The official Rugby Union World Cup thread

[pieceofme]

Watching England is stressful. Making tough work of Georgia.

Good result for Wales earlier. Even though it was a tight game I wasn't enthralled by it like other close games such Ireland vs Australia.

[demolition23]

Motherfucker... The Irish have put a cat amongst the pigeons.

It's St Patrick's Day in Auckland tonight!

Was really cheering for the Irish and its good to see a bit of an upset finally even if both are classed as top tier teams.

People were calling them top tier, but to me...

1st Tier: All Blacks, Aust, SA, England, and France.
2nd Tier: Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Argentina, and (maybe) Samoa.


(basically, New Zealand and teams that have beaten New Zealand in my lifetime - followed by the rest of the five nations, Argentina and the best of the Pacific, although they're too small to be consistent).

[Lofty]

Motherfucker... The Irish have put a cat amongst the pigeons.

It's St Patrick's Day in Auckland tonight!

Was really cheering for the Irish and its good to see a bit of an upset finally even if both are classed as top tier teams.

Still Irelands form was poor coming into this World Cup and Australias was very good. Maybe the Irish just pretended the Aussies were English and hence why their game was raised!

Well a lot of that was based on the form shown in the warm up games which can be somewhat deceptive at the best of times and a poor showing against the US in what was horrendous conditions. As well as that, you have to factor in the fact that they have lost their first choice hooker and number 7 in Flannery and Wallace respectively. Always going to be a blow to any side but especially Ireland.

This was a game, though that had been targeted for quite some time. They had also been extremely clever in that they had studied the form of the referee in previous games and seen that they could gain an advantage in the scrummage area. Does not take away from the fact that all the players involved put in an absolutely monumnetal effort throughout and it was impossible to pick out one player above another.

Where to next for Australia though? They will not fancy taking on South Africa, especially given their power in the set piece, and if they get over that, New Zealand will probably be waiting for them. At least this result means that there will be definitely be a Northern Hemisphere team in the final as well

[Sleazyjack]

Yeah that Irish result was a nice surprise, Aussies may struggle in the next round now!

England did what was expected , and thats about all I can say about that

[demolition23]

Well, things seem to have settled into their groove a little bit.

The 5 minutes leading up to the US try against Australia was some of the most entertaining play of the tournament for me.


All Blacks France tomorrow. Going to be big.



Head-to-head

- This is the 50th Test match between New Zealand and France. New Zealand have won 36, France have won 12 and there has been one draw.

- It is their fifth meeting at the Rugby World Cup, which will make this one of the most common RWC match-ups, equal to New Zealand v Italy, New Zealand v Scotland, England v Australia and Australia v Ireland.- France and New Zealand play each other at the fourth successive Rugby World Cup. The only other fixture to take place at four RWC tournaments in a row is New Zealand v Scotland at the first four Rugby World Cups.

- France and New Zealand have won two matches each against each other at Rugby World Cups but France have won both of the fixtures played before the finals weekend. The All Blacks have beaten France in the 1987 final and the 2003 bronze final.

- France have won four of the 23 matches between the two played in New Zealand. Only Australia (17), South Africa (nine) and the British (& Irish) Lions (6) have won more times in New Zealand than the French but all three have played at least 15 matches more here.

- France have won two of the last three Tests between the two which have been played outside France, winning the Rugby World Cup 2007 quarter-final 20-18 in Cardiff and the 2009 Test in Dunedin 27-22.

- However, New Zealand have won the last two Tests between the two, in Wellington (14-10) and Marseille (39-12).

- France's win in Dunedin in 2009 was the first match in which they were captained by Thierry Dusautoir.

- Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Richie McCaw will all play their 10th Test against France, joining 10 other players from SANZAR nations to have done this, a list led by Sean Fitzpatrick (NZL) and John Kirwan (NZL) with 12.

- Mealamu and McCaw can both achieve their ninth victory against France, one short of the record of 10 by a SANZAR player, set by Gary Whetton (NZL) between 1981 and 1990.

- Dan Carter has scored 106 Test points against France and needs 21 more to break the record by a SANZAR player; 126 by Michael Lynagh (AUS).

- Ma'a Nonu has scored four of his Test tries against France, the joint fourth most by an All Black.

- Damien Traille will join 10 other France players who have played against the All Blacks on at least 10 occasions. Traille has been on the winning side twice against New Zealand, two short of the France record of four.

- France were the last team to beat New Zealand at Eden Park, doing so in 1994.

- France and New Zealand share the Rugby World Cup record of most semi-final appearances (five).

[pieceofme]

New Zealand will win by 15.

[demolition23]

Senor Beale!


https://www.facebook.com/SenorBeale?sk=info

[pieceofme]

France are being torn apart!

[demolition23]

Without wanting to disrespect France or Scotland/Argentina, it looks like they're writing a postcard to the Springboks right now.

[demolition23]

Pretty pleasing performance really, although the injury-count is a little worrying. Glad we've got two weeks until the quarters.

Also, that second French try was odd. Surely you should let the players being talked to by the ref get back into the line before you call time on?

[demolition23]

Also, nice 100th test for Richie McCaw tonight. First All Black to reach that mark and, particularly if we win the Cup, likely to go down in historyas the greatest All Black ever.

[Sleazyjack]

England going along quite well, easy win today ........ bring on the Jocks

[pieceofme]

Without wanting to disrespect France or Scotland/Argentina, it looks like they're writing a postcard to the Springboks right now.

I'm not too sure what you're getting at?

Isn't it looking like a South Africa vs Australia QF and then a semi with either NZ/Argentina?

[demolition23]

Without wanting to disrespect France or Scotland/Argentina, it looks like they're writing a postcard to the Springboks right now.

I'm not too sure what you're getting at?

Isn't it looking like a South Africa vs Australia QF and then a semi with either NZ/Argentina?

The psychological battle between tri-nations sides has been being fought since the start of the Super 15, so what I meant is that last night's performance was as much about showing we're a team to be feared as it was about beating France. Given the most likely semi match-up is against SA who have looked strong so far, this match would have given them something to think about.

[pieceofme]

Without wanting to disrespect France or Scotland/Argentina, it looks like they're writing a postcard to the Springboks right now.

I'm not too sure what you're getting at?

Isn't it looking like a South Africa vs Australia QF and then a semi with either NZ/Argentina?

The psychological battle between tri-nations sides has been being fought since the start of the Super 15, so what I meant is that last night's performance was as much about showing we're a team to be feared as it was about beating France. Given the most likely semi match-up is against SA who have looked strong so far, this match would have given them something to think about.

That makes sense.

New Zealand looked irresistible last night.

I really can't see it going outside the tri-nation teams. I know that isn't exactly a bold prediction.

New Zeland are still hot favourites imo. I'm hoping if England don't win (which on current evidence they are nowhere close (although I thought that four years ago!) then I'm going for South Africa. They are my second team for some reason. Its not like they are good friends with England or anything.

Australia could still spring a surprise though and Wales are looking the most in form team from the Northern hemisphere.

[Lofty]

England going along quite well, easy win today ........ bring on the Jocks

Well assuming the match up goes as it is at the moment, it will be Ireland playing Wales. Both teams will fancy their chances but I think James Hook is acrrying an injury at the moment? We had the expected 9 try beating of Russia this morning so the last game is against Italy

[pieceofme]

England going along quite well, easy win today ........ bring on the Jocks

Well assuming the match up goes as it is at the moment, it will be Ireland playing Wales. Both teams will fancy their chances but I think James Hook is acrrying an injury at the moment? We had the expected 9 try beating of Russia this morning so the last game is against Italy

Thats got a potential of being a great game. Especially with a rivalry between the two heating up in recent years with grand slams/ triple crowns on the line in recent 6 nation tournaments.

I would back Wales in that game. They are a bit more dynamic imo.

[pieceofme]

After the Ireland vs Australia game the tournament has gone a bit flat. Some very one sided games plus hyped up games not quite living up to expectation.

[pieceofme]

Nice game between Japan and Canada. Another draw between the two.

[KillDevilHill]

Fuck sakes, another draw

[pieceofme]

Fuck sakes, another draw

Japan should have won that game. Least you beat Tonga and will probably finish third in the group

[pieceofme]

I had a dream that it was a South Africa vs Wales final where South Africa scored 8 trys to Wales 6. The score was something like 54-48. The final took place in a big European city and the South African fans were pissed because they couldn't make it on time. Anyway other weirdness happened but it would be awesome if there was a final as high scoring as that!

[demolition23]

SA/Samoa, England/Scotland, Ireland/Italy... All meaningful games to be held over the next two days. Should be good!

Also, Mils Muliaina, gets his 99th All Black test cap against Canada this weekend...

[pieceofme]

SA/Samoa, England/Scotland, Ireland/Italy... All meaningful games to be held over the next two days. Should be good!

Also, Mils Muliaina, gets his 99th All Black test cap against Canada this weekend...

Yeah i'm looking forward to this weekend. As mentioned earlier the tournament has fallen a little flat imo. These games have the potential of being very good.

[demolition23]

To be honest, I think the pool stages are always a bit flat, we just got lucky with a better than usual first dozen or so games. Shit's getting real now though... All Black's have picked a surprisingly strong side against Canada... Our three first line loose forwards together for the first time, and both McCaw and Carter playing. I think it's a good move to keep players ticking, but the injury risk is huge.

[pieceofme]

Francois Steyn's tournament could be over. Big loss for the Springboks imo.

One of my favourite players as well.

The Samoa vs South Africa game was great. I feel bruised after just watching it!

Was really rooting for Samoa in the second half but it wasn't to be. Their energy really pushed the Springboks and the age of the Springboks really started to show.

[demolition23]

Was not a huge fan of the refereeing in that game.

Tonga are giving France everything and more though.



McCaw and Carter both carrying niggling injuries.

[pieceofme]

Was not a huge fan of the refereeing in that game.

Tonga are giving France everything and more though.



McCaw and Carter both carrying niggling injuries.

Agreed.

First big shock of the tournament. In fact one of the biggest in world cup history. Tonga beat France! Only caught the last 10 or so minutes and it was great too see. Especially as it was the French.

Great game between England vs Scotland. Nerve racking stuff. The Chris Ashton right at the end was ecstasy.

[demolition23]

First big shock of the tournament. In fact one of the biggest in world cup history. Tonga beat France! Only caught the last 10 or so minutes and it was great too see. Especially as it was the French.

The only thing diminishing it was that France only had to not give up four tries to progress... But yeah, fantastic nonetheless.

The French don't look very convincing.
Neither, for that matter, do the English. Sure, they've won all their games, but at this stage they haven't showed anything that would beat the All Blacks or Springboks at even 80% of their best. Of course, it's still a few weeks until that could get put to the test...

[pieceofme]

Dan Carter out of the world cup!

Big blow for all the All Blacks.