Rugby World Cup

[UK Redsox]

Dan Carter has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after doing hi groin in training.

Is this the start of New Zealand blowing it again ?

[PaulWinch again]

Dan Carter has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after doing hi groin in training.

Is this the start of New Zealand blowing it again ?

I'm sure they're are fully aware, but that is a massive massive blow to the All Blacks. Carter is an incredible player, and I don't think their back up fly halves are up to that much. They're still a very good side, but his loss will have a huge impact.

[Lambert and Payne]

What's this about the trio being reprimanded and tindell not telling the truth?

[taylorsworkrate]

England really have become pantomime villains at this world cup.

I think thats great.

[Pete3206]

England are going to get hammered in the QF

I think France are going get hammered.

[PaulWinch again]

England really have become pantomime villains at this world cup.

I think thats great.

Yep I love it, people can't handle the fact that England can be below par and win. If we play our best we are a match for anyone. Also this business that we can't play expansive stuff is bollocks, people obviously didn't watch us against Australia last autumn.

[Dave Summers]

Not against the frogs they won't. Him and them have history.

I said it at the start of this thread and I'll repeat it here, we have to stop this obsession with Jonny or we will never move on.   He has started three games now in this tournament and for me hasn't helped us in any way at all.  I can accept that he is in for his kicking, but when that fails as it has all tournament, then he should be hooked.

I couldn't believe Dallaglio saying yesterday that "well Jonny won us the semi in 2003, so I'd pick him".   FFS, this is 2011 not 2003, he has been a great player, best fly half I have seen play for England, but hasn't played at that level for sometime now.   He is obsessed with drop goals to the point of stupidity, for example trying to hit a drop goal when we turned the ball over 5 metres from the try line and had an overlap.

Apart from the kicking, it's his positioning in the fact that he is so deep in the pocket we are always starting from behind the gainline.   We have Tuilagi, Ashton, Armitage (Cueto) and Foden who need quick ball and need it on the gainline.  They aren't being noticed in this World Cup because we are not getting the ball to them.

Anyway, rant over.  We will beat the French next weekend and then play I think Wales, but it will be massively tight their game v Ireland.  If that happens, we CAN'T lose the semi :-)

[taylorsworkrate]

I'd definitely play Flood.  His kicking is on a par with present day Wilkinson.

Flood and Youngs have an excellent understanding, and Flood takes the ball flatter, making our backs play much more threatening.

I'll be suprised if they move away from Wilkinson now though.

[cheltenhamlion]

I didn't say they shouldn't drop Wilkinson, just they won't. I would play Flood every time. Looks like he might be out injured now anyway.

[VillaZogmariner]

Armitage is banned for 1 match

[Dante Lavelli]

Not against the frogs they won't. Him and them have history.

I said it at the start of this thread and I'll repeat it here, we have to stop this obsession with Jonny or we will never move on.   He has started three games now in this tournament and for me hasn't helped us in any way at all.  I can accept that he is in for his kicking, but when that fails as it has all tournament, then he should be hooked.

I couldn't believe Dallaglio saying yesterday that "well Jonny won us the semi in 2003, so I'd pick him".   FFS, this is 2011 not 2003, he has been a great player, best fly half I have seen play for England, but hasn't played at that level for sometime now.   He is obsessed with drop goals to the point of stupidity, for example trying to hit a drop goal when we turned the ball over 5 metres from the try line and had an overlap.

Apart from the kicking, it's his positioning in the fact that he is so deep in the pocket we are always starting from behind the gainline.   We have Tuilagi, Ashton, Armitage (Cueto) and Foden who need quick ball and need it on the gainline.  They aren't being noticed in this World Cup because we are not getting the ball to them.

Anyway, rant over.  We will beat the French next weekend and then play I think Wales, but it will be massively tight their game v Ireland.  If that happens, we CAN'T lose the semi :-)

Exactly this.  If the ball ever gets passed through both Wilkinson and Tindal then our creative platers are so far behind the gain line that they're useless.

My other rant from saturday is the ITV commentators.  I realise that hype and hyperbole are an important part of any world cup but they seem to lack any ability to discuss tactics.

[PaulWinch again]

Ah good Steve Walsh refereeing us, a man who has been proven to dislike England. He is a dreadful dreadful ref.

[cheltenhamlion]

Wilkinson and Flood both start then. Predictions for who is going through? I will go England, Wales, Australia and New Zealand.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm happy Flood starts at centre, because hopefully he'll get more ball to Tuilagi and he's a much more creative force as well as a kicking option. I think England(hope!), Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand.

[Dave Summers]

Wilkinson and Flood both start then. Predictions for who is going through? I will go England, Wales, Australia and New Zealand.

I'm glad Flood is playing, although what Hape must think of it all would be quite interesting?.   As I said above, if they can get Wilkinson playing 2 yds further up and flat then with Flood's distribution they will hopefully get the ball into Tuilagi, Ashton, Cueto and Foden's hands a lot more.

I think though that this is a team to kick the corners/territory and try and strangle the French.   I really hope I am wrong and we come out and play fast, open attacking Rugby as wished by Flood and Foden this week.

Predictions ?.  England, South Africa and New Zealand.   As for the Ireland v Wales game, I hope they both lose :-).   I fear Wales will win and having watching their Rugby programme Scrum V last weekend, it's only a matter of time before they secure world domination.  So there is lots of confidence in the valley's, perhaps too much?.   There's no middle ground with Wales, either brilliant or totally crap.

Anyway, doubtless I will be knackered on Sat and Sunday after two early starts, but enjoy all !!!