RWC 2019
The Real World Cup is already into its second week and some enthralling, thrilling rugby has been displayed.
A couple of upsets already, namely Fiji's loss, but none more so than the host nation's win against Ireland! What a win, what a game, what a performance! Fantastic rugby
Comments
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+1, I must have Welsh ancestry as I was shouting for Wales in the end👍🏻😊
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Best two games of the tournament so far- Japan v Ireland and Wales v Australia.
Having said that I do wonder about the 'poor' tackle technique of the Welsh as claimed by the Aussies. It certainly looks to be a deliberate 'technique' they have employed to good effect.
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Err, is someone saying that Welsh players are offering their throats to be crushed as a game play?🤔
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Was that yes or no, or you made it up?🤔
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It wasn't me Rocky, listening to the Aussies complaining to the ref during the game they were making out that in the close quarter crash ball situation it was now difficult for them to protect the ball in the tackle. They were making out that the Welsh tackle attacked the ball and enhanced the view that the ball carrier was leading with an arm to the neck area which could warrant penalising. Hence they argued that it was poor tackling technique as it involved a deliberate high body wrap to achieve this. Of course, in our day much of this would have been common place and totally acceptable.
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Typical whinging Aussies I would say. Hooper should have been sent to the sin bin for his tackle in the first half, but got away with it.
Decent win by Scotland today, but they do look a team that will struggle against Japan in their last game and may well not progress into the knockout stages.
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+1 Nellie. Scotland promise so much but rarely deliver (unless playing England) I did sense a more determined side yesterday and patient too, which allowed them to control the game. Fingers crossed for them against the home nation, otherwise it'll be
さようなら
Sayonara1 -
Thanks👍🏻. What a ludicrous thing to say😤
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Trouble is the 'new' tackle 'laws', their interpretation and use or not is causing this ludicracy. No one, players, coaches, administrators, spectators, know the definitive. I really don't know where this is leading the game to! May be a form of touch rugby.
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If it saves world class rugby players & potential stars of the future becoming crippled I’m in, well & truly. My enjoyment of the game in no way comes before the safety & wellbeing of its players. I played & lived to tell the tale, others have not.
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Couldn't agree more, R2B. I retired at 40 and during my playing years had several rugby injuries, nothing major, nothing life changing but twice ended up in hospital with operations required as a result. I also put a fellow player and friend in hospital having broken his leg in a 1 on 1 tackle and yes, I went low!
My concern is the lack of understanding, clarity and the interpretation around the rules and the use of discretion in the decision making process. That question of intent does not reduce risk (no one intent on injuring others should be allowed on the field), even the most careful and rule abiding players are at risk from an unfortunate injury. After all, rugby has today become a collision sport and that's why many of us enjoy both watching and/or playing. Can't wait for more crash balls, big hits but I also enjoy those mazy runs and sidesteps. Such a wonderful game and tournament so far!
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Without a death or a career ending injury I reckon👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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Thing is R2B both have already happened, several times I'm afraid over many past decades and even during my playing experience but is our beloved sport any the more safe today as a result of the law changes or, to use the latest parlance, is the degree of danger less? Don't get me wrong, I want a safer game for my grandson to play but I also want a decent sporting spectacle and a continuation of that rugby 'familyship' and respect I've witnessed both overseas and at home. I love it and I've not experienced anything quite like in in any other code of football!
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I am fully supportive of any change for safety reasons. I have my stance you have yours. Mine is pro player safety regardless of how the game evolves👍🏻.
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Ireland vs Russia looks to be a good game for the Irish. I’ll try to see that one for sure👍🏻
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I'm sure we are saying exactly the same thing, R2B. But no one knows at present how the game is evolving, I certainly don't, just hope it's for the better, what ever that is, within 'reason'! And in there lies the 'problem'!
Impressed with the Georgians despite not being able to contain the skills of the Fijians. Must be one of the of the strongest 2nd tier 15 a side teams.
Now for Ireland.
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Great sentiments and wise words from Rocky and Micky above.
Just wondering if you've any thoughts on scrummaging? Do you think the current laws/rules make the scrum any safer? What do you think about the amount of time wasted at today's scrums? How could it be improved? I've just watched a re-run of THAT game in 1973 when THAT try was scored by Gareth Edwards - the scrums took about 15 seconds!!
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Don't know, never really understood the intricacies of the dark arts! I just chucked the ball between 16 men and was lucky if I got it straight. Today my counterparts seem to feed it into the 2nd row!!
Seriously, yes I think it is a little safer given that we now have huge purpose built athletes on the hoof. Can you imagine allowing them to crunch together, wheel everywhere and drive over as we used to see.
And then there was the flying wedge, remember that?
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Back then it was so simple (or at least it seemed so!) The front rows simply locked together, the second rows joined along with flankers and finally no 8. You were not allowed to shove until the ball came in and was 'hooked' by the number 2 (hopefully Nellie will be joining this conversation!) I don't recall anyone actually getting injured during the scrum and can't for the life of me remember why it was changed? 'Ready, ready, NOW!' Is all I recall?
I do know the ball is now flung into the feet of the second row, so no longer any need for a hooker! Perhaps the answer is to put the ball in straight again??
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It was, on all counts. Difference was it did not require a member of the opposition to be involved at 'take off'' and was often initiated at penalties.
I thought the Russians showed tenacity and kept going to the end. Given the exposure to matches against the top tier teams on a more regular basis it is only a matter of time before we have more shocks like the Japanese are providing me thinks.
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Agree about the Russians, the only surprise with them is why has it taken them so long to get where they are?
Talking about the dangers of rugby, the Italians decided to show the world probably the single most dangerous tactic in sport - the spear tackle. How dumb!! For me, poor refereeing because both players should have been red carded!
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I think the issue for the 2nd tier teams is that they are largely ignored by the 1st tier teams save every 4 years when they are thrown in the mix at a World Cup. I think it is time for the 1st tier teams to make a greater commitment to them and play them more regularly every season.
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Politics on some levels, the Russians are to a large extent Pariahs in most things due to their unsavoury habits & attitude to other Countrys. I struggle to think of a top class coach willing to commit to a Country that is totally unpredictable & makes up the rules as it goes along. Even more so for any Country willing to travel to Russia to play🤷🏻♂️☹️. Isolation shows in their fitness & tactical regime.
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They've also been known to swallow a few performance enchancing tablets, get dope tested, found guilty and then totally deny it!
On second thoughts (and as Rocky has already pointed out) perhaps it's a good thing Russia are where they are. I find it difficult to believe they would ever embrace the morals of this great game
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What's the obsession with Russia? There are other 2nd tier countries worthy of support! Canada were a little disappointing today mind although aspects of their game were worthy of inclusion in this tournament. The old established ones just need in recognise their role in the global growth of the best game 'on't urf'!
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No obsession,Russia-they’re a pariah state, the others are not. Given the will any country can do a Japan, that is grow to become a force to be reckoned with👍🏻
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