Just to add to that. All of them have handling skills like a center. 1 to 15 is comfortbale receiving and off loading at pace.dRNk SAnTA said:
Six Nations Rugby
- Thread starter dirtygringo
- Start date
At the moment we are the best rugby team in the world but until we win the world cup this year we cannot be called the great of rugby. Too often we have been brilliant between world cups yet failed in the most important tournament, Analogous to how you can say that until the likes of Spain and Portugal win a WC, they cannot be mentioned in the same breath as Germany, Italy, Brazil and France, regardless of how good they are in qualifying.
This year I really do think it is our year for the All Blacks and I would be absolutely gutted if we didn't win it. Not only are we playing brilliant rugby, our squad depth at the moment is quite staggering. For example, we have probaly three of the worlds best wingers in Rokocoko, Sivivatu and Gear, (as well as Howlett) and two of the best fullbacks in Muliana and MacDonald. However like most other teams, we have two players key to our team in McCaw and Carter, and if either of these two were to be injured then we certainly aren't the same team.
This year I really do think it is our year for the All Blacks and I would be absolutely gutted if we didn't win it. Not only are we playing brilliant rugby, our squad depth at the moment is quite staggering. For example, we have probaly three of the worlds best wingers in Rokocoko, Sivivatu and Gear, (as well as Howlett) and two of the best fullbacks in Muliana and MacDonald. However like most other teams, we have two players key to our team in McCaw and Carter, and if either of these two were to be injured then we certainly aren't the same team.
No doubting that NZ are the strongest team in the world by a distance at the moment. But to say that France are the only team possible of causing an upset would be a bit wrong in my opinion. In both of last years tests Ireland gave NZ very srtong games. They lost both tests by 11 and 10 points respectively but in both tests NZ got late tries to pull away.
Bare in mind that these tests were played after the Irish player were coming to the end of a grueling season with triple crown glory and Munster having gone all the way in the heineken cup.
This years world cup is perectly timed for Northern hemisphere teams, I expect Ireland to come second in there group (losing in paris to france) and therefore should play NZ in the Q/f in Cardiff. Thousands of Irish fans (myself included) have already snapped up tickets for this potential mouth watering clash so if it happens it may as well be played in Croke park
Obviously NZ will go in favourites but it sure as hell won't be any walk in the park, Ireland showed on sunday,leaving asideafter the french disappointemnt, that they can show up for the big occasion. Id expect a grueling bitterly fought contest in cardiff.
Bare in mind that these tests were played after the Irish player were coming to the end of a grueling season with triple crown glory and Munster having gone all the way in the heineken cup.
This years world cup is perectly timed for Northern hemisphere teams, I expect Ireland to come second in there group (losing in paris to france) and therefore should play NZ in the Q/f in Cardiff. Thousands of Irish fans (myself included) have already snapped up tickets for this potential mouth watering clash so if it happens it may as well be played in Croke park
Obviously NZ will go in favourites but it sure as hell won't be any walk in the park, Ireland showed on sunday,leaving asideafter the french disappointemnt, that they can show up for the big occasion. Id expect a grueling bitterly fought contest in cardiff.
I must say that I like to watch Rugby. The first time i watched a rugby game was in the world championship in australia. England won the competition against Australia in the finals, and that english guy that is good at shooting the ball between the posts whatever his name is, sealed it at the end of the game. I thought that competition was very interesting so I ask you guys, when does the next big competition begin?
Small Paul said:No doubting that NZ are the strongest team in the world by a distance at the moment. But to say that France are the only team possible of causing an upset would be a bit wrong in my opinion. In both of last years tests Ireland gave NZ very srtong games. They lost both tests by 11 and 10 points respectively but in both tests NZ got late tries to pull away.
Bare in mind that these tests were played after the Irish player were coming to the end of a grueling season with triple crown glory and Munster having gone all the way in the heineken cup.
This years world cup is perectly timed for Northern hemisphere teams, I expect Ireland to come second in there group (losing in paris to france) and therefore should play NZ in the Q/f in Cardiff. Thousands of Irish fans (myself included) have already snapped up tickets for this potential mouth watering clash so if it happens it may as well be played in Croke park
Obviously NZ will go in favourites but it sure as hell won't be any walk in the park, Ireland showed on sunday,leaving asideafter the french disappointemnt, that they can show up for the big occasion. Id expect a grueling bitterly fought contest in cardiff.
Not to be sounding over-patriotic or anything, but I am fairly confident that Ireland will beat France. There will be serious pressure on France to win the World Cup at home.
Aprox. 60 secs of a "lack of concentration" lost the recent game for Ireland against France, and remember Ireland were very poor for the first 30mins...... (+ no BOD or Strings !).... Also, the Revenge motive should apply.
On the minus, side France are probably getting stronger with each game. however, If England turn 'em over next w/end, that would be a crushing blow to France.
Definitely, will be a very,very close affair next autumn . This time I would fancy Ireland to learn from their past experience, and come out on top in a tight game !
Stuff the Goat said:
That is a bold statement.
I would never make Ireland favourites to beat France especially in Paris in the World Cup.
Also we need to be very wary of Argentina. It's a nasty group in fairness.
Lynott said:
Tis a BOLD statement in more ways than one!
..... However, I said that I was FAIRLY confident... and I am !Absolutely, agree with you about the Argies !... THe infamous "group of Death"... However, I'm still confident we'll top it !
"luck of the Irish,......me arse" !
France win championship with a dodgy try in last phase of play against Scots. Ireland conceede a try in last phase against Italians...... However, no complaints, French are champs & thats that !
Amazingly, the decisive French try went to the Video Official. A Scot player claims that no way was it a try, his hand was under the ball....... The Video Official rules it a try !........... what is unbelieveable is that the Official IS IRISH !........ we're so honest !
From what I've read in the papers, the Ref. did not ask Official to confirm the ball was grounded, as Ref was satisfied it was grounded. He only asked him to confirm no interference, i.e. knock-on etc. Apparently, The Official can only clarify exactly what he is asked. If he had have been asked to confirm ball grounded, he probably would have said "No-try" !
Anyway, I've said before. we are in France's group in the World Cup, and I really fancy us to get sweet revenge ! .....Meanwhile, congrats to France !
France win championship with a dodgy try in last phase of play against Scots. Ireland conceede a try in last phase against Italians...... However, no complaints, French are champs & thats that !
Amazingly, the decisive French try went to the Video Official. A Scot player claims that no way was it a try, his hand was under the ball....... The Video Official rules it a try !........... what is unbelieveable is that the Official IS IRISH !........ we're so honest
!From what I've read in the papers, the Ref. did not ask Official to confirm the ball was grounded, as Ref was satisfied it was grounded. He only asked him to confirm no interference, i.e. knock-on etc. Apparently, The Official can only clarify exactly what he is asked. If he had have been asked to confirm ball grounded, he probably would have said "No-try" !
Anyway, I've said before. we are in France's group in the World Cup, and I really fancy us to get sweet revenge ! .....Meanwhile, congrats to France !