RWC 15 - Pool A - Australia, England, Wales, Fiji, Uruguay

First topic message reminder :

    
The pool with the highest rankers and most arguments.

Teams

Australia (2) [9/1]
England (4) [5/1]
Wales (5) [25/1]
Fiji (9) [1500/1]
Uruguay (19) [10,000/1]

Fixtures

18 Sep England v Fiji
20 Sep Wales v Uruguay
23 Sep Australia v Fiji
26 Sep England v Wales
27 Sep Australia v Uruguay
1 Oct Wales v Fiji
3 Oct England v Australia
6 Oct Fiji v Uruguay
10 Oct Australia v Wales
10 Oct England v Uruguay


Wales suffering two key player losses - will they try even harder?    Will they now have to score more/some tries?
England are now the second coming or coming second - depending on your point of view.
Australia have a scrum - apparently - so all is well with the world.

This pool could see one loss each for the three top teams - or is that four?   Fiji, currently ranked ninth in the world, might determine who emerges from this pool, including themselves.

The Aussies are on the up.  So are England sitting as the highest ranked NH team for the start of the tournament.

Wales will beg to differ with Gatland leading the mind games into the first of the pool matches.

It's too close to call, so everybody else can have their say instead.

George Carlin wrote:Bloody hell. Apart from the All Blacks, does ANY other international side feel ready for this tournament?

fiji are ready.

You can plan for a world cup as much as you want, but it should be viewed like any other tour or tournament really.

Because for every tournament you try to be ready and prepared, however form and injury will always complicate the issue, rarely does any team have their full first choice 31 in the squad.

New Zealand are missing Cruden, so they aren't 100% comfortable either, Carter is not in great Form, Barritt isn't really a flyhalf that controls a match, most NZ supporters see him as an inpact player.

Lima Sapoanga had a brilliant season for the Highlanders, got to play one test and is not in the squad, so their form flyhalf is at home.

If Carter breaks down they will have a repeat of 2011

As far as the back three is concerned, Savea isn't in great form, is defensively exploitable.

Damien de Allende and Jesse Kriel ran circles around Nonu and Smith, so the old bones are starting to show a few potential weaknesses.

It is what it is

Fanster wrote:

munkian wrote:

No9 wrote:Ok, I know this was 2007 and all Welshmen know what Fiji did to Wales in that World Cup

But here's a reminder of what Fiji bring to Rugby World Cups... and any country who don't pay them the respect they deserve, deserve to be shown a lesson.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHd9A1WpXOs

Do people have some kind of memory block from 2011 when we beat them 66-0 ? With a much younger, inexperienced team ? Away ?

Justaskin'....

Hardly fair on Fiji, they were without double figure first choice players for that RWC, which devalued the entire tournament in my eyes!!

The biggest tragedy of that RWC, and of this one is that the media will not put pressure on the clubs holding world class players back from competing!!!

What 'fair' go to do with it ? Doesn't affect the result.

Biltong wrote:You can plan for a world cup as much as you want, but it should be viewed like any other tour or tournament really.

Because for every tournament you try to be ready and prepared, however form and injury will always complicate the issue, rarely does any team have their full first choice 31 in the squad.

New Zealand are missing Cruden, so they aren't 100% comfortable either, Carter is not in great Form, Barritt isn't really a flyhalf that controls a match, most NZ supporters see him as an inpact player.

Lima Sapoanga had a brilliant season for the Highlanders, got to play one test and is not in the squad, so their form flyhalf is at home.

If Carter breaks down they will have a repeat of 2011

As far as the back three is concerned, Savea isn't in great form, is defensively exploitable.

Damien de Allende and Jesse Kriel ran circles around Nonu and Smith, so the old bones are starting to show a few potential weaknesses.

It is what it is

Carter and Smith were both excellent in their last game against Australia.

Biltong wrote:If Carter breaks down they will have a repeat of 2011

With two important differences: Nick Evans is on their doorstep, and Stephen Donald isn't.

Poorfour wrote:

Biltong wrote:If Carter breaks down they will have a repeat of 2011

With two important differences: Nick Evans is on their doorstep, and Stephen Donald isn't.

Remember Nick Evans is an overseas player, he can't be called up.

Has there ever been a RWC when NZ are not the favorites? yet they have only won two.

TightHEAD wrote:Has there ever been a RWC when NZ are not the favorites? yet they have only won two.

That's not particularly remarkable though, being favourites you're still more likely to lose than not.

Biltong wrote:You can plan for a world cup as much as you want, but it should be viewed like any other tour or tournament really.

Because for every tournament you try to be ready and prepared, however form and injury will always complicate the issue, rarely does any team have their full first choice 31 in the squad.

Good point. Wales were missing Halfpenny and Webb when we toured South Africa last season.

I don't doubt that Wales will be very tough opposition, but they do have more than their fair share of problems coming into this competition, and are now heavily reliant on a set of guys all coming off the back of serious injuries.

The prop situation in particular must be worrying. On one side you have a former great now well into his playing dotage, and on the other you have the two young guns, one of whom is just back from serous injury and the other new to the squad and maybe lacking the conditioning of the alternatives. All 3 either were or will be good players but all 3 look vulnerable right now.

lostinwales wrote:I don't doubt that Wales will be very tough opposition, but they do have more than their fair share of problems coming into this competition, and are now heavily reliant on a set of guys all coming off the back of serious injuries.

The prop situation in particular must be worrying. On one side you have a former great now well into his playing dotage, and on the other you have the two young guns, one of whom is just back from serous injury and the other new to the squad and maybe lacking the conditioning of the alternatives. All 3 either were or will be good players but all 3 look vulnerable right now.

It is the former that worries me more. Jenkins conceded penalties have cost us the last two games vs England.

Fiji have announced their team to play England on Friday night's opener:

FIJI: Metuisela Talebula; Waisea Nayacalevu, Vereniki Goneva, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Nemani Nadolo; Ben Volavola, Nikola Matawalu; Campese Ma’afu, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo; Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Leone Nakarawa; Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera (captain), Sakiusa Masi Matadigo.

Like England, just one change from the line-up that beat Canada in their final warm-up match.

Looking forward to this one.

lostinwales wrote:I don't doubt that Wales will be very tough opposition, but they do have more than their fair share of problems coming into this competition, and are now heavily reliant on a set of guys all coming off the back of serious injuries.

The prop situation in particular must be worrying. On one side you have a former great now well into his playing dotage, and on the other you have the two young guns, one of whom is just back from serous injury and the other new to the squad and maybe lacking the conditioning of the alternatives. All 3 either were or will be good players but all 3 look vulnerable right now.

a set of guys….you mean Williams and Lee?

Hardly a set. We'll be putting out much much more experience onto the park than England who will be fielding a 10-13 axis with about 60 caps (rough estimate) only

Wales will field about 140 caps between 10-13 and we have 13 players in the squad who were in the last RWC semi final. England have 5 who lost in the quarter.

I'd rather rely on dotage than decidedly average inexperienced performers and shipped in league players and a 12 who has won the position by default/accident as the least worst option

I am amazed to read so many English supporters feel that there is no pressure on their team to do well at this RWC...!

That is unbelievable...

A home RWC.

Substitute 1-3 for 10-12 in your post, though, and the countries' situations are reversed.

maestegmafia wrote:I am amazed to read so many English supporters feel that there is no pressure on their team to do well at this RWC...!

That is unbelievable...

A home RWC.

Not really, most sensible people accept that its a largely inexperienced team that 'could' go all the way, but don't 'expect' them to.

Jimpy wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I am amazed to read so many English supporters feel that there is no pressure on their team to do well at this RWC...!

That is unbelievable...

A home RWC.

Not really, most sensible people accept that its a largely inexperienced team that 'could' go all the way, but don't 'expect' them to.

Why are you fielding an inexperienced team though ? All we've heard since the last RWC is how England are re-building and its all about this RWC ? Surely Lancaster should have a core team by now ?

Very true Jimpy.

Wales are the ones under pressure from the off imo, a rugby made nation with games on home soil too!
Who also should have made the final in 2011 I like to add.

We have got some of the core established but injuries, suspensions and silly players have dented it along the way. I've said it before but there's a strange mix of little and a lot of pressure in this group. Pressure to stay in and not drop out after the group but rugby fans will understand that it wouldn't be a huge shock when one of Aus, wales and England don't go through. 3 very good teams.

munkian wrote:

Jimpy wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I am amazed to read so many English supporters feel that there is no pressure on their team to do well at this RWC...!

That is unbelievable...

A home RWC.

Not really, most sensible people accept that its a largely inexperienced team that 'could' go all the way, but don't 'expect' them to.

Why are you fielding an inexperienced team though ? All we've heard since the last RWC is how England are re-building and its all about this RWC ? Surely Lancaster should have a core team by now ?

I'm not fielding anybody personally.

And England do have a core team (which you've chosen to ignore), however, there are certain key areas of the team that are inexperienced in terms of partnerships, such as centre. This inexperience has largely been forced upon Lancaster.

There is pressure on England of that there is no doubt, they are at home, it is their WC etc etc but playing that pressure down is part n parcel of it all.

I think that pressure will materialise in the first half against Fiji but they should still come through it comfortably by the end.

Let's say they don't get out pf group then there will be a lot of negative press on the coaches, if they do get out of the group then the pressure will build as they progress.

I'm sure these Pros will have a few nerves before kick off but once we move 3/4/5 scores ahead against Fiji they'll be fine.

bedfordwelsh wrote:There is pressure on England of that there is no doubt, they are at home, it is their WC etc etc but playing that pressure down is part n parcel of it all.

I think that pressure will materialise in the first half against Fiji but they should still come through it comfortably by the end.

Let's say they don't get out pf group then there will be a lot of negative press on the coaches, if they do get out of the group then the pressure will build as they progress.

I'd suggest the pressure is more on Wales and Australia to outplay the hosts in that group.

Jimpy wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:There is pressure on England of that there is no doubt, they are at home, it is their WC etc etc but playing that pressure down is part n parcel of it all.

I think that pressure will materialise in the first half against Fiji but they should still come through it comfortably by the end.

Let's say they don't get out pf group then there will be a lot of negative press on the coaches, if they do get out of the group then the pressure will build as they progress.

I'd suggest the pressure is more on Wales and Australia to outplay the hosts in that group.

Whilst I would suggest as they are at home the pressure is on them to perform Everyone (not me) outside of the Welsh camp have already written Wales off after the few injuries we have had so no pressure whatsoever

Jimpy wrote:

munkian wrote:

Jimpy wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I am amazed to read so many English supporters feel that there is no pressure on their team to do well at this RWC...!

That is unbelievable...

A home RWC.

Not really, most sensible people accept that its a largely inexperienced team that 'could' go all the way, but don't 'expect' them to.

Why are you fielding an inexperienced team though ? All we've heard since the last RWC is how England are re-building and its all about this RWC ? Surely Lancaster should have a core team by now ?

I'm not fielding anybody personally.

And England do have a core team (which you've chosen to ignore), however, there are certain key areas of the team that are inexperienced in terms of partnerships, such as centre. This inexperience has largely been forced upon Lancaster.

Of the side the front row and Back Row + Lawes are pretty settled. The half backs are settled, although theres been some chop with the fly half. The 12 is the most experienced player we have in that position and has only not been playing because of injury. The outside backs are settled bar one wing, and even he has been in the and out of the side.

They may lack caps and long term grizzled verterans but as a XV the side is pretty settled and most players have played together a number of times. As a team it should be a fairly cohesive unit by now. Half the bench are long time squad members with a fair number of recent caps between them too.

England have a very real chance in this RWC, they are a good solid team. That said, they will have to be a lot more clinical than they were against Ireland last time out if they are to do well. England really should have smashed Ireland.

For me, the key person in the England squad is Ford, lose him and England will struggle. I have never been convinced by Farrell at 10.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

Jimpy wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:There is pressure on England of that there is no doubt, they are at home, it is their WC etc etc but playing that pressure down is part n parcel of it all.

I think that pressure will materialise in the first half against Fiji but they should still come through it comfortably by the end.

Let's say they don't get out pf group then there will be a lot of negative press on the coaches, if they do get out of the group then the pressure will build as they progress.

I'd suggest the pressure is more on Wales and Australia to outplay the hosts in that group.

Whilst I would suggest as they are at home the pressure is on them to perform  Everyone (not me) outside of the Welsh camp have already written Wales off after the few injuries we have had so no pressure whatsoever

Even with a first choice team, Wales could not contain an even less experienced England side in the last 6N. In Cardiff.

So you're probably right

Gooseberry wrote:

Jimpy wrote:

munkian wrote:

Jimpy wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I am amazed to read so many English supporters feel that there is no pressure on their team to do well at this RWC...!

That is unbelievable...

A home RWC.

Not really, most sensible people accept that its a largely inexperienced team that 'could' go all the way, but don't 'expect' them to.

Why are you fielding an inexperienced team though ? All we've heard since the last RWC is how England are re-building and its all about this RWC ? Surely Lancaster should have a core team by now ?

I'm not fielding anybody personally.

And England do have a core team (which you've chosen to ignore), however, there are certain key areas of the team that are inexperienced in terms of partnerships, such as centre. This inexperience has largely been forced upon Lancaster.

Of the side the front row and Back Row + Lawes are pretty settled. The half backs are settled, although theres been some chop with the fly half. The 12 is the most experienced player we have in that position and has only not been playing because of injury. The outside backs are settled bar one wing, and even he has been in the and out of the side.

They may lack caps and long term grizzled verterans but as a XV the side is pretty settled and most players have played together a number of times. As a team it should be a fairly cohesive unit by now. Half the bench are long time squad members with a fair number of recent caps between them too.

Its funny how experience (grisled, dotage - whatever you want to package it as) is being touted as preferable to inexperience by some, yet I'll bet they were the first to get mileage out of England's so called 'Dad's Army' (that actually didn't too badly at all).

The pressure is on all established teams in this group, Aus and England are favourites to go through with Wales 3rd favs. Make of it what you want - For me Aus will win the Group England 2nd and Wales 3rd it then becomes anyones but I fancy Australia to go all the way.

eirebilly wrote:England have a very real chance in this RWC, they are a good solid team. That said, they will have to be a lot more clinical than they were against Ireland last time out if they are to do well. England really should have smashed Ireland.

For me, the key person in the England squad is Ford, lose him and England will struggle. I have never been convinced by Farrell at 10.

Whilst I agree with you, I doubt there will be any "smashing" done in the RWC when closely match teams meet.

I think discipline, unforced errors and interpretations in the contact zone will be the deciding factors in these matches

I disagree Biltong, I think the set peice will be king this year, he who gets the best platform from that will do well.

The breakdown will be as equally messy all round, and will probably even itself out, and with a question mark over all 3 goal kickers in this group I think teams will be largely dependant on the set peice out.

To be honest I wouldn't call this England squad inexperienced.

Most of the squad have sufficient experience IMO.

It's not just a team that is full of individuals that would be identified as world class.

It's a solid workman like side. Consistent but not great.

Lancaster perfectly personifies the side, a good solid coach but at the moment lacks the ability to take England to the next level.

I think in comparison Wales and Australia have more potential match winners who in one off games are more dangerous but lack the depth and consistency that England have.

England at Twickenham though will be tough - 7 wins in a row now I believe.

Gwlad wrote:

lostinwales wrote:I don't doubt that Wales will be very tough opposition, but they do have more than their fair share of problems coming into this competition, and are now heavily reliant on a set of guys all coming off the back of serious injuries.

The prop situation in particular must be worrying. On one side you have a former great now well into his playing dotage, and on the other you have the two young guns, one of whom is just back from serous injury and the other new to the squad and maybe lacking the conditioning of the alternatives. All 3 either were or will be good players but all 3 look vulnerable right now.

a set of guys….you mean Williams and Lee?

Hardly a set. We'll be putting out much much more experience onto the park than England who will be fielding a 10-13 axis with about 60 caps (rough estimate) only

Wales will field about 140 caps between 10-13 and we have 13 players in the squad who were in the last RWC semi final. England have 5 who lost  in the quarter.

I'd rather rely on dotage than decidedly average inexperienced performers and shipped in league players and a 12 who has won the position by default/accident as the least worst option

'set of guys' Welsh players that come to mind who are back off extended injury breaks or currently carrying injuries. AWJ, North, Warburton, Lee, Williams. With the players you have already lost you have an important core who are held together with sticky tape.

It may well work, it may well be that they feel the pressure will be off because expectations will be low because of the injuries. Wales tend to be a lot more dangerous if they get their heads in the right place and this may actually help. (And they have a ready made excuse for not pushing past the point they finally reach, wherever that may be). Won't be long before we find out.

England do have the youngest team in the tournament, and you do wonder if the nerves will hit them at some point. Whatever the potential problems in other parts of the team they do currently have, easily, the best set of 'running' backs in the NH

Biggar has a better kicking successs arte than Halfpenny so where's the question marks over his kicking - We'll miss the 60 metre howitzer but Dan is a very good kicker

The Wales pivot had an 86 per cent overall kicking success ratio in the Pro12 during 2014-15 compared to the 76% achieved by Halfpenny for Toulon in the Top14.

The difference in success rates is largely down to penalties.

Halfpenny kicked 20 of his 28 domestic penalties last season, which equated to a success ratio of 71%.

For Biggar, that ratio was 91%, with 30 of his 33 going between the sticks.

The two had similar conversion success rates with Halfpenny being accurate 81% of the time compared to Biggar on 83%.

Whoever tops the group is likely to get the all blacks in the semi final right? If they come second then they probably get South Africa in the quarter final.

As an England fan I think that whilst we COULD beat either of these two I don't think we will. It really matters therefore to try to top the pool, as a semi-final finish is significantly better than a quarter final. I think the world cup is too early for this England team.

Of course, as I said we COULD beat absolutely anyone, especially at home so I guess I just have to keep my fingers crossed...

RubyGuby wrote:

The difference in success rates is largely down to penalties.

Halfpenny kicked 20 of his 28 domestic penalties last season, which equated to a success ratio of 71%.

For Biggar, that ratio was 91%, with 30 of his 33 going between the sticks.

The two had similar conversion success rates with Halfpenny being accurate 81% of the time compared to Biggar on 83%.

Doesnt that just suggest that Halfpenny was more likley to be asked to take on diffcult and long range penalties?

Conversions are likely to be a fairer refelection of their actual abilities at equal kicks.

Fanster wrote:I disagree Biltong, I think the set peice will be king this year, he who gets the best platform from that will do well.

The breakdown will be as equally messy all round, and will probably even itself out, and with a question mark over all 3 goal kickers in this group I think teams will be largely dependant on the set peice out.

Yes set piece, but it is the interpretations that is going to be telling.

RubyGuby wrote: The pressure is on all established teams in this group, Aus and England are favourites to go through with Wales 3rd favs. Make of it what you want - For me Aus will win the Group England 2nd and Wales 3rd it then becomes anyones but I fancy Australia to go all the way.

That seems to be the popular view...

None of the pre-RWC articles say any different. And despite the pressure on an England team that hasn't won a competition in five years to host the RWC, with an abject pre-RWC warm up, the England fans agree too.


Gatland says the Welsh team enjoy being a bit under the radar.

Biltong wrote:

Fanster wrote:I disagree Biltong, I think the set peice will be king this year, he who gets the best platform from that will do well.

The breakdown will be as equally messy all round, and will probably even itself out, and with a question mark over all 3 goal kickers in this group I think teams will be largely dependant on the set peice out.

Yes set piece, but it is the interpretations that is going to be telling.

I fear when they announce mandates for referees prior to the tournament that there is often an irregular over emphasis on the key issues targeted...

Straight feeding the scrum for example being the worst.. The referees hardly ever enforce the law then on one occasion decide to use it...

maestegmafia wrote:

RubyGuby wrote: The pressure is on all established teams in this group, Aus and England are favourites to go through with Wales 3rd favs. Make of it what you want - For me Aus will win the Group England 2nd and Wales 3rd it then becomes anyones but I fancy Australia to go all the way.

That seems to be the popular view...

None of the pre-RWC articles say any different. And despite the pressure on an England team that hasn't won a competition in five years to host the RWC, with an abject pre-RWC warm up, the England fans agree too.


Gatland says the Welsh team enjoy being a bit under the radar.

Are you talking about Wales or England here?

Jimpy wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

Jimpy wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:There is pressure on England of that there is no doubt, they are at home, it is their WC etc etc but playing that pressure down is part n parcel of it all.

I think that pressure will materialise in the first half against Fiji but they should still come through it comfortably by the end.

Let's say they don't get out pf group then there will be a lot of negative press on the coaches, if they do get out of the group then the pressure will build as they progress.

I'd suggest the pressure is more on Wales and Australia to outplay the hosts in that group.

Whilst I would suggest as they are at home the pressure is on them to perform  Everyone (not me) outside of the Welsh camp have already written Wales off after the few injuries we have had so no pressure whatsoever

Even with a first choice team, Wales could not contain an even less experienced England side in the last 6N. In Cardiff.

So you're probably right

Jimpy,

You're right and even with the injuries we can still put out a very strong and experienced side, one of the most settled in the tournament I would imagine but other that the odd occasions we still struggle to dominate sides and even when we do we then struggle to put sides away.

I have said all along that I think the big 3 in this group will beat each other and I still think that could happen but there are some seriously experienced players in that Welsh squad, a lot of whom are multiple Lions tourists, winning Lions players, and multiple grand slam/championship winning players.

Players like Jenkins, James, AWJ, CHarteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Faletau, Phillips, Roberts, North and yes Cuthbert need to stand up and be counted. We have some very exciting young players in there like Samson Lee, Williams, Amos, and Morgan and these guys will look to the old heads for leadership and guidance.

It does make me laugh when the Welsh are so desperate to convince themselves that England are feeling the pressure

maestegmafia wrote:

RubyGuby wrote: The pressure is on all established teams in this group, Aus and England are favourites to go through with Wales 3rd favs. Make of it what you want - For me Aus will win the Group England 2nd and Wales 3rd it then becomes anyones but I fancy Australia to go all the way.

That seems to be the popular view...

None of the pre-RWC articles say any different. And despite the pressure on an England team that hasn't won a competition in five years to host the RWC, with an abject pre-RWC warm up, the England fans agree too.


Gatland says the Welsh team enjoy being a bit under the radar.

Gatland says a lot of things, most people have learnt to ignore him.

BamBam wrote:It does make me laugh when the Welsh are so desperate to convince themselves that England are feeling the pressure

Nothing to do with desperation just common sense and lets be honest the media will do any work of building the pressure for us

bedfordwelsh wrote:

Jimpy wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

Jimpy wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:There is pressure on England of that there is no doubt, they are at home, it is their WC etc etc but playing that pressure down is part n parcel of it all.

I think that pressure will materialise in the first half against Fiji but they should still come through it comfortably by the end.

Let's say they don't get out pf group then there will be a lot of negative press on the coaches, if they do get out of the group then the pressure will build as they progress.

I'd suggest the pressure is more on Wales and Australia to outplay the hosts in that group.

Whilst I would suggest as they are at home the pressure is on them to perform  Everyone (not me) outside of the Welsh camp have already written Wales off after the few injuries we have had so no pressure whatsoever

Even with a first choice team, Wales could not contain an even less experienced England side in the last 6N. In Cardiff.

So you're probably right

Jimpy,

You're right and even with the injuries we can still put out a very strong and experienced side, one of the most settled in the tournament I would imagine but other that the odd occasions we still struggle to dominate sides and even when we do we then struggle to put sides away.

I have said all along that I think the big 3 in this group will beat each other and I still think that could happen but there are some seriously experienced players in that Welsh squad, a lot of whom are multiple Lions tourists,  winning Lions players, and multiple grand slam/championship winning players.

Players like Jenkins, James, AWJ, CHarteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Faletau, Phillips, Roberts, North and yes Cuthbert need to stand up and be counted.  We have some very exciting young players in there like Samson Lee, Williams, Amos, and Morgan and these guys will look to the old heads for leadership and guidance.

Hasn't meant much v England lately though has it....

bedfordwelsh wrote:

BamBam wrote:It does make me laugh when the Welsh are so desperate to convince themselves that England are feeling the pressure

Nothing to do with desperation just common sense and lets be honest the media will do any work of building the pressure for us

Oh I agree on the media, which is why it amuses me that maesteg and Gwlad are trying so hard!

In fairness, the media have been remarkably schtum this week

That's what I mean we still struggle despite all the experience so people are not putting the pressure on us as our record speaks for itself.

I still think Gatland is the right man but have said for some time that Howley and McBryde should of gone ages ago so I just hope they have something new or it will be an early exit.

BamBam wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

BamBam wrote:It does make me laugh when the Welsh are so desperate to convince themselves that England are feeling the pressure

Nothing to do with desperation just common sense and lets be honest the media will do any work of building the pressure for us

Oh I agree on the media, which is why it amuses me that maesteg and Gwlad are trying so hard!

In fairness, the media have been remarkably schtum this week

Am sure they will build it now and as games go on etc, then again as we all know they will soon look to absolutely murder one of the players or coach if things to go a bit a wry.

Rubyguby you are making the assumption that kicking at club level is the same as international level.

Also the statistics don't measure how difficult the kicks are or how many metres out they are as Gooseberry said.

screamingaddabs nope we wouldn't get the ABs if we top the pool, Scotland or Samoa would be in the quarter finals, likely Ireland in the semis.

As for England feeling the pressure, no more so than Wales and Australia.

At least England have the home comforts of Twickenham - a ground they haven't lost at in 7 games.

Wales,Australia and England all have high expectations - wanting to reach the quarter finals and beyond. The team to miss out on the quarter finals will feel crushed whoever it is.

England are going into the tournament having won their two home warm ups, have no real injury worries, having a deeper squad than Wales and Australia, won the last two games vs both sides. Not in a bad place.

Wales have the most to do -a poor last warm up vs Italy, have lost two of their top players before the tournament has begun, have to reverse their numerous recent defeats against Australia, lost to England in their last two games. I would say the pressure is firmly on Wales.

beshocked wrote:Rubyguby you are making the assumption that kicking at club level is the same as international level.

Also the statistics don't measure how difficult the kicks are or how many metres out they are as Gooseberry said.

screamingaddabs nope we wouldn't get the ABs if we top the pool, Scotland or Samoa would be in the quarter finals, likely Ireland in the semis.

As for England feeling the pressure, no more so than Wales and Australia.

At least England have the home comforts of Twickenham - a ground they haven't lost at in 7 games.

Wales,Australia and England all have high expectations - wanting to reach the quarter finals and beyond. The team to miss out on the quarter finals will feel crushed whoever it is.

England are going into the tournament having won their two home warm ups, have no real injury worries, having a deeper squad than Wales and Australia, won the last two games vs both sides. Not in a bad place.

Wales have the most to do -a poor last warm up vs Italy, have lost two of their top players before the tournament has begun, have to reverse their numerous recent defeats against Australia, lost to England in their last two games. I would say the pressure is firmly on Wales.

I agree, however, apparently we are wrong.