Rugby World Cup 2023

[RoomWithABrew]

The All Blacks are running out several new players in a few hrs against Australia. That's always interesting...
[/QUOTE]


Thought you'd be watching the netball semi!!

2100 your time.

 

[sifty]

Australia ahead 17 - 3 at half time...

 

[sifty]

Ooh 20 -17 to NZ 10 to go

 

[sifty]

20-20 4 mins left


Edit.
23 - 20 to NZ at FT
A good game to watch. Will have done both teams good. Aus to believe they can compete, and NZ not to be complacent...

Watched the game in a pub in Te Anau. Worse places to be...

 

[Rugby Fan.]

I think it's a mental thing with Ireland. Can they overcome previous world cup history and live up to their #1 ranking under pressure?
That's why these pre-cup games are interesting. Both for gauging form and to see if the coaches try out different combinations as injury cover.
The All Blacks are running out several new players in a few hrs against Australia. That's always interesting...

It's a timing thing. The way we target the 6N and autumn series makes us look better than we are. Our #1 status wouldn't last long if we were playing the SH teams week in week out

 

[Leon103]

Good wins for Wales and Scotland

 

[sifty]

I see England beat Wales despite a barrage of cards. When will Farrell learn to use his arms...? Guessing he may miss a game at the WC now.

And a tight Scotland France game under way, not much in it at half time...

[Edit] didn't know it was this bad...

 

[Covrich]

England and Wales both look pretty awful. Both coaches must be pretty furious with their team.

 

[sifty]

Update. After France took a handy lead in the 2nd half Scotland came back to level the game, France got a late penalty to win 30-27. Dupont managed to kick the air out of the ball, never seen that before...

And on Farrell. I never realised this was his first red card. He's had multiple previous warnings/yellows though, and had to attend tackle school after previous infringements.

Given this history, and his apparent inability to learn, his punishment could be lengthy...

 

[dcbrookes]

I don't know what the Georgian for "I'm not taking any crap" is but I thought the referee in the England v. Wales match was excellent. He probably did England a big favour by binning Farrell - things certainly perked up once he was gone.

 

[sifty]

Oh yeah he's a great ref.

 

[Rugby Fan.]

Lol, Farrell's an utter liability. I know England always turn up for the RWC but I think this year will be a very poor tournament for them.

 

[Slid]

Looking forward to the World Cup, tempered only by being Scottish by birth, as we are going out at the Pool Stage. No way will we beat either Ireland or SA, as both will scrummage the Scots off the park.

 

[sifty]

I've always liked the way the Scots play. Hopefully they cause an upset, there's nothing to lose and they're playing with confidence...

 

[Pavros]

England and Wales both look pretty awful. Both coaches must be pretty furious with their team.

I think the England team are playing exactly how the coach wants them to - why else would he pick 3 slow 9s in the squad and continue to pick Farrell? There is not going to be any quick ball to the wings. The tactics rely on pack dominance which England haven't had since the last World Cup. They will not get out of their pool.

 

[sifty]

Looks doubtful at the moment. Funny old things world cups though. Some more favoured teams have been knocked out early before.

Biggest news is France losing Ntamack to a knee injury. A huge loss given his pairing with Dupont. This is the risk I mentioned in the first post. Warm up games are important but the coaches must be aware of the implications in a contact sport.

I see many French fans are distraught, but I'd remind them of 2011 when Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Aaron Cruden were all injured and NZ had to call up an out of shape player who'd gone fishing to play in the final...

Can still recall him pulling his jersey down to cover his off-season gut...

 

[Covrich]

I think the England team are playing exactly how the coach wants them to - why else would he pick 3 slow 9s in the squad and continue to pick Farrell? There is not going to be any quick ball to the wings. The tactics rely on pack dominance which England haven't had since the last World Cup. They will not get out of their pool.

I think this is the problem, Borthwick was able to do this with Tigers as he has Jasper Weise and Lindenberg Montoya ect, this plan isn't really working with what he has got, thats why he has had to go back to Billy. But its not really working well, they look to play like a saracens/ tigers but way less effective and they do not know what else to do with it. They are struggling with identity

 

[Covrich]

Looking forward to the World Cup, tempered only by being Scottish by birth, as we are going out at the Pool Stage. No way will we beat either Ireland or SA, as both will scrummage the Scots off the park.

I dunno, I understand teh trepidation but I think Scotland are playing brilliantly at th eminute and I think the underdog tag will suit them as they play a far more expansive and exciting game.

 

[sifty]

I agree, nothing to lose and they have one of the great wingers...

 

[sifty]

I see Farrell's red card has been overturned on review. Seems odd given his history and some of the lengthy bans given to other players recently. Especially with the focus on player protection of late...

This opens world rugby up to valid criticism on fairness and consistency. I think this review was under 6N control and world rugby can revisit it if they lodge an appeal within 24hrs.

I'm not a Farrell hater (ambivalent if anything) but the amount of times he has got away with high shots/poor technique does raise questions.

Interesting times right before a WC...