RWC 19

[Fartsniffage]

The USA's union team isn't as good as their Seven's team, it's actually fairly weak. Tonga probably won't do much either, they lost 92-7 to the All Blacks a couple of weeks ago. In terms of England, France, and Argentina, I'd definitely rank Argentina as the potential candidate to make it to the semis ahead of the English; a lot of their national players also now play in the Super Rugby tournament for the Jaguares, and have had good success against South African and NZ sides. England I have no idea about but would likely write off, and France would be a strong contender to progress as far as the quarter finals, maybe further.

England are currently ranked 3rd in the world and are one of the favourites to win the tournament. The last time we met the team ranked number one - Ireland in August - we beat them 57-15. I wouldn't write us off just yet.

[Wopruthien]

Was following the Russia Japan match via bbc sport yesterday in work as i was surprised it was not being covered at all on any of the screens. Well done Japan after a bit of a rough start.

That's because ITV have the rights to the RWC. Which is a shame, but does mean it is free to air which is great news.

The games today were great for various different reasons. The All Blacks didn't really show much, except for 10 minutes where they scored two tries which were magnificent. Otherwise they just did a very professional job and let SA make their own mistakes.

I like everyone on here is writing England off, as a Welshman it is good to hear their hype hasn't penetrated the Southern Hemisphere... however they will absolutely win the group. Argentina will be tough opposition but won't have enough to beat England, and France are just France. They will beat themselves up.

Worried Wales will blow it against Fiji again after that performance that they put in against Australia. Australia changed tactics and really relied on their set piece, I'm not sure Wales have anywhere near as strong a set piece as Australia so it's not something we can really rely on (especially the line out). I can't see us beating Australia either.

Ireland are a very good side, but it depends if they show up for the World Cup, which has traditionally been a problem for them. Can't see them not finishing top of their group.

[Costa Fierro]

England are currently ranked 3rd in the world and are one of the favourites to win the tournament. The last time we met the team ranked number one - Ireland in August - we beat them 57-15. I wouldn't write us off just yet.

I'm not writing them off, I haven't seen or heard anything about England or seen the All Blacks play them recently, so I'm not sure what to expect. I know the Argentines have improved significantly and France has a good team.

[Costa Fierro]

Also apparently the All Blacks bowed to the audience after their victory over South Africa as a mark of respect to the Japanese.

[Bombadil]

So far so according to general predictions really, Italy plonked Uruguay and Ireland have handily beaten Scotland, it's up to England to defy the odds and lose to Tonga.. something they're well capable of doing but I worry that this RWC will essentially just go to form.

[Wopruthien]

So far so according to general predictions really, Italy plonked Uruguay Namibia and Ireland have handily beaten Scotland, it's up to England to defy the odds and lose to Tonga.. something they're well capable of doing but I worry that this RWC will essentially just go to form.

Namibia instead of Uruguay, but other than that yeah, England will demolish Tonga. Then we will have 'England will win the World Cup' brigade out in force.

Annoyed Wales are playing 2 days after Australia, gives Australia huge advantage to have that extra two days rest. But it's good that every team has to have at least one short turn around this year. Just a shame ours is against Australia and Fiji.

[Bombadil]

Seems England are indeed trashing Tonga so..

[Fartsniffage]

England are currently ranked 3rd in the world and are one of the favourites to win the tournament. The last time we met the team ranked number one - Ireland in August - we beat them 57-15. I wouldn't write us off just yet.

I'm not writing them off, I haven't seen or heard anything about England or seen the All Blacks play them recently, so I'm not sure what to expect. I know the Argentines have improved significantly and France has a good team.

We last played in November 2018. All Blacks won 16-15.

[Ifreann]

Woke up in time to watch the Ireland game. Turned off my alarm. Immediately fell back to sleep. Woke up after the Ireland game.

Whose idea was it to put Japan so far away?

[Fartsniffage]

Woke up in time to watch the Ireland game. Turned off my alarm. Immediately fell back to sleep. Woke up after the Ireland game.

Whose idea was it to put Japan so far away?

I remember watching England - Brazil in the 2002 World Cup. 8 in the morning eating bacon butties and drinking Guinness in The Moss Tavern. Good times...

[The Archregimancy]

<Sigh>

I wasn't necessarily expecting Scotland to beat Ireland, but I was at least hoping they could show a bit more of a competitive spark.

Now I'm not sure we'll even get out of the group so we can enjoy our traditional ceremonial thrashing at the hands of the All Blacks.


I think I'll just spend my RWC time writing BTL comments on the Guardian's website arguing for Georgia to be given more chances against Tier 1 nations.


Edit:

Also, given Argentina's success rate in reaching RWC semifinals, they likely deserved to be in the poll over the USA and, it pains me to admit, Scotland.

[Chestaan]

<Sigh>

I wasn't necessarily expecting Scotland to beat Ireland, but I was at least hoping they could show a bit more of a competitive spark.

Now I'm not sure we'll even get out of the group so we can enjoy our traditional ceremonial thrashing at the hands of the All Blacks.


I think I'll just spend my RWC time writing BTL comments on the Guardian's website arguing for Georgia to be given more chances against Tier 1 nations.


Edit:

Also, given Argentina's success rate in reaching RWC semifinals, they likely deserved to be in the poll over the USA and, it pains me to admit, Scotland.

Scotland could probably still take Japan. I don't think the scoreline today was necessarily reflective of the relative strength of the two sides.

[Chestaan]

Woke up in time to watch the Ireland game. Turned off my alarm. Immediately fell back to sleep. Woke up after the Ireland game.

Whose idea was it to put Japan so far away?

I remember watching England - Brazil in the 2002 World Cup. 8 in the morning eating bacon butties and drinking Guinness in The Moss Tavern. Good times...

I remember that game! Ronaldinho scored one of the greatest goals of all time and was then sent off almost immediately.

[The Blaatschapen]

Woke up in time to watch the Ireland game. Turned off my alarm. Immediately fell back to sleep. Woke up after the Ireland game.

Whose idea was it to put Japan so far away?

I remember watching England - Brazil in the 2002 World Cup. 8 in the morning eating bacon butties and drinking Guinness in The Moss Tavern. Good times...

There was no world cup rugby in 2002?

[Fartsniffage]

I remember watching England - Brazil in the 2002 World Cup. 8 in the morning eating bacon butties and drinking Guinness in The Moss Tavern. Good times...

There was no world cup rugby in 2002?

But there was a football world cup, and it was in Japan/South Korea.

[Wopruthien]

<Sigh>

I wasn't necessarily expecting Scotland to beat Ireland, but I was at least hoping they could show a bit more of a competitive spark.

Now I'm not sure we'll even get out of the group so we can enjoy our traditional ceremonial thrashing at the hands of the All Blacks.


I think I'll just spend my RWC time writing BTL comments on the Guardian's website arguing for Georgia to be given more chances against Tier 1 nations.


Edit:

Also, given Argentina's success rate in reaching RWC semifinals, they likely deserved to be in the poll over the USA and, it pains me to admit, Scotland.

Honestly that was one of the worst Scotland performances I've seen for a long time. They just seemed to lack any idea of what to do. It's fine kicking for territory but every single time Hogg got the ball he'd kick to touch in the 22. Ireland win the line out kick it out near the half way line, Scotland secure the ball and kick it back into touch near the 22... rinse and repeat. Ireland did next to nothing and yet looked absolutely in control. Scotland never looked deadly once in that entire game. After seeing you come back against England in the 6 nations was just such a lacklustre performance.

You are also right, both Japan and Samoa won't be easy games. With home support I can see Japan causing a minor upset.

[Risottia]

<Sigh>
Now I'm not sure we'll even get out of the group so we can enjoy our traditional ceremonial thrashing at the hands of the All Blacks.

We're in for a steamrolling at the hands of both All Blacks and Springboks. Without even having to get out of the group! O wonderful luck!

[Fartsniffage]

I think this should be added to the OP. Always a great song as long as we forget the Paloma Faith version....

[Costa Fierro]

<Sigh>
Now I'm not sure we'll even get out of the group so we can enjoy our traditional ceremonial thrashing at the hands of the All Blacks.

We're in for a steamrolling at the hands of both All Blacks and Springboks. Without even having to get out of the group! O wonderful luck!

Japan has beaten the Springboks before so there's every chance Italy will.

[Bombadil]

I think this should be added to the OP. Always a great song as long as we forget the Paloma Faith version....

It says video unavailable but from the song title I do have to ask: is it as shite as I think it will be?

I can add a more suitable song to the OP..

[Ifreann]

We're in for a steamrolling at the hands of both All Blacks and Springboks. Without even having to get out of the group! O wonderful luck!

Japan has beaten the Springboks before so there's every chance Italy will.

It's entirely possible that Japan are better than Italy.

[Wopruthien]

I think this should be added to the OP. Always a great song as long as we forget the Paloma Faith version....

It says video unavailable but from the song title I do have to ask: is it as shite as I think it will be?

I can add a more suitable song to the OP..

No its pretty good. It's the rugby tune. Though that could be because UK broadcasters play it during every ad break...

[Bombadil]

It says video unavailable but from the song title I do have to ask: is it as shite as I think it will be?

I can add a more suitable song to the OP..

No its pretty good. It's the rugby tune. Though that could be because UK broadcasters play it during every ad break...

Oh it's the I Vow to Thee knock off.

[Costa Fierro]

Japan has beaten the Springboks before so there's every chance Italy will.

It's entirely possible that Japan are better than Italy.

I said it's possible that Italy could beat the Springboks, not that Japan is better than Italy.

[Bombadil]

As it stands, due to the bonus point, Italy are topping Pool B with 5 points to NZ in 2nd at 4 points, and their next match is against Canada so they could easily remain there for the next week or two.