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  

rodders wrote:

Old Man wrote:
As far as predictions are concerned, only a brave man will confidently predict this RWC, which is about as open as a barn door.

There are sure to be one of the contenders to disappoint, maybe two, who knows?

Yes you see I agree with a lot of that and also that there isn't much between the top 6.

So with that in mind I predict, with some confidence, the winner will not come from pool B or C. Whoever comes from those pools will have a much tougher run and therefore need to be considerably better than the other teams, which we all agree they aren't.

Therefore the winner will come from A or D, wait and see....

Ha ha, there’s no one in pool A or D that can win it, let alone will win it. B and C have six wins between them. A and D have oz with two, and none of the others have even sniffed the final. Why? Cos they’ve always found it much tougher.

Those sides will crumble as they always do.

B and C dont have six wins, they have 0. Different squads and managers.

A big fat zero

That’s right, just as Nadals never won his next first round match. Sure, there is that glimmer of hope.

Taylorman wrote:That’s right, just as Nadals never won his next first round match. Sure, there is that glimmer of hope.

No not like that at all really.

Correct Nadal should play rugby. Perhaps at 9. He's much too spirited, mannish and real for that foppish nonsense they call Tennis

Yeah it is. And dont kid yourself that the Irish won’t fear the ABs. You don’t speak for them. Take a cue from Warburtons post lions first test experience. Took a lot to stay in there. Irish at the knockout stage are suddenly exposed to the unknown. They’ll face either a two or three time winner, sides that have won as a minimum six and nine knockouts between them, where they have choked at the first hurdle...every...single...time.
Those thoughts are real.

Taylorman wrote:

rodders wrote:

Old Man wrote:
As far as predictions are concerned, only a brave man will confidently predict this RWC, which is about as open as a barn door.

There are sure to be one of the contenders to disappoint, maybe two, who knows?

Yes you see I agree with a lot of that and also that there isn't much between the top 6.

So with that in mind I predict, with some confidence, the winner will not come from pool B or C. Whoever comes from those pools will have a much tougher run and therefore need to be considerably better than the other teams, which we all agree they aren't.

Therefore the winner will come from A or D, wait and see....

Ha ha, there’s no one in pool A or D that can win it, let alone will win it. B and C have six wins between them. A and D have oz with two, and none of the others have even sniffed the final. Why? Cos they’ve always found it much tougher.

Those sides will crumble as they always do.

Wales have sniffed the final. If by ‘sniffed’ you mean been close to getting there. A halfpenny missed kick at the death v France the difference between us getting there and not.

SecretFly wrote:Correct Nadal should play rugby.  Perhaps at 9.  He's much too spirited, mannish and real for that foppish nonsense they call Tennis

Pretty boys on the wing? Or is it flyhalf these days

Taylorman wrote:Yeah it is. And dont kid yourself that the Irish won’t fear the ABs. You don’t speak for them. Take a cue from Warburtons post lions first test experience. Took a lot to stay in there. Irish at the knockout stage are suddenly exposed to the unknown. They’ll face either a two or three time winner, sides that have won as a minimum six and nine knockouts between them, where they have choked at the first hurdle...every...single...time.
Those thoughts are real.

No they wont face two or three time winners at all. No one except Frans Steyn has a RWC medal for the Boks and only a few past it Kiwis have RWC medals.

Dont kid yourself Ireland dont fear the ABs at all. Not a sausage. They will expect to send them back to the pacific islands.

I see Graham Henry is to be inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame night after the final.  Long overdue for the auld codger.

He hinted that he never expected to get it and said he wouldn't go into the details of why he felt so.

Anyone have an idea what it might be.  If I could guess, I'd say Graham f**ked some bow tie wearing chap off in the past from World Rugby Adminland?

He deserves the call up. Im sure his biography has something to do with it. He basically called Barnes a cheat which I dont think World Rugby really appreciated.

Yeah...that has the sound of what it must be.

Collapse2005 wrote:He deserves the call up. Im sure his biography has something to do with it. He basically called Barnes a cheat which I dont think World Rugby really appreciated.

That’s true, he should have called the IRB a farce for ever appointing an inexperienced incompetent fool for the match. Not Barnes fault he wasn’t anywhere near up to it.

Just bought a new house and was digging through some old boxes and found some badges that I got at the 1991 RWC. All given to me and my brother by players or coaches. We waited outside the old south terrace of the old Lansdowne road after watching the Aus v NZ semi final.

We were hoping to get an autograph from David Campese but he snubbed us. Instead Bob Dwyer gave us his Australia badge from the lapel of his blazer. Nice man.

Yes Dwyers great. Wallabies played Counties once and after the match a few of us ended up in the hotel they were staying at and we wandered in to their side bar, unintentionally of course and they just said grab a beer and pull up. Good couple of hours spent.

Collapse2005 wrote:He deserves the call up. Im sure his biography has something to do with it. He basically called Barnes a cheat which I dont think World Rugby really appreciated.

Maybe he has called Joubert a cheat ( in the interests of balance).

Looks like SBWs out, Laumape to replace. Not great for SBW. he’s continued to prove he’s brittle. Laumapes the in form player, has been top of his game all year, and continues to thrive in Mitre 10. Should be there anyway.

May not be out after all. Pity, had got used to Laumape going, think he will anyway.

Does any one what time any of the games are on tv? How far in front ( time wise) is Japan from Engliand?

In SA the warm up match vs Japan was 12h00 our time which would be 11h00 uk time

majesticimperialman wrote:Does any one what time any of the games are on tv? How far in front ( time wise) is Japan from Engliand?

Start your vigil late evenings to early mornings and I think you might catch a few. Good hunting.

All matches are played between 6h15 and 11h45 UK time (starting times)

Didnt realise SA had the oldest tier one squad at the RWC. Anyone can take a guess who has the most experienced?

majesticimperialman wrote:Does any one what time any of the games are on tv? How far in front ( time wise) is Japan from Engliand?

Japan is eight hours in front. Nine hours, when the clocks change.

Incidentally, the next typhoon of the season has just been spotted. Too early to tell what course it will take.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20190915/amp/k10012083741000.html?__twitter_impression=true

English link

https://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

Old Man wrote:All matches are played between 6h15 and 11h45 UK time (starting times)

Yes same here but plus 12 hours. Perfect scheduling between 4 and midnight.

A potential overseas based AB side had they not moved overseas recently published. And this doesnt count the numerous players at home that missed out...Laumape, Nonu, Akira Ioane etc etc.

15. Charlie Ngatai (Lyon): The former Chief never realised his potential in an All Blacks jersey due to recurring problems with concussion, but there is no doubting his class or versatility.

14. Charles Piutau (Bristol): The 27-year-old would be pushing hard for a spot in the All Blacks' back three had he stayed in New Zealand. The test arena is poorer for his absence.

​13. Malakai Fekitoa (Wasps): Has recently joined Wasps in England's Premiership where he will reconnect with former Highlanders team-mate Lima Sopoaga.

​12. Bundee Aki (Connacht and Ireland): A key part of Joe Schmidt's Ireland side, Aki was excellent for the men in green as they beat the All Blacks in Dublin last year.

11. James Lowe (Leinster): Clever wing with the big left boot is another who would probably go close to the current All Blacks squad. Has been a popular recruit at Irish province Leinster.

10. Aaron Cruden (Montpellier): Struggled with injury at Montpellier but the Chiefs have never really replaced him in the No 10 jersey after he left New Zealand in 2017.

9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (La Rochelle): Another one whose departure is still mourned by All Blacks fans. Brilliant defensively and Rugby World Cup winner in 2015.

8. Victor Vito (La Rochelle): Has flourished in France where his athleticism at the back of the scrum has won him many admirers.

7. Michael Leitch (Sunwolves and Japan): Threw his lot in with Japan many years ago but would probably be an All Black by now had he stayed in New Zealand. Was immense for the Chiefs during his time in Hamilton and has great leadership skills.

6. Steven Luatua (Bristol): Face never seemed to fit at the All Blacks and left for the UK just as he was beginning to realise his huge potential. May well have developed into the All Blacks' No 6 had he stayed.

​5. Dominic Bird (Racing 92): Giant lock never quite nailed his chances at the All Blacks but at 28 Bird would now be coming into his prime as a tight five forward.

4. Michael Fatialofa (Worcester): Was a huge contributor to the Hurricanes' Super Rugby triumph in 2016 and combines a great work ethic with a hard edge.

3. Charlie Faumuina (Toulouse): Is Steve Hansen looking for big, athletic ball carrying props? The bloke who fits that bill perfectly is currently playing for Toulouse.

2. Rhys Marshall (Munster): Former Taranaki hooker left New Zealand early to join Munster and is another Kiwi who could end up wearing the green of Ireland when he becomes eligible.

1. Toby Smith (Hurricanes and Australia): Mobile prop who won six caps for the Wallabies during his time with the Melbourne Rebels.

Replacements: Motu Matu'u (London Irish and Samoa), John Afoa (Bristol), Ben Tameifuna (Racing 92 and Tonga), Brad Shields (Wasps and England), Willi Heinz (Gloucester and England), Lima Sopoaga (Wasps), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets and Wales)

Question for the uk v2ers. Is the WC only on ITV? All the games next weekend are on ITV and personally I hate the adverts just as the game is kicking off.

Rugby Fan wrote:Incidentally, the next typhoon of the season has just been spotted. Too early to tell what course it will take.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20190915/amp/k10012083741000.html?__twitter_impression=true

English link

https://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

Recent announcements suggest this one will lose a lot of intensity and be downgraded from typhoon status before it reaches Japan. Not expected to be a problem.

"Gatland has been using baby oil on his balls"
Best quote from a press conference so far

carpet baboon wrote:"Gatland has been using baby oil on his balls"
Best quote from a press conference so far

It's all coming out now. Keep the children away from this WC. It looks like things are getting hardcore kinky.

SecretFly wrote:

carpet baboon wrote:"Gatland has been using baby oil on his balls"
Best quote from a press conference so far

It's all coming out now.  Keep the children away from this WC.  It looks like things are getting hardcore kinky.

Aye, the good people of Japan come over as a nice well mannered polite bunch of reserved folk but as they say, its the quiet ones you need to watch!

tigertattie wrote:Question for the uk v2ers. Is the WC only on ITV? All the games next weekend are on ITV and personally I hate the adverts just as the game is kicking off.

Yep

lostinwales wrote:

tigertattie wrote:Question for the uk v2ers. Is the WC only on ITV? All the games next weekend are on ITV and personally I hate the adverts just as the game is kicking off.

Yep

well that sucks. ITV and the beeb share the wendyball cup, wonder why the rugby is exclusive on ITV???

The beeb has some truely awful presenters and pundits (see Inverdale, Guscott, Nicol, Jiffy) but the overall production is just better on the beeb than it is on ITV

tigertattie wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

tigertattie wrote:Question for the uk v2ers. Is the WC only on ITV? All the games next weekend are on ITV and personally I hate the adverts just as the game is kicking off.

Yep

well that sucks. ITV and the beeb share the wendyball cup, wonder why the rugby is exclusive on ITV???

The beeb has some truely awful presenters and pundits (see Inverdale, Guscott, Nicol, Jiffy) but the overall production is just better on the beeb than it is on ITV

I looked it up the other day and ITV have the RWC exclusively this time and the next.

Well, feck me, 15,300 people turned out to watch a Wales training session.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49713588

That's nice to see. Japanese are lovely people.

I saw the clip of some schoolchildren singing 'Calon Lan' this morning, and I genuinely welled up. What a welcome!

LordDowlais wrote:Well, feck me, 15,300 people turned out to watch a Wales training session.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49713588

I wonder how many of them were from Australia. At least a few Id say.

Collapse2005 wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Well, feck me, 15,300 people turned out to watch a Wales training session.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49713588

I wonder how many of them were from Australia. At least a few Id say.

Visions of the Australian rugby team trying to pretend they are japanese.

Hopefully it means theres going to be lots of interest by the locals. The best international tournaments are those which include lots of neutrals imo.

Collapse2005 wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Well, feck me, 15,300 people turned out to watch a Wales training session.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49713588

I wonder how many of them were from Australia. At least a few Id say.

The Aussies have the Five Eyes satellites for that stuff....

No 7&1/2 wrote:Hopefully it means theres going to be lots of interest by the locals. The best international tournaments are those which include lots of neutrals imo.

In this case, I think the location was disappointed not to host a game, so they turned up as it's an opportunity to be involved in the WC.

It is a great attendance and the welcome has been incredible. The work the WRU have done in the build up to the tournament has been fantastic, to be fair to them.

tigertattie wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

tigertattie wrote:Question for the uk v2ers. Is the WC only on ITV? All the games next weekend are on ITV and personally I hate the adverts just as the game is kicking off.

Yep

well that sucks. ITV and the beeb share the wendyball cup, wonder why the rugby is exclusive on ITV???

The beeb has some truely awful presenters and pundits (see Inverdale, Guscott, Nicol, Jiffy) but the overall production is just better on the beeb than it is on ITV

It's done on a bid. BBC probably don't bid as much as ITV, but are more likely to break the bank for the football World Cup.

I definitely prefer the ITV pundits, and if you can get over the adverts I don't mind ITV at all for rugby coverage. A lot of the time if I'm watching rugby it will be at my local club, so won't be glued to the chats before, during or after the game anyway.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I saw the clip of some schoolchildren singing 'Calon Lan' this morning, and I genuinely welled up. What a welcome!

Yes theyve really taken to it...saw a group of school children singing the NZ anthem... in Maori. Cute as

Taylorman wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I saw the clip of some schoolchildren singing 'Calon Lan' this morning, and I genuinely welled up. What a welcome!

Yes theyve really taken to it...saw a group of school children singing the NZ anthem... in Maori. Cute as

Jaysus be careful kids, the NZRFU will snap you up in no time

A bit of trivia that I pinched from Twitter:

Without looking it up.....

Can you name any of the 15 players from Rugby World Cup 2007 who have made it to RWC 2019?

Can you name the 1 player from RWC 2003 who has made it to RWC 2019?!

Phil vickery

Nice question.

Rory Best
Frans Steyn
AWJ
Sergio Parisse