Rugby World Cup 2023

[T4tomo]

Am still not quite sure how they beat Fiji.

Being better in and around the breakdown, disrupting the Fiji lineout effectively and out scrumming them. I was calling for Ford to play, but credit to Farrell, he had a very good game.

 

[AndyRM]

Being better in and around the breakdown, disrupting the Fiji lineout effectively and out scrumming them. I was calling for Ford to play, but credit to Farrell, he had a very good game.

He loves a whinge though doesn't he Farrell. Noticed players have been mouthier than I've seen in the past. Need a Nigel Owens style ticking off.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Being better in and around the breakdown, disrupting the Fiji lineout effectively and out scrumming them. I was calling for Ford to play, but credit to Farrell, he had a very good game.

Yeah, I knew that, but somehow Fiji looked to be playing a better game!
Agree regarding Ford, he must be really pi553d-off. I think he played brilliantly during Farrell's banning. I'd have let him start and brought Farrell on as a plan-change if required - but then we don't get to see what's happening behind the scenes etc.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Yep, I struggle to see how this England side will overcome SA.

Naturally, upsets do happen so there is 'hope' but based upon recent performances, England haven't looked like a team with the ability to upset one of the Top 4.

NZ and SA have both looked like Champions-elect already. England have shown they can beat a side that was in turn beaten by...Portugal.

What a load of moaning minnie negative old tosh.

Things are looking great. England should have Argentina in the final, and have beaten them once. Sunlit uplands.

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

SA by 30pts

 

[AndyRM]

What a load of moaning minnie negative old tosh.

Things are looking great. England should have Argentina in the final, and have beaten them once. Sunlit uplands.

That'd actually be quite funny, mostly because it would upset folk who want to see South Africa v New Zealand because they "deserve" to be in the final.

 

[Dogtrousers]

That'd actually be quite funny, mostly because it would upset folk who want to see South Africa v New Zealand because they "deserve" to be in the final.

Well, let's face it, pool D is the only pool with two surviving teams so is obviously the toughest group.

Argentina may have lost once but that's no shame as the loss was to England who are not just the only unbeaten team but also, as the only surviving Northern Hemisphere team, are clearly the best team in the NH.

Wibble

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

Well, let's face it, pool D is the only pool with two surviving teams so is obviously the toughest group.

Argentina may have lost once but that's no shame as the loss was to England who are not just the only unbeaten team but also, as the only surviving Northern Hemisphere team, are clearly the best team in the NH.

Wibble

And they play in white so are automatically the good guys.

 

[Dogtrousers]

And they play in white so are automatically the good guys.

Yes I forgot that, it's true. You can't argue with FACTS.

 

[matticus]

England should have Argentina in the final, and have beaten them once. Sunlit uplands

Could be a tough battle, but I reckon our superior air power will prevail. - MODS: Oi! Watch it ...

 

[AndyRM]

I've reconsidered my position on a potential England v Argentina final. If England were to win, the tabloid media would go into a priapitic meltdown about beating Argentina. There'd also be the "wisdom" of Dallalligo to endure for another game at least, and the personality vacuum that is Wilkinson. The thought of a drop goal being involved doesn't even bear thinking about.

 

[matticus]

I've reconsidered my position on a potential England v Argentina final. If England were to win, the tabloid media would go into a priapitic meltdown about beating Argentina. There'd also be the "wisdom" of Dallalligo to endure for another game at least, and the personality vacuum that is Wilkinson. The thought of a drop goal being involved doesn't even bear thinking about.

Be honest Andy; the biggest priapic meltdown would be yours, if ARG win by a drop goal.

;-)

(I also suspect this is the only place that anyone is discussing even the possibility of an ARG_ENG final .... )

 

[AndyRM]

Be honest Andy; the biggest priapic meltdown would be yours, if ARG win by a drop goal.

;-)

(I also suspect this is the only place that anyone is discussing even the possibility of an ARG_ENG final .... )

I'm actually not that fussed who wins to be honest. South Africa and New Zealand have probably had the toughest routes, of those two I reckon South Africa just about edge it.

It's been a great tournament so far, and the evening games over the last two nights have been epic. What's not to like?

Plus my fiancée has got into the game in a big way which is awesome. Gonna confuse the life out of her when I introduce League!

 

[Venod]

Gonna confuse the life out of her when I introduce League!

Not as confusing as the other way round, try explaining Union to a die hard League fan, then try getting them to appreciate the game, son in law and grandson no 1 are die hard league players, grandson no 2 is a bit more sensible, he plays league in summer and Union in winter, he plays Hooker at league and Stand Off at Union, he scores more at Union, but league is his go to game, was on the books at Castleford and Huddersfield, but not big enough to make a living out of it.

 

[AndyRM]

Not as confusing as the other way round, try explaining Union to a die hard League fan, then try getting them to appreciate the game, son in law and grandson no 1 are die hard league players, grandson no 2 is a bit more sensible, he plays league in summer and Union in winter, he plays Hooker at league and Stand Off at Union, he scores more at Union, but league is his go to game, was on the books at Castleford and Huddersfield, but not big enough to make a living out of it.

I've laid some groundwork by saying that League is a bit like a cross between 7s and American football, which I think is fair.