Have Wales got an easy World Cup run to the final?

Two PI teams in their pool, who may well give a good game but should be beatable. Probably lose to South Africa but second in the pool still goes through. Then it'll be a Quarter Final game against Australia who, let's face it, are the weakest Tri-Nation side and are definately beatable. Semi-Final will probably be France, who will be exhausted after beating their bogey side in the WC, England. So the only half decent sides they'll have to play will be France and Australia.

That's easy isn't it?

Yeah, be positive about it, why not?

On the other hand, perhaps a little dose of realism will be in order.

Will be interesting to see what happens between Australia and SA this weekend.

I dont think Wales have as easy a run in as other people. Your suggestion of what you consider an easy route is quite a bizarre one too. SA, Fiji, Samoa, Australia, France or England and then likely a final against the ABs.

That sounds like one of the toughest runs in history.

If any side could win those matches and win the world cup they would be very very deserving champions.

Optimism at its best

On paper it does look like Wales have a decent draw but they still have to beat the PI teams and they play a very hard and physical game so injuries are expected. That will affect Wales in the latter stages i feel.

This is one tight tournement and there is going to be some great rugby played.

Well when you compare our group to England who don't have to play one of the big SH teams then yeah I suppose we do have an easy route

Won't they be playing Ireland in the quarters no?

if wales get out of their group they will be too worn out to play a quality quater final against aus or ire.

If there was a plate or a bowl, like in the 7's. Wales v Russia would be a very tight final!

maestegmafia wrote:That sounds like one of the toughest runs in history.

Harder than England's in 2007?

South Africa (Champions), Tonga, Samoa and USA in the pool.
Australia in the Quarter Final
France in the Semi final - and no Marc Lievremont

I'll grant you Samoa had a lot of injuries in 2007.

Even the Namibians will be putting their bodies on the line against Wales. Though they might not be hugely talented.....you can bet they'll be very physical......

Namibia? You're kidding aren't you? Didn't they get hammered by France and taken apart by Australia. 142-0 from memory. I can't see them competing to be honest.

How many people can name more than one Namibian?

In 2007 Namibia lost all their games

Ireland (32-17)
Georgia (30-0)
France (87-10)
Argentina (63-3)

GeordieFalcon wrote:Even the Namibians will be putting their bodies on the line against Wales. Though they might not be hugely talented.....you can bet they'll be very physical......

Namibia just came stone last in our Vodacom cup. That is our lowest level of pro rugby.

They aren't very physical at the moment.

Like i said.....NOT HUGLEY TALENTED......but THEY'LL BE VERY PHYSICAL.....so not an easy game...and Wales could well come out with some injuries!

MBTGOG wrote:Won't they be playing Ireland in the quarters no?

You're correct with the no part

Ok at least Biltong read what i put.....

Namiba results in the Vodacom cup this year


Pampas (Argentina) 52 Namibia 10
Eastern Province 47 Namibia 12
Sharks 25 Namibia 5
WP 56 Namibia 9
Chhetahs 29 Namibia 13
SWD 34 Namibia 27
Boland 71 Namibia 33
Border 20 Namibia 20

Risca Rev wrote:

MBTGOG wrote:Won't they be playing Ireland in the quarters no?

You're correct with the no part

Sadly when Wales and Ireland both top their groups they will end up missing each other in the QFs. It is possible as i believe Wales have SA in the first week so we can catch them on the hop.

biltongbek wrote:Namiba results in the Vodacom cup this year


Pampas (Argentina) 52 Namibia 10
Eastern Province 47 Namibia 12
Sharks 25 Namibia 5
WP 56 Namibia 9
Chhetahs 29 Namibia 13
SWD 34 Namibia 27
Boland 71 Namibia 33
Border 20 Namibia 20

So to conclude, Wales v Namibia is going to be a tight game?

Our results against fiji and samoa recently haven't been exactly outstanding! If we actually manage to qualify for the QF I doubt we'll have any players left to go any further.

HammerofThunor wrote: Then it'll be a Quarter Final game against Australia who, let's face it, are the weakest Tri-Nation side and are definately beatable.
That's easy isn't it?

Weakest? That's a pretty big stretch isn't it? This saturday might clarify the comment somewhat. Yes they lost to Samoa last week but with 8 players rested plus 7 run on players out injured. That's a whole team.

But if you look at SA's test record last year it doesn't look too flash does it?

SA finished finished last in the Tri Nations last year having won 1 game and Australia defeated them twice including at altitude. Australia were the only side in the world to beat the All Blacks last year. On the tour they they had a 4-1 win loss ratio. SA had 2-2 and their wins were extremely close.

snoopster wrote:

biltongbek wrote:Namiba results in the Vodacom cup this year


Pampas (Argentina) 52 Namibia 10
Eastern Province 47 Namibia 12
Sharks 25 Namibia 5
WP 56 Namibia 9
Chhetahs 29 Namibia 13
SWD 34 Namibia 27
Boland 71 Namibia 33
Border 20 Namibia 20

So to conclude, Wales v Namibia is going to be a tight game?

I'll give the edge to namibia.

Rob B wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote: Then it'll be a Quarter Final game against Australia who, let's face it, are the weakest Tri-Nation side and are definately beatable.
That's easy isn't it?

Weakest? That's a pretty big stretch isn't it? This saturday might clarify the comment somewhat. Yes they lost to Samoa last week but with 8 players rested plus 7 run on players out injured. That's a whole team.

But if you look at SA's test record last year it doesn't look too flash does it?

SA finished finished last in the Tri Nations last year having won 1 game and Australia defeated them twice including at altitude. Australia were the only side in the world to beat the All Blacks last year. On the tour they they had a 4-1 win loss ratio. SA had 2-2 and their wins were extremely close.

Rob there are no explanation for this, we were simply just behind the eightball, unmotivated, lacklustre, pathetic, struglled to adapt, no mojo, zero effort, slow, out of form etc.

Did I miss anything?

Based on the fact Wales, alongside Scotland, are the least likely, of the old 5 Nations, to get out of their group I find the title of the article a bit strange.

biltongbek wrote:

Rob B wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote: Then it'll be a Quarter Final game against Australia who, let's face it, are the weakest Tri-Nation side and are definately beatable.
That's easy isn't it?

Weakest? That's a pretty big stretch isn't it? This saturday might clarify the comment somewhat. Yes they lost to Samoa last week but with 8 players rested plus 7 run on players out injured. That's a whole team.

But if you look at SA's test record last year it doesn't look too flash does it?

SA finished finished last in the Tri Nations last year having won 1 game and Australia defeated them twice including at altitude. Australia were the only side in the world to beat the All Blacks last year. On the tour they they had a 4-1 win loss ratio. SA had 2-2 and their wins were extremely close.

Rob there are no explanation for this, we were simply just behind the eightball, unmotivated, lacklustre, pathetic, struglled to adapt, no mojo, zero effort, slow, out of form etc.

Did I miss anything?

C'mon Biltong, the correct response is to blame it on subtle law interpretation shifts, the travelling, something to do with peaking for the Lions, being between world cups, the coaching staff, the 3N draw, the global pro-NZ refereeing conspiracy, Richie McCaw's cheating and the aerodynamic properties of the ball. This putting responsibility on the players is simply unheard of and uncalled for.

Anyone see the hits in the Fiji v japan game. By the looks of it wales would be lucky to get out alive

TheGreyGhost wrote:

biltongbek wrote:

Rob B wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote: Then it'll be a Quarter Final game against Australia who, let's face it, are the weakest Tri-Nation side and are definately beatable.
That's easy isn't it?

Weakest? That's a pretty big stretch isn't it? This saturday might clarify the comment somewhat. Yes they lost to Samoa last week but with 8 players rested plus 7 run on players out injured. That's a whole team.

But if you look at SA's test record last year it doesn't look too flash does it?

SA finished finished last in the Tri Nations last year having won 1 game and Australia defeated them twice including at altitude. Australia were the only side in the world to beat the All Blacks last year. On the tour they they had a 4-1 win loss ratio. SA had 2-2 and their wins were extremely close.

Rob there are no explanation for this, we were simply just behind the eightball, unmotivated, lacklustre, pathetic, struglled to adapt, no mojo, zero effort, slow, out of form etc.

Did I miss anything?

C'mon Biltong, the correct response is to blame it on subtle law interpretation shifts, the travelling, something to do with peaking for the Lions, being between world cups, the coaching staff, the 3N draw, the global pro-NZ refereeing conspiracy, Richie McCaw's cheating and the aerodynamic properties of the ball. This putting responsibility on the players is simply unheard of and uncalled for.

My apologies Greyghost, I had to think quick, so didn't think of those excuses.

Reasons! not excuses.

I mean reasons. SSSSoooRRRRRRy

Risca Rev wrote:

MBTGOG wrote:Won't they be playing Ireland in the quarters no?

You're correct with the no part

Very negative of you to think you won't get through your group.

Didn't I know that was coming MBTGOG

biltongbek wrote:

TheGreyGhost wrote:

biltongbek wrote:

Rob B wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote: Then it'll be a Quarter Final game against Australia who, let's face it, are the weakest Tri-Nation side and are definately beatable.
That's easy isn't it?

Weakest? That's a pretty big stretch isn't it? This saturday might clarify the comment somewhat. Yes they lost to Samoa last week but with 8 players rested plus 7 run on players out injured. That's a whole team.

But if you look at SA's test record last year it doesn't look too flash does it?

SA finished finished last in the Tri Nations last year having won 1 game and Australia defeated them twice including at altitude. Australia were the only side in the world to beat the All Blacks last year. On the tour they they had a 4-1 win loss ratio. SA had 2-2 and their wins were extremely close.

Rob there are no explanation for this, we were simply just behind the eightball, unmotivated, lacklustre, pathetic, struglled to adapt, no mojo, zero effort, slow, out of form etc.

Did I miss anything?

C'mon Biltong, the correct response is to blame it on subtle law interpretation shifts, the travelling, something to do with peaking for the Lions, being between world cups, the coaching staff, the 3N draw, the global pro-NZ refereeing conspiracy, Richie McCaw's cheating and the aerodynamic properties of the ball. This putting responsibility on the players is simply unheard of and uncalled for.

My apologies Greyghost, I had to think quick, so didn't think of those excuses.

Biltong, do you have all your senses? Do you really want to be mistaken for a gormless atypical Kiwi fan? Don't let him ruin your brain.

Has everyone gone a bit mental? this is obviously a wind up by Hammerofthunor. Nobody really thinks Wales have an easy route to the final...

It was more highlighting the similarities between Wales' group and England's from 4 years ago.

O I see. It is a similar group...Lets hope Wales go as far as England did...

Thought I'd try and apply some simple stats to ascertain which pool is easiest.

Pool A
Rank Country Pts Diff to 3rd Diff to 4th Avg pts diff
1 NZ 93.19 20.63 21.39 15.445
6 FRANCE 82.06 9.5 10.26
12 JAPAN 72.56
13 TONGA 71.8

Pool B
Rank Country Pts Diff to 3rd Avg pts diff
5 ENGLAND 82.48 3.51 2.565
8 ARG 78.97 1.62
9 SCOT 77.35

Pool C
Rank Country Pts Diff to 3rd Avg pts diff
3 AUS 85.45 11.91 10.44
4 IRELAND 82.51 8.97
11 ITALY 73.54

Pool D
Rank Country Pts Diff to 3rd Avg pts diff
2 RSA 86.44 11.89 8.445
7 WALES 79.55 5
10 SAMOA 74.55

Would that make Pool A the easiest and Pool B the most difficult?

I think it''ll look like this:

Quarter Finals:

Australia V Wales
England V France
South Africa V Ireland
New Zealand V Argentina

Semi Finals

Australia V England
South Africa V NZ

Final

England V NZ

Winner = England

Yeah, that's optimism!

The Gods of Rugby will make Richie Mccheat play within the rules, before Wales get within sniffing distance of a final, be it tiddlywinks, Darts or Leek tossing.

When does optimism end and madness ensue, because Wales are a third division side against premiership teams and don't forget they have to play those giants / Titans of the South Pacific, before they can progress, so its Goodbye from me and Goodbye fron Pas de Galles!!

Will Wales make the final? Maybe.

Will Wales win the final? No,Well errrr maybe, I mean if atleast 15 out of the 22 Abs get injured.

Could you write all Madge knows about rugby on the back of a postage stamp? Yes.
Will Madge ever realise that his opinions count for diddly squat and that he really doesn't have the intelligence to wum? No,Well errrr maybe, I mean he tries hard bless him.

The theory is that if Wales runner-up their group (which would be much easier than winning the group) they will play the winner of Australia/Ireland, but then avoid New Zealand in the semi-finals.

Swap Fiji for Tonga, Namibia for USA and Wales could have a carbon copy of England's World Cup in 2007 (runner up to SA in the group, play Australia in the Quarters, France in the semis and then possibly South Africa again in the final).

GeordieFalcon wrote:Like i said.....NOT HUGLEY TALENTED......but THEY'LL BE VERY PHYSICAL.....so not an easy game...and Wales could well come out with some injuries!

mate to show HOW PHYSICAL they really are, maybe watch a reply of chabal (in 2007) out pacing their backs from the halfway line

Rob B wrote:

biltongbek wrote:

TheGreyGhost wrote:

biltongbek wrote:

Rob B wrote:

HammerofThunor wrote: Then it'll be a Quarter Final game against Australia who, let's face it, are the weakest Tri-Nation side and are definately beatable.
That's easy isn't it?

Weakest? That's a pretty big stretch isn't it? This saturday might clarify the comment somewhat. Yes they lost to Samoa last week but with 8 players rested plus 7 run on players out injured. That's a whole team.

But if you look at SA's test record last year it doesn't look too flash does it?

SA finished finished last in the Tri Nations last year having won 1 game and Australia defeated them twice including at altitude. Australia were the only side in the world to beat the All Blacks last year. On the tour they they had a 4-1 win loss ratio. SA had 2-2 and their wins were extremely close.

Rob there are no explanation for this, we were simply just behind the eightball, unmotivated, lacklustre, pathetic, struglled to adapt, no mojo, zero effort, slow, out of form etc.

Did I miss anything?

C'mon Biltong, the correct response is to blame it on subtle law interpretation shifts, the travelling, something to do with peaking for the Lions, being between world cups, the coaching staff, the 3N draw, the global pro-NZ refereeing conspiracy, Richie McCaw's cheating and the aerodynamic properties of the ball. This putting responsibility on the players is simply unheard of and uncalled for.

My apologies Greyghost, I had to think quick, so didn't think of those excuses.

Biltong, do you have all your senses? Do you really want to be mistaken for a gormless atypical Kiwi fan? Don't let him ruin your brain.

No worries mate, the man also has a sense of humor, so I thought i would play along and exploit this rare opportunity.

Duty281 wrote:I think it''ll look like this:

Quarter Finals:

Australia V Wales
England V France
South Africa V Ireland
New Zealand V Argentina

Semi Finals

Australia V England
South Africa V NZ

Final

England V NZ

Winner = England

Yeah, that's optimism!

no, this

Quarter Finals:

Italy V Wales
England V France
South Africa V Australia
New Zealand V Argentina

Semi Finals

Wales V England
South Africa V NZ

Final

Wales V NZ

So Italy ahead of Ireland in Group C then? I still think Ireland will do better than Italy, who'll finish third.

WOW,every thing so cut and dried before a ball is even kicked,Wales a 3Rd
rate side whereever did that come from?only marginally 2 Matches head to head seperate them and England.
There record over the last 5 years is better than Englands with two Grand slams to there credit.[2005,2008]
England are definetly improving but talking the talk is one thing,walking the walk another.
It is a few months till kickoff and the Boks have a 3Ns first and SH sides are`nt noted for taking things easy.SA already wil be missing key squad
players.
In a RWC NO match is a given,take a side lightly and it will come back to bite you.
Can Wales win there group Yes,Progress Yes,Go out at group stage Yes.
Thats knockout Rugby for you,Samoa rather than Fiji will be the most dangerous to there Hopes.
On past record i doubt they will beat the Boks[all nicely rested?]only one win v them ever but in a RWC who knows?
Keep the faith,strange things happen in RWCs

Wales have a decent route to the final. It's their team that's the problem. Mainly Gatland. They may aswell play without a backline. There is no penetration and they pretty much just shift the ball from wing to wing.

No we haven't. SA, Samoa and Fiji will be a VERY difficult pool to get out of. If we get out of that Ireland or Oz will both be tough opposition. If we get to the quarters I will be very happy given our 30%ish return over the last 2 seasons. Get to the semi's and I'll be jumping through hoops!

emack2 wrote:There record over the last 5 years is better than Englands with two Grand slams to there credit.[2005,2008]

2005 wasn't in the last 5 years.

Fiji aren't that good. If you look at their results and performances recently they will show that they are overated. Samoa could cause Wales problems and are certainly on the up. Wales are capable of beating them no doubt about it but the lack of backline moves is worrying. How is Howley still in a job?