding by the rules, no matter how ridiculous they are.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Scovilla on October 10, 2019, 07:34:54 AM
The game England vs France cancelled according to French website L'equipe. Both teams get 2 points.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 10, 2019, 07:37:52 AM
Yep, nz vs italy has gone as well.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 10, 2019, 07:38:07 AM
It’s disappointing because I’d made plans for an early Saturday breakfast with some friends followed by a few beers and the rugby.

However we now qualify as the winners of our group and will probably play the Aussies in the quarter finals. The extra weeks rest and preparation for that game will be really important.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 10, 2019, 08:56:31 AM
Yep, nz vs italy has gone as well.

If New Zealand had lost to South Africa, and Italy had scrambled another bonus point somewhere, there is absolutely no chance that the authorities wouldn't find a way to get the game on.

Just move the games, you're going to have to refund fans anyway.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 10, 2019, 08:59:25 AM
Yep, nz vs italy has gone as well.

If New Zealand had lost to South Africa, and Italy had scrambled another bonus point somewhere, there is absolutely no chance that the authorities wouldn't find a way to get the game on.

Just move the games, you're going to have to refund fans anyway.

Yep. I heard one reporter talking about 'sister stadiums' if games had to be moved, so why aren't they using them ?

Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 10, 2019, 09:03:44 AM
Even more silly, if safety is the major concern, is that Scotland are now being forced to move into the typhoon area, on the vague promise that their game might go ahead.

Surely it's better to tell them to go somewhere safe, and just play the game at the nearest stadium? If you are playing behind closed doors, you don't even have to worry if the stadium can hold seventy, fifty, even five thousand. There must be hundreds or even thousands of plausible venues.

And I'm sure those travelling fans trapped in their hotel rooms waiting for the typhoon to pass would rather, at least, have a match to watch on telly to keep themselves occupied.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 10, 2019, 09:40:07 AM
Even more silly, if safety is the major concern, is that Scotland are now being forced to move into the typhoon area, on the vague promise that their game might go ahead.

Surely it's better to tell them to go somewhere safe, and just play the game at the nearest stadium? If you are playing behind closed doors, you don't even have to worry if the stadium can hold seventy, fifty, even five thousand. There must be hundreds or even thousands of plausible venues.

And I'm sure those travelling fans trapped in their hotel rooms waiting for the typhoon to pass would rather, at least, have a match to watch on telly to keep themselves occupied.

Common sense isn't a particular strong point over here, unfortunately.

It leads to daily pulling teeth-type situations.

All these games could be played somewhere safer and fairly nearby. God only knows why they aren't.

There are alot of pissed off fans around today.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 10, 2019, 10:24:24 AM
A world cup game has never had to be abandoned before so I suspect the rules around it were cobbled together in the idea that it would never be an issue.

Scotland will be the big one, I can't see Scotland accepting the draw to put them out without an appeal. I'm surprised France and Italy don't seem a bit more upset as well.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 10, 2019, 10:50:33 AM
Hasn't there been a debate about whether it would be better for England or France to lise their game ? In such circumstances, I guess France will be happy with the extra rest, and whatever "momentum" can be maintained from not actually having lost to England.

Italy probably know they'll be soundly thrashed by NZ, so happy to avoid the humiliation.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 10, 2019, 10:56:42 AM
Hasn't there been a debate about whether it would be better for England or France to lise their game ? In such circumstances, I guess France will be happy with the extra rest, and whatever "momentum" can be maintained from not actually having lost to England.

Italy probably know they'll be soundly thrashed by NZ, so happy to avoid the humiliation.

For the QF Top Play Aus, 2nd play Wales (on the basis that Wales don't get turned over by Uruguay) I doubt there would be anyone desperate to play 1 or the other. After that Top play the winner of, s it stands, NZ/Ireland and 2nd play Japan/SA. If those games go to form I'm actually not sure who i'd prefer to play between NZ or SA (on the basis that you'll play the other in the final). Either way I suspect Enlgand need to beat the 3 tri-nations sides back-to-back to win it, and if we do no one could say it wasn't a thoroughly deserved win.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 10, 2019, 11:41:49 AM
A world cup game has never had to be abandoned before so I suspect the rules around it were cobbled together in the idea that it would never be an issue.

Scotland will be the big one, I can't see Scotland accepting the draw to put them out without an appeal. I'm surprised France and Italy don't seem a bit more upset as well.

I doubt it's ever been held anywhere where monsoons or hurricanes are a potential problem.  The fact that they now have done so, they should have built in contingency plans.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 10, 2019, 11:49:31 AM
Quite.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Scovilla on October 10, 2019, 11:57:52 AM
A world cup game has never had to be abandoned before so I suspect the rules around it were cobbled together in the idea that it would never be an issue.

Scotland will be the big one, I can't see Scotland accepting the draw to put them out without an appeal. I'm surprised France and Italy don't seem a bit more upset as well.

France don't really care because everybody down here knows they will get beat whoever they play.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 10, 2019, 11:59:05 AM
Scotland going home in such circumstances would turn the whole thing into a farce.




Much better to let them play somewhere else, have their arses handed to them by Japan, and let them go home as a result of their own glorious failure!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 10, 2019, 12:44:17 PM
Scotland going home in such circumstances would turn the whole thing into a farce.




Much better to let them play somewhere else, have their arses handed to them by Japan, and let them go home as a result of their own glorious failure!

Queen Nippy would ask for a vote on it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 10, 2019, 01:09:59 PM
A world cup game has never had to be abandoned before so I suspect the rules around it were cobbled together in the idea that it would never be an issue.

Scotland will be the big one, I can't see Scotland accepting the draw to put them out without an appeal. I'm surprised France and Italy don't seem a bit more upset as well.

I doubt it's ever been held anywhere where monsoons or hurricanes are a potential problem.  The fact that they now have done so, they should have built in contingency plans.

I agree completely, I think cancelling games at a world cup for a sport which isn't highly restricted by the weather (unlike the cricket for example) is shameful and reflects very poorly on world rugby. Even worse is the risk that the hosts are the major beneficiaries, that can easily be viewed as a cynical cash grab. I think Japan deserve to qualify, but this would always leave a question mark next to the achievement.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 10, 2019, 01:20:08 PM
A world cup game has never had to be abandoned before so I suspect the rules around it were cobbled together in the idea that it would never be an issue.

Scotland will be the big one, I can't see Scotland accepting the draw to put them out without an appeal. I'm surprised France and Italy don't seem a bit more upset as well.

France don't really care because everybody down here knows they will get beat whoever they play.

I honestly think they could push Wales close. The french game plan at this world cup is pretty similar to how England played at home to Wales in the summer, big carries through the 10 and 12 channel and then go to the pace out wide once they've got a few backs stuck into the rucks. France aren't as effective at it as England because we have Manu and Coka to go alongside the big forwards so hit those lines at really difficult angles to defend, for France it's Picamoles, Poirot and the locks doing all the work.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 10, 2019, 01:37:13 PM
A world cup game has never had to be abandoned before so I suspect the rules around it were cobbled together in the idea that it would never be an issue.

Scotland will be the big one, I can't see Scotland accepting the draw to put them out without an appeal. I'm surprised France and Italy don't seem a bit more upset as well.

I doubt it's ever been held anywhere where monsoons or hurricanes are a potential problem.  The fact that they now have done so, they should have built in contingency plans.

I agree completely, I think cancelling games at a world cup for a sport which isn't highly restricted by the weather (unlike the cricket for example) is shameful and reflects very poorly on world rugby. Even worse is the risk that the hosts are the major beneficiaries, that can easily be viewed as a cynical cash grab. I think Japan deserve to qualify, but this would always leave a question mark next to the achievement.

Regarding your last sentence, Paul, the Japanese are well aware of this fact. They'll be really pleased to qualify, and rightfully so, but they'll feel shame about doing so in the manner that it may happen.

It's just engrained in the culture, and I like that about the general population here. Sporting behaviour is lauded, and even though the typhoon isn't their fault, they'll see it as it actually is. I reckon the game will be moved. A one off if you like.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 10, 2019, 01:52:20 PM
A world cup game has never had to be abandoned before so I suspect the rules around it were cobbled together in the idea that it would never be an issue.

Scotland will be the big one, I can't see Scotland accepting the draw to put them out without an appeal. I'm surprised France and Italy don't seem a bit more upset as well.

France don't really care because everybody down here knows they will get beat whoever they play.

I honestly think they could push Wales close. The french game plan at this world cup is pretty similar to how England played at home to Wales in the summer, big carries through the 10 and 12 channel and then go to the pace out wide once they've got a few backs stuck into the rucks. France aren't as effective at it as England because we have Manu and Coka to go alongside the big forwards so hit those lines at really difficult angles to defend, for France it's Picamoles, Poirot and the locks doing all the work.

It's not really relevant or indeed the slightest bit interesting, but when Picamoles left Northampton to go back to France, we were just moving back to the area, and looked at the house he'd been renting in Crick to rent for ourselves.  In other Saints player news, me and the missus will be out with Dylan Hartley and his wife on Saturday evening at a mutual friends' house.  He is absolutely gutted not to be playing in Japan, as you might expect.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 10, 2019, 02:42:19 PM
A world cup game has never had to be abandoned before so I suspect the rules around it were cobbled together in the idea that it would never be an issue.

Scotland will be the big one, I can't see Scotland accepting the draw to put them out without an appeal. I'm surprised France and Italy don't seem a bit more upset as well.

France don't really care because everybody down here knows they will get beat whoever they play.

I honestly think they could push Wales close. The french game plan at this world cup is pretty similar to how England played at home to Wales in the summer, big carries through the 10 and 12 channel and then go to the pace out wide once they've got a few backs stuck into the rucks. France aren't as effective at it as England because we have Manu and Coka to go alongside the big forwards so hit those lines at really difficult angles to defend, for France it's Picamoles, Poirot and the locks doing all the work.

It's not really relevant or indeed the slightest bit interesting, but when Picamoles left Northampton to go back to France, we were just moving back to the area, and looked at the house he'd been renting in Crick to rent for ourselves.  In other Saints player news, me and the missus will be out with Dylan Hartley and his wife on Saturday evening at a mutual friends' house.  He is absolutely gutted not to be playing in Japan, as you might expect.

I'm not convinced Hartley will play again, superb player at his best, brilliant captain and line out thrower all the time and incredibly harshly judged to get some truly ridiculous bans at times. One of my favourite players of all-time and I'm gutted for him that injury meant he didn't get to end a superb international career in the way it deserved.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 10, 2019, 03:08:29 PM
He might be a great rugby player, but he is absolutely shit at general knowledge quizzes, so you know, #levels.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 10, 2019, 03:20:04 PM
For me, Hartley died with the ball too much.

Although not as often as the Steve Thompson did
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 10, 2019, 03:23:27 PM
For me, Hartley died with the ball too much.

Although not as often as the Steve Thompson did

He was never a ball carrier, but he gave us loads of control at set pieces and was superb in defence.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 10, 2019, 09:24:39 PM
I think what Sergio Parisse said is correct. If NZ needed to win to go through, then World Rugby would have found a way to get the match played.

As unlikely Italy beating NZ is, they deserved to have the chance on the field. For a world cup years in the planning, this really isn't good enough. Its not a big secret that Japan is prone to the odd extreme weather event. Things should have been in place to cope.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: JD on October 11, 2019, 07:27:08 AM
If England and NZ get through to the semi final and the game is called off, England would advance to the final as they got more pool points than NZ. After the Cricket World Cup Final, this would be hilarious if it happened as New Zealand would go into meltdown.
They are already talking about this over here (if there's a God  ;).
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 11, 2019, 11:29:20 AM
It's very early into the game and may well change but I'd have absolutely no concerns about keeping this Australian attack quiet, very poor on this showing.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 11, 2019, 11:44:12 AM
If England and NZ get through to the semi final and the game is called off, England would advance to the final as they got more pool points than NZ. After the Cricket World Cup Final, this would be hilarious if it happened as New Zealand would go into meltdown.
They are already talking about this over here (if there's a God  ;).

Well if, as has been suggested, New Zealand chose not to play this weekend then that would be absolutely justified. The massive twats.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 11, 2019, 12:05:25 PM
Having considered the situation I've decided that the Japan v Scotland game being called off would be just desserts for the piss easy groups the Scots have had over the years and also a fitting counterbalance to the unfairness of Japan having to play them four days after beating SA last time around. Bring on the weather affected draw!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 11, 2019, 12:08:40 PM
Having considered the situation I've decided that the Japan v Scotland game being called off would be just desserts for the piss easy groups the Scots have had over the years and also a fitting counterbalance to the unfairness of Japan having to play them four days after beating SA last time around. Bring on the weather affected draw!

Harsh! Haha.

The typhoon is on its way here. The Japanese have emptied the supermarkets as if it's the Blitz.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 11, 2019, 01:16:44 PM
This game ended up looking a lot more comfortable for Australia than it was for about 65 minutes but it's an example of how defending but not really offering much threat going the other way just isn't a viable tactic. Georgia needed a bit more ambition to put Australia under pressure and they won't learn that lesson until they're allowed to play against the better sides regularly, they're used to being the biggest fish in the pond in 6N/2 and just haven't needed to learn how to shift the momentum of a game.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 11, 2019, 01:33:16 PM
Genia is still a way better scrum half than White
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 11, 2019, 02:54:42 PM
Genia is still a way better scrum half than White

I agree, he made a big difference to them.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 12, 2019, 12:26:07 PM
Glad it doesn't seem to be just me who thinks White is the most pedestrian 9 of the major nations.

Also glad to see that red for Akee. I thought the yellow for the Samoan was weak and was worried it was evidence of a bias towards the big teams, so nice to see one of the big boys cop a red for similar.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 12, 2019, 12:28:42 PM
Can Samoa take advantage? I'm going with no. Ireland to get the bonus point.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: dave shelley on October 12, 2019, 12:48:41 PM
Mrs S got in a flap at the sending off worried that Ireland would lose.  I told her that if Ireland lost I'd stand in the front garden waving my knob.  I think my knob is safe from the fresh air.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 12, 2019, 12:53:14 PM
Even if they lose they'll be through on head to head if Scotland get called off.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: TopDeck113 on October 12, 2019, 01:12:26 PM
The Japanese have emptied the supermarkets as if it's the Blitz Brexit day.

FIFY
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 12, 2019, 01:33:13 PM
You'd think a country that is used to regular typhoons, earthquakes and Godzilla attacks would be better prepared.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 12, 2019, 01:34:20 PM
Samoa are worse than Villa at taking advantage of the extra man.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 13, 2019, 07:02:24 AM
Scotland v Japan is ON. Despite my tongue in cheek comments from a couple of days ago I'm pleased it's going ahead. My prediction is Japan to win a tight one. If Scotland do manage to pull it off fair play to them.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 13, 2019, 08:42:25 AM
I'll say a draw. Would rather Scotland win, to be miserably fair.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 13, 2019, 09:27:27 AM
A draw is a very bold prediction in rugby!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 13, 2019, 09:29:58 AM
A draw is a very bold prediction in rugby!

Haha. True. I'd just read that the Japanese are the draw specialists at world cups, and I think that inspired my prediction!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 13, 2019, 10:46:11 AM
I'm going a Scotland win but by less than 7 with the bonus point putting Japan through.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 13, 2019, 11:44:48 AM
Mon Scotland.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 13, 2019, 11:59:53 AM
It's gone very quiet in our living room where my wife and her mates are watching. I'm sat in the kitchen preparing for work, a bit grumpy because it's a national holiday tomorrow, but universities are still open.

I might just show Braveheart.

Come on Scotland. Plenty of time for Japan though.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 13, 2019, 12:10:53 PM
Cracking start to the match.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 13, 2019, 12:16:02 PM
Re: scrums.

"The Scotland man took the ball and pushed it to the Scotland bit"

If a 7 year old who doesn't really like sport and knows nothing about rugby can see feeding, why can't the refs ?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on October 13, 2019, 12:22:35 PM
Red for Gray, surely.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 13, 2019, 12:24:31 PM
When did Paul Lambert become Scotland manager? This has been a disgraceful performance since the opening try.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 13, 2019, 12:25:39 PM
In fairness, the Japanese are playing some lovely, fluid rugby and have the fervent hometown support willig them on.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 13, 2019, 12:28:08 PM
When did Paul Lambert become Scotland manager? This has been a disgraceful performance since the opening try.

Need to hang in there, mate. Big second half coming.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 13, 2019, 12:28:31 PM
Too late to call it off for the weather?!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 13, 2019, 12:32:00 PM
The 2nd Japan try was a thing of beauty, best try of the tournament so far by a distance.

Red for Gray, surely.

I'd have put it in the same category as the Lam yellow yesterday, the carrier was very low but Gray had gone in with so much force that he couldn't react and pull out (given the ball had gone anyway). The current guidelines make that a yellow card.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 13, 2019, 12:35:04 PM
This is a disgrace. Sack the manager.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 13, 2019, 12:36:52 PM
Three cracking tries for Japan
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on October 13, 2019, 12:37:09 PM
The way Japan are playing, the 2nd half could be a very long one for Scotland.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 13, 2019, 12:38:35 PM
It's shite being (a quarter) Scottish.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 13, 2019, 12:45:14 PM
Scotland have not been good, but in all fairness the way Japan played in that 1st half it would have been very difficult for any team to stop.

Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 13, 2019, 12:46:46 PM
Japan have been phenomenal, Scotland not so much.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 13, 2019, 12:50:56 PM
Well after all the noise they made about game being called off may be they should have kept quiet and saved their blushes.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 13, 2019, 01:00:15 PM
Fraser Brown getting sat on his arse, beautiful.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 13, 2019, 01:02:58 PM
Game on.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 13, 2019, 01:10:46 PM
Living room is silent again after 30 minutes of deafening squealing.

I've been told to heat up some sake.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 13, 2019, 01:23:29 PM
Japan taken the sting out of it by the looks of things. Scotland need to get another in next 5 mins really.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 13, 2019, 01:26:22 PM
Japan taken the sting out of it by the looks of things. Scotland need to get another in next 5 mins really.

Could still be a draw, mate!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 13, 2019, 01:31:31 PM
Could well be! Have you got the lottery numbers as well by any chance?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 13, 2019, 01:34:39 PM
Japan should replace Italy in the 6 Nations.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 13, 2019, 01:37:25 PM
Scots player loses his binding and somehow the penalty goes their way?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 13, 2019, 01:45:32 PM
Fantastic game. Well deserved victory Japan.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 13, 2019, 01:47:23 PM
Fantastic game. Well deserved victory Japan.

Couldn't quite get that draw! Bastards!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 13, 2019, 01:54:27 PM
Fantastic game. Well deserved victory Japan.

Couldn't quite get that draw! Bastards!

Aye, my prediction of Japan winning a close one was right so you can keep the lottery numbers!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 13, 2019, 03:25:49 PM
Fantastic game. Well deserved victory Japan.

Couldn't quite get that draw! Bastards!

Aye, my prediction of Japan winning a close one was right so you can keep the lottery numbers!

Cheers mate!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 13, 2019, 04:13:41 PM
What was especially great about that game was the almost complete lack of stupid penalties given away. England take note.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: itbrvilla on October 13, 2019, 04:27:33 PM
The Scots should give up team sports...
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 16, 2019, 03:41:04 PM
A revised history of Rugby in Japan

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49878877


Extract
Quote
Ten years ago, Galbraith helped organise a tour of Japan for a British rugby team. A history graduate, he offered to contribute an article on the origins of Japanese rugby to the tour programme.

Before he got on the case, the generally held belief was that rugby had been introduced to Japan in 1899 by two Cambridge graduates, Edward Bramwell Clarke and Ginnosuke Tanaka.

But Galbraith found evidence that it had actually been played much earlier.

An article dated 26 January 1866 speaks of a "football" club, as rugby was known then, founded in the port of Yokohama.

That was five years before England's Rugby Football Union was founded and earlier than any known club in Wales came into existence.

Thrilled to have achieved the historian's ultimate goal - finding a new source of evidence - Galbraith took his discovery of the Yokohama Foot Ball Club (YFBC) to the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU). But, he says, "they weren't interested" and "insisted that Japanese rugby started in 1899".

And so he set out to change their mind.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 17, 2019, 07:49:44 AM
George Ford dropped with Farrell moved to 10 for Saturday.

Ford has probably been England's best player so far and is in brilliant form, whereas Farrell has been below par. I don't see why Jones has moved away from the Ford/Farrell combo ar 10/12.

Its the sort of selection that should result in instant dismissal for Eddie should we lose.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 17, 2019, 09:40:21 AM
Can't argue with Manu & Henry at centres, I like that.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 17, 2019, 09:55:08 AM
Was a team announced for the France game before it was cancelled ?

Maybe the plan was to have played Farrell at fly-half in that game
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 17, 2019, 10:05:12 AM
Big Courtney back in as well, good lad.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 17, 2019, 10:33:16 AM
Australia make an even more surprising choice at centre

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50079948

Quote
Teenager Jordan Petaia will play as a centre for Australia for the first time in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against England.

The 19-year-old, who will win his third Test cap after previously featuring on the wing, partners Queensland Reds team-mate Samu Kerevi in midfield.

In a more obvious change Will Genia is back at scrum half
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Dr Butler on October 17, 2019, 10:37:50 AM
that England side looks very strong and the bench looks great too...

UTV
The Doc
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 17, 2019, 01:58:32 PM
Was a team announced for the France game before it was cancelled ?

Maybe the plan was to have played Farrell at fly-half in that game

Maybe. Just seems a big big call when Ford is in such good form.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 17, 2019, 03:48:19 PM
It's the best team he could put out. Of the 23 the only change I'd make is Cokanasiga for Joseph on the bench but that's a very tight decision so I don't think he's wrong.

I agree that Ford is playing well but the centre pairing he's gone with is a better balance so he was left with a choice to make at 10 and has gone with the reliability and game management of Farrell, who hasn't really let him down often.  Before his injury Slade was our best back and probably the best 13 in the world so I think the plan was always going to be about getting him fit and into the side for the big games.

In other games the SA team for Japan shows they're not taking it lightly and I'd love to know how Rob Kearney is getting a start, he's looked past it for a year now and I can see NZ exploiting that.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 17, 2019, 06:01:24 PM
It’s an interesting selection. I really hope Billy holds up.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 17, 2019, 06:30:02 PM
It’s an interesting selection. I really hope Billy holds up.

we need him to given we haven't taken another 8. I can live with Ludlam or Wilson filling in there for 20-30 minutes but it would be a huge ask for either of them to start a semi-final there.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 08:29:17 AM
This is not a good start. Australia look a lot sharper.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 19, 2019, 08:31:16 AM
This is not a good start. Australia look a lot sharper.

Unsuprising. One thing you can guarantee about Aussie side in all sports is that they are gits, who will never lie down against the better side on paper.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2019, 08:33:29 AM
They knew they needed to hit us hard and fast, if the game settles it's ours.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 08:36:15 AM
That was superb.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Scovilla on October 19, 2019, 08:39:17 AM
2nd try England
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2019, 08:39:54 AM
2nd try is why Slade in for Ford was the right call.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 19, 2019, 08:44:40 AM
Delightfully NZ-like from England to score two quick ones after early pressure.

However, is it just me or does Billy V just not have the same impact as a ball carrier that he used to ? A couple of years ago he was impossible to put down and always made yards. I don't think I've seen him make any significant gain this WC...
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 08:45:11 AM
Not sure how that can be a penalty for not rolling away, when the 1st thing George did was attempt to roll away.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 08:50:30 AM
The 2nd try was brilliant from Slade.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 09:03:23 AM
Good half overall but would like a couple of tries to ease the nerves!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2019, 09:09:39 AM
Delightfully NZ-like from England to score two quick ones after early pressure.

However, is it just me or does Billy V just not have the same impact as a ball carrier that he used to ? A couple of years ago he was impossible to put down and always made yards. I don't think I've seen him make any significant gain this WC...

I don't think he's fully fit.

Garces has no idea about the scrum and is being fooled very easily. The Aussie 1 is holding back on the engage and taking a short bind which means sinckler is slightly over-balanced and is turned in slightly. Instead of talking to their prop Garces is resetting until he can give the penalty.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 09:10:03 AM
Strong defensively and two good tries. Need to keep discipline and cool heads (Sinckler a worry at times).

Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 09:12:52 AM
I worry about our second half we need a couple more tries.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 19, 2019, 09:16:02 AM
I think that the Aussies are deliberately targeting Sinckler, which seems a waste of energy and focus. If we play the same game in the second half we should win comfortably because our finishers are much better than theirs.

When they’ve been under pressure the Aussies have made the wrong decision so we need to keep them from coming back into the game by maintaining that pressure.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 09:19:50 AM
Oh dear
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 19, 2019, 09:21:18 AM
Bollocks just what we didn’t want at the start of the second half.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 19, 2019, 09:23:46 AM
Just desserts for Sinckler!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 09:23:49 AM
Go on Kyle!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 09:24:15 AM
Great response.

Fabulous pass from Farrell and running line from Sinckler.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2019, 09:31:53 AM
The important thing here is that, in my opinion, Australia have been at their best and gave led for about 5 minutes.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 09:34:02 AM
Discipline is going here.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 09:34:49 AM
Yep, yellow card not too far away
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 09:38:34 AM
Great, great defensive work
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2019, 09:38:55 AM
I completely disagree with the 2 previous posts.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 09:40:30 AM
I completely disagree with the 2 previous posts.

One more penalty by our line would have most likely resulted in a yellow card. It was a great defensive set after the scrum.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 19, 2019, 09:41:30 AM
I completely disagree with the 2 previous posts.

One more penalty by our line would have most likely resulted in a yellow card. It was a great defensive set after the scrum.

I completely agree with Taylor’s workrate’s post!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 09:43:45 AM
One more score will probably put this game to bed.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2019, 09:51:50 AM
I doubt it, there were a couple of marginal penalties in a fairly long defensive set. It wasn't a sign that the discipline was going and there wasn't a warning, it was just some tiring players making small mistakes.

Any other team and no one would talk about discipline but because England have had problems before it's something people come out with far too quickly. The truth is that this has been a supremely disciplined performance despite some provocations by the Aussies.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 19, 2019, 09:59:36 AM
Game over!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 19, 2019, 10:00:37 AM
Fantastic stuff. Well done England.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 10:04:34 AM
Brilliant effort
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 19, 2019, 10:09:12 AM
Job done, what a fantastic performance. Defensively strong and disciplined, we let the Aussies have the majority of pressure but they weren’t able to do anything with it. At crucial moments they made the wrong calls and could not cope with our discipline.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2019, 10:11:14 AM
Superb performance, excellent defence, clinical attack and stuck to the game plans perfectly. Hard to call a motm because the whole team were excellent. At a push I'd go for curry i think but it really is one from about 10.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 10:24:37 AM
Says a lot about the defensive effort when the opposition has 64% of the ball and is nulified to that extent. The line speed was exceptional and highly encouraging that we didn't tire despite the high tackle count.

Was genuinely funny the way Garces basically called the TMO an idiot for not thinking the pass was forward on the disallowed try at the end.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 10:36:52 AM
Really hope May isn’t injured.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 10:48:28 AM
Not seen anything about him being injured. He appeared fine
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 19, 2019, 11:02:38 AM
Was genuinely funny the way Garces basically called the TMO an idiot for not thinking the pass was forward on the disallowed try at the end.

Personally I think all the refs, linesmen and TMOs are idiots for not spotting the repeated forward passes during a game. I'm vaguely aware the law has changed since my days of not enjoying playing rugby at school, and it's now some fluff about a "backwards motion" (?). Still, the amount of plain old forward passes that players pretend are flat and refs turn a blind eye too is enormous. And is one of many markers of me turning into an old man ranting at the telly.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 19, 2019, 11:05:30 AM
Says a lot about the defensive effort when the opposition has 64% of the ball and is nulified to that extent. The line speed was exceptional and highly encouraging that we didn't tire despite the high tackle count.

Was genuinely funny the way Garces basically called the TMO an idiot for not thinking the pass was forward on the disallowed try at the end.

The TMO was from New Zealand - we all know how the Harlem Globetrotters are regarding forward passes.

As for England, that was such an encouraging performance because every time Australia got a foothold and we had "watch us bottle it from here" moments, we held our nerve and struck back.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 19, 2019, 11:18:01 AM
Wow, during the haka (massive indulgence that it is), it sounded as if pretty much the entirety of Ireland is present in the stadium.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 19, 2019, 11:21:52 AM
Wow, during the haka (massive indulgence that it is), it sounded as if pretty much the entirety of Ireland is present in the stadium.

Ruspict the haka!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 19, 2019, 11:27:13 AM

Ruspict the haka!

No.

It's a massive indulgence which allows NZ to try and intimidate their opponents, who also cool down whilst standing still, and they piss and whine about it like little babies if the opposition don't react exactly how they like (standing still, doing nothing, mentally and physically passive).

I'd love a team to do what the Irish did years ago and just walk right up to them and tell them to fuck off. Or what Campese did and just kick about in the in-goal and ignore it completely.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 19, 2019, 11:47:31 AM
I always just remind my NZ mate of the 1970s version:

https://youtu.be/emJyEa4z2Ec
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 11:52:57 AM
I always just remind my NZ mate of the 1970s version:

https://youtu.be/emJyEa4z2Ec

That is genuinely brilliant.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 12:04:11 PM
Ireland have not remotely turned up for this match. NZ have been excellent and exposed some extremely poor play from the Irish.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 19, 2019, 12:43:46 PM
Even Scotland would have put up more of a fight than this.

Not really.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 19, 2019, 12:55:40 PM
NZ have been excellent and ruthless. Their execution is flawless at times.

Ireland on the other hand appear a mere shadow of the team they were this time last year. Basic error after basic error, no creativity, no intensity and no belief.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: AsTallAsLions on October 19, 2019, 12:59:14 PM

Ruspict the haka!

No.

It's a massive indulgence which allows NZ to try and intimidate their opponents, who also cool down whilst standing still, and they piss and whine about it like little babies if the opposition don't react exactly how they like (standing still, doing nothing, mentally and physically passive).

I'd love a team to do what the Irish did years ago and just walk right up to them and tell them to fuck off. Or what Campese did and just kick about in the in-goal and ignore it completely.

The haka is one of the few indigenous Maori traditions that remains at the forefront of New Zealand culture overseas. That they are better than England at Her Majesty's own game is what you're truly upset about. Wind your neck in and let them keep what's left of their culture, plenty of damage was done by the English already with the Treaty of Waitangi.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 19, 2019, 01:00:28 PM

Ruspict the haka!

No.

It's a massive indulgence which allows NZ to try and intimidate their opponents, who also cool down whilst standing still, and they piss and whine about it like little babies if the opposition don't react exactly how they like (standing still, doing nothing, mentally and physically passive).

I'd love a team to do what the Irish did years ago and just walk right up to them and tell them to fuck off. Or what Campese did and just kick about in the in-goal and ignore it completely.

The haka is one of the few indigenous Maori traditions that remains at the forefront of New Zealand culture overseas. That they are better than England at Her Majesty's own game is what you're truly upset about. Wind your neck in and let them keep what's left of their culture, plenty of damage was done by the English already with the Treaty of Waitangi.

Let's keep this about the rugby shall we. Fucking hell.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 19, 2019, 01:00:56 PM
Even Scotland would have put up more of a fight than this.

Not really.


Ha!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: AsTallAsLions on October 19, 2019, 01:04:12 PM

Ruspict the haka!

No.

It's a massive indulgence which allows NZ to try and intimidate their opponents, who also cool down whilst standing still, and they piss and whine about it like little babies if the opposition don't react exactly how they like (standing still, doing nothing, mentally and physically passive).

I'd love a team to do what the Irish did years ago and just walk right up to them and tell them to fuck off. Or what Campese did and just kick about in the in-goal and ignore it completely.

The haka is one of the few indigenous Maori traditions that remains at the forefront of New Zealand culture overseas. That they are better than England at Her Majesty's own game is what you're truly upset about. Wind your neck in and let them keep what's left of their culture, plenty of damage was done by the English already with the Treaty of Waitangi.

Let's keep this about the rugby shall we. Fucking hell.

The song the Irish fans sang through the haka, and frequently sing at the rugby, The Fields of Athenry, has nothing to do with rugby. It's a political song. Swing Low Sweet Chariot has nothing to do with rugby. Leave them their haka ffs.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 19, 2019, 01:07:31 PM

Ruspict the haka!

No.

It's a massive indulgence which allows NZ to try and intimidate their opponents, who also cool down whilst standing still, and they piss and whine about it like little babies if the opposition don't react exactly how they like (standing still, doing nothing, mentally and physically passive).

I'd love a team to do what the Irish did years ago and just walk right up to them and tell them to fuck off. Or what Campese did and just kick about in the in-goal and ignore it completely.

The haka is one of the few indigenous Maori traditions that remains at the forefront of New Zealand culture overseas. That they are better than England at Her Majesty's own game is what you're truly upset about. Wind your neck in and let them keep what's left of their culture, plenty of damage was done by the English already with the Treaty of Waitangi.

Let's keep this about the rugby shall we. Fucking hell.

The song the Irish fans sang through the haka, and frequently sing at the rugby, The Fields of Athenry, has nothing to do with rugby. It's a political song. Swing Low Sweet Chariot has nothing to do with rugby. Leave them their haka ffs.

Fair enough.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 19, 2019, 01:11:09 PM
I didn't suggest they can't do it. I do suggest that they can do it, but that the other team should be entirely free to ignore it, continue their warm-up, or challenge it as they see fit without NZ whining about some sort of disrespect. Or that each team gets the chance to have their 90 second tradition while the other team stands still.

NZ are an excellent team, watching them being by far and away the best at getting their arms free to pass out of the tackle is a joy (only Japan come close at this WC). But they are way too precious about the haka, and refs rarely punish their forward passes. Oh, and I also like the way the whole team wears plain black boots they way God intended. None of those multi-coloured luminous monstrosities.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 19, 2019, 01:18:13 PM
England need to Morris Dance before every game.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2019, 01:20:37 PM
I'm not sure what that game shows us about NZ. You can call it clinical but getting so much time and space in early phase play is ridiculous.

For lreland that was possibly the worst QF performance I've ever seen, absolutely bottled it, i suspect the talk of never making a Semifinal along with the pressure of playing against NZ got to them.

The game next week is gojng to feel like a final.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 19, 2019, 02:04:49 PM
England need to Morris Dance before every game.

The Morris Men Cometh



IMO there’s no need for the Haka or any other form of pre-match dancing about by a team.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 19, 2019, 02:40:35 PM
When is the last time we played NZ in a World Cup? 1995?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2019, 05:11:46 PM
On the Haka, I mostly agree with luke. I have no issue with them doing it, but the opposition being forced to stand still and watch instead of keeping warm is totally out of date, whilst marginal it does give NZ a small advantage in the first few minutes of the game. I remember England played them under Woodward and he told the England players to stand in tracksuits to watch so they then had to go to the dugout and take stuff off, leaving NZ stood for a couple of minutes. Of course NZ sulked and claimed it was disrespectful but England did everything as they should. I think every team should find some way to delay kick by another minute or 2 so NZ either have to stand getting cold or go through some warm up routines. If they do the latter then they're left with no comeback when teams start doing it during the haka.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 19, 2019, 08:08:19 PM
Yes, all the disrespectful stuff is bollocks.  If they want to do it, it's up to them, but it's not like it's the official national anthem or anything. 
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pat McMahon on October 20, 2019, 01:09:53 AM
I listened to the Ireland game today whilst driving up to Villa Park. I was surprised at hearing the Irish fans during the Hakka as I figured it was a sacred cow in rugby - have never played the game but over the years have grown to love big international games. My immediate thought was that the Irish fans had pissed off the Kiwis and that they would go out to make. Sounds like they did just that.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 20, 2019, 08:29:00 AM
Oh la la, looks like "good France" might have turned up today, rather than "shambolic France".

Also, I just noticed the lack of sponsor logos on the shirts, and it looks brilliant. Royal blue vs. Scarlet red, like a classic Subbuteo.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Richard E on October 20, 2019, 08:35:07 AM
Subbuteo Rugby was ace, with the scrum machine thingy.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 20, 2019, 09:12:40 AM
France really should have got more points at the end of the half. Could end up costing them.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Scovilla on October 20, 2019, 09:19:13 AM
France have a tendency to forget there is a 2nd half to play. 9 points ahead is not enough.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Scovilla on October 20, 2019, 09:32:11 AM
Stupid but logic red card.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 20, 2019, 09:33:14 AM
Normal service resumed, as France do something completely ridiculous to handicap themselves. Even in rugby, elbowing an opponent in the face is frowned upon.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 20, 2019, 09:36:34 AM
Absolutely stupid.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 20, 2019, 10:08:50 AM
3 minutes that scrum took off the clock.

World Rugby needs to sort this out.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Scovilla on October 20, 2019, 10:20:27 AM
We can only blame ourselves for this. We gave the stick to get beaten. Well done Wales and good luck for the semi.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 10:28:27 AM
The first game I watched in full (even going to games live, I spent so much time queueing for beer) and enjoyed at this world cup.

Have a soft spot for Wales because of my mum.

My house now is like fucking carnival. Flags, shirts, wife's mates. It's not so bad in the respect that I'm surrounded by 7 Japanese women, just the squealing I can't bear. (and asking me to explain the rules of a scrum..I'm none the wiser, I'm afraid).

The miserable twat that I am. Come on South Africa.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 10:30:26 AM
I was just asked if I know the 'moves' to the haka. Oh dear.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 20, 2019, 10:32:06 AM
I think the strip for the decisive try probably was slightly forward, but difficult to overrule the onfield decision.

Utter utter stupidity for the red card. France were comfortably the better side with a full compliment. Also what on earth were France playing at not using a no 8 in that scrum towards the end? Madness.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on October 20, 2019, 10:35:08 AM
I really don’t understand the French tactics in the second half. Even before the sending off I felt that they’d changed their game plan and invited Wales back into the game. A strange decision by the French coach.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Scovilla on October 20, 2019, 10:44:45 AM
They were scared history would repeat itself ( Argentina game) and stopped playing. But honestly we do not have a great coach. France will be better for the grand slam tournament. Well, they might.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 20, 2019, 10:50:08 AM
Subbuteo Rugby was ace, with the scrum machine thingy.

The scaling on the kicker was way out. I used to try to kick conversions over the door frame :)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 20, 2019, 10:51:23 AM
Wales were just as bad as Villa at playing with a man advantage
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 20, 2019, 11:08:41 AM
I was just asked if I know the 'moves' to the haka. Oh dear.
And why not? You are white Gaji san😂
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 20, 2019, 11:09:53 AM
I do like the way Japanese fans were rehearsing South African National anthem words outside the ground.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 20, 2019, 11:13:12 AM
I do like the way Japanese fans were rehearsing South African National anthem words outside the ground.

Why would you sing the other team's anthem ?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 20, 2019, 11:19:08 AM
I've really noticed the emotion in the anthems this tournament. Seems to be at least one player blubbing after each one.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 20, 2019, 11:24:15 AM
I do like the way Japanese fans were rehearsing South African National anthem words outside the ground.

Why would you sing the other team's anthem ?

To show that they are welcome. It's a nice touch, IMO. They've been very good hosts, even down to their desperation to get the Scotland game on when it might not have been in their interests to do so.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 20, 2019, 11:33:16 AM
Think he was very lucky to get away with a yellow card there.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 20, 2019, 11:42:17 AM
Why didn't it get to the TV replay, just arrogance by the on field umpire?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 20, 2019, 11:44:56 AM
There was an image yesterday of a Japanese man singing along with gusto to the NZ anthem, and you could see the words to the Irish anthem on the flip side of the paper he had, and I imagine he put the same effort into the Irish one. It's absolutely lovely to see such spirit.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 20, 2019, 11:52:40 AM
I like that they're going fucking mental about getting a penalty. If they score some tries there will be SCENES, as the youngsters say.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 11:53:30 AM
I was just asked if I know the 'moves' to the haka. Oh dear.
And why not? You are white Gaji san😂

Haha. Don't get me started, Aftab-san!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 11:54:58 AM
I like that they're going fucking mental about getting a penalty. If they score some tries there will be SCENES, as the youngsters say.

I thought about soundproofing my living room. It's a St Andrews-esque atmosphere in there at the moment!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 11:57:44 AM
I do like the way Japanese fans were rehearsing South African National anthem words outside the ground.

Why would you sing the other team's anthem ?

They're on TV and want to appear friendly and welcoming. That's the cynic in me speaking.

The human in me understands their fascination for foreign culture and how outgoing it is in comparison to their own. In some ways, anyway.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 20, 2019, 12:00:59 PM
Why didn't it get to the TV replay, just arrogance by the on field umpire?

Right call for me, it was a bad tackle and he lifted him but he didn't land on his head and wasn't pushed into the floor, I'm fine with the on-field official making the call so long as they get it right and he did there.

Moving on this is a superb game, SA defence has been exceptional so far and will probably be enough to take them over the line but Japan are giving it everything and it'll only take a missed tackle or 2 to turn this on it's head.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Damo70 on October 20, 2019, 12:06:55 PM
The first game I watched in full (even going to games live, I spent so much time queueing for beer) and enjoyed at this world cup.

Have a soft spot for Wales because of my mum.

My house now is like fucking carnival. Flags, shirts, wife's mates. It's not so bad in the respect that I'm surrounded by 7 Japanese women, just the squealing I can't bear. (and asking me to explain the rules of a scrum..I'm none the wiser, I'm afraid).

The miserable twat that I am. Come on South Africa.



If you had bought Subbuteo Rugby that Richard E mentioned a few posts back you could have used 'The Scrum Thingy' from that to demonstrate the rules of the scrum to the ladies. Although personally if I had seven Japanese women in my house I would be more likely to suggest a game of 'Strip Twister'  ;)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 20, 2019, 12:07:13 PM
SA look too strong to me. Should have scored a try on that break. If they fluff a few more like that Japan are still in it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 20, 2019, 12:14:10 PM
This is tough context. Total spirit v Brutal strength.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 12:17:48 PM
The consensus here (in my house) is that Japan are awful and lucky....

You're only losing 5-3, I pointed out. Fell on deaf ears.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 12:18:45 PM
The first game I watched in full (even going to games live, I spent so much time queueing for beer) and enjoyed at this world cup.

Have a soft spot for Wales because of my mum.

My house now is like fucking carnival. Flags, shirts, wife's mates. It's not so bad in the respect that I'm surrounded by 7 Japanese women, just the squealing I can't bear. (and asking me to explain the rules of a scrum..I'm none the wiser, I'm afraid).

The miserable twat that I am. Come on South Africa.



If you had bought Subbuteo Rugby that Richard E mentioned a few posts back you could have used 'The Scrum Thingy' from that to demonstrate the rules of the scrum to the ladies. Although personally if I had seven Japanese women in my house I would be more likely to suggest a game of 'Strip Twister'  ;)

Haha. Get yourself over mate and you can bring the twister mat. They're all models, too, so very flexible. Haha.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 20, 2019, 12:19:10 PM
I was just asked if I know the 'moves' to the haka. Oh dear.
And why not? You are white Gaji san😂

Haha. Don't get me started, Aftab-san!
I bet you don’t do the traditional KFC Christmas Eve?😂
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 12:26:01 PM
I was just asked if I know the 'moves' to the haka. Oh dear.
And why not? You are white Gaji san😂

Haha. Don't get me started, Aftab-san!
I bet you don’t do the traditional KFC Christmas Eve?😂

You know me too well, mate. Though next time you're here, we'll wear kimonos and have a soapy massage :)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 20, 2019, 12:31:40 PM
The consensus here (in my house) is that Japan are awful and lucky....

You're only losing 5-3, I pointed out. Fell on deaf ears.

Jesus Christ, tough crowd. They've only been good at rugby for 5 minutes and already the fans have expectations that they should be beating one of the world's historic rugby powerhouses.

That said, hope they do. They're delightful to watch, and it'll be amusing to read Axl posting about having to share his house with 7 Japanese models who want to watch rugby as if it's a hardship ;)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 20, 2019, 12:33:31 PM
How's he got away with that? Surely a card?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 20, 2019, 12:36:44 PM
How's he got away with that? Surely a card?

Looked bad on the replay but he never took his eyes off the ball so I can see why Barnes judged it how he did. The big advantage was that he was in the air.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 20, 2019, 12:57:39 PM
This is shite. Think Axl's missus and her mates were right.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 01:00:34 PM
The consensus here (in my house) is that Japan are awful and lucky....

You're only losing 5-3, I pointed out. Fell on deaf ears.

Jesus Christ, tough crowd. They've only been good at rugby for 5 minutes and already the fans have expectations that they should be beating one of the world's historic rugby powerhouses.

That said, hope they do. They're delightful to watch, and it'll be amusing to read Axl posting about having to share his house with 7 Japanese models who want to watch rugby as if it's a hardship ;)

Haha. I've just read this to them. You've cheered them up, mate.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 20, 2019, 01:03:23 PM
That's the power difference, Japan can be really proud of what they've done in this world cup, slightly unlucky to be paired with a group containing SA and NZ. I think they'd have had a real chance of making the semi against Aus, Wales or France, and they'd already beaten Ireland.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 01:04:08 PM
And you're right mate, a very tough crowd. I've been sent to the shops for more alcohol.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 20, 2019, 01:12:35 PM
Who are the little faces in the numbers on the South African shirts?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 01:17:19 PM
Who are the little faces in the numbers on the South African shirts?

Looks pretty cool doesn't it. They might be ex great players?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 20, 2019, 01:33:28 PM
Looks like it's winners of a draw. I quite like the fact that each number has different faces.

https://www.springboks.rugby/en/pages/faces-on-numbers
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 01:50:07 PM
Looks like it's winners of a draw. I quite like the fact that each number has different faces.

https://www.springboks.rugby/en/pages/faces-on-numbers

Similar idea down the Villa would be good.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 20, 2019, 02:03:41 PM
I could really annoy my Blose supporting mate by buying him a Villa shirt with "GREALISH" written on it and my face grinning back at him from the numbers.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 20, 2019, 02:05:41 PM
So, I don't think there's much between the teams in the 2 semi-finals.

England have more power than NZ and both teams are excellent at the set-piece, the breakdown and at running in broken field. Where New Zealand have an edge is in their off-loading game which is superb and can see them get through teams where there shouldn't be any space. It will be a game decided by attacking brilliance.

SA vs Wales couldn't be more different, both teams are built around an aggressive defence and counter-attacking. This game will be decided by who looks after possession better.

I couldn't pick the winner in either but I suspect the winner of the Eng/NZ game will be big favourites for the final.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 20, 2019, 02:21:38 PM
Why didn't it get to the TV replay, just arrogance by the on field umpire?

Right call for me, it was a bad tackle and he lifted him but he didn't land on his head and wasn't pushed into the floor, I'm fine with the on-field official making the call so long as they get it right and he did there.

Moving on this is a superb game, SA defence has been exceptional so far and will probably be enough to take them over the line but Japan are giving it everything and it'll only take a missed tackle or 2 to turn this on it's head.

A quick and correct decision by my fellow Forester. The player wasn’t driven into the ground or dropped on his head.

Not everything needs to be TMO’d
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 20, 2019, 02:36:05 PM
NZ v SA final I think. NZ to win.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 20, 2019, 02:49:07 PM
And you're right mate, a very tough crowd. I've been sent to the shops for more alcohol.

So, hard-drinking rugby-loving Japanese models eh ? If they, or you, ever find yourselves in France and want another round-eye from Hinckley who likes Guns 'N' Roses for company...
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 20, 2019, 02:54:19 PM
Yup, hard to see past NZ for the title, although I would expect SA to run them closer than England, who I think won't live with NZ in a Keegan-esque "we'll score more tries than you" contest.

A bit cheesed off the French lock was so stupid and took them out of it - would have been nice to get the kids into rugby via the nationalistic route (rugby on the telly has been met with unmitigated, but ignored, whining so far.)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 20, 2019, 03:13:45 PM
And you're right mate, a very tough crowd. I've been sent to the shops for more alcohol.

So, hard-drinking rugby-loving Japanese models eh ? If they, or you, ever find yourselves in France and want another round-eye from Hinckley who likes Guns 'N' Roses for company...

Haha. That's amazing mate. Funnily enough, I grew up in the village of Barlestone, and spent many a time in Hinckley as a teen, working university holidays at the big Tesco factory near Triumph. Parents now live just outside Nuneaton.

If you ever find yourself in Japan, let me know! A round eye. I just got it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 20, 2019, 06:57:27 PM
France have got a bright future with that team, it’s just a shame a lack of discipline cost them because they were the far better team today. I do hope wales get thumped next week because they really don’t deserve it based on their performance.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: wittonwarrior on October 21, 2019, 03:35:31 AM
France have got a bright future with that team, it’s just a shame a lack of discipline cost them because they were the far better team today. I do hope wales get thumped next week because they really don’t deserve it based on their performance.

To be fair they were amazing when they played the Aussies
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 21, 2019, 04:07:06 PM
France have got a bright future with that team, it’s just a shame a lack of discipline cost them because they were the far better team today. I do hope wales get thumped next week because they really don’t deserve it based on their performance.

To be fair they were amazing when they played the Aussies

They flatter to deceive, they remind me of England under Stuart Lancaster, brilliant one week and huff and puff the next.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 22, 2019, 08:33:39 AM
Peyper left out of officiating lineup for the semis after his elbow photo with some Wales fans.

Nige to ref Eng v NZ and Garces to ref Wales v SA
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nigel on October 23, 2019, 09:19:08 PM
France have got a bright future with that team, it’s just a shame a lack of discipline cost them because they were the far better team today. I do hope wales get thumped next week because they really don’t deserve it based on their performance.

To be fair they were amazing when they played the Aussies

They flatter to deceive, they remind me of England under Stuart Lancaster, brilliant one week and huff and puff the next.

Yet, they keep winning.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the final
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 24, 2019, 10:10:20 AM
Interesting that Ford is back in. We’re going to need a huge performance from him.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: usav on October 24, 2019, 03:13:24 PM
Interesting that Ford is back in. We’re going to need a huge performance from him.

I thought the whole thing with Ford was that he doesn't show up in the big games?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 24, 2019, 04:53:55 PM
Interesting that Ford is back in. We’re going to need a huge performance from him.

I thought the whole thing with Ford was that he doesn't show up in the big games?

It's more that big ball carriers have a habit of targeting him because he's a bit light-weight in defence. However Ford is more accurate kicking for territory than Farrell and they don't want to give Beauden Barrett too many chances to carry back so I suspect that's the thinking. Savea is the main threat carrying towards Ford so Curry, Underhill and Lawes need to be quickly up onto him.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: SteveN on October 24, 2019, 05:27:20 PM
Big blow for Wales with Liam Williams out injured.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 24, 2019, 06:39:25 PM
Big blow for Wales with Liam Williams out injured.

Wales have a bunch of problems. Davies is still only 50/50, Parkes is carrying a couple of knocks and Navidi is out. Adding all that to losing Anscombe to pure stupidity in the warm-up and their backline in particular looks a mess. North hasn't played well all tournament so they're totally reliant on Adams right now, if SA stop him there's not a massive amount of threat left.

I'd be amazed if SA don't win pretty comfortably, Kolbe is a loss but Nkosi is also a superb winger so they're not much short of their best 15.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 24, 2019, 06:56:17 PM
South Africa will batter them by at least 20 I reckon.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 24, 2019, 06:57:56 PM
South Africa will batter them by at least 20 I reckon.

My handicap bet is +18 so I'm on about the same page.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nigel on October 25, 2019, 08:58:34 AM
Wales, of late, always find a way to win.
Could go either way.
I think it going to be a very close game with less than a try the difference.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 25, 2019, 01:50:13 PM
France have got a bright future with that team, it’s just a shame a lack of discipline cost them because they were the far better team today. I do hope wales get thumped next week because they really don’t deserve it based on their performance.

To be fair they were amazing when they played the Aussies

They flatter to deceive, they remind me of England under Stuart Lancaster, brilliant one week and huff and puff the next.

Yet, they keep winning.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the final

I'd be disappointed to see them in the final, not in a spiteful way, in a not one of the 2 best teams at the tournament way.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nigel on October 25, 2019, 04:48:05 PM
France have got a bright future with that team, it’s just a shame a lack of discipline cost them because they were the far better team today. I do hope wales get thumped next week because they really don’t deserve it based on their performance.

To be fair they were amazing when they played the Aussies

They flatter to deceive, they remind me of England under Stuart Lancaster, brilliant one week and huff and puff the next.

Yet, they keep winning.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the final

I'd be disappointed to see them in the final, not in a spiteful way, in a not one of the 2 best teams at the tournament way.

I agree, Jon.
Without checking I think the top 4 teams are in the semifinals.
For me, Wales are the forth best, however, they are world number 1 (?)
It’s not always the best that win it’s sometimes the team who can find a way to win and Wales seem to be able to do that frequently.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 25, 2019, 05:20:58 PM
Ireland were the top ranked team going into the finals, weren't they?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villa Lew on October 25, 2019, 06:17:02 PM
Anybody going for an England win?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nigel on October 25, 2019, 06:25:46 PM
Ireland were the top ranked team going into the finals, weren't they?

Thought Wales overtook them. Stand corrected if not the case.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 25, 2019, 06:38:33 PM
They've been updating the rankings after every match, and Ireland dropped out of the top 4 after the quarter finals.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 25, 2019, 07:02:17 PM
NZ are top of the rankings at this point, England are 2nd.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 25, 2019, 07:09:10 PM
Anybody going for an England win?

Yep, I think it'll be a very close game though so could go either way. I had money on Eng vs SA in the final before the tournament started knowing it meant we had to beat NZ and I don't regret that choice. I think we're the team most capable of handling them of anyone in the world, with our front 5's ability in the loose being the big leveller.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 26, 2019, 08:41:30 AM
England to win 16-15.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 26, 2019, 08:47:38 AM
England by 6.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 26, 2019, 08:50:19 AM
New Zealand by twenty.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 08:55:36 AM
Come on the boys.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Damo70 on October 26, 2019, 09:05:20 AM
We should have taken the piss and responded to the Haka by doing some Morris Dancing.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 26, 2019, 09:06:09 AM
Get the fuck in!!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 09:06:31 AM
What a fucking start.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 26, 2019, 09:06:31 AM
Decent start...
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 26, 2019, 09:07:55 AM
Fucking come on ! Decent response to the haka, and a belting early try. Now all they have to do is keep it up for the next 76 minutes.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 09:13:28 AM
Fucking Goodhue is handy.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 26, 2019, 09:15:45 AM
This is a pretty decent watch already.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 26, 2019, 09:20:23 AM
Owens needs to get a grip of the all blacks obstructing
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 09:20:24 AM
Got to watch these penalties.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 09:22:41 AM
Fucking Goodhue is handy.

Looks like a cross between a 70s porn star and US trailer trash!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 09:24:22 AM
Despite the good start, England playing open rugby makes me nervous, it's not in our nature, and the ABs are masters of it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 26, 2019, 09:26:44 AM
This must be a great game for neutrals, there's been some brilliant play and Owens has let it flow.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 09:30:20 AM
Owens needs to get a grip of the all blacks obstructing

The refereeing in rugby is fairly transparent with the ref being miked up and having the TMO, I think we could all handle it if refs didn't have to be neutral and you could always put the best refs in the biggest games. Although I don't remember having all that many problems with Owens before.

I also think cricket doesn't need neutral umpires either, for similar reasons.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 09:33:29 AM
Urgh that’s annoying.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 26, 2019, 09:35:09 AM
Awful decision to disallow that.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 26, 2019, 09:36:02 AM
Worse than VAR. Why on earth was that disallowed?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 09:36:14 AM
Looked like a forward pass in the NZ break just now.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 09:37:26 AM
England have been brilliant. But concern is scoreboard is close.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 09:38:28 AM
Worse than VAR. Why on earth was that disallowed?

Because the dummy runner was in front of the ball carrier when he would have been in a position to receive the ball. Had he been legally playable they would have given it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 09:42:31 AM
We need more points.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 26, 2019, 09:43:28 AM
Worse than VAR. Why on earth was that disallowed?

Because the dummy runner was in front of the ball carrier when he would have been in a position to receive the ball. Had he been legally playable they would have given it.

Ah, cheers mate.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 09:44:21 AM
Running out of steam a bit here. Need to preserve the 7 point lead going into the break.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 26, 2019, 09:45:58 AM
French commentatora banging on about how NZ haven't lost a scrum since dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Well, of course not. Most teams haven't because most scrum halves send it straight to the second row.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 26, 2019, 09:46:50 AM
Are New Zealand coached by Sam Allardyce? What’s with the ducking kicking😳
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 09:47:10 AM
Brilliant Curry.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 09:49:50 AM
Brilliant Underhill.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 09:51:11 AM
Brilliant effort. Somehow need to sustain it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 26, 2019, 09:51:18 AM
Scored more than Leicester in 40 minutes
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 26, 2019, 09:52:17 AM
Wow. How often are NZ held to 0 at HT, with close to bugger-all rugby in the opposition 22. Very impressive so far.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 26, 2019, 09:53:09 AM
So far our pack has destroyed them. Brilliant
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 09:54:04 AM
They’ll come back hard in second half.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Richard E on October 26, 2019, 09:54:34 AM
Scored more than Leicester in 40 minutes

Against 5 more men as well.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 26, 2019, 09:57:03 AM
Worse than VAR. Why on earth was that disallowed?

Because the dummy runner was in front of the ball carrier when he would have been in a position to receive the ball. Had he been legally playable they would have given it.

If Whitelock doesn't tackle Curry then the dummy line he ran is fine (and something you see all the time). By commiting to tackle him he forced Owens to make a decision but for me it was harsh.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 26, 2019, 10:01:31 AM
Big first 10 minutes now England
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 26, 2019, 10:03:01 AM
I'm watching this with a couple of New Zealand mates and they thought it was very harsh, too. They're very subdued thus far, but win or lose, they'll be cheering on the Villa later. Definitely adopted Villa fans now after 6 years of my bullshit.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 26, 2019, 10:03:18 AM
Got to expect NZ to up their game. We've been immense so far, but how we handle it when the onslaught comes defines the game. They are capable of putting 20 points on the board in 10 minutes.

I think we have the edge up front, so will be interesting to see what happens when the front row is changed.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 26, 2019, 10:05:39 AM
The english front 5 are far better in the loose than NZ and that's making the difference.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 10:05:52 AM
Farrell doesn’t look great
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 10:08:25 AM
This kick is a big ask.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 10:11:56 AM
Get over!!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Charlie8182 on October 26, 2019, 10:14:27 AM
VAR again!!!!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 10:14:29 AM
For fucks sake
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Charlie8182 on October 26, 2019, 10:15:23 AM
Think I’m switching off sport altogether at this rate 😡
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 26, 2019, 10:15:47 AM
Retallick looks Blakey from On The Buses, of Blakey were stretched, beefed up, and borderline psychotic.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 26, 2019, 10:18:14 AM
This is hard to watch. My mates are basically watching through their fingers.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 10:18:43 AM
The injuries are a concern.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Bernie on October 26, 2019, 10:20:50 AM
What's with the All Blacks' taches?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 10:24:19 AM
What's with the All Blacks' taches?

Kicking to touch when they'd normally run it, I think they're worried about our work in the breakdown, and losing it in their own 22.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 26, 2019, 10:25:08 AM
What's with the All Blacks' taches?

Kicking to touch when they'd normally run it, I think they're worried about our work in the breakdown, and losing it in their own 22.

😂
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 10:25:57 AM
What's with the All Blacks' taches?

Kicking to touch when they'd normally run it, I think they're worried about our work in the breakdown, and losing it in their own 22.

Sorry I read "tactics" not "taches"!

I guess getting ready for Movember.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 26, 2019, 10:26:47 AM
What's with the All Blacks' taches?
The creole community effect.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Bernie on October 26, 2019, 10:27:19 AM
What's with the All Blacks' taches?
Ah, that explains it

Kicking to touch when they'd normally run it, I think they're worried about our work in the breakdown, and losing it in their own 22.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 26, 2019, 10:27:57 AM
What's with the All Blacks' taches?

Kicking to touch when they'd normally run it, I think they're worried about our work in the breakdown, and losing it in their own 22.

Sorry I read "tactics" not "taches"!

I guess getting ready for Movember.
But you answered my Sam Allardyce question😂
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 10:29:40 AM
Terrible try to concede.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 26, 2019, 10:31:00 AM
Terrible try to concede.
Been excellent on line outs all match and then....
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: SamTheMouse on October 26, 2019, 10:31:25 AM
That's the equivalent of an own goal. Fuck's sake.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 10:31:52 AM
Ouch. Going to be nervy now. I'd put money on the ABs to do what they always do from now on in.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 10:35:02 AM
What's with the All Blacks' taches?

Kicking to touch when they'd normally run it, I think they're worried about our work in the breakdown, and losing it in their own 22.

And when they try to run it, Mr Underhill shows them why they should kick it!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: SamTheMouse on October 26, 2019, 10:39:28 AM
It's squeaky bum time and no mistake.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 10:41:39 AM
Come on Nigel.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 26, 2019, 10:43:06 AM
Should be a yellow card for me.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 10:45:05 AM
When is there going to be a yellow?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 10:45:46 AM
Come on Nigel.

He's been alright today, has not stood for the ABs' nonsense. Could have stood up a bit more to the TMO but I'll let that slide for now.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Scovilla on October 26, 2019, 10:56:12 AM
England's defence is absolutely fantastic. Great game.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 26, 2019, 11:00:15 AM
Get in, never in doubt!!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 11:00:19 AM
That was just incredible.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Flamingo Lane on October 26, 2019, 11:00:56 AM
I can't say I'm a huge rugby fan but as a team performance that was terrific.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 26, 2019, 11:01:49 AM
Well done chaps. This is a totally competent team. This team will win it next Saturday.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 11:02:23 AM
One of the best performances I've ever seen from England. If not the. To keep the ABs under total control for the whole match is something special.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 26, 2019, 11:02:30 AM
The most satisfying aspect is that it was absolutely incontestable. Even the most one-eyed Kiwi has absolutely nothing to cling to. No dodgy decisions, no "what ifs". Just plain old beaten, in every area.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 26, 2019, 11:02:32 AM
Should be a yellow card for me.

Definite. Striking the face with any part of the arm is a yellow. Well done England, other than that crap lineout we gave them nowt.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Rudy65 on October 26, 2019, 11:05:18 AM
Wales in the final?😉
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 26, 2019, 11:05:45 AM
Possibly the best performance from an England side in any sport.

Suffocated the life out of an outstanding team.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: SamTheMouse on October 26, 2019, 11:06:26 AM
What an incredible defensive display. Just insane power and concentration.

This being England, we'll probably lose to the Boks now.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 26, 2019, 11:08:18 AM
Very impressive from England. The big worry would be that they think that's job done. If they play like that in the final they will be World Champions.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Damo70 on October 26, 2019, 11:10:27 AM
Clive Woodward "We absolutely smashed them".
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: TheMalandro on October 26, 2019, 11:11:43 AM
What a magnificent performance.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Flamingo Lane on October 26, 2019, 11:13:45 AM
Very impressive from England. The big worry would be that they think that's job done. If they play like that in the final they will be World Champions.

I thought the immediate aftermath of the game was also hugely impressive - no celebrating as such, just solid collective satisfaction with a job done brilliantly. well.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 26, 2019, 11:15:10 AM
I can't say I'm a huge rugby fan but as a team performance that was terrific.

Same here. England were a brick wall, NZ couldn't do anything at all and their try came from England missing that line out.

Massive favourites for the final now.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 26, 2019, 11:16:36 AM
Very impressive from England. The big worry would be that they think that's job done. If they play like that in the final they will be World Champions.

I thought the immediate aftermath of the game was also hugely impressive - no celebrating as such, just solid collective satisfaction with a job done brilliantly. well.

All stems from Eddie Jones, he's wanted this from day one so hugely calm and serious manner about them they arguably haven't had since 2003.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Colhint on October 26, 2019, 11:16:37 AM
could make spoty team of the year interesting.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on October 26, 2019, 11:16:43 AM
Bugger me, what a performance.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Damo70 on October 26, 2019, 11:19:54 AM
Oddschecker have still got New Zealand as 10/11 favourites to win the tournament if anyone fancies a bet.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 26, 2019, 11:23:49 AM
Despite the TMO and touch judges doing their level best to help NZ that was the most comprehensive performance I think I’ve ever seen from England.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: clash city rocker on October 26, 2019, 11:27:51 AM
Eddie Jones reminds me a lot of Sir Ron Saunders.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 26, 2019, 11:38:23 AM
Despite the TMO and touch judges doing their level best to help NZ that was the most comprehensive performance I think I’ve ever seen from England.

The TMO was correct to disallow the two tries. The first was a clear obstruction by a player who'd gone past the ball and the other was a forward pass/smuggle of the ball in the maul.

My problem with the officiating today was the missing of what appeared to be clear forward passes.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 26, 2019, 12:15:47 PM
Despite the TMO and touch judges doing their level best to help NZ that was the most comprehensive performance I think I’ve ever seen from England.

The TMO was correct to disallow the two tries. The first was a clear obstruction by a player who'd gone past the ball and the other was a forward pass/smuggle of the ball in the maul.

My problem with the officiating today was the missing of what appeared to be clear forward passes.

I don't think the 2nd was clear enough to overturn. I don't think George lost control of it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 26, 2019, 12:22:41 PM
I thought that the bloke in front of George put his hands on the ball, so that's a forward smuggle
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 26, 2019, 12:45:52 PM
Despite the TMO and touch judges doing their level best to help NZ that was the most comprehensive performance I think I’ve ever seen from England.

The TMO was correct to disallow the two tries. The first was a clear obstruction by a player who'd gone past the ball and the other was a forward pass/smuggle of the ball in the maul.

My problem with the officiating today was the missing of what appeared to be clear forward passes.

Re: forward passes - you do know who we were playing, right? I thought the IRB had stated the rule doesn't apply to them?

Anyway, I spotted 4 what I thought were obvious forward passes, and yes, I was sad enough to keep a tally.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nigel on October 26, 2019, 01:13:17 PM
The most satisfying aspect is that it was absolutely incontestable. Even the most one-eyed Kiwi has absolutely nothing to cling to. No dodgy decisions, no "what ifs". Just plain old beaten, in every area.

I’d love to hear what that arrogant twat Keiran Reid has to say.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: AsTallAsLions on October 26, 2019, 01:13:58 PM
Well done to England today.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 26, 2019, 01:24:14 PM
I thought that the bloke in front of George put his hands on the ball, so that's a forward smuggle

For me George had it, it was stripped from him and then the next England player got a hand on it and pushed it back for George to regain control, with the net result being no knock-on or offside there.

The first one was harsh for me, Sinckler got the ball and turned into a passing position with Curry still level, he then delayed the pass and threw it to Underhill instead. If Whitelock doesn't commit to tackling Curry it's just a bog standard dummy runner line that you see repeatedly in almost every top flight/international game. I can understand why they made the decision but it was very harsh.

Then Whitelock avoided a Yellow for hitting Farrell in the face.

Finally their try came after a 2 minute delay to check a tackle which was only done because of the complaints of Perenara and we then made probably our only major mistake in the game.

Across the 4 I'd say, on balance, we were a touch hard done by, and we still won pretty comfortably, that's going to sting for NZ.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 26, 2019, 01:29:54 PM
Despite the TMO and touch judges doing their level best to help NZ that was the most comprehensive performance I think I’ve ever seen from England.

The TMO was correct to disallow the two tries. The first was a clear obstruction by a player who'd gone past the ball and the other was a forward pass/smuggle of the ball in the maul.

My problem with the officiating today was the missing of what appeared to be clear forward passes.

The second try should have stood, they were looking for any reason not to award it.

The forward passes happened all game.

NZ players returning from offside at snails pace should have been punished as well.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 26, 2019, 03:33:34 PM
It was stunning and they now need to do it again next week.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 27, 2019, 09:17:38 AM
Come on Wales.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 27, 2019, 09:32:07 AM
Morning Axl. Are they going to play every match in Yokohama, the Tamworth of Tokyo?  ;)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 27, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
Mon South Africa. I don't want to live in a world in which Wales have won the World Cup. They will be unbearable.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 27, 2019, 09:37:38 AM
Forward passes in this game too. It's such a shame that THE basic rule of the game seems optional now.

Want SA to win, as think Wales have a better chance of beating England.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 27, 2019, 09:37:57 AM
Come on Saffers.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 27, 2019, 09:41:47 AM
This game is kicking us to boredom. Whoever wins it's not going to be anything but pain for them next week.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on October 27, 2019, 09:42:03 AM
Anyone else bored with proceedings so far?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: UK Redsox on October 27, 2019, 09:45:11 AM
Forward passes in this game too. It's such a shame that THE basic rule of the game seems optional now.

Want SA to win, as think Wales have a better chance of beating England.

Yes, it’s weird that forward passes aren’t being called immediately by the officials.

It’s the most basic law of rugby
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 27, 2019, 09:46:13 AM
Morning Axl. Are they going to play every match in Yokohama, the Tamworth of Tokyo?  ;)

Morning mate. Haha. The Tamworth of Tokyo!

I guess the main matches are being played there because they didn't finish the Olympic Stadium in time. Or something like that.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 27, 2019, 09:48:53 AM
Mon South Africa. I don't want to live in a world in which Wales have won the World Cup. They will be unbearable.

That is a good point that I hadn't considered! I was at uni in Aberystwyth and remember the 6 nations days. You're right; unbearable.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 27, 2019, 09:51:43 AM
Neither of these teams are very good.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 27, 2019, 09:53:47 AM
Anyone else bored with proceedings so far?

Fucking awful game, it's a throwback to rugby from before professionalism.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 27, 2019, 09:54:51 AM
Neither of these teams are very good.

SA are good at what they do. But what they do is very limited.

Wales need to try less crash ball. I think they have a chance with faster rugby.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 27, 2019, 09:58:58 AM
2 defend and counter teams was neved going to be exciting but de klerk has kicked poorly which has stopped them pulling ahead.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Scovilla on October 27, 2019, 10:08:02 AM
Boring game indeed. Yet i hope Wales get through. That would be the first final between countries from the northern emisphere.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 27, 2019, 10:12:52 AM
Mon South Africa. I don't want to live in a world in which Wales have won the World Cup. They will be unbearable.

It would be awful.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 27, 2019, 10:14:43 AM
What a piss poor game this is.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 27, 2019, 10:15:10 AM
Willie Le Roux has been dreadful.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on October 27, 2019, 10:17:13 AM
Is this just nerves? Both teams are atrocious.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 27, 2019, 10:22:49 AM
This is like a different sport to yesterday. Surely England will just swot either of these turgid twats aside?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 27, 2019, 10:25:21 AM
SOMETHING HAPPENED!!!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 27, 2019, 10:25:59 AM
Yes convert this and bye bye Wales.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 27, 2019, 10:27:55 AM
This is laughably bad.  A mistake every few seconds.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Proposition Joe on October 27, 2019, 10:29:20 AM
This is like a different sport to yesterday. Surely England will just swot either of these turgid twats aside?

Beavis and Butthead once said about Michael Bolton, that he could take any type of music and make it suck (when viewing his old heavy metal stuff).

Same is with these two: they can bring any other team down to their level and turn the game into a slugfest, to their advantage.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 27, 2019, 10:31:04 AM
Christ, make it stop.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 27, 2019, 10:33:54 AM
Oh that was well played Wales.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on October 27, 2019, 10:34:13 AM
Err...good game this.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 27, 2019, 10:34:20 AM
Groan.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 27, 2019, 10:35:52 AM
Wales to win this now
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on October 27, 2019, 10:49:22 AM
Or maybe not. Unlucky Wales. Can't see South Africa beating England.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 27, 2019, 10:51:38 AM
That’s that. Time for us to pay back the Saffers.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 27, 2019, 10:59:31 AM
Well that’s the U10s game over, when do the big boys play?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nigel on October 27, 2019, 12:55:34 PM
Will be a different SA that comes to the final. They’ll certainly have to change their game plan.
As long as we play our game I think we’ll have enough to turn them over in a tight game
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 27, 2019, 04:03:17 PM
England v Saffers final, anyones game.

I'd like to change this to England by 15.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on October 27, 2019, 04:06:48 PM
20 and SA not to score more than 9.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on October 27, 2019, 05:46:10 PM
Phenomenal performance by England yesterday. Tense as hell watching it but in reality it was very one sided. South Africa concern me. Might have been a shite game today, I only saw bits and bobs myself, but they seem to have the ability to strangle the life out of opponents and drag them down to their level as Prop Joe alluded to earlier. I think we'll win but don't think it will be the thrashing some are predicting.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 28, 2019, 08:13:30 AM
I think it’s all about the level England hit. If we play like we did against NZ then South Africa won’t be able to live with it and it’ll likely be a comfortable win with South Africa probably going down to 14 or 13 men.
If we don’t hit that level it’ll be a tough game and South Africa will be hard to beat.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 28, 2019, 08:54:34 AM
South Africa will need to raise their game by 30% and hope that England’s game goes down by the same amount.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 28, 2019, 12:45:38 PM
I just hope we don't go out there Saturday and take on SA up front just to prove a point, I'm sure Jones won't do that.

Gatland got his final snipe in and Jones batted it back perfectly, who's out of a job Friday evening? Oh yes, that'll be Gatland.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: usav on October 28, 2019, 01:22:01 PM
I just hope we don't go out there Saturday and take on SA up front just to prove a point, I'm sure Jones won't do that.


I hope someone destroys that Robbie-Savage-like grinning twat that they have at scrum half.   What a knob head.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 28, 2019, 02:10:48 PM
I just hope we don't go out there Saturday and take on SA up front just to prove a point, I'm sure Jones won't do that.


I hope someone destroys that Robbie-Savage-like grinning twat that they have at scrum half.   What a knob head.

Faf is a wind-up merchant and a bit of a bellend but he backs it up by being one of the 4-5 best 9s in the world. Savage was never anything more than a gobby twat.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 28, 2019, 03:23:48 PM
I just hope we don't go out there Saturday and take on SA up front just to prove a point, I'm sure Jones won't do that.


I hope someone destroys that Robbie-Savage-like grinning twat that they have at scrum half.   What a knob head.

Faf is a wind-up merchant and a bit of a bellend but he backs it up by being one of the 4-5 best 9s in the world. Savage was never anything more than a gobby twat.

He was pretty average Sunday and was still probably the best player on the field. They missed him desperately in the Autumn test at Twickenham, he's quite a player.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on October 28, 2019, 03:43:59 PM
Who was the massive Welsh bloke with the ginger beard? That was the best moment of the match when he grabbed that little Saffer and presumably told him to stop being a little scrote.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 28, 2019, 03:57:31 PM
Who was the massive Welsh bloke with the ginger beard? That was the best moment of the match when he grabbed that little Saffer and presumably told him to stop being a little scrote.

Beard. No, really, his name is Beard.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nigel on October 28, 2019, 06:45:29 PM
Who was the massive Welsh bloke with the ginger beard? That was the best moment of the match when he grabbed that little Saffer and presumably told him to stop being a little scrote.

Beard. No, really, his name is Beard.

Are you sure?
Adam Beard came on as a replacement and hasn’t got a beard.
Unless there’s another one called Beard with a beard  ;)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nigel on October 28, 2019, 06:47:29 PM
Who was the massive Welsh bloke with the ginger beard? That was the best moment of the match when he grabbed that little Saffer and presumably told him to stop being a little scrote.

Beard. No, really, his name is Beard.
Are you sure?
Adam Beard came on as a replacement and hasn’t got a beard.
Unless there’s another one called Beard with a beard  ;)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 28, 2019, 06:51:05 PM
Isn't this like ZZ Top, again? The only one that doesn't have a beard is called Beard. Or something like that.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cheadlevilla on October 28, 2019, 07:03:49 PM
Jake Ball he is.   Immortalised in a programme some months back as Jake Bollock.     I kid you not !
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 28, 2019, 07:04:31 PM
Who was the massive Welsh bloke with the ginger beard? That was the best moment of the match when he grabbed that little Saffer and presumably told him to stop being a little scrote.

Beard. No, really, his name is Beard.

Are you sure?
Adam Beard came on as a replacement and hasn’t got a beard.
Unless there’s another one called Beard with a beard  ;)

Yeah, it's Jake Ball in the image with Faf that's on the net.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 28, 2019, 07:49:33 PM
Who was the massive Welsh bloke with the ginger beard? That was the best moment of the match when he grabbed that little Saffer and presumably told him to stop being a little scrote.

Beard. No, really, his name is Beard.

Are you sure?
Adam Beard came on as a replacement and hasn’t got a beard.
Unless there’s another one called Beard with a beard  ;)

Yeah, it's Jake Ball in the image with Faf that's on the net.

My bad it’s Ball not Beard.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 29, 2019, 08:05:24 AM
Urgh Ben Skeen is the TMO. Is he the one who tried to ignore a blatant forward pass on review of an Australia pass? Only for the ref to correct him.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 30, 2019, 01:42:36 PM
Urgh Ben Skeen is the TMO. Is he the one who tried to ignore a blatant forward pass on review of an Australia pass? Only for the ref to correct him.

Didn’t he clearly state to the referee that ‘both look fine to me’ when he asked asked to cue up the passage of play and clearly both were forward? Christ alive.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 30, 2019, 03:20:18 PM
Yes that’s it. He was bloody terrible. We got stitched by the TMO the last time we played the Saffers in the final.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 31, 2019, 10:18:45 AM
The XV that will win the Webb Ellis on Saturday.

15 Elliot Daly (Saracens, 38 caps)
14 Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 41 caps)
13 Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 39 caps)
12 Owen Farrell (Saracens, 78 caps) C
11 Jonny May (Leicester Tigers, 51 caps)
10 George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 64 caps)
9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 94 caps)
1 Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 57 caps)
2 Jamie George (Saracens, 44 caps)
3 Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 30 caps)
4 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 33 caps)
5 Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 80 caps)
6 Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 18 caps)
7 Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 14 caps)
8 Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 50 caps)

The finishers that will help

16 Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 20 caps)
17 Joe Marler (Harlequins, 67 caps)
18 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 94 caps)
19 George Kruis (Saracens, 40 caps)
20 Mark Wilson (Sale Sharks/ Newcastle Falcons 17 caps)
21 Ben Spencer (Saracens, 3 caps)
22 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 26 caps)
23 Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 46 caps)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on October 31, 2019, 12:28:41 PM
Four Tigers in the starting XV  that could well win a WC. As a Leicester lad, it makes me wonder why we were so unremittingly shit last year.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on October 31, 2019, 04:34:31 PM
Four Tigers in the starting XV  that could well win a WC. As a Leicester lad, it makes me wonder why we were so unremittingly shit last year.

Because they're the only decent players in the squad other than toomua.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 01, 2019, 02:56:17 PM
So 1 to go.

Post your predictions here.

England by 15.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 01, 2019, 03:31:36 PM
I'll stick with what I went with in the semis.

New Zealand by twenty.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Richard E on November 01, 2019, 03:37:53 PM
I'll stick with what I went with in the semis.

New Zealand by twenty.

See, where you went wrong with your prediction that New Zealand would win by 20 was you forgot they were playing England at Rugby and not Scotland at football.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Damo70 on November 01, 2019, 03:43:42 PM
England 17 South Africa 7. I have applied science and maths and just taken it on the number of votes for each team in the H&V poll.  ;)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 01, 2019, 03:49:53 PM
I feel nervous, because we should really win but it’s never that easy.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 01, 2019, 04:06:43 PM
I'll stick with what I went with in the semis.

New Zealand by twenty.

See, where you went wrong with your prediction that New Zealand would win by 20 was you forgot they were playing England at Rugby and not Scotland at football.

I don't like you anymore. Putting you on my Enemies List with that nasty Peterwithesshin 😡
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on November 01, 2019, 04:15:37 PM
England 17 South Africa 7. I have applied science and maths and just taken it on the number of votes for each team in the H&V poll.  ;)

I hope you didn't put any money on that. Better use the dosh for a new pair of specs.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on November 01, 2019, 04:23:03 PM
30-6. England 3 converted tries 3 pens Zuid Afrika 2 pens.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on November 01, 2019, 04:57:17 PM
I think it will be a close fought game with our quality giving us an advantage over them. If we start like we did against the All Blacks and get points on the board early on then the saffers will struggle.

England 20 South Africa 7
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 01, 2019, 05:19:11 PM
Expect an aerial bombardment early on.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Richard on November 01, 2019, 08:47:08 PM
41-10 to England - my boss is South African, roll on Monday.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: aev on November 01, 2019, 09:05:08 PM
I worry with the French ref.

My in laws are Saffers.....
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nigel on November 01, 2019, 09:27:13 PM
this will be a lot closer than some are predicting.

England by 6 or less
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nordenvillain on November 01, 2019, 09:49:33 PM
England 24 Saffers 11 - I have England backed with a -6 and -9 handicap.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 01, 2019, 09:53:44 PM
15-11 to England.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on November 01, 2019, 11:49:23 PM
23-9 to England.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 02, 2019, 07:09:15 AM
23-9 to England.

That would be a far more relaxing match to watch!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: nigel on November 02, 2019, 07:32:48 AM
23-9 to England.

That would be a far more relaxing match to watch!

It certainly would!   ;D
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on November 02, 2019, 08:09:40 AM
I'm sticking with it, england get an early try and a penalty to get a solid lead after about 15mins and then trade penalties for a while before a 2nd try to end the game on about the hour.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: KRS on November 02, 2019, 08:37:22 AM
I’m not a big rugby fan but I’m tuned in for this. Come on England...let’s have it!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 02, 2019, 08:55:46 AM
Sitting down to watch this now in the safety of my own house. Come on England!
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on November 02, 2019, 09:03:58 AM
Good breakfast now I am ready...come on England
(https://i.ibb.co/2SR14Xy/59400843-9-D5-B-4-B09-9-CA8-A723-E972-A4-DC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2SR14Xy)
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 02, 2019, 09:09:19 AM
Good breakfast now I am ready...come on England
(https://i.ibb.co/2SR14Xy/59400843-9-D5-B-4-B09-9-CA8-A723-E972-A4-DC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2SR14Xy)


Enjoy mate! Pizza and beer for an early dinner here.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 02, 2019, 09:13:29 AM
South Africa in the ascendancy here. Come on England.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: KRS on November 02, 2019, 09:18:58 AM
Not started well at all. Very very sloppy passing from England.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on November 02, 2019, 09:19:43 AM
Poor start, losing sinckler hasn't helped.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on November 02, 2019, 09:27:11 AM
England are going to have one of *those* games under Jones, aren't they?  Have hardly done a thing right so far.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on November 02, 2019, 09:27:35 AM
Was there any need for Sinckler to go off? He head wasn’t really caught in that tackle.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: KRS on November 02, 2019, 09:29:52 AM
He was knocked out so had to go off I believe.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 02, 2019, 09:39:25 AM
Mistake after mistake. Looking like a bottle job right now.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: SamTheMouse on November 02, 2019, 09:41:07 AM
Wank so far. South Africa are physically dominant and England look panicky.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on November 02, 2019, 09:41:45 AM
South Africa have list 3 in the first half. There is some personnel damage  stuff going on in abundance.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: KRS on November 02, 2019, 09:45:56 AM
Some great stuff there but couldn’t break threw the last few metres.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on November 02, 2019, 09:48:36 AM
De Clerk is like rugby’s version of gobby cabbage, what a nasty, snidey bastard.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on November 02, 2019, 09:52:07 AM
Not sure how SA haven't been given a yellow, 3-4 very cynical penalties.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: KRS on November 02, 2019, 09:55:34 AM
Not exactly a rugby showcase that half. Very sloppy play from England, and very cynical play from SA.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 02, 2019, 09:55:36 AM
Garces plus a complete inability to do the basics is costing us big time.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on November 02, 2019, 09:56:30 AM
It’s very edgy and we need to rise above their cynical tactics, at the moment we are playing into their hands.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 02, 2019, 09:58:06 AM
TMO needs to turn his TV on.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 02, 2019, 10:06:32 AM
It’s been an absolute shocker so far. Need a massive turnaround.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 02, 2019, 10:09:53 AM
It’s been an absolute shocker so far. Need a massive turnaround.

You're bang on there, Paul.

I think South Africa look knackered, though England need to massively improve.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on November 02, 2019, 10:11:11 AM
Right come on England that was enough of flaffing about DO A PROPER HALF OF RUGBY now
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: KRS on November 02, 2019, 10:16:48 AM
Why do they keep getting penalties off the scrums?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: SamTheMouse on November 02, 2019, 10:18:57 AM
Well this isn't much fun. SA just way stronger.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Brend'Watkins on November 02, 2019, 10:30:17 AM
It’s a bit dull really.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: KRS on November 02, 2019, 10:37:40 AM
Well that’s fucked it.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on November 02, 2019, 10:37:59 AM
Well that’s that then. Pathetic.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 02, 2019, 10:38:47 AM
Forward I reckon.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 02, 2019, 10:39:01 AM
VAR's cousin not to the rescue.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 02, 2019, 10:39:22 AM
Shows what I know. England haven't turned up.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Steve67 on November 02, 2019, 10:41:47 AM
Forward I reckon.

Not sure why the TMO can't see that went forward?  Not much point having them.  Worse than VAR.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 02, 2019, 10:42:43 AM
He's got good eyesight this ref.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 02, 2019, 10:43:40 AM
England haven't been very good, but fuck me, everything has gone for South Africa.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on November 02, 2019, 10:44:34 AM
Well...well played South Africa😥
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Steve67 on November 02, 2019, 10:45:03 AM
This will have to be a turnaround of biblical proportions.  Not gonna happen. Really poor today. 

I wish someone would flatten that little long haired ponce.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: KRS on November 02, 2019, 10:47:28 AM
Oh FFS.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Steve67 on November 02, 2019, 10:47:57 AM
Goodnight Vienna. 
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 02, 2019, 10:49:02 AM
Fuck me we’ve fully choked this. Absolutely terrible.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: itbrvilla on November 02, 2019, 10:49:44 AM
Been poor. Too many errors all over the team.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 02, 2019, 10:50:01 AM
Well played South Africa.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on November 02, 2019, 10:52:19 AM
England have been terrible. No smart alec comments from the coach today
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: KRS on November 02, 2019, 10:54:49 AM
Shite.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 02, 2019, 10:55:27 AM
Why is a player allowed to carry on with his shirt covered in blood?
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: TheMalandro on November 02, 2019, 10:56:43 AM
Perfect game plan by South Africa, but god they are boring to watch.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 02, 2019, 10:57:56 AM
Dragged down to their desperate level of rugby and sucked into it, well played South Africa we fell for it. Well done France as well, certainly a huge help.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on November 02, 2019, 10:58:03 AM
If England can’t win it there is one nation I can’t begrudge winning it and it’s South Africa.👏👏👏 A deserved win.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 02, 2019, 11:03:05 AM
Garbage. Non performance from England.

As Aftab pointed out, if it was going to be anyone, South Africa isn't too bad. Better than Ireland, Australia or Japan winning it. Ha.

Right, Villa to cheer us all up, later.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on November 02, 2019, 11:04:16 AM
Why is a player allowed to carry on with his shirt covered in blood?
TV companies demand it adds to the tough narrative and dramatic effect.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: AsTallAsLions on November 02, 2019, 11:05:39 AM
South Africa deserved it, very well managed in first half and great energy in the second.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: taylorsworkrate on November 02, 2019, 11:06:35 AM
Just didn't turn up at any stage. From the team being late to the ground, to Sincklers injury knocking the stuffing out of the team, to basic error after basic error.

South Africa executed their game plan to perfection. Deserved winners
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on November 02, 2019, 11:11:33 AM
Perhaps unfair but not the first time the team have choked completely under Jones.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: LeeB on November 02, 2019, 11:20:06 AM
Oh dear, never mind, what a pity
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Axl Rose on November 02, 2019, 11:21:22 AM
Bill Beaumont bowing to Eddie Jones. Telly turned off.

Well done South Africa.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Nelson Lodge on November 02, 2019, 11:23:50 AM
Not a fan of either code of rugby, and did not watch it. However, not at all surprised when I found out the result just now.
Everyone connected with England just seemed far too overconfident and complacent. Ripe for a fall and being taken down a peg or two.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: aev on November 02, 2019, 11:24:16 AM
Best team won.

We hardly got any of the ball, and when we did it seemed we panicked. Scrum was a mess, as was the breakdown.

At the end of the first half we butchered a couple of massive overlaps and then settled for a penalty - i felt if we could have got our noses in front we would be ok but alas not to be.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: garyshawsknee on November 02, 2019, 11:30:30 AM
Better team won, they played to their strengths. Glad not to see their Andy Gibb wannabe scrum half for a while.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Villan For Life on November 02, 2019, 11:37:31 AM
South Africa deserved their win, they played their tactical game to perfection. However they won ugly and it sure wasn’t a game for the purist.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on November 02, 2019, 11:39:13 AM
Three World Cups and they’ve scored two tries, and both of those when we’d largely given up.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 02, 2019, 11:47:47 AM
Doesn't really matter. They've won three World Cups. Fair play to them.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 02, 2019, 11:49:19 AM
We have some amazing talent. What we need to learn is how to avoid these massive drop offs in performance. At our best we beat anyone, but today South Africa just had to be decent and let us implode.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: luke:lamf on November 02, 2019, 12:09:50 PM
Huge disappointment, SA did to us what we did to NZ. Still, if England can't win it I'm glad SA did and none of the other 6N countries nor our Antipodean cousins.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 02, 2019, 12:13:40 PM
I do hope Jones stays on.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: TopDeck113 on November 02, 2019, 12:14:31 PM
Only watched the last ten minutes of each half - and the radio commentary of the first 30 minutes of the second half. (Nothing gets in the way of my Saturday morning parkrun!)   From that short glimpse, I'd have to agree with the general consensus that the better team won.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Pete3206 on November 02, 2019, 02:40:57 PM
I do hope Jones stays on.

Absolutely. Win the six nations for a start on the way to building for 2023
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 02, 2019, 07:45:18 PM
The better team won, but only because they were decent and did the basics well. They weren’t exceptional by any means it’s just that we didn’t even reach 50% of what we’re capable of. We were passive, nervous and imprecise. It’s a shame after last week’s display, which was the complete antithesis and showed what we’re capable of.

The biggest learning we have to take is around our consistency. We’ve shown we can outplay the best now we’ve got to stop having these games where our performance drops off a cliff. New Zealand are great because they generally sustain excellence and that’s got to be our aim.

I hope Eddie stays on, but I fear the lure of another crack at the Aussie job will be too much. Whether he does stay or not we have to use the hurt of today as our motivation for the next four years and any game we play.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 02, 2019, 10:55:15 PM
Having had time to digest the debacle this morning here’s a few observations.

Not for the first time we choked under Jones,what did he expect from S.A, them to actually play rugby?

Daly has been bang average all tournament, SA targeted him and it paid off in spades, very poor.

Anthony Watson has to be full back for 6N.

Youngs is mince, hopefully that’s the last we’ll see of him.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: paul_e on November 03, 2019, 12:05:01 AM
We were away for a few days so I've not been on here much and didn't get to see the whole game but I was a little worried when he selected the same 15 as the NZ game. I think the requirements were very different and I'd have started this one with a focus on showing they couldn't bully us to begin with. Marler, Cole, Kruis, Slade into the 15 and Coka into the 23. Front up in the scrum for the first half and show that we wouldn't be bullied (and give that picture to the ref) and then move into our more expansive game once we were settled.

After that I convinced myself that if we could get an early try and force them to chase the game we'd be fine but losing Sinckler and Garces deciding we were weak in the scrum in the first 3 minutes was just an invitation for them to claim penalties on demand, add in some shit-housery that should've seen at least Faf seeing a yellow (his one on halfway was bad, the one inside their 22 when we were already playing advantage was just a clear yellow) before halftime and we were in trouble. I think once they got to halftime in the lead our heads went, I only saw the first couple of minutes of the 2nd but far too many players looked like they'd rather have stayed in the dressing room.

Jon - I agree on Watson, far better fullback than Daly but not such a strong kicking option which is why Jones went as he did, but it's at the expense of too many mistakes under the high ball. Youngs I've been calling out for years, I still can't understand how Robson was overlooked for so long. I'm optimistic that we'll be fine at 9 though, Alex Mitchell is my choice because he's got the skills but is also lightning fast and quite spry, which is a massive benefit for a 9. If he can force himself ahead of Reinach in the next year or so then he'll deserve to be in the England squad. That Jones called up Spencer (another bang average 9 with a good box-kick) worries me greatly though.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: olaftab on November 03, 2019, 12:47:37 AM
Not for the first time we choked under Jones,what did he expect from S.A, them to actually play rugby?
This is true. Jones has messed up most of the tournaments he has managed inter-spread with some spectacular wins. 
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Risso on November 03, 2019, 01:48:34 PM
I've just been talking about the game with Dylan Hartley at a birthday party our daughters were at.  He's always careful not to criticise too much, but is gutted for his mates but not overly surprised at the result.
Title: Re: Rugby World Cup 2019
Post by: Dante Lavelli on November 03, 2019, 02:44:41 PM
I have no idea who should replace him but I’d be happy for Jones to leave.  Not because he is a bad coach more because I’m not sure the players will have the appetite for four more years of his abrasive and physically exhausting style. 

In World Cup year the I think the players will be more forgiving but when it’s four years away I can see players wanting ‘time off’ and divisions forming in the squad.
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