Wales injury crisis bite.. 2 cap centre in for the SA match
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/34534634
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/34534634
Rugby World Cup 2015 | Reminiscing Thread
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Sexton in... huge call. "Despite lingering concerns about his injury" doesn't sound great, I think Madigan will have a significant part to play in this match yet. At age 30 (which I didn't realise), this isn't a bad thing at all because someone like Madigan will need to step up in the next three years. The fact that he's looked like he might is a massive unintended advantage of Sexton moving to France for two seasons.
All things considered, minimum disruption in the rest of the team and no place for Zebo.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/rugby...735281-jonathan-sexton-named-in-ireland-team/
Interesting article here about how the various nations' injuries are stacking up
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/rugby...35262-rwc-health-check-the-quarter-finalists/
All things considered, minimum disruption in the rest of the team and no place for Zebo.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/rugby...735281-jonathan-sexton-named-in-ireland-team/
Interesting article here about how the various nations' injuries are stacking up
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/rugby...35262-rwc-health-check-the-quarter-finalists/
Folau and Pocock have been ruled out for Australia's match vs Scotland. Feck!
You are still winning that..Scotland have never been to the quarters apparently, this is the easiest Quarter to call I think.
I've somehow got a free ticket to the Ireland-Argentina match in Cardiff on Sunday 
Didnt think Sexton was that old, as for Zebo what's going on there?
Feck....fantasy rugby has taken a hit.
There's been no word from the camp as far as I know. In other news, it seems like they decided against appealing Sean O'Brien's suspension - probably a good idea.
I've somehow got a free ticket to the Ireland-Argentina match in Cardiff on Sunday
Better roar your head off!
Already starting to stress for tomorrow's game! I hope we can take Wales!
I will do as best a job as an Irish-supporting Welshman can do.
Better roar your head off!
England beat Scotland 9-6 in the 1991 semi final at Murrayfield when Gavin Hastings missed a sitter. As for the injuries, Folau not playing isn't the doomsday scenario it would have been a year or two ago. Pocock is the one they can't do without. They should still have too much for Scotland the worry will be if those two aren't fit for a probable semi final.
Got my history mixed up, thanks...seems a lot of players tournaments are being ended by injuries, de villiers, woodcock..etc...hope they dont join that list
I think people are overestimating Argentina and underestimating Ireland. Hope to be proven right tomorrow.
Huge huge games today and I have a funny feeling one of them is going to throw up a surprise.
First up Wales vs South Africa. Tough game for Wales with all their injuries but one they absolutely can win. They've already beaten England at Twickenham and pushed Australia (one of the favourites) really close. South Africa haven't been great yet and Wales beat them last year so they will have belief. I'll go Wales but there won't be much in it.
Then France vs New Zealand. Again most will go New Zealand and maybe even some will say fairly comfortably. I don't see it that way. France can absolutely win this because they like to upset the big boys and they turn up in the big games at the world cup. Again it'll be tight but I'll go with New Zealand having just enough.
For anyone who likes a bet look at the handicaps. Wales +9 and France +11! Those look like great bets. Add to that Everton at 2/1 and you could be in for some money today.
First up Wales vs South Africa. Tough game for Wales with all their injuries but one they absolutely can win. They've already beaten England at Twickenham and pushed Australia (one of the favourites) really close. South Africa haven't been great yet and Wales beat them last year so they will have belief. I'll go Wales but there won't be much in it.
Then France vs New Zealand. Again most will go New Zealand and maybe even some will say fairly comfortably. I don't see it that way. France can absolutely win this because they like to upset the big boys and they turn up in the big games at the world cup. Again it'll be tight but I'll go with New Zealand having just enough.
For anyone who likes a bet look at the handicaps. Wales +9 and France +11! Those look like great bets. Add to that Everton at 2/1 and you could be in for some money today.
I agree regarding the Wales-SA match. Reckon we can sneak it today. SA haven't really looked fantastic this tournament, and I think we have the ability to win with grit - like vs England and Fiji.
Liam Williams is a big loss, Tyler Morgan is a risk ahead of James Hook. Youthful exuberance over experience. Buzzing for it.
Whatever happens, it is gonna be massive. The only match that looks a mismatch in the QFs is Scotland Australia.
Yup. On another day last Saturday, we would have beaten Australia. Their defence was just stupid that day. 13 v 15 and they managed to make it look as if they had 15 and we had 13 players.
Confident in our side. Tactically we're sound. Keep Habana and Pietersen at bay, and we should be OK. It's just unfortunate that we don't have a replacement for Cuthbert - useless unless he's running in a straight line with the ball.
I think there was a lot of talk about it here, but I think the attack was stupid that day. 0 points from 15 vs 13 is unforgiveable. Crash ball time and time again, ignoring actual overlaps, played right into the 13's hands.
Edit: many good points here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ru...ns-during-brutal-scrap-against-Australia.html
Sexton ruled out against Argentina
Boss called up to the squad aswell so I'd be doubtful we'll see him play in the tournament again/
Boss called up to the squad aswell so I'd be doubtful we'll see him play in the tournament again/
Shite, no Sexton is a massive loss. Worried.
Argentina must see this as a great chance to get to the semi-finals.
Argentina must see this as a great chance to get to the semi-finals.
Sexton ruled out against Argentina
Boss called up to the squad aswell so I'd be doubtful we'll see him play in the tournament again/
Boss was called up for Payne though so it doesn't really rule Sexton out. Afaik he's still a maybe for the semis if we get there.
It means Madigan is no longer third choice 9, seemingly because he may have to start at fly half for however long we last in the tournament. Boss was shite for Leinster last night so it's worrying they think he's needed and not cover in the centres (probably Trimble).
Sexton ruled out against Argentina
Boss called up to the squad aswell so I'd be doubtful we'll see him play in the tournament again/
Woah, what?? When did this happen??
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/rugby...-sexton-ruled-out-of-world-cup-quarter-final/
Yeesh. I said earlier in the week that I thought this was all a smokescreen and I think the stuff with Payne's "progress" was too. Just a way to keep the other management team guessing until the final minute. I wouldn't be surprised if he was never fit to play/masking a concussion.
Edit: Wouldn't be surprised if this was the plan all along and Madigan has been prepped as started the whole time. Sneaky stuff, but it's probably within the bounds of the rules.
Edit Edit: I see someone else thought the same in that article's comments. It means Argentina have had to prepare two game plans this week as I doubt they bought it either.
Me 2. Argentina did quite decent against NZ but faded away heavily in the last 20 minutes. Against Georgia they scored 3 tries when Gorgodze got a yellow. They look good but Ireland should beat them.
On another note, it's sad that Marmion isn't getting a shot. Surely he's a better player than Boss now.
Nah, don't see any reason to think concussion is the problem. Might be they were hiding the fact that he was always going to be out though. Just heard on the radio there that they have it stated as an official policy that they don't have to give accurate information in these sort of situations. It would definitely make sense, you don't want Argentina to have all week to focus solely on Madigan's game.
Hmm, maybe. At the same time, having all of O'Connell, O'Mahony, O'Brien and Sexton out (not to mention another first choice player in Payne) is pretty horrendous from Ireland's point of view. Argentina should smell blood here.
The history between Argentina and Ireland doesn't help my nerves either. There's going to be some intensity....
Breaking news, Ford and Gray cleared to play for Scotland
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2015/1017/735510-scotlands-ford-and-gray-cleared-to-face-australia/
http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2015/1017/735510-scotlands-ford-and-gray-cleared-to-face-australia/
Wales vs South Africa
Team news for the first QF:
Also, injured World XV
Also, injured World XV
Here we go! Come on you Bokke!
Huge passage there for SA. Wales had to score.
Ffs first try to Wales. Wales looking the better team so far.
How easily are fouls made in rugby compared to football? In football defenders usually get beaten by attackers with pace or great skill and then it's really hard to win the ball back. How 'stupid' are fouls therefore in rugby? I am asking because Wales just conceded 3 penalties already.
A lot of the time there's a certain stupidity to it, but sometimes I feel sympathy for the player penalised if it's for "not rolling away" and they've got some 18 stone prop lying on top of them.
Get in Wales!!!!
But Wales' discipline has not been good so far, and as I say this another cheap penalty given away by Charteris.
Really hard to call. Wales look so much more dynamic but control will probably win it. The stupid penalties and steady kicking mean a well-deserved lead for SA so far.
Watching this now that we're up 3-0, this is closer than I thought it would be, still sure the Boks will take this.
The bench will have a part to play too. SA will surely have more in the tank when it gets towards the end of the match.
Great, great match again. Amazing to have Wales going in at half time in front!
Dan Biggar is having an amazing World Cup.