The Rugby World Cup - Japan 2019

First topic message reminder :

We're getting there folks. Less that 50 days to go til lthe big event.

Here's a place to talk about all things world cup as we lead into this most spectacular of events.

https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/

Full fixture list
https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/matches

Teams that are going
https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/teams

Pools:

Pool A

Ireland
Scotland
Japan (Hosts)
Russia
Samoa

Pool B

New Zealand (3x cup holders) Reigning champs
South Africa (2x cup holders)
Italy
Namibia
Canada

Pool C

England (1x cup holders)
France
Argentina
USA
Tonga

Pool D

Australia (2x cup holders)
Wales
Georgia
Fiji
Uruguay


Who do you think has the best chance?
Who will provide this competition's upset?
What pool will see the biggest fight for qualification?
Which of the non seeded teams are looking like they could do well?
Who has the current momentum going into the W/C?


I can't wait. If I could have swung it, I'd have gone over for it.

Fans mixing together    and top quality rugby being played over 6 weeks  

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:That SA team will beat Ireland

They might beat NZ first and not have to even play Ireland. Id say that possible too.

It’s possible, but that SA team would smoke Ireland

Thats also possible but they havent smoked Ireland in a long time. Last time SA beat Ireland by more than one score was in 2004 in Newlands when SA won 26-17. That was 11 matches ago. In the meantime Ireland have won v SA by more than a score on 3 occasions since then and won 6 of those 10 games. SA's record v Ireland isnt great.

SA tend to go into every game thinking they will smoke Ireland and it usually doesnt work out like that.

Yet you fail to mention seven of those matches were in Ireland.

The truth of the matter is the current Springbok team is afar cry from the last couple of years, some might say a revival of the Springbok brand.

Better coached, more based on merit selection with better developed and more talented players.

The pack is up there withthe best, the half back pairing up there with the best.

Yes the centre pairing and back three lack experience for the most part, not spectacular or established yet, but should perform well enough.

Yeah and 3 were in SA and they still didnt smoke Ireland. Is the neutral venue going to make all the difference?

Even when SA were world champions in 2007 they still didnt "smoke" Ireland.

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:That SA team will beat Ireland

They might beat NZ first and not have to even play Ireland. Id say that possible too.

It’s possible, but that SA team would smoke Ireland

Thats also possible but they havent smoked Ireland in a long time. Last time SA beat Ireland by more than one score was in 2004 in Newlands when SA won 26-17. That was 11 matches ago. In the meantime Ireland have won v SA by more than a score on 3 occasions since then and won 6 of those 10 games. SA's record v Ireland isnt great.

SA tend to go into every game thinking they will smoke Ireland and it usually doesnt work out like that.

Yet you fail to mention seven of those matches were in Ireland.

The truth of the matter is the current Springbok team is afar cry from the last couple of years, some might say a revival of the Springbok brand.

Better coached, more based on merit selection with better developed and more talented players.

The pack is up there withthe best, the half back pairing up there with the best.

Yes the centre pairing and back three lack experience for the most part, not spectacular or established yet, but should perform well enough.

yes exactly, and funny how the Irish home matches rate so highly here...when we're in a world cup, where pretty sure Ireland havent been far since the same 2004...SA have WON it, and been to quarters and semis since.

And where are we now? looking at similar history repeating I'd say...as some of us have been saying all along.

World cup is not tiddly winks. If SA think theyll go into a world cup matcvh with Ireland thinking theyll smoke them...they have every right to think that. Not that they will.

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:That SA team will beat Ireland

They might beat NZ first and not have to even play Ireland. Id say that possible too.

It’s possible, but that SA team would smoke Ireland

Thats also possible but they havent smoked Ireland in a long time. Last time SA beat Ireland by more than one score was in 2004 in Newlands when SA won 26-17. That was 11 matches ago. In the meantime Ireland have won v SA by more than a score on 3 occasions since then and won 6 of those 10 games. SA's record v Ireland isnt great.

SA tend to go into every game thinking they will smoke Ireland and it usually doesnt work out like that.

Yet you fail to mention seven of those matches were in Ireland.

The truth of the matter is the current Springbok team is afar cry from the last couple of years, some might say a revival of the Springbok brand.

Better coached, more based on merit selection with better developed and more talented players.

The pack is up there withthe best, the half back pairing up there with the best.

Yes the centre pairing and back three lack experience for the most part, not spectacular or established yet, but should perform well enough.

Yeah and 3 were in SA and they still didnt smoke Ireland. Is the neutral venue going to make all the difference?

Even when SA were world champions in 2007 they still didnt "smoke" Ireland.

Forget “smoking” Ireland.

The reality is in recent form,ignore it at your own peril.

SA go into every game thinking they are going to smoke Ireland regardless of venue. Reality tends to pan out a little differently.

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:That SA team will beat Ireland

They might beat NZ first and not have to even play Ireland. Id say that possible too.

It’s possible, but that SA team would smoke Ireland

Thats also possible but they havent smoked Ireland in a long time. Last time SA beat Ireland by more than one score was in 2004 in Newlands when SA won 26-17. That was 11 matches ago. In the meantime Ireland have won v SA by more than a score on 3 occasions since then and won 6 of those 10 games. SA's record v Ireland isnt great.

SA tend to go into every game thinking they will smoke Ireland and it usually doesnt work out like that.

Yet you fail to mention seven of those matches were in Ireland.

The truth of the matter is the current Springbok team is afar cry from the last couple of years, some might say a revival of the Springbok brand.

Better coached, more based on merit selection with better developed and more talented players.

The pack is up there withthe best, the half back pairing up there with the best.

Yes the centre pairing and back three lack experience for the most part, not spectacular or established yet, but should perform well enough.

Yeah and 3 were in SA and they still didnt smoke Ireland. Is the neutral venue going to make all the difference?

Even when SA were world champions in 2007 they still didnt "smoke" Ireland.

Forget “smoking” Ireland.

The reality is in recent form,ignore it at your own peril.

Nobody is ignoring them.

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:That SA team will beat Ireland

They might beat NZ first and not have to even play Ireland. Id say that possible too.

It’s possible, but that SA team would smoke Ireland

Thats also possible but they havent smoked Ireland in a long time. Last time SA beat Ireland by more than one score was in 2004 in Newlands when SA won 26-17. That was 11 matches ago. In the meantime Ireland have won v SA by more than a score on 3 occasions since then and won 6 of those 10 games. SA's record v Ireland isnt great.

SA tend to go into every game thinking they will smoke Ireland and it usually doesnt work out like that.

Yet you fail to mention seven of those matches were in Ireland.

The truth of the matter is the current Springbok team is afar cry from the last couple of years, some might say a revival of the Springbok brand.

Better coached, more based on merit selection with better developed and more talented players.

The pack is up there withthe best, the half back pairing up there with the best.

Yes the centre pairing and back three lack experience for the most part, not spectacular or established yet, but should perform well enough.

Yeah and 3 were in SA and they still didnt smoke Ireland. Is the neutral venue going to make all the difference?

Even when SA were world champions in 2007 they still didnt "smoke" Ireland.

Forget “smoking” Ireland.

The reality is in recent form,ignore it at your own peril.

Nobody is ignoring them.

And nobody is saying SA think they will smoke Ireland every time they meet bar you.

Fact is, they do world cups far better than Ireland, who we can say simply don't know how to perform at them. SA do. So current form...SA as RC champs, Ireland as also rans in the 6N, and poor recent form, mean World cup wise, both are showing their true colours. Ireland are still an outside bet, but the nature of the England loss puts serious doubts on their ability to go three knockouts in a row, and that is the primary target here. We said the same about NZ, so the response in Auckland was exactly what needed to happen. THAT is what Ireland need to do against Wales.

If they can't thrash a Welsh side that doesnt even need to win that they can field a seconds side, forget the Irish ability to be mentally tough enough over three knockouts. If they cant dress rehearse world cup conditions as a mindset for the next match, forget about it at the real thing. Aint gonna happen. If Ireland are as good as they have been, I expect a resounding win this weekend...and I think we will see it.

I expect  different Ireland Game this week against Wales. I would expect both team to put out their strongest team this week. 

Although people keep saying these games do not count for anything, which i find unhealthy these are internationals after all.

Surely these games are to show what the players are made of going into the RWC.

Taylorman wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:That SA team will beat Ireland

They might beat NZ first and not have to even play Ireland. Id say that possible too.

It’s possible, but that SA team would smoke Ireland

Thats also possible but they havent smoked Ireland in a long time. Last time SA beat Ireland by more than one score was in 2004 in Newlands when SA won 26-17. That was 11 matches ago. In the meantime Ireland have won v SA by more than a score on 3 occasions since then and won 6 of those 10 games. SA's record v Ireland isnt great.

SA tend to go into every game thinking they will smoke Ireland and it usually doesnt work out like that.

Yet you fail to mention seven of those matches were in Ireland.

The truth of the matter is the current Springbok team is afar cry from the last couple of years, some might say a revival of the Springbok brand.

Better coached, more based on merit selection with better developed and more talented players.

The pack is up there withthe best, the half back pairing up there with the best.

Yes the centre pairing and back three lack experience for the most part, not spectacular or established yet, but should perform well enough.

Yeah and 3 were in SA and they still didnt smoke Ireland. Is the neutral venue going to make all the difference?

Even when SA were world champions in 2007 they still didnt "smoke" Ireland.

Forget “smoking” Ireland.

The reality is in recent form,ignore it at your own peril.

Nobody is ignoring them.

And nobody is saying SA think they will smoke Ireland every time they meet bar you.

Fact is, they do world cups far better than Ireland, who we can say simply don't know how to perform at them. SA do. So current form...SA as RC champs, Ireland as also rans in the 6N, and poor recent form, mean World cup wise, both are showing their true colours. Ireland are still an outside bet, but the nature of the England loss puts serious doubts on their ability to go three knockouts in a row, and that is the primary target here. We said the same about NZ, so the response in Auckland was exactly what needed to happen. THAT is what Ireland need to do against Wales.

If they can't thrash a Welsh side that doesnt even need to win that they can field a seconds side, forget the Irish ability to be mentally tough enough over three knockouts. If they cant dress rehearse  world cup conditions as a mindset for the next match, forget about it at the real thing. Aint gonna happen. If Ireland are as good as they have been, I expect a resounding win this weekend...and I think we will see it.

Ebop said SA will smoke Ireland. See above.

Heard it before v SA. Until it happens, if it happens, their form remains poor v Ireland.

Good chance Ireland will play NZ anyway not SA.

Collapse2005 wrote:

Taylorman wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

Old Man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:That SA team will beat Ireland

They might beat NZ first and not have to even play Ireland. Id say that possible too.

It’s possible, but that SA team would smoke Ireland

Thats also possible but they havent smoked Ireland in a long time. Last time SA beat Ireland by more than one score was in 2004 in Newlands when SA won 26-17. That was 11 matches ago. In the meantime Ireland have won v SA by more than a score on 3 occasions since then and won 6 of those 10 games. SA's record v Ireland isnt great.

SA tend to go into every game thinking they will smoke Ireland and it usually doesnt work out like that.

Yet you fail to mention seven of those matches were in Ireland.

The truth of the matter is the current Springbok team is afar cry from the last couple of years, some might say a revival of the Springbok brand.

Better coached, more based on merit selection with better developed and more talented players.

The pack is up there withthe best, the half back pairing up there with the best.

Yes the centre pairing and back three lack experience for the most part, not spectacular or established yet, but should perform well enough.

Yeah and 3 were in SA and they still didnt smoke Ireland. Is the neutral venue going to make all the difference?

Even when SA were world champions in 2007 they still didnt "smoke" Ireland.

Forget “smoking” Ireland.

The reality is in recent form,ignore it at your own peril.

Nobody is ignoring them.

And nobody is saying SA think they will smoke Ireland every time they meet bar you.

Fact is, they do world cups far better than Ireland, who we can say simply don't know how to perform at them. SA do. So current form...SA as RC champs, Ireland as also rans in the 6N, and poor recent form, mean World cup wise, both are showing their true colours. Ireland are still an outside bet, but the nature of the England loss puts serious doubts on their ability to go three knockouts in a row, and that is the primary target here. We said the same about NZ, so the response in Auckland was exactly what needed to happen. THAT is what Ireland need to do against Wales.

If they can't thrash a Welsh side that doesnt even need to win that they can field a seconds side, forget the Irish ability to be mentally tough enough over three knockouts. If they cant dress rehearse  world cup conditions as a mindset for the next match, forget about it at the real thing. Aint gonna happen. If Ireland are as good as they have been, I expect a resounding win this weekend...and I think we will see it.

Ebop said SA will smoke Ireland. See above.

Heard it before v SA. Until it happens, if it happens, their form remains poor v Ireland.

Good chance Ireland will play NZ anyway not SA.

True, there’s a good chance Ireland won’t top the group given the way they’re playing

Fair enough but I don't think SA expect to smoke Ireland every time, your comment. Fans have a completely different perspective than the players.
SA confidence has, rightfully, been low recently.

Good thing for them is they're on edge, and they're certainly not that way in November. These days the SH sides 'get through' the AI's as an end to the year. They're no different than these friendlys going on. At least in June theres a series to be won, the AI's are just a random number of one offs, with little to achieve than northern upsets.

And you should be more confident of Ireland beating Scotland, so they get to play NZ.

SA wont beat NZ in pool. I'll say that right now. Quote me later.

I still think SA will come 2nd too and more than likely Ireland will top their group as they have done in the last two RWCs but who knows.

Collapse2005 wrote:I still think SA will come 2nd too and more than likely Ireland will top their group as they have done in the last two RWCs but who knows.

Yep, I see an Irish resurgence this weekend and if not back at home. Schmidts got to test the resolve of his main squad now, in hostile territory, after a painful loss. Otherwise even he will start questioning how much of 2015 was mental block.

Mind you...the Scots probably like their chances now v Ireland. They punch quite well world cup time...

Taylorman wrote:Mind you...the Scots probably like their chances now v Ireland. They punch quite well world cup time...

Scots were the only NH team to nearly make the semis. Ref made a mistake from what I remember last time...!

I could see a team in Pool A winning 3 games and not qualifying.

I could also see a team in Pool C and Pool D winning 2 games and still going through.

Bonus points are going to be more important than ever.

All Blacks 2019 RWC squad

Hookers

Dane Coles (32, Hurricanes / Wellington, 64)
Liam Coltman (29, Highlanders / Otago, 5)
Codie Taylor (28, Crusaders / Canterbury, 44)

Props

Nepo Laulala (27, Chiefs / Counties Manukau, 19)
Joe Moody (30, Crusaders /Canterbury, 40)
Atu Moli (24, Chiefs / Tasman, 2)
Angus Ta'avao (29, Chiefs / Taranaki, 7)
Ofa Tuungafasi (27, Blues / Auckland, 29)

Locks

Scott Barrett (25, Crusaders / Taranaki, 30)
Brodie Retallick (28, Chiefs / Hawke's Bay, 77)
Patrick Tuipulotu (26, Blues / Auckland, 24)
Samuel Whitelock (30, Crusaders / Canterbury, 111)

Loose forwards

Sam Cane (27, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty, 63)
Luke Jacobson (22, Chiefs / Waikato, 1)
Kieran Read (33, Crusaders / Counties Manukau, 121) - Captain
Ardie Savea (25, Hurricanes / Wellington, 38)
Matt Todd (31, Crusaders / Canterbury, 20)

Backs:

Halfbacks

TJ Perenara (27, Hurricanes / Wellington, 58)
Aaron Smith (30, Highlanders / Manawatu, 86)
Brad Weber (28, Chiefs / Hawke's Bay, 2)

First five-eighths

Beauden Barrett (28, Blues / Taranaki, 77)
Richie Mo'unga (25, Crusaders / Canterbury, 12)

Midfielders

Ryan Crotty (30, Crusaders / Canterbury, 44)
Jack Goodhue (24, Crusaders / Northland, 9)
Anton Lienert-Brown (24, Chiefs / Waikato, 37)
Sonny Bill Williams (33, Blues / Counties Manukau, 53)

Outside backs

Jordie Barrett (22, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 11)
George Bridge (24, Crusaders / Canterbury, 4)
Rieko Ioane (22, Blues / Auckland, 26)
Sevu Reece (22, Crusaders / Waikato, 2)
Ben Smith (33, Highlanders /Otago, 79)


Notable omissions: Owen Franks, Liam Squire, Ngani Laumape

Other than the 3 notables, completely predictable after the Auckland match.
Built for speed and mobility, they'll be looking to punish bad kicks with Barrett and the younger outside backs. Experience a factor there- either tons of it, or none.

Franks will probably be the biggest surprise overseas. That Bledisloe loss to Australia appears to have killed his chances.

Yeah Franks has had injury issues as well. Recently underwent a 'muscle graft' or similar to mend his shoulder only weeks ago. Isnt well so its not purely a form thing. The sport has taken its toll on Owen's finally I'm afraid. Still, cant complain with two world cups and several Super/ RC titles to his name.

Jacobsen a punt for youth and is the bolter with Reece, and Bridge. In them and Matt Todd this is clearly a side that's going to want to burn up the track with less emphasis on the tight, though theres a lot of smarts there as well. Tuipulotu has improved this year and Laulala is the new anchor.

Certainly capable of winning no. 4 but if not this side will certainly entertain. Whoever meets them had better be prepared to run, and tackle....and not kick to open spaces poorly.

I think it will mean several of the usual sides will revert to type even more readily now. Keep them in close, starve the ball, kick the corners, rush defence etc etc.

As usual that’s a very exciting squad. The unveiling of the latest RWC Squad is like the launch of a new Super Car (Or some such thing you admire) , I have so much anticipation and never fails to reward.

Really looking forward to seeing the first game. What and opener for you guys.

Collapse2005 wrote:You obviously think Wales will lose to Australia? Good chance they will though they are probably still a better side than Oz.

I see it as Wales defence v Oz attack.

Away from the Principality I would have Oz as favourites.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:You obviously think Wales will lose to Australia? Good chance they will though they are probably still a better side than Oz.

I see it as Wales defence v Oz attack.

Away from the Principality I would have Oz as favourites.

If only anything was as simple as that.. ha ha ha..!

majesticimperialman wrote:I expect different Ireland Game this week against Wales. I would expect both team to put out their strongest team this week.

Wales are not putting their strongest team out on Saturday. They are already talking about Owen Lane, Jarod Evans, Jake Ball and Bradley Davies, Navidi at 8, Hallom Amos at full back, Steff Evans on the wing, amongst other things.

Although, the team is very exciting.

LordDowlais wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:I expect  different Ireland Game this week against Wales. I would expect both team to put out their strongest team this week.

Wales are not putting their strongest team out on Saturday. They are already talking about Owen Lane, Jarod Evans, Jake Ball and Bradley Davies, Navidi at 8, Hallom Amos at full back, Steff Evans on the wing, amongst other things.

Although, the team is very exciting.

Very exciting. It’s always brilliant to see less familiar faces get their opportunities. Should be a ferocious test.

Just hoping the fitness of a few of the lads is good, there are still a few minor injuries in the squad

tigertattie wrote:

Pie wrote:SA will beat NZ. And currently I expect they'll play Japan in the 1/4. What a re natch that will be.

Who is missing out for Japan to go through? Irleand or Scotland (or both if Samoa turn up?)?

Cant say, neither seem settled. Home advantage and a known ability to turn up for a big game I think they have a strong chance to bet 1 or both and I dont think Samoa will trouble them.

1014 guys are working for Spark.

Given discipline and cards are likely to be issues at the tournament, I'd be keen for a 1014-style squad analysis on that front.

I was thinking that NZ, with two red-carded players in their 31, wouldn't look great on paper but it then occurred to me that England have Daly and Launchbury (Launchbury's red was a post-match decision).

The theory of SA smoking Ireland got me thinking. Probably at least 8 teams have a better pedigree in past WC's than Ireland.
If I was betting/investing I wouldn't think what has happened too much in the past but on what is happening now.
England smoked Ireland a few weeks back. Will that happen if they met in the WC? I'm not so sure.
I just did a quick aggregate score on the last WC cycle 2015 - 2019 between Ireland & the big 3 Southern Hemisphere sides and probably more importantly Ireland under Schmidt and got the following.
Ireland 87 New Zealand 83 (Ireland by 4)
Ireland 103 SA 74 (Ireland by 29)
Ireland 82 Aus 79 (Ireland by 3)
Ireland have dropped the ball on quite a few occasions before and might well do so again but I'm guessing they have more confidence this time around and will certainly prove it if they get to their 1st semi-final.
Pichot has said the ranking systems is flawed & needs to be looked at.
NZ are the number 1 team, (but the gap has closed)
Ire/Eng/Wales are pretty even & the rankings over the past few weeks reflect that.
SA are fast catching up & are my tip for the WC....Let's see

SA seem to be everyone's favorite at the moment based on success in a fairly watered down version of the rugby championship and their world cup pedigree. However, they arent without their own problems at all.

Aphiwe Dyantyi their young player of the year winner for 2018 is about to be on the end of a hefty doping ban from rugby. Dyantyi scored 2 tries in SA's win over NZ in Wellington in 2018.

Secondly, there is a chance that Eben Ezebeth will be axed from the squad for a bust up in a bar.

They also recently lost their attack coach.

Not exactly the greatest preparation for a RWC.

Also aside from that like all teams they do have depth issues. I think their resurgence has coincided with a return to form and 1st choice selection for Handre Pollard who is now a really key player for the Boks. Like a lot of sides if you take out their first choice 10 they too are in a bit of trouble as Jantjies is simply not at the same level. I think this may actually be reflected in Rassie's rugby championship tactic of not having Janjies even on the bench as back up to Pollard, the 10 position being covered fairly precariously by Francois Steyn instead, so fingers crossed for the Boks that Pollard lasts the full 80 every time otherwise I see trouble for them.

Finally, its been a long time since they have "smoked" Ireland so Ill believe it when I see it if the two sides do meet. Until then I would be fairly confident that Ireland can overcome the Boks.

Rugby Fan wrote:1014 guys are working for Spark.

What happened to these guys? Did a few reviews in the 6N then released a brilliant Warren Gatland interview and then a Crusaders interview and disappeared. Didn't bother wrapping up the 6N. Glad they're back though, enjoy their analysis, clearly like us and just love dissecting the game.

They sold out. They got a gig with Sky NZ didnt they?

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12264252

Experts at the Telegraph predict an Ireland v NZ final.

Those experts are really thinking seriously about it.  They'd have to be to come up with Ireland based on this year's form so far.  

It sounds funny - Gats will sneer openly - but there it is.  Joe Schmidt and his boys have to ensure these experts are worth their wages.  They (experts) obviously feel there is much to improve on in Irish efforts that IS improvable.  They obviously think Ireland are a package that can ramp up their performances in the next month or so.

For now I share their opinion.  Winning?  Well, .... performance plus some luck plus fate might get us there.  The squad can only control one of them.  That's their part of the deal.  We wait to see what transpires on that topic.

Yeah funk it Im with you secretfly, Ireland to defy the odds

2 weeks 11 hours until first kick-off!

bsando wrote:2 weeks 11 hours until first kick-off!

????

At the time you wrote that I make it two two weeks 21 hours and 45 minutes

LondonTiger wrote:

bsando wrote:2 weeks 11 hours until first kick-off!

????

At the time you wrote that I make it two two weeks 21 hours and 45 minutes

Are you taking the time difference into account?

I’m well up for this. Even though Scotland are taking some pish poor players.

It’s the World Cup. The one that matters. Not the dodgy Fifa one!

I’ve already told my boss that there’s at least three mornings where I won’t be in till 12pm.

tigertattie wrote:

I’ve already told  my boss that there’s at least three mornings where I won’t be in till 12pm.

I think that's very fine of you, tattie, to give your employer ample time and reason to write up your dismissal letter. That's very good of you and will give a good impression in your next job interview

Really looking forward to the World Cup. Ireland. Think we will top the group, but bow out in the quarters again, to South Africa.

Japan could well spring an upset, home nation behind them.

Always had a soft spot for Canada, ( 15’s and 7’s). Glad they made it again. Hoping they can wins against Namibia and think they will sneak passed Italy.

Looking forward to seeing how Madison Hughes and Ben Pinkleman do for USA.

Think some of the ‘minnow’ games will be great.
Can’t wait for it now.

For what it’s worth.

QF’s
Australia to beat France
New Zealand to beat Scotland
Wales to beat England
South Africa to beat Ireland

SF’s
Australia to beat New Zealand
South Africa to beat Wales

Final
South Africa to beat Australia.

Let’s see how far of my predictions are

Either way. Think it’s going to be a cracking tournament.

SecretFly wrote:

tigertattie wrote:

I’ve already told  my boss that there’s at least three mornings where I won’t be in till 12pm.

I think that's very fine of you, tattie, to give your employer ample time and reason to write up your dismissal letter.  That's very good of you and will give a good impression in your next job interview

It’s all good, I’ve told them to take it out of many hours of free overtime I’ve done over the years.

Besides, they can’t sack me, I’m the only one that can reset everyones passwords.

NZ Herald has noted a typhoon on it's way to Japan, and wonders whether the pool stages could be disrupted if one turns up later.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12265313

The answer is YES OF COURSE. Just last year, Typhoon Trami arrived in Japan in late September, so it's a lottery whether we happen to get one or more during the tournament this year.

What the Herald article does mention, which I hadn't realized, is that cancelled matches will be treated as 0-0 draws, which could have a bearing on how teams finish in the pools.

Organisers have planned for the possibility of having to relocate teams from their bases or even to move matches to different venues but, if a pool match is cancelled, tournament rules state that both teams will be awarded two points – in effect rendering the result a 0-0 draw.

Oh come on, who's given him back that black felt? Dorians clearly not going that far west!

Remarkable forethought from Joe again. This storm warning is proof positive why Toner was dropped. It would be a catastrophe if he was blown over by strong winds in the middle of an mportant game. Cranes on the field would disrupt play even further not to mention cutting up the turf.

Joe plans everything. Exceptional.

westisbest wrote:Really looking forward to the World Cup. Ireland. Think we will top the group, but bow out in the quarters again, to South Africa.

Japan could well spring an upset, home nation behind them.

Always had a soft spot for Canada, ( 15’s and 7’s). Glad they made it again. Hoping they can wins against Namibia and think they will sneak passed Italy.

Looking forward to seeing how Madison Hughes and Ben Pinkleman do for USA.

Think some of the ‘minnow’ games will be great.
Can’t wait for it now.

For what it’s worth.

QF’s
Australia to beat France
New Zealand to beat Scotland
Wales to beat England
South Africa to beat Ireland

SF’s
Australia to beat New Zealand
South Africa to beat Wales

Final
South Africa to beat Australia.

Let’s see how far of my predictions are

Either way. Think it’s going to be a cracking tournament.

An interesting call. I think there may be a few more surprises. Pools A could see either Scotland, Ireland or maybe even Japan qualify, Japan are a bit of an unknown quantity. In pool B very hard to know whether to pick SA or NZ as winners. Pool C looks tougher than I think credit has been given, Pool D there has been so little between Australia and wales despit the Australians getting more wins.

Id be surprised if Japan beat either Scotland or Ireland. In 7 games v Ireland they have never come within 2 scores of Ireland and usually get hammered. 4 of those games were also in Nippon.

westisbest wrote:
QF’s
Australia to beat France
New Zealand to beat Scotland
Wales to beat England
South Africa to beat Ireland

SF’s
Australia to beat New Zealand
South Africa to beat Wales

Final
South Africa to beat Australia.

England to beat Australia
South Africa to beat Japan
Wales to beat France
New Zealand to beat Ireland

England to beat South Africa
New Zealand to beat Wales

New Zealand to beat England

NZ become first team to win tournament having lost a pool game

Collapse2005 wrote:Id be surprised if Japan beat either Scotland or Ireland. In 7 games v Ireland they have never come within 2 scores of Ireland and usually get hammered. 4 of those games were also in Nippon.

Well they have never lost to the Spingboks in their illustrious rugby history. They have been playing well in the Pacific Cup. Not to be underestimated.

maestegmafia wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:Id be surprised if Japan beat either Scotland or Ireland. In 7 games v Ireland they have never come within 2 scores of Ireland and usually get hammered. 4 of those games were also in Nippon.

Well they have never lost to the Spingboks in their illustrious rugby history. They have been playing well in the Pacific Cup. Not to be underestimated.

Yo will see from above that I am predicting that will change in the 1/4 finals.

LondonTiger wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:Id be surprised if Japan beat either Scotland or Ireland. In 7 games v Ireland they have never come within 2 scores of Ireland and usually get hammered. 4 of those games were also in Nippon.

Well they have never lost to the Spingboks in their illustrious rugby history. They have been playing well in the Pacific Cup. Not to be underestimated.

Yo will see from above that I am predicting that will change in the 1/4 finals.

May well happen tonight as the Brave Cherry Blossoms take on the mighty Bok at the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium tonight.

Be great to see Japan keep their winning run going a little longer. They have selected six players who beat the bok in Brighton four years ago.

Japan team: Will Tupou, Kotaro Matsushima, Timothy Lafaele, Ryoto Nakamura, Kenki Fukuoka, Yu Tamura, Kaito Shigeno, Amanaki Lelei Mafi, Pieter Labushagne, Michael Leitch (captain), Uwe Helu, Luke Thompson, Jiwon Koo, Atsushi Sakate, Keita Inagaki.

Replacements: Takuya Kitade, Isileli Nakajima, Asaeli Ai Valu, James Moore, Kazuki Tokunaga, Yutaka Nagare, Rikiya Matsuda, Ataata Moeakiola.

South Africa: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Damian De Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Francois Louw, Herschel Jantjies, Frans Steyn, Jesse Kriel.

This 'Time Together' thing is quite important in reference to World Cup run-in periods v other ordinary year 'friendly' encounters.

World Cup 'Time Together' can have a big impact on performance levels, and mostly that impact is more evident in the considered lesser sides.  Now of course, any improvement in cohesiveness is relative, and top sides still expect to get the better of the 'minnows' but as we've witnessed in the past, that expectation can prove foolhardy and embarrassing.

It's a World Cup, it's giant killer Japan, it's at home.  Any lack of respect or appreciation for the possibilities of 'upset' and yep, Ireland could stumble.  But I really do think Ireland have honestly learned all these lessons by now.  I don't expect lethargy or complacency this time.  I just don't.

Japan could still win of course...fate and all that.  But they'll have to work for it.  It won't be delivered on a plate of surprise.