![]() |
![]() |
#121 | |
Blander Than Ever
Posts: 3,092
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Quote:
Weepu for starting 1st 5, they cant leave it to Slade. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#122 | |
Stickman
Posts: 15,119
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Quote:
Have fun watching your far superior team thrash my team with epic beards. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#123 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Wales 66-0 Fiji
2007 can be put to bed. Onwards and upwards to the quarter finals. Loving this confidence. That's all I'll say for now. Way too nervous to make any predictions from here on out. Ireland vs Italy up next. Should be a good one. |
![]() |
![]() |
#124 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Ireland looking impressive disposing of Italy. Next week's going to be incredible.
Quarter final fixtures: Ireland vs Wales England vs France South Africa vs Australia New Zealand vs Argentina We've got ourselves a 6 Nations and a Tri Nations tournament. Winners of each play each other to become world champions. Mouth watering stuff. |
![]() |
![]() |
#125 | |
Blander Than Ever
Posts: 3,092
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Quote:
My Picks... Ireland vs Wales - Wales, They just look more dangerous in the backs to me so far Will be a cracker game though. England vs France - France, I just cant see them being that shit two weeks in a row. South Africa vs Australia - South Africa, I think there forwards will see them win this. New Zealand vs Argentina - New Zealand, They will just be to strong I feel. Would love to see Cruden get a decent run. The boy has a point to prove and his pre tournament form was very good even if it was a much lower class oposition. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#126 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Three of the four games I may as well toss a coin, honestly have no idea who's gonna edge them but I'll have a go anyway...
Ireland vs Wales - Like I said, I have no clue, but obviously I'm biased so I say we edge it by a whisker. It'll come down to belief though. The Irish are a lot stronger mentally than we are, and are a lot better at closing a game out. We beat them in the 6 Nations back in March so that should help us out slightly in that aspect at least. I'm expecting a very cagey game just like that last encounter. The Irish look very strong at the scrum, which could be where the game is won. Will be fascinating. England vs France - As bad as these two teams have been, I'll go with England just because they're good at World Cups and know how to get a job done when the chips are down. And of course, the old cliche pops up about which French team will show up. But England seem to be France's bogey team, particularly at World Cups. South Africa vs Australia - I'm expecting Australia to come to life in this game, which they haven't really done yet, but when it's all said and done I think South Africa will be able to grind out the win due to the Australian injuries, and just the pure fact that South Africa have some momentum going. New Zealand vs Argentina - New Zealand comfortably. |
![]() |
![]() |
#127 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
|
Question. I'm a newbie to this sport. How do you get "bonus points". I've noticed this in the standings.
|
![]() |
#128 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Either by scoring 4 or more tries, or by losing a game by 7 points or less.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#129 |
One Of A Kind
Posts: 22,178
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Bonus pts for losing a game? That's a bit stupid.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#130 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
If a team is down by say 2 scores with only a few minutes left then it's a good incentive to keep playing to get something out of it instead of just giving up. The bonus point system doesn't really make a whole lot of difference in a competition like the RWC as there's too few group games, but in a competition like the Heineken Cup it can make things very interesting come the final weekend in tight groups.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#131 |
b/c 5 is better than 4
Posts: 9,721
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I've watched a bit, but the time delays are terrible here in Canada..... I'm cheering for Samoa..... half of them look insane and I love it.....
|
![]() |
![]() |
#132 |
Posts: 16,220
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Quietly confident we'll beat Wales, and more confident again that whoever wins between us and Wales will be going to the final. France haven't kicked into gear once so far and if Wilkinson continues kicking like this then I can't fear England.
Australia South Africa is the game of the weekend for sure and the All Blacks will cruise past the Argies. |
![]() |
![]() |
#133 |
World Class Raconteur
Posts: 29,478
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I think Ireland can beat Wales. We've largely got the better of them over the past 4-5 years, and I think this year we were unlucky to lose the 6 Nations game. There was the dodgy Welsh try (Irish players were waiting for the line-out because they saw the ball go into the crowd, Welsh took an illegal quick throw: it is a minor rule but the Irish players had stopped because they thought the quick throw was impossible) and Paddy Wallace made a pretty horrible decision to try to run a try closer in toward the posts near the end of the game instead of just grounding the bastard.
I also think England will bore France and the rest of us to death. South Africa should go through vs. Australia, if Ireland can completely demolish Australia's scrum then South Africa should be on top too. All Blacks will destroy the Argies. |
![]() |
![]() |
#134 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I'm not going to look too much into the 6 Nations game now I think about it. Watched it back earlier and it was a poor game for both teams. Our defense for the first Irish try was horrendous, then there was the dodgy try, and Ireland really should have scored at the end. A lot has changed in 7 months, and we didn't have the likes of Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Faletau, Priestland or North, and for the first time I can ever remember we've got strength on the bench which will be key. Plus the fitness has been insane since the Summer Poland trip. The fact we have a fully fit squad for this is testament to that. Ireland have hit some amazingly good form considering their Summer build up full credit to them, but history can go out the window for Saturday as far as I'm concerned. And for the record, over the last 6 years Ireland vs. Wales is 4-3 to Ireland. Wouldn't call that largely getting the better of us. Just saying
![]() If there's a score in it with 10 minutes to go I think I'll hide behind the sofa. |
![]() |
![]() |
#135 |
World Class Raconteur
Posts: 29,478
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Yeah I didn't mean literally "massively" getting the better of Wales, just for the most part, having the edge. But you're right that history doesn't matter, it'll come down to who deals with the pressure better. I'm not enormously confident because I think Wales have been excellent so far, while Ireland were very good vs. Australia and in the second half vs. Italy, at other times they have been a bit static. We can't let Wales start quickly tomorrow and get confidence early.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#136 |
World Class Raconteur
Posts: 29,478
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
This is a fucking good game already. We let Wales start quickly but since then it's been all Ireland, repelled by some magnificent Welsh defending and let down by silly errors at crucial times. Wales look dangerous any time they get the ball. Tense.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#137 |
World Class Raconteur
Posts: 29,478
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Ireland spent now after getting a try, Wales look to be on top. All that pressure in the first half counted for far too little unfortunately. Still a fantastic game.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#138 |
World Class Raconteur
Posts: 29,478
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Actually there's some stupid stuff going on now, that's fucking awful from Sexton, Earls and Reddan.
Bollocks, that's it now. Wales have just found an extra gear when it counted. They look like they could play all night. |
![]() |
![]() |
#139 |
World Class Raconteur
Posts: 29,478
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Well played Wales, they were virtually faultless. Aside from the first ten minutes, their discipline was magnificent. I wish Ireland had taken a couple of those early penalties at goal. It made for a great first half pushing for the line but it meant we came away with 3 points when concievably we should have had a first-half lead. The early Wales try seemed to cause Ireland to try to force the game and there were so many errors at crucial moments because of the desperation. Wales' defending was simply superb and they looked like they could puncture Ireland's defence every time they had the ball. I can only remember one handling error and not one misplaced pass or poor kick.
That should have been a semi-final. Now to watch the shower of shit England and France are likely going to serve up. Wales to smash England in the semi. |
![]() |
![]() |
#140 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
So proud of that performance. Made hard work for ourselves in the first half but our defence was incredible, they weren't going to let anything past. I knew if it was just a one score game at half time I'd be very happy as we're definitely a second half team and we can outrun anybody, so I was more than delighted with the 10-3 lead. We seemed to suck the life out of them the last 30 minutes and the Irish really had no answers.
England or France in the semi's, I couldn't give a fuck. Bring it on!! |
![]() |
![]() |
#141 |
One Of A Kind
Posts: 22,178
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#142 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Haha cheerio England. What an embarrassing campaign for the "European champions." France played a lot better today, but still weren't all that convincing. Next Saturday can't come quick enough!!
|
![]() |
![]() |
#143 |
World Class Raconteur
Posts: 29,478
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I hope Wales proceed to the final because they are building real momentum and could do something special, but I won't lie: it would be pretty funny if France made it and beat the All-Blacks again.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#144 |
Blander Than Ever
Posts: 3,092
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Both were pretty good games, I'm 2 from 2 with my picks so far with a lot of people saying I was wrong in the last few days (not here admittedly).
Im picking a Wales NZ Final, and if the ABs dont go at it 150% then Wales might take the cup... Wouldnt that be something. |
![]() |
![]() |
#145 |
World Class Raconteur
Posts: 29,478
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Kiwi wives and girlfriends would have to run to the hills to avoid the inevitable beatings.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#146 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Martin Johnson press conference at 6pm EST. This could be interesting
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#147 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Sit down son
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#148 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Wow Australia vs South Africa was poor. Disappointed with the standard but I suppose it was always going to be a scrap and Australia won't care. We're guaranteed new champions now anyway which is exciting. New Zealand up 12-7 at half time, Argentina with the only try of the game. A lot closer than I anticipated. Guess I won't be heading to bed just yet after all.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#149 |
Blander Than Ever
Posts: 3,092
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Not surprised by the fight the Argies put up. And TBH I was heartened to see the ABs grind it out for a full 80 minutes.
All credit to the Argies they played a good obstructing game with lots of time spent slowing ball at the ruck. Very smart rugby really. Many in NZ aren't happy with the AB performance, but I think its a good sign from them, especially with no Carter. |
![]() |
![]() |
#150 |
One Of A Kind
Posts: 22,178
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Wtf? England centre Manu Tuilagi detained by police after jumping from a ferry in NZ.
Breaking news SSN what the flying fuck |
![]() |
![]() |
#151 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Martin Johnson's appointment was silly. He'll always go down as one of the best captains the game has seen, but he had no managerial experience and it's like he still thinks he's one of the boys, and his selections wreak of favouritism from his playing days. He still talks like he's the captain in his interviews too. They've been horribly exposed on the field this world cup, embarrassed themselves off it, and they don't even give a shit. Unbelievable. Time to start from scratch and leave 2003 in the past for England and the RFU now, they've been clutching at that for way too long.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#152 |
Mad
Posts: 26,228
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Well, I was impressed by the Welsh, I picked them to win, great structure.
Aus still don't look that good. If they lie all over the ball like that with a decent ref, they will be in for a hard time. Bryce Lawrence had a shocker. NZ pushed well vs Argentina, showed good patience, played some finals rugby, and were a lot sturdier when Cruden was on over Slade. He has to be in the team from now on. |
![]() |
![]() |
#153 |
Blander Than Ever
Posts: 3,092
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Thank Fuck someone agrees with me that the ABs played decent finals Rugby.
I'm sick and tired of arguing with bandwagon jumpers today who have decided the ABs are shit because they didnt score 5 tries. |
![]() |
![]() |
#154 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
New Zealand weren't brilliant but they didn't need to be. They were always going to pull away in the second half. Can't judge the All Blacks properly until next week, that'll be their first real competitive test of this tournament really. The France group game was a joke from the French.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#155 |
Blander Than Ever
Posts: 3,092
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
TBH I thought the Argies did an impressive job of being a bloody nuisance to the ABs attack. But yeah far from a complete AB Display.
However, they took the points, they kept pressure on and didnt lose there heads. Thats finals rugby. Something the ABs dont do well. |
![]() |
![]() |
#156 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
WITH SAM OUR CAPTAIN, WE'LL TAKE THE CUP HOOOME!
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#157 |
Tîm Defaid
Posts: 6,646
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Come on Wales let's make history!! Can't fucking wait. Tension's unbearable. The Millennium Stadium will have more people than Eden Park to watch the game on big screens. Would kill to be in Wales right now
![]() Cymru am byth. |
![]() |
![]() |
#158 |
Blander Than Ever
Posts: 3,092
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Wales FTW!
|
![]() |
![]() |
#159 |
Mad
Posts: 26,228
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Well, I know that red card is going to be a problem for you guys.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#160 |
Mad
Posts: 26,228
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Well, all has been said and done, and I'm going to be blatently honest here.
That game was an insult to anyone who has loved rugby, and I am ashamed to have a game of that standard as a RWC semi final, and to be played in NZ. I physically feel ill at how bad that game was, and it's no joke that kicking is measured in kilometers rather than meters for that game. It was like watching a train wreck, but it wasn't as interesting. Congrats to France for being the worst team ever to make a RWC final. |
![]() |