Rugby 2019 Discussion

diarm said:
The team who finished second in that group is likely to have to play a quarter final against Ireland and then a semi final against one of Australia, France or Argentina. To win this thing, we would have to beat SA, OZ and probably NZ 3 weeks in a row!

Don't think anyone should be feeling too confident this year. With NZ falling back towards the pack somewhat, this is probably the most open World Cup we've ever seen. Literally anyone from the top 8 sides could win it.
Click to expand...

I'm going into this world cup with extremely low expectations for Ireland. The only chance we have is if Schmidt really did sacrifice the 6N to hold back everything for it. Which sounds nuts.
 
unchanged_lineup said:
I'm going into this world cup with extremely low expectations for Ireland. The only chance we have is if Schmidt really did sacrifice the 6N to hold back everything for it. Which sounds nuts.
Click to expand...

The lads on the 1014 did a great piece on Schmidt a few months ago, about how he is the leading innovator in world rugby and how so many of his tactics and insights have been incorporated into the gameplans of all the other leading international sides.

Then they showed this six nations and how Ireland offered absolutely nothing knew. Relying on a more conservative version last years tactics which everyone else had caught onto and had passed us out. They're convinced that he didn't want to give away our game plan ahead of the world cup and that we'll see a very different team this autumn.

I don't know if I believe it at all but it's the only thing I'm clinging onto at the moment. If we go into the tournament the same way we did the 6N, we won't get out of the pool, let alone beat South Africa.
 
Since New Zealand beat South Africa 57-0 in Albany on September 16 2017...



25-24 to NZ, 36-34 RSA, 32-30 NZ and 16-16 tonight.
 
Who's that female host on the rugby league show on at the mo? She's shouting like a pissed person in a loud pub.
 
Poor form by Barrett there and it really says all you need to know about his confidence in his goalkicking that he's trying to gain extra metres on a penalty from basically straight on, on the 22.
 
freeurmind said:
Poor form by Barrett there and it really says all you need to know about his confidence in his goalkicking that he's trying to gain extra metres on a penalty from basically straight on, on the 22.
Click to expand...

Agreed, its strange how such a great player, and someone who sometimes looks like he kicks the ball so cleanly misses so many pressure kicks. This suggests a mental issue.
 
unchanged_lineup said:
"Specialist fullback"...

I hope Dillane gets another shot. Not out of the question with attritional injuries.
Click to expand...
We usually get a big injury in the warm up games. Geordan Murphy and Tommy O'Donnell spring to mind.
 
Australia and New Zealand have named their teams for Bledisloe 1 in Perth on Saturday. Both starting teams listen below are listed 15-1, reserves are 16-23 in numbered order.

Wallabies: Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge, James O'Connor, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Christian Lealiifano, Nic White, Isi Naisarani, Michael Hooper (c), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rory Arnold, Izack Rodda, Allan Alaalatoa, Tolu Latu, Scott Sio. Reserves: Folau Fainga'a, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Adam Coleman, Luke Jones, Will Genia, Matt To'omua, Tom Banks.

All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Ben Smith, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (c), Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Atu Moli, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape, George Bridge

Can't say I'm confident whenever Bledisloe 1 rolls around, I'm always hopeful.
 


Here's the Bok side. All new front row. Surprised Louw and Kriel not coming back in. Win with a bonus point and South Africa will win their first Rugby Championship in ages.
 
Bledisloe Cup highlights from years past with a distinct gold tinge. My favourite moments: George Gregan's tackle on Jeff Wilson in 1994, Radike Samo's try in 2011, Toutai Kefu's Tri Nations winning try in 2001 John Eales final test and speaking of John Eales, his penalty goal to retain the Bledisloe Cup in Wellington in 2000.

 
Xaviesta said:
Bledisloe Cup highlights from years past with a distinct gold tinge. My favourite moments: George Gregan's tackle on Jeff Wilson in 1994, Radike Samo's try in 2011, Toutai Kefu's Tri Nations winning try in 2001 John Eales final test and speaking of John Eales, his penalty goal to retain the Bledisloe Cup in Wellington in 2000.

Click to expand...


How'd you rate your chances?
 
Disappointing to hear the minute silence for Sir Brian Lochore not observed impeccably.
 
Veteran commentator Gordon Bray got James O'Connor and Michael Hooper mixed up and then got Ardie Savea and Rieko Ioane mixed up.
 
Put that try down to unforced errors - Beale not finding touch from a kick and Solakaia Lotu dropping a regulation pass.
 
Good to see Garces alert to Joe Moody's scrummaging which is suspect from time to time.
 
Jerome Garces's popularity in New Zealand will plummet even further than it currently is if the Wallabies win.
 
unchanged_lineup said:
Seemed like nothing initially in the mix, but it's a letter of the law one. Very unlucky perhaps. Potentially very dangerous rather than actually dangerous maybe.
Click to expand...

Unlucky but the illegal manner in which Scott Barrett attempted to tackle Hooper put him in trouble.
 
No excuses for the Wallabies if they lose - they're 16-12 up at the break and a man up for the rest of the match.
 
The stats are all in Australia's favour but worryingly, the Wallabies are only ahead by 4.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.