Rugby World Cup

[buckcurtin]

All Blacks. No brained.

 

[Pheroze]

What do you guys think of the penalty to Ireland just before the half of the quarter final? I am not convinced that was really a shoulder. But, clearly AB are dominant. I am impressed, however, by Ireland's pack.

 

[nztimb]

What do you guys think of the penalty to Ireland just before the half of the quarter final? I am not convinced that was really a shoulder. But, clearly AB are dominant. I am impressed, however, by Ireland's pack.

May not be what we might call a shoulder charge but technically it was, in the same way that some of the high tackles are not actual high tackles as much as they are the ball carrier going down as the tackle is made but it is this technical aspect that is getting red cards so the ref's really are having to follow the rules in the strickest sense of the word even when it may not be an intent of the player.
I simply love the athletesism of the AB's and the skill level of the new young players that has fitted seamlesly into the team format and added to the extant skill of the "older" team members. I have to think they are one of the most mobile and adaptable teams we have fielded in that they are able to make a fantastic movement out of almost any situation and it is bringing points to the board that few (if any) can match.
Ireland had patches of excellence but the consistency was simply not there to match the AB's game long performance.

 

[Nkawu]

Predictions for tomorrow? Wales vs France? (I think Wales will take it by 5). And South Africa vs Japan? (SA by at least 10).

 

[Pheroze]

Predictions for tomorrow? Wales vs France? (I think Wales will take it by 5). And South Africa vs Japan? (SA by at least 10).

I believe Japan could take South Africa. I am looking forward to this contest. Wales probably, but I didnt get a chance to see France

 

[nztimb]

France is notoriously unpredictable but has been a bit shambolic re their coach - player relations and that has to have an unsettling effect but if they do click on the paddock then they could give Wales a hard road to the semi's and I dont believe that Japan can take SA again. SA may have been a bit complacent in thier previous match but Japans game has been seen and I dont believe they have any surprises up thier sleeve so SA will be well primed to regain some pride the same way that the AB's were against Ireland after a previous loss to them.

 

[Pheroze]

It's going to be an interesting day, for sure.

 

[Pheroze]

Although, I do think you are underestimating the Japanese

 

[nztimb]

Although, I do think you are underestimating the Japanese

As you say, it will be an interestig day. The one thing in Japans favour is Jamie Joseph and his fellow NZ coaching team. They have made a huge difference to the Japanese team.

 

[CoElkHunter]

A well contested scrum is the most glorious thing in sports btw.

I agree. I enjoy a great Rugby match! But, any word on finding live .465 h and h cartridge? Ha! Ha! Ha!

 

[Pheroze]

South Africa's power really made a difference in the second half. But, man did Japan look dangerous up to then. Really a fluid style of play. Fun.

 

[IvW]

SA vs England final....

 

[KAROO WILD Safaris]

SA vs England final....

The two best coached sides in the competition. Jones vs Rassie, will be interesting to see the tactics around that match-up

 

[Pheroze]

SA vs England final....

Bold prediction!

 

[Dudders]

Wales v All blacks or at worst Wales v England

 

[Jaws]

Wales, England & SA can be unpredictable with bouts of brilliance at times.

I don't thinks Wales has what is needed to take SA next week.

NZ is by far the most consistent & favorites to win, but I wouldn't underestimate England, I have a funny feeling England will pitch a great game and take it away from the mighty All Blacks. Perhaps I'm just hoping really hard.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Just finished watching England/NZ, England's defense was quite impressive.

 

[nztimb]

I couldn't stand to watch it after the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half and went to bed convinced of the outcome. Dissapointed in the many mistakes from our guys but very impressed with the English play. Fast, accurate and determined with domination in every aspect of the game. Well done England.

 

[Chukar]

NZ is by far the most consistent & favorites to win, but I wouldn't underestimate England, I have a funny feeling England will pitch a great game and take it away from the mighty All Blacks. Perhaps I'm just hoping really hard.

Your funny feeling played out well for England!

I just watched my recording and I'm glad that I am not a betting man because I would have lost on that bet.

I'll be up early tomorrow to watch the Wales/RSA match. Will be sleeping with a hope of an RSA win.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I couldn't stand to watch it after the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half and went to bed convinced of the outcome. Dissapointed in the many mistakes from our guys but very impressed with the English play. Fast, accurate and determined with domination in every aspect of the game. Well done England.

Spot on.