Rugby World Cup 2023

[Rugby Fan.]

Argentina putting in a Falklands performance there. Japan will be licking their lips looking at that

 

[Rugby Fan.]

I don't think there is one? I think it's Georgia who is knocking on the door

Sorry, you're correct. Got my commies mixed up

 

[pilgrimhudd]

If I had a hat I'd eat it.

 

[Rugby Fan.]

If I had a hat I'd eat it.

Don't be harsh on yourself. Argentina were woeful. Terrible spectacle of a game. Either side could well regret the lack of bonus points if Japan hit form

 

[pilgrimhudd]

You're right, nothing went for Argentina apart from the red, take nothing away from England though, gave them nothing, I thought we'd lose with 15, let alone win with 14. I don't know how Japan have been playing lately tbh but I think this win should see England through the group....

 

[Covrich]

Japan come into this in similar form to England/ Wales. I think Samoa are more of a threat since they had Ireland under pressure the other week in Dublin.

It wasn't a great game but with 14 players they did very well considering whether they have been and the pressure they were able to put on Argentina. They will need to be way way wwaaaay better to keep any of the other side of the draw awake at night I agree.

However I have to say those drop goals were pretty impressive.

 

[Pavros]

Unexpected and solid performance from England but Argentina were woeful. England still didn't look like scoring a try but not surprising with a man down.
Best performance from Tuilagi for a long time - perhaps he is better in the forwards than the centres.

 

[sifty]

Only saw one mistake from Ford, a missed kick to touch. Will Farrell even return after that performance?

You could make churlish comments about the England score being divisible by 3, but I'd take a win over entertaining rugby any day at the WC. And clever rugby being a man down...

That result sure changes a few perceptions. Bet the argies are disappointed given they had an extra player most of the game.

 

[sifty]

What's next?
South Africa v Scotland and Wales v Fiji overnight. Both interesting matchups...

 

[pilgrimhudd]

We are all Fijian today.

I'd love to see Scotland do well, I think the saffers might have to much though.

 

[Rugby Fan.]

We are all Fijian today.

Goes without saying

 

[Rugby Fan.]

Japan off to a good start but hard to judge where they're at playing against Chile who acquitted themselves well today.

They got their bonus point though and should fancy having a good crack off England next week.

 

[Covrich]

Goes without saying

Could be a really close game, odds heavily favour Wales. But Fiji and Wales always meet in the world cup and Fiji have knocked them out before..

I suspect Wales will be the better organised side but you never know

 

[Covrich]

I'm behind on the time watching it but Scotland look to be struggling to cope with SA physicality which is not surprising. I thought Scotland would try and move it about more but NZ struggled too with that

Edit. Ardense is ridiculously quick

 

[sifty]

Missed live game this morning cos I had to go to work, but that Wales Fiji game was a cracker on the replay.

Got to wonder about consistency in the reffing though. It seemed Wales had umpteen warnings about cynical penalties, yet a Fijian player was yellow carded immediately...?

All I ask is the similar treatment for every team. I wonder if Pacific Island politeness and respect for authority played a part too in not questioning decisions...?

The crowd certainly had a favourite team...

 

[sifty]

And has anyone else found the choir versions on anthems underwhelming? Those countries with great anthems (not NZ, it's a dire dirge) seem to miss out with the timing off between the choir, team and crowd...

 

[Covrich]

Missed live game this morning cos I had to go to work, but that Wales Fiji game was a cracker on the replay.

Got to wonder about consistency in the reffing though. It seemed Wales had umpteen warnings about cynical penalties, yet a Fijian player was yellow carded immediately...?

All I ask is the similar treatment for every team. I wonder if Pacific Island politeness and respect for authority played a part too in not questioning decisions...?

The crowd certainly had a favourite team...

I totally agree, thought especially the last 10-15 minutes Wales were very very cynical and were lucky to not have seen more sin bins, or even a Penalty try

Very entertaining game though, Wales managed to bag a TBP with limited possession and Fiji wanted run the ball from anywhere, they are a bit chaotic and almost lack the management skills at times but they are impressive and entertaining to watch.

 

[Rugby Fan.]

Missed live game this morning cos I had to go to work, but that Wales Fiji game was a cracker on the replay.

Got to wonder about consistency in the reffing though. It seemed Wales had umpteen warnings about cynical penalties, yet a Fijian player was yellow carded immediately...?

All I ask is the similar treatment for every team. I wonder if Pacific Island politeness and respect for authority played a part too in not questioning decisions...?

The crowd certainly had a favourite team...

Agreed the ref was very poor and did Fiji a massive disservice

 

[sifty]

Friday morning here, got the day off so doing a brew (Maibock) watching France v Uruguay. The Uruguayans are playing with a lot of heart.
27 - 12 to France in the end. No bonus point, I'd never considered BPs but they could be crucial in some pools.

Noticed the ref is wearing a watch, must have worked out that atrocious sponsorship mess...

 

[Rugby Fan.]

Friday morning here, got the day off so doing a brew (Maibock) watching France v Uruguay. The Uruguayans are playing with a lot of heart.
27 - 12 to France in the end. No bonus point, I'd never considered BPs but they could be crucial in some pools.

Noticed the ref is wearing a watch, must have worked out that atrocious sponsorship mess...

Great game. Ref missed a straight red again (he missed one in RSA v Scotland too).

And glad they sorted one mess out. But I'm sure there's plenty of more messes to come if how it's going so far is anything to go by.