fodens try was really good though, shame england didn't play like that in the first 40
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England wasn't in the best form throughout their World Cup campaign. Given that they had a fairly easy pool I'm not surprised to see a French team that turned up the heat victorious. France can never be discounted and seem to be in incredible form following a loss. It's almost like they lose on purpose to psyche themselves up
Wales - you'd better thrash them. I'd love to see Wales in the final, and if the All Blacks get knocked out in the Quarters or Semis I'd love to see them win the thing.
Of course I may be saying different about England's 'easy pool' if Argenitina roll New Zealand tomorrow. I'm fairly confident the ABs will deliver, even with the numerous injuries. One of the few countries that didn't have Steve Jobs' death on the font cover of the papers 'cause Richie McCaw hurt his foot.
Springboks vs. Wallabies will be a good one to watch. I expect that South Africa will kick their way to victory so if the Wallabies maintain dicipline they'll have a real advantage. I think the Springboks may be a little more composed and Australia will have to rely on some real attacking flair to win. I don't think this match will come down to whoever wants it more, I think whoever maintains composure longest will take it out. That being the case... the Springboks might just take this one.
Wales - you'd better thrash them. I'd love to see Wales in the final, and if the All Blacks get knocked out in the Quarters or Semis I'd love to see them win the thing.
Of course I may be saying different about England's 'easy pool' if Argenitina roll New Zealand tomorrow. I'm fairly confident the ABs will deliver, even with the numerous injuries. One of the few countries that didn't have Steve Jobs' death on the font cover of the papers 'cause Richie McCaw hurt his foot.
Springboks vs. Wallabies will be a good one to watch. I expect that South Africa will kick their way to victory so if the Wallabies maintain dicipline they'll have a real advantage. I think the Springboks may be a little more composed and Australia will have to rely on some real attacking flair to win. I don't think this match will come down to whoever wants it more, I think whoever maintains composure longest will take it out. That being the case... the Springboks might just take this one.
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prediction for the final or too early?
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Based on playing form alone I'd guess a sheep-shagger final with Wales and NZ.
Wales have been the most consistant in the tournament. They have a young fit squad that has real composure. Not quite the attacking flair of the big three southern teams but close, expecially when people like North are involved. Their weakness is at the breakdown but they make up for that with the kind of defence they exhibited today. Any team going up against that is likely to get impatient and make mistakes which Wales are good enough to act on.
South Africa hasn't been as good as I've seen them and unless they're hiding something they will have a challenge beating the Wallabies and the All Blacks, (although they'd probably beat Argentina.) They've also lost some of their big names to injury. Can't rule them out of course but if they get past the Wallabies I don't see them having the strength to take down the ABs as well.
Australia has been inconsistant so they're hard to gauge. When they're brilliant they are unmatched so if they can keep it up they are likely to beat both the Boks and the All Blacks but if not then the Boks have the capability to stamp them out at the quarter final stage. Thing is if they manage to be brilliant against South Africa they're probably less likely to bring the same pressure against the All Blacks. Very capable of it though.
France again is too inconsistant. They'll go into the match against Wales with Wales being wary about what the French can do given their victory against England. They have the capability to beat the Welsh certainly and if Wales have a bad day then there's no reason the French can't win. But with Wales on it's guard and with the sort of rugby they've been playing so far this tournament I expect France to bow out in the Semis.
Argenitna don't really have the clout to beat the All Blacks. I'm not ruling it out, and not out of generosity either, the Pumas can play good rugby when they want to. They just don't have the experience. If they manage to win it will represent a massive upset on an unprecedented scale but also if they do they're unlikely to do as well against the Boks or Wallabies. I don't think they'll care either given what an accomplishment beating the ABs will be.
New Zealand again is hard to gauge. They're generally considered the best team at this tournament but let's not forget that they always seem to be the favourite and it never pays off. I do think that they will thrash Argentina given that the Pumas are a comparibly less experienced team, the ABs are playing in front of a home crowd and they are pretty good at rugby too. Past that though... who knows. Yes they have the capability to beat the Wallabies or the Boks but if they don't play up to the right standard or the the Boks/Wallabies bring it extra hard on the day there's no reason it won't suddenly get very sad around these parts.
(Although to be honest if the ABs beat the Pumas I'll be happy as it'll mean we got further than last time.)
Like I said, on playing form so far I'd guess a Wales/NZ final. I think Wales are more likely than New Zealand at this stage. But anything can happen.
Wales have been the most consistant in the tournament. They have a young fit squad that has real composure. Not quite the attacking flair of the big three southern teams but close, expecially when people like North are involved. Their weakness is at the breakdown but they make up for that with the kind of defence they exhibited today. Any team going up against that is likely to get impatient and make mistakes which Wales are good enough to act on.
South Africa hasn't been as good as I've seen them and unless they're hiding something they will have a challenge beating the Wallabies and the All Blacks, (although they'd probably beat Argentina.) They've also lost some of their big names to injury. Can't rule them out of course but if they get past the Wallabies I don't see them having the strength to take down the ABs as well.
Australia has been inconsistant so they're hard to gauge. When they're brilliant they are unmatched so if they can keep it up they are likely to beat both the Boks and the All Blacks but if not then the Boks have the capability to stamp them out at the quarter final stage. Thing is if they manage to be brilliant against South Africa they're probably less likely to bring the same pressure against the All Blacks. Very capable of it though.
France again is too inconsistant. They'll go into the match against Wales with Wales being wary about what the French can do given their victory against England. They have the capability to beat the Welsh certainly and if Wales have a bad day then there's no reason the French can't win. But with Wales on it's guard and with the sort of rugby they've been playing so far this tournament I expect France to bow out in the Semis.
Argenitna don't really have the clout to beat the All Blacks. I'm not ruling it out, and not out of generosity either, the Pumas can play good rugby when they want to. They just don't have the experience. If they manage to win it will represent a massive upset on an unprecedented scale but also if they do they're unlikely to do as well against the Boks or Wallabies. I don't think they'll care either given what an accomplishment beating the ABs will be.
New Zealand again is hard to gauge. They're generally considered the best team at this tournament but let's not forget that they always seem to be the favourite and it never pays off. I do think that they will thrash Argentina given that the Pumas are a comparibly less experienced team, the ABs are playing in front of a home crowd and they are pretty good at rugby too. Past that though... who knows. Yes they have the capability to beat the Wallabies or the Boks but if they don't play up to the right standard or the the Boks/Wallabies bring it extra hard on the day there's no reason it won't suddenly get very sad around these parts.
(Although to be honest if the ABs beat the Pumas I'll be happy as it'll mean we got further than last time.)
Like I said, on playing form so far I'd guess a Wales/NZ final. I think Wales are more likely than New Zealand at this stage. But anything can happen.
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Well played France, England were a joke for 3/4 of the match, and the other quarter.
They've spent too long in the gym and not enough time playing rugby methinks.
They've spent too long in the gym and not enough time playing rugby methinks.
Fuck Israel
What I don't get with England is why did Johnson change the team up so much?
Like the pundits said after, they've had 3 years to prepare and then he tries out a new midfield in a quarter final?? Maybe they've been working on it in training, it just didn't seem to click though.
I would've liked England to go through as don't I think they would be as big a task as France will be.
I wonder where James Hook fits into this Welsh side though, Halfpenny was immense at full back today, North and Williams are pretty much certainties on the wings so Halfpenny won't get #14 off North with Hook moving to full back, and Priestland has played very very good at fly half so I don't think Gatland will drop him and play Hook at 10 either. hmmm
Like the pundits said after, they've had 3 years to prepare and then he tries out a new midfield in a quarter final?? Maybe they've been working on it in training, it just didn't seem to click though.
I would've liked England to go through as don't I think they would be as big a task as France will be.
I wonder where James Hook fits into this Welsh side though, Halfpenny was immense at full back today, North and Williams are pretty much certainties on the wings so Halfpenny won't get #14 off North with Hook moving to full back, and Priestland has played very very good at fly half so I don't think Gatland will drop him and play Hook at 10 either. hmmm
Looks like Australia is in it to win it today.
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fuck yeah. almost had a fucking heart attack at the end... did not want to lose to a fucking drop goal that some SA faggot kicked in the last 5 seconds of play.
noice 
how the fuck did we win that?!
The paradox is only a conflict between reality and your feeling what reality ought to be.
~ Richard Feynman
~ Richard Feynman
Like I said, maintaining composure and dicipline. South Africa could have quite happily kicked their way to victory but the Wallabies didn't give them the opportunity. That's what you get de Villiers you sly twat when you think that the northern hemisphere kicking game is what your team needs to focus on.
Plus O'Connor has nerves of steel.
Well done Wallabies but here's hoping your World Cup campaign does not proceed past this point.
Plus O'Connor has nerves of steel.
Well done Wallabies but here's hoping your World Cup campaign does not proceed past this point.
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lol @ quade cooper. was horrifying.
The paradox is only a conflict between reality and your feeling what reality ought to be.
~ Richard Feynman
~ Richard Feynman
All Blacks are having a rubbish game. Ahead only thanks to Piri Weepu's boot. Only once looked like a threat while Argentina hit hard when they got their opportunity. It doesn't look good for the All Blacks.
Edit: Phew, Pumas didn't have the puff to keep up. Amazing defence from them but they just didn't get many opportunities with the ball.
New Zealand didn't have a great game but didn't have a bad one either. Piri Weepu was fantastic, a deserved man of the match. I think there are certainly some weaknesses that they'll need to work on but I also noted that their attitude is right for World Cup rugby. They weren't going to give away opportunities for points.
So an Australia vs. New Zealand World Cup match eh? Game on.
Edit: x2. It seems Peter de Villiers has quit as South Africa's coach after their loss to the Wallabies. You know despite all the shit I say about him, I am really going to miss him and his big mouth.
Edit: Phew, Pumas didn't have the puff to keep up. Amazing defence from them but they just didn't get many opportunities with the ball.
New Zealand didn't have a great game but didn't have a bad one either. Piri Weepu was fantastic, a deserved man of the match. I think there are certainly some weaknesses that they'll need to work on but I also noted that their attitude is right for World Cup rugby. They weren't going to give away opportunities for points.
So an Australia vs. New Zealand World Cup match eh? Game on.
Edit: x2. It seems Peter de Villiers has quit as South Africa's coach after their loss to the Wallabies. You know despite all the shit I say about him, I am really going to miss him and his big mouth.
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It's official, the All Blacks are fucked.
Due to injuries to Colin Slade and Mils Muliaina they are out and two others have been brought in. Hosea Gear is one and he's prety good. The other is Stephen Donald.
Stephen Donald who is responsible for losses in every game he's played for the All Blacks.
Stephen Donald who is incapable of making anything resembling a good decision.
Stephen Donald who gives the opposition the ball every time he touches it.
Stephen Donald who makes every NZ rugby fan wish it wasn't our national game.
Stephen Donald who can't kick for shit, throws 50/50 passes that are easily intercepted and generally fucks up everything he touches.
Stephen Donald: The biggest fuck-up NZ rugby has to offer.
And he's our backup #10 now that we've lost both Carter and Slade.
Yep, we're fucked.
Edit: 24/10/2011 - I TAKE BACK EVERYTHING!!
Due to injuries to Colin Slade and Mils Muliaina they are out and two others have been brought in. Hosea Gear is one and he's prety good. The other is Stephen Donald.
Stephen Donald who is responsible for losses in every game he's played for the All Blacks.
Stephen Donald who is incapable of making anything resembling a good decision.
Stephen Donald who gives the opposition the ball every time he touches it.
Stephen Donald who makes every NZ rugby fan wish it wasn't our national game.
Stephen Donald who can't kick for shit, throws 50/50 passes that are easily intercepted and generally fucks up everything he touches.
Stephen Donald: The biggest fuck-up NZ rugby has to offer.
And he's our backup #10 now that we've lost both Carter and Slade.
Yep, we're fucked.
Edit: 24/10/2011 - I TAKE BACK EVERYTHING!!
Last edited by Ty (2011-10-23 20:40:13)
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Why sticky? It hasn't got any use after the tournament and while the tournament is going on it will be near the top anyway...
I'd prefer NZ over Wales or France, NZ are generally a harmless race, the other two...
I'm not going to even start on Aus
I'd prefer NZ over Wales or France, NZ are generally a harmless race, the other two...
I'm not going to even start on Aus
under no circumstances can aus win this tournament.
not supporting the welsh or the frogs
so NZ it is (if they dont choke once again)
not supporting the welsh or the frogs
so NZ it is (if they dont choke once again)
Blackbelts are just whitebelts who have never quit.
Ty wrote:
It's official, the All Blacks are fucked.
Due to injuries to Colin Slade and Mils Muliaina they are out and two others have been brought in. Hosea Gear is one and he's prety good. The other is Stephen Donald.
Stephen Donald who is responsible for losses in every game he's played for the All Blacks.
Stephen Donald who is incapable of making anything resembling a good decision.
Stephen Donald who gives the opposition the ball every time he touches it.
Stephen Donald who makes every NZ rugby fan wish it wasn't our national game.
Stephen Donald who can't kick for shit, throws 50/50 passes that are easily intercepted and generally fucks up everything he touches.
Stephen Donald: The biggest fuck-up NZ rugby has to offer.
And he's our backup #10 now that we've lost both Carter and Slade.
Yep, we're fucked.
See you in the final, Wales.
noice
Every four years like fucking clockwork. It should be noted that the last time Stephen Donald played for New Zealand was against Australia, (NZ lost,) and the Aussie media called him "the best Wallabies player on the field".
Basically it comes down to whether Piri Weepu has a good game or not, and he just learned that his grandfather died.
Betting statistics show NZers are betting heavily on the Wallabies. While this would be in an obvious attempt to dull an eventual heartbreak I've stil got to ask - what happened to "Backing Black"?
By the way it seems De Villiers' announcement that he was retiring was just a moment of emotion escaping his big mouth. He has now said he'll stay in the job until his contract expires and hasn't made up his mind what he'll do after that.
Basically it comes down to whether Piri Weepu has a good game or not, and he just learned that his grandfather died.
Betting statistics show NZers are betting heavily on the Wallabies. While this would be in an obvious attempt to dull an eventual heartbreak I've stil got to ask - what happened to "Backing Black"?
By the way it seems De Villiers' announcement that he was retiring was just a moment of emotion escaping his big mouth. He has now said he'll stay in the job until his contract expires and hasn't made up his mind what he'll do after that.
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I wish everyone (well most people) would stop saying Wales are a certainty for the final, alot of these 'pundits' were saying Wales have got the toughest group and will have to put in big big performances against Fiji and Samoa.
We still have to play France first, who looked very very good in the first half v England, a team who have told Lievremont to do one and are playing for personal glory.
I feel slightly confident but still, France aren't a pushover.
On a lighter note, it would be interesting to see how many times Sam Warburton wins turnovers, it seems everytime the opposition turnover ball to us it's because of them holding on due to the pressure from Warburton.
We still have to play France first, who looked very very good in the first half v England, a team who have told Lievremont to do one and are playing for personal glory.
I feel slightly confident but still, France aren't a pushover.
On a lighter note, it would be interesting to see how many times Sam Warburton wins turnovers, it seems everytime the opposition turnover ball to us it's because of them holding on due to the pressure from Warburton.
I think Wales need to work on it's game at the breakdown. If they get penalised too much within kicking range they will be punished by France. Other than that though I think they have enough to beat France even if France put on a good performance.
Wales better bloody win that match, I don't want to see a team that lost two of it's four pool games in the final, it just doesn't seem right.
New Zealand on the other hand... it's probably all this injury talk that's got to me and the fact that the game against Argentina didn't fill me with confidence. Then there are the two so-called omens - first Stephen fucking Donald who's an omen of misfortune if I ever saw one. Then there's the fact that in the history of the World Cup the eventual victors have always defeated the current holders - and Australia just took down South Africa.
I shouldn't be so negative really, NZ are the better performing team, (the only one undefeated so far,) and Australia have to rely on themselves having a good day or not. Tell you what though I think the game will probably be decided in the first 20 minutes of each half. If Australia hit hard and fast the way they did in the Tri Nations final I think NZ will quickly get frustrated and disheartened and start playing poorly - and vice versa. The ABs and Wallabies are pretty damn even; defence, attack, stamina, experience - it's pretty square. The thing that will win or lose this game is composure. With the pressure on New Zealand that's going to be extra hard.
Win or lose though, I just hope it's not a performance that could be called a choke.
Wales better bloody win that match, I don't want to see a team that lost two of it's four pool games in the final, it just doesn't seem right.
New Zealand on the other hand... it's probably all this injury talk that's got to me and the fact that the game against Argentina didn't fill me with confidence. Then there are the two so-called omens - first Stephen fucking Donald who's an omen of misfortune if I ever saw one. Then there's the fact that in the history of the World Cup the eventual victors have always defeated the current holders - and Australia just took down South Africa.
I shouldn't be so negative really, NZ are the better performing team, (the only one undefeated so far,) and Australia have to rely on themselves having a good day or not. Tell you what though I think the game will probably be decided in the first 20 minutes of each half. If Australia hit hard and fast the way they did in the Tri Nations final I think NZ will quickly get frustrated and disheartened and start playing poorly - and vice versa. The ABs and Wallabies are pretty damn even; defence, attack, stamina, experience - it's pretty square. The thing that will win or lose this game is composure. With the pressure on New Zealand that's going to be extra hard.
Win or lose though, I just hope it's not a performance that could be called a choke.
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Rhys Priestland won't play in the semi due to injury
Then again we've got James Hook replacing him with Stephen Jones on the bench, not the worst fly halfs in the world to cover him
(I've just jinxed them now haven't I... fucking hell)
Then again we've got James Hook replacing him with Stephen Jones on the bench, not the worst fly halfs in the world to cover him
(I've just jinxed them now haven't I... fucking hell)
I want NZ to win, but I also think it would be amusing if they fucked it again after being the outstanding team of the past few years AGAIN.
I want Australia to win, just to see the shattered hopes and dreams of all my kiwi mates.
Myself included. I'm 24 years old, the last time NZ won the cup I was two months old. It's nice to see Graham Henry relax a bit though, he's actually smiling at the moment, (or what passes for a smile for him,) because with all the injuries and the setbacks and the difficulties he's seeing the funny side of possibly being denied the cup again. I think that's what NZ fans are going to have to do should shit happen again, just see the funny side of it.
Although it would be extra painful to see the Wallabies win their third World Cup. Wales, (or France I suppose,) better be ready.
Although it would be extra painful to see the Wallabies win their third World Cup. Wales, (or France I suppose,) better be ready.
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Got my NZ All Blacks Jersey in the mail yesterday! Been waiting for it!
Are the replicas skin tight too? or tight fitting but not as tight as the real ones?