The Rugby Thread

[Dakes]

As a Bok supporter, with us playing against the hosts, I'm just hoping for good officiating. From there on, may the best team win (hopefully the Boks).

 

[jimbo]

I'm hoping for a France v Ireland final, as I was from the start - if both get through their QFs then I think that's what we'll get.

I supect England might bore Fiji to sleep and win that way, but I think Fiji struggle to get themselves up for the smaller opponents (as seen against Portugal) and I don't think England quite fall into that category just yet so it should be a good contest between two contrasting styles, Fiji might do it.

Wales have really impressed me given they're in a rebuild, they seem to have got stronger as they've gone on which is a good sign. Argentina have the quality to win the game, but I feel like something is holding them back from being their best.

NZ have looked good as the tournament progressed but they haven't played anyone of note besides France, when they lost - no doubt they are exceptionally dangerous in attack, but Ireland look powerful and well-rounded. I think it will be a squeaker with the lead changing hands throughout, either side could do it.

Can France replicate some of what Ireland did against SA? I think they can, and have a lot of threat in their back line. Scotland only carved out one opportunity but I expect France to create a few. On the other hand, the Dupont situation could derail them a bit whether he starts or not, so another game that will be close and could easily go either way.

But Ireland/NZ and France/SA will murder their semi-final opponents whoever they are, so it feels like a bit of a shit draw - and I understand they're not going to do it so early next time so as to try and avoid this happening again, which is a good plan in my opinion.

 

[Trix]

I'm hoping for a France v Ireland final, as I was from the start - if both get through their QFs then I think that's what we'll get.

I supect England might bore Fiji to sleep and win that way, but I think Fiji struggle to get themselves up for the smaller opponents (as seen against Portugal) and I don't think England quite fall into that category just yet so it should be a good contest between two contrasting styles, Fiji might do it.

Wales have really impressed me given they're in a rebuild, they seem to have got stronger as they've gone on which is a good sign. Argentina have the quality to win the game, but I feel like something is holding them back from being their best.

NZ have looked good as the tournament progressed but they haven't played anyone of note besides France, when they lost - no doubt they are exceptionally dangerous in attack, but Ireland look powerful and well-rounded. I think it will be a squeaker with the lead changing hands throughout, either side could do it.

Can France replicate some of what Ireland did against SA? I think they can, and have a lot of threat in their back line. Scotland only carved out one opportunity but I expect France to create a few. On the other hand, the Dupont situation could derail them a bit whether he starts or not, so another game that will be close and could easily go either way.

But Ireland/NZ and France/SA will murder their semi-final opponents whoever they are, so it feels like a bit of a shit draw - and I understand they're not going to do it so early next time so as to try and avoid this happening again, which is a good plan in my opinion.

My concern with Fiji is more pressure usually equates to more handling errors and rushed decisions in the breakdowns. They seem to give penalties away for fun when the spotlight shines brightest. They'll need to stay incredibly disciplined and that's not something you can usually say of Fiji

 

[UncleBuck]

View attachment 133336

Bit too much green on that I reckon….

 

[dirtyh]

all 4 can go either way imo and will come down to experience and/or one or two moments of magic.

ire v nz - incredibly difficult to call but think the boks are the only side capable of beating ireland right now. ireland to win by 5
wal v arg - toss of a coin, think wales sneak it by a couple. think discipline will be the difference.
fra v sa - god only knows, boks to front up for me as we're now into knockout rugby. sa by 3.
eng v fiji - think england will win simply because fiji will be worse and not handle the occasion. england by 8-10.

completely agree that ire/nz and fra/sa should have been the semis. Whoever gets through in the other 2 will be getting roasted. Before the tournament i had sa to win it so sticking to that although there's a rizla paper between ire/nz/sa/fra.

 

[Arnoldtoo]

For your information and enragement ...


England team: Smith; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Genge, George, Cole, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes, Curry, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Martin, Vunipola, Care, Ford, Lawrence.

 

[UncleBuck]

I can’t work it out anymore, it’s almost like SB is just picking Farrell for the giggles now, as for leaving Steward out of the 23 it just defies logic…

 

[Dunc2610]

I can’t work it out anymore, it’s almost like SB is just picking Farrell for the giggles now, as for leaving Steward out of the 23 it just defies logic…

He's no better than Eddie Jones, I can't really tell you what has changed since SB came in. I'm a Quins fan, but even having Smith in the side doesn't excite me as he's playing out of position, and much like Ford doesn't play well with Farrell!! I'd have Ford and Smith.

 

[Arnoldtoo]

I can’t work it out anymore, it’s almost like SB is just picking Farrell for the giggles now, as for leaving Steward out of the 23 it just defies logic…

The thinking behind Steward is presumably that Fiji are not a kicking team so you don't need his aerial expertise but would benefit more from a more mercurial player in Smith joining in the attacks.

 

[Dunc2610]

The thinking behind Steward is presumably that Fiji are not a kicking team so you don't need his aerial expertise but would benefit more from a more mercurial player in Smith joining in the attacks.

Problem is Smith plays a fast game (see how Quins play), and having Farrell in the side totally negates that! Look how much better England were when Smith and Ford came on for Farrell and Mitchell

 

[Johnny J]

Did Wales use sellotape for the numbers on their shirts?

 

[Pink_Floyd]

Are the officials getting 50% off the arsenal away jersey?

 

[werty]

Adams lucky not to get a yellow before the half.

 

[Arnoldtoo]

No way are Wales losing this. They'll run in a couple more tries.

 

[werty]

I dunno about that decision either.

 

[TheHoddleWaddle]

Cracking second half. Wales put up a great defence.

5 mins wales
Tick tock.

 

[TheHoddleWaddle]

Oh dear.

 

[werty]

Wow.

 

[Arnoldtoo]

Oops

 

[TheHoddleWaddle]

Oops

I thought wales were good for another try or 2, too.