RFU World Cup

I've enjoyed watching the matches (and there have been plenty of them already, much to Mrs M's disgust! ) - but I have to say I've seen nothing yet to change my opinion that the other code, the 13 man game, is a much more entertaining watch. The seemingly constant kicking for position (and points in England's case yesterday), the slowing down at line-outs and set scrums and now the ridiculous caterpillar rucks tactic has, for me, taken all the excitement out of the game.

I'm currently watching Warrington v Salford - all square with a minute to go and the lead has swapped sides so many times and a golden point to come! 👍

But, in fairness to the OP, yes, George Ford had a magnificent game and hopefully will keep his place in the team, no need for spoilt brat Farrell. 

What has gone wrong with the Aussies? I’m delighted with the rise of the Pasifika nations and the island boys returning to their cultural teams, maybe to the detriment of the ABs and Aussies, just a thought! Good to see those second tier nations having their moment but the big games are coming, maybe an upset on the cards!

Saddened to see Italy crushed by an ABs masterclass last night. How do they recover from that? I hope they do! Beware all who next encounter New Zealand!

Scotland played well, as did Romania at times but afraid i got a bit bored half way thru the second half when it became so predictable, but yes Scotland vs Ireland should be a cracker.

did not watch Georgia/Fiji, OH was awake and clutching the TV controller

Some question the inclusion of lower tier countries in these pool stages of the World Cup having witnessed some rather one sided, large scoring games. However, what an experience, what learning opportunities and what a showcase for individual up and coming young players who may just be spotted and go onto make in to the big time teams. Fantastic performance from Portugal, some tell me Spain are in actual fact a better side but they apparently blotted their copybook in the lead up and were disqualified also the USA blew their chances and allowed Chile the experience . I’m all for the minnows having their moments.

Yup England need to put Fiji to bed if we are to have a home nation to shout for going forward. Wales and Ireland should have won their games, but both splendid games some terrific rugby towards the end of the Ireland game. Come On England

 An Irish man, a Welsh man and a Scot went into a pub. They usually had an English man with them but he’s still at the World Cup!😇

Your comments Moulesy are nonsense (apart from caterpillar rucks - which are being banned soon) and you obviously don't understand the game of Union. The reason for kicking is for territory and inviting the kick and chase tactic. Last weekend we were treated to 4 magnificent games of rugby - the likes of which will probably never be seen again. It's because of the introduction of League players and coaches into the Union code that high tackling has become prevalent, dangerous and requiring a change in the laws - Union players being, in general, bigger, taller and stronger. Fact.

Instead of trying to 'rubbish' the game, try (excuse the pun) embracing it and understanding it. Yes, the All Blacks look strong, so too the 'Boks and it will take and enormous effort for both England and Argentina to make the final. 

I agree with Moulesy that England have been very lucky in the draw. I didn’t expect them to win the quarter final, tbh. I wish them well in their semi with my fingers firmly crossed.

Farrell’s inconsistency lets him and the team down at times and I don’t think he was missed much during his suspension. George Ford filled the gap excellently and didn’t let the clock run out!

NZ surely have to be the favourites now.

Hopefully not too difficult to decipher my last post but basically what I’m saying is that the very best coaches do their research on the opposition and find tactics, some novel, to beat them. England have been so predicable in recent years with the kicking game, they now need to be creative and find those specific tactics to beat SA otherwise we will be ‘Faffed’ like we were in the final of the last World Cup. Faff used that kicking game then to its best advantage but I’m not sure that repeating it over and over again, by either side, will be the best approach, for players or spectators alike, this time judging from what I saw last night.

Oh, and the powers that be recognise the boring nature of the ‘kicking game’ so have moved to ban the caterpillar. The 50-22 is also a good addition as it requires precice kicking not just a hoof up and chase. That idea came from RL. What about the goal line drop out! The jury is out on that rule.

High tackles existed during my RU playing days but that definition of a RU high tackle has change in recent years for very obvious reasons and these have absolutely nothing to do with RL.Yes, the RL definition is slightly different and probably better in my opinion and certainly more like I experience in my Union playing days of yesteryear..

Miraculous efforts and outcomes do happen in rugby. I could name quite a few instances and these are very special and one reason which makes rugby so appealing for me. Now it's England's opportunity to put in a real Herculean effort and prove us wrong, you just never know it could happen. Winning is sometimes in the belief that this is just possible. 

Words fail me too, Nellie! 😉 The ABs were phenomenal, will that suffice? Even though it doesn’t do them justice! Don’t recall the Pumas actually breaking through their line of defence. If England don’t win tomorrow they won’t be coming home just yet but will have to play that unenviable third place game against an embarrassed Pumas. Let’s hope they do win mind but what a monumental effort will be needed to beat the ABs!