RWC 2019
Comments
-
It will happen, may be in a slightly different guise, these now performing tier 2 teams will be included in their exposure to the top teams! Change is upon us, like it or not, World Rugby's hand will be forced one way or another, mark my words😉
1 -
Tackling?, ‘Rocky, Chase em, get near em grab the legs, hear that?, legs, legs, legs, no one runs without legs. . .GO’. ‘Yes coach’. Yup j57, that’s exactly how it used to be, best coach I ever met too👍🏻😊
1 -
Yes, and coach the running support of the ball carrier and how to pass in the tackle rather than being held up for a maul or worst still a strip. That's how us backs were coached, mind you once grounded we weren't permitted to pass or place the ball in an advantaged place, you had to just put it down immediately and set up a ruck. Much better these days and quicker, more entertainment now they are able to pass off the ground or twist/turn and place the ball where best.
1 -
They would include Uruguay but I can't see Argentina pulling out of the present competition with S.A, N.Z, & Australia, so a no go at the moment I think.
1 -
So, Farrell apparently not at his best, Ford, who's been in top form, gets dropped for Saturday's Quarter Final, Farrell taking his spot. I'm concerned about his and Courtney Law's discipline, particularly as the former cannot tackle around the legs. I hope I'm proved wrong.
0 -
I guess that Eddie thinks that Ford is too light weight and would be a target for both Hooper and Pocock, and also the heavyweight centres that the Aussies have selected, 17-stone Samu Kerevi and 19-year-old Jordan Petaia, another big man at more than 15 stones and 6ft 3ins. Perhaps he'll get his chance to win the match coming on as a sub?
2 -
Fair point Nellie and it will be interesting to see how Farrell deals with probably the world's best back row breathing down his neck.
Aussie 'heavies' in the back line to counteract Tuilangi? ( Slade is a great tackler)
I can't wait for kick off!
1 -
15 minutes to go and the nerves are starting to jangle! But I think England will edge it if they stay disciplined and manage their game well. I'm going for England and New Zealand today (much though I'd love to see Ireland succeed) , Wales and Japan tomorrow.
And could we possibly be seeing an England v Wales final?
1 -
A bit one sided OP
, not complaining mind but Southern sides got a bit of 'pride' back in the second game 46 -- 14 
Nice to see the support for Irish no 2 getting cheered into retirement along with his three young children, though -- the old rascal has been a great servant to his Country.
1 -
Two great winning performances in what were ultimately rather disappointing and one sided games. England v New Zealand would make a cracking final and it'll be a humdinger of a semi final next weekend.
Looking forward to tomorrow's matches.
1 -
Phew, I can't say I enjoy watching England play despite such a performance. I will enjoy the other quarter finals more mind as a neutral who always backs the underdog. Come on Japan! Not sure though if they really are the underdogs!
1 -
It certainly looked as if Eddie made the right team selection. I suspect that he'll stick with the same team next week, providing all are fit. It should be a cracking match.
Hope that Japan are able to beat S.A. tomorrow, and that Wales come out top too.
1 -
Two more exciting games and those who wanted a Welsh win will have the greatest of grins on their faces! I was enjoying the game, it was a great spectacle as a neutral, but the moment 'that Frenchman' decided to elbow his opponent, was the final moment I wanted the French to remain in the competition. Total stupidity and lack of discipline.
As for the Japanese? Fantastic team with pace, power and plenty of guile, whilst always playing with respect for the game, their opposition and the crowds. Inspiring effort against the Boks today but ultimately not enough.
And now we wait for next weekend and the semis 😀
0 -
England look very, very good, but really those All Blacks are a different class! Wales will have to improve to beat the Proteas.
Would love to see an England v Wales final, but I fear it may turn out to be the complete opposite.
Can't see beyond a New Zealand victory to be honest!
1 -
Today we saw one side win because of one fat headed opposition player's action and a team which found the right tactics on the day. Well done to Wales, South Africa, Japan and 14 French men and those that came on as replacements.
Now what to do with Japan, personally I think they should be included in one of the top tier annual competitions but for now they should get themselves more involved in the World 7s series and fully embrace this. Their skills set and play today certainly would suit this format.
1 -
Mickey, wasn't that where they made their mark over the last couple of years?
1 -
Yup, the 4th time too I think👍🏻
0 -
Come on Moulesy, where's your loyalty and fighting spirit??!!! The only side in the competition who are capable of beating the Blacks are England and I actually feel confident that we will beat them. The only team I would not wish to meet in a final would be Wales as Gatlin and his mob are tactically astute at getting a result. If it were to be an England vs Wales final however, I would still back England on neutral territory. No one has tested the Blacks yet and they're going to get a mighty shock on Saturday!
0 -
Well, not really Nellie the hooker. The USA focused mainly on the sevens game a few years ago because of the Olympics taking place in their country and they may now be the best 7s exponents of this sport.
The Japanese however, because of this World Cup for the same reason, it is on home soil, have concentrated on the 15s game. Now if the powers that be don't help them in the 15 aside game in the immediate future seasons as previously suggested their route to success would be a more committed 7s thrust. It would certainly be in line with their present strengths and tactical acumen in my opinion.
1 -
Less than 24 hours until England's kick off and I'm like a kid at Christmas waiting for Santa to arrive! 😀🏴🏴🏴
Best of luck to Wales on Sunday and commiserations to Liam Williams who misses out through a training injury.
0
