Rugby World Cup

[Carlos]

May as well start a thread with the warm up games starting.

Some belting games yesterday and I envisage quite a few upsets when the tournament begins.

I fear for any team having to play Fiji or Tonga as I can see them beating a big name with them being allowed to reclaim ex All Blacks and Aussie internationals. They have a few absolute super stars returning to play for them mixed with a few promising youngster makes for some giant killing!

Yesterday was probably the best day out in Cardiff I've ever had with Wales beating England then watching Tom Jones in the Castle. Quite surreal

[duncs500]

Sounds like a great day! I didn't catch the game, but I'm not very confident about England's chances of going far in the tournament.

[KiwiDave]

Likewise the AB's. Even though their weekend comeback against Aussie was pretty special they're going into the WC with a manager who has already been told he's being replaced essentially after a vote of no confidence a good 12 months ago. There are a few big names who will retire straight after the game to earn big bucks in France and Japan who would no doubt like to go out on a high but overall, I don't fancy their chances much.

[Carlos]

Bummed at HQ that's the headline tomorrow!

As a Welshman I'm dreading playing Fiji in our opening game in France

[mik]

Was very lucky to be able to borrow some seasons tickets today for Murrayfield. First half rubbish. Second half made it worth going. Nasty collar-grab slam tackle on Jamie Ritchie should have received a card though.

[GG.]

I fear for any team having to play Fiji or Tonga as I can see them beating a big name

Well this certainly came true! Was watching at Twickenam with my son yesterday... as dire as England were Fiji really impressed. Their footwork, strength in breaking tackles and perserverance through the full 80 really impressed.

[Carlos]

Samoa were no mugs either against Ireland. The usual skills and physicality are present but with a level of discipline they've never shown!

[dinny_g]

As the big day approaches, I'm beginning to feel nervous. Scotland could beat us, South Africa could beat us and we're going home. Equally, we could win the whole thing.

Hardest RWC to predict ever...

[duncs500]

I predict England won't get a sniff.

[GG.]

If we get out of the group I'll be impressed...

[McSwede]

I predict England won't get a sniff.

I shall be bold and say that we'll do better than people expect

[dinny_g]

Bill Beaumont, the most English man ever, getting a better reception than Macron… in Paris…:lol:

[nuttinnew]

^ Rugby > politics.

[GG.]

NZ first ever loss in a pool game...

[dinny_g]

Better team has won tonight

[mik]

What a game though

[McSwede]

Better team has won tonight

They did but NZ were disappointing.

[Swervin_Mervin]

That was a cracking game last night! Glad the French won out in the end.

I've always thought that NZ rely a lot on shock and awe tactics, getting in quick and then hoping to steamroller teams having put them on the back foot. But that if the opposition can hold firm and get a foothold they stand a chance because NZ start to unravel when they come under attacking pressure and their just staying the right side of discipline flips to overstepping the mark.

[GG.]

I’m not sure I really even recognise the modern game any more… they way they police yellow / red cards is just mental.

There is absolutely no justification for a red for anything other than deliberate foul play.

I was very very close to turning it off after 12 minutes. I’m continuing to watch mainly just to see if we triumph over adversity but it we go out at the group stage I’m not sure I’ll bother watching any further games.

[McSwede]

Not worthy of a red card!