Rugby World Cup 2015 | Reminiscing Thread

Pogue Mahone said:
Oh for feck's sake. His was the injury that Schmidt seemed least worried about. Absolutely no chance of O'Connell playing again this tournament, that's for sure.
Click to expand...

O'Connell is surely gone. Sexton was the one they seemed most positive about yesterday but when was the last time he was actually fully fit? He had the concussion last autumn, hamstring issues in the 6 Nations (he didn't play club rugby between November and the end of the season), went off against England in the warm ups and just generally hasn't looked sharp. He seems to be expecting that he's going to get injured every time he goes to kick or makes a tackle.

We might be able to get past Argentina without O'Brien and O'Mahony but we seriously need O'Brien available for a potential semi final. Hooper got a 1 week ban for a lesser punch (albeit to the face) and 1 week for his hit on Mike Brown, hopefully O'Brien will get the same even if it seems unlikely. He was phenomenal yesterday, one of the best players in the world when he's on form.
 
unchanged_lineup said:
Madigan was pretty much flawless yesterday, all of the subs were immense. The shocker is that Sexton could be fit for Sunday. I personally think all the stuff with Payne was a ruse to keep the French guessing and he was always out. Presuming honesty and that it's NOT the case here, does Sexton get his spot back?

The worry with Madigan from the videos above is that he did it on pure adrenaline and wouldn't be able to repeat. It clearly meant so. much to him, but can he do when he knows he's the man three days in advance? Its a different mindset to being the super(super-super)sub.

Regardless, the way the squad has advanced is phenomenal. When have we ever had a bench that can so seamlessly come on and keep the quality level?
Click to expand...

Does Sexton get his spot back? Of course he will, if he's at all fit it won't even be a decision.

Wonder who'll be called in for Payne and O'Mahony?
 
sullydnl said:
Does Sexton get his spot back? Of course he will, if he's at all fit it won't even be a decision.

Wonder who'll be called in for Payne and O'Mahony?
Click to expand...

I'd imagine Trimble for Payne unless Earls is also out. Then it would probably be McFadden to give centre coverage as well.

For O'Mahony, I think we'll see Ryan and Toner in the second row (no worries about that pairing - plenty of dog and fight) with Henderson at 6 alongside Henry and Heaslip. Jordi Murphy on the bench along with one of Foley, Tuohy or McCarthy who will be called up as lock cover.
 
RORY65 said:
O'Connell is surely gone. Sexton was the one they seemed most positive about yesterday but when was the last time he was actually fully fit? He had the concussion last autumn, hamstring issues in the 6 Nations (he didn't play club rugby between November and the end of the season), went off against England in the warm ups and just generally hasn't looked sharp. He seems to be expecting that he's going to get injured every time he goes to kick or makes a tackle.

We might be able to get past Argentina without O'Brien and O'Mahony but we seriously need O'Brien available for a potential semi final. Hooper got a 1 week ban for a lesser punch (albeit to the face) and 1 week for his hit on Mike Brown, hopefully O'Brien will get the same even if it seems unlikely. He was phenomenal yesterday, one of the best players in the world when he's on form.
Click to expand...

Well that's good news. What do you mean by "lesser"? Less obvious?
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Well that's good news. What do you mean by "lesser"? Less obvious?
Click to expand...
His fist wasn't fully closed like O'Brien's seemed to be and he was pulled back slightly to which he reacted. I wonder if Owens would have sent O'Brien off if he'd seen it.
 
RORY65 said:
His fist wasn't fully closed like O'Brien's seemed to be and he was pulled back slightly to which he reacted. I wonder if Owens would have sent O'Brien off if he'd seen it.
Click to expand...
I think a sin bin would have been fair enough. I'd be surprised if he plays vs Argentina.
 
Mitchell Nicholas said:
I think a sin bin would have been fair enough. I'd be surprised if he plays vs Argentina.
Click to expand...
I've written off the chances of him playing against Argentina, the issue is more whether he will take part if we get any further. Pocock and Hooper is worrying enough, never mind without our outstanding 7.
 
Mitchell Nicholas said:
I think a sin bin would have been fair enough. I'd be surprised if he plays vs Argentina.
Click to expand...

If the citing panel agree with you (that a yellow was enough) then he'll get an official warning and no ban. I think they'll judge it more severely though and he'll get a 2 week ban, reduced to a single week for his clean record.

Will be tough without him, O'Connell and O'Mahony against a very decent Argentina side. I'm not worried too much about the starting 15 (Henderson, Henry and Ryan are top class players) but it leaves us very thin on the bench, for what is likely to be another highly attritional game.
 
Feel for O'Connell.
The depth in the squad will now be tested but I expect them to pass that test. Is it enough to beat the Pumas though? Hope so.
 
Two down, hopefully Sexton doesn't make it three.

O'Connell and O'Mahony are big losses, though Henderson and Henry are at least coming in playing well.
 
unchanged_lineup said:
Sexton cleared to play. Do we believe it though? Would an abductor problem make you puke? That sounds more like a concussion
Click to expand...
He got a fair whack by Picamoles (I think) which may have caused that, I don't remember a moment where he got a bang to the head. As I said above though, I'm not sure how positive it is at this stage. The Sexton of 2013 and 2014 would be a complete game-changer, quite possibly the best 10 in the world, but he's had continual fitness problems for a long while now. There's every chance that his groin will just go again when he goes for his first garryowen, that's ignoring his hamstring and concussion problems.
 
RORY65 said:
He got a fair whack by Picamoles (I think) which may have caused that, I don't remember a moment where he got a bang to the head. As I said above though, I'm not sure how positive it is at this stage. The Sexton of 2013 and 2014 would be a complete game-changer, quite possibly the best 10 in the world, but he's had continual fitness problems for a long while now. There's every chance that his groin will just go again when he goes for his first garryowen, that's ignoring his hamstring and concussion problems.
Click to expand...

Having all of O'Connell, O'Mahony and (probably) O'Brien out changes the context of the game though. If they were all fit then it might be worth risking Madigan against Argentina if Sexton was struggling. With them out though Sexton's presence could be vital, even if he isn't 100%. He's the dominant voice in the team (with the possible exception of O'Connell) and the guy who runs our game. His presence would shore up the leadership vacuum created by these injuries, his absence leaves us looking quite short in that regard.
 
sullydnl said:
Having all of O'Connell, O'Mahony and (probably) O'Brien out changes the context of the game though. If they were all fit then it might be worth risking Madigan against Argentina if Sexton was struggling. With them out though Sexton's presence could be vital, even if he isn't 100%. He's the dominant voice in the team (with the possible exception of O'Connell) and the guy who runs our game. His presence would shore up the leadership vacuum created by these injuries, his absence leaves us looking quite short in that regard.
Click to expand...
Of course I'd pick him if fit, as you say he's a leader and he's undoubtedly a brilliant player but I'm just concerned whenever he plays these days because he seems on the cusp of picking up another injury.
 
RORY65 said:
He got a fair whack by Picamoles (I think) which may have caused that, I don't remember a moment where he got a bang to the head. As I said above though, I'm not sure how positive it is at this stage. The Sexton of 2013 and 2014 would be a complete game-changer, quite possibly the best 10 in the world, but he's had continual fitness problems for a long while now. There's every chance that his groin will just go again when he goes for his first garryowen, that's ignoring his hamstring and concussion problems.
Click to expand...

There was an excellent documentary on concussion in rugby t'other day. One of the leading experts was saying that the idea that you need a blow to the head to get concussed is a dangerous misconception. Any hefty impact, to any part of your upper body, can concuss you. The IRFU have fairly stringent concussion protocols, though. If Sexton was concussed it would have been mentioned by now. I think he just tweaked his groin making a tackle, then got massively winded when he was tackled himself. The latter impact made him puke but it was the groin strain that ended his game.
 
So I have Australia in the work sweepstake. Feeling pretty confident right now.

I always support them of the Southern 3 anyway but they will be getting additional support from me now.
 
Gutted for O'Connell. The most inspirational sporting role model I've had in my life, it's been a privilege to watch that man represent and lead my province and country for the last decade and a half.

We are incredibly fortunate that in terms of playing ability, we have depth in our loose forwards to step in for him. But in terms of what he brought in presence, leadership and general hell raising, he is leaving behind some incredibly big shoes to fill.

One of my greatest sporting heroes. He goes out a legend still at the top of his game. Cheers Paulie, for everything.
 
Everything I seem to be reading seems to be saying that its Australia's cup to lose. They seem to be the main favourite now.
 
Stack said:
Everything I seem to be reading seems to be saying that its Australia's cup to lose. They seem to be the main favourite now.
Click to expand...

Australia have come in a bit. especially since the England performance, but NZ are still big favourites
 
Stack said:
Everything I seem to be reading seems to be saying that its Australia's cup to lose. They seem to be the main favourite now.
Click to expand...
That worries me a bit. The Wallabies are better when they're flying under the radar. I hope Cheika and co are keeping their feet well and truly on the ground.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
That's mad. No way are they one of the three best teams left in the competition.
Click to expand...
They have been though in this tournament..its a big gap between them and the Australians and NZ. France are inconsistent, and Ireland need to get over their quarterfinal hoodoo first. If they can then maybe. Argentina arent world cup winning material yet. They(Wales) are a decent team with a coach that has gotten the job done in the past, so that will help them a lot.
 
K2K said:
They have been though in this tournament..its a big gap between them and the Australians and NZ. France are inconsistent, and Ireland need to get over their quarterfinal hoodoo first. If they can then maybe. Argentina arent world cup winning material yet. They(Wales) are a decent team with a coach that has gotten the job done in the past, so that will help them a lot.
Click to expand...

Based on what, though? England should have at least drawn and Wales cocked up a huge opportunity to put the Aussies away when they had a lengthy two man advantage. That's not tournament winning form.

Wales are a decent team, decimated by injuries and without the depth of the other top teams. At full strength they're a threat but you'd be mad to put money on them to win the tournament now. Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and (arguably) South Africa are all stronger teams right now. Even the Argies would be right up there.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Based on what, though? England should have at least drawn and Wales cocked up a huge opportunity to put the Aussies away when they had a lengthy two man advantage. That's not tournament winning form.

Wales are a decent team, decimated by injuries and without the depth of the other top teams. At full strength they're a threat but you'd be mad to put money on them to win the tournament now. Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and (arguably) South Africa are all stronger teams right now. Even the Argies would be right up there.
Click to expand...
They were in the toughest group and acquitted themselves quite well. Obviously Australia and NZ are far and away the favourites, but Wales for me are the best of the rest in terms of likelihood of winning it, not necessarily that they are better than everyone else.

After the Japan defeat, SA had lost 6 out of 9 games, with one of those to Wales . They are a mess right now, so we can scratch them right off. Ireland are a decent side, but unless I am mistaken, have never gone past the quarters. That's one thing I considered in choosing Wales. The semis would be new ground for Ireland, and until that happens, we don't really know how they'd perform. So Wales just slightly slides it for me. Argentina are an inferior team to Wales, they are improving , but aren't there yet. Obviously its all subjective, and we'll see how it all plays out.
 
O'Brien's confirmed as banned for 1 week so will miss the Argentina game.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Based on what, though? England should have at least drawn and Wales cocked up a huge opportunity to put the Aussies away when they had a lengthy two man advantage. That's not tournament winning form.

Wales are a decent team, decimated by injuries and without the depth of the other top teams. At full strength they're a threat but you'd be mad to put money on them to win the tournament now. Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and (arguably) South Africa are all stronger teams right now. Even the Argies would be right up there.
Click to expand...

Ha. It took a post about rugby for me to agree with you fully. :)
 
Wales are pretty big outsiders to get through to the semi's.

11/4 if you reckon they'll beat SA. I'm gonna pop a few quid on as I think it's solid value.
 
Referees for the quarter finals have been announced.

South Africa vs Wales: Wayne Barnes
New Zealand vs France: Nigel Owens
Australia vs scotland: Craig Joubert
Ireland vs Argentina: Jerome Garces
 
There was some great reaction to the Wales - England match on Spanish TV:

 
Did I hear right that Ireland are appealing the one match suspension for Sean 'O Brien?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.