Rugby Union France World Cup 2007

[Blind Joe Death]

 

In this topic you may discuss anything to do with the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup which will be set in France. The World Cup officially kicks off on the 7th of September.

 

LINKS:

 

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/index.html

(This link takes you to all the latest news regarding the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup).

 

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/standings/index.html

(This link takes you to the official pools/groups of the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup).

 

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/fixtures/poolstage.html

(This link takes you to the official fixtures for the games of the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup).

 

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/rules/index.html

(This link takes you to the official rules of the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup ).

 

END OF LINKS - (If you would like any other links to some more information which you would like to see just post your wish and I will add it in for you if I can).

 

My Thoughts:

 

Well as a fan of the All Blacks (yes I know I am Australian but I just love the All Blacks) I would say that I hope to see the All Blacks holding up that golden trophy but unfortunately the All Blacks do seem to choke whenever it comes to world cups. Fingers crossed it wont happen this time.

 

Besides that what are your thoughts towards this years World Cup?

Edited August 28, 2007 by ya mum

[Justin]

New Zealand have to be up there - they're the strongest side for mine - but as you said: *choke*.

 

Australia have about zero chance this time around, unfortunately. I'd like to see us win, but realistically it's not going to happen.

 

PS: Traitor!

[All-Blacks]

Can someone please pin this topic? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?

 

Anyways, Yeah i'm worried that the All Blacks might bomb it again, but this is a very different case to '91, '95, '99, '03.

 

Before 1991, most of our great players were coming up to their retirement, and was a very old team (very unheard of in the most of All Blacks history) and weren't ready. They had a 4 years unbeaten run from '86-'90 and started losing tests in 1990-91 including losing the Bledisloe Cup. Even with all this, were favourites. Consequently lost to the eventual champions in the Semi, Australia.

 

Before '95 we had a very mixed few years. The All Blacks were in a slump, more so with the lost series to France in our own backyard. They weren't ready with too much youth in the squad, but were favourites. Had a great campaign (mostly with Jonah Lomu) but lost to South Africa in the final 15-13.

 

Before '99, like '95, was a very mixed few years. NZ had won the inaugural Tri-Nations series in '96, and in '97 both unbeaten in all tests. But in 1998 had lost every match in the Tri-Nations, and losing 5 tests in a row. NZ won the '99 Tri-Nations with one loss, but looked vulnerable. Although had beaten France quite convincingly NZ didn't look ready. Were favourites yet again for the third time in a row, but never lived up to the expectations. Lost to France in Semi unexpectedly.

 

Before '03, NZ probably were more prepared than the previous three years. Didn't win the Tri-Nations in both '00 & '01 (Australia won both) but played well especially against South Africa .Won the '02 with one loss, and the '03 with no losses. Were favourites, but most people felt it was a very young side with no experience (especially with the likes of Oliver, Mehrtens not in the squad) so looked vulnerable in tight situations. Lost to Australia in the Semi in a tight game.

 

Now this is when we are more ready. Beat England convincingly twice with experience and youth in the squad. Played poorly in the '04 Tri-Nations coming third. Not only won, but played surpurbly in the end of year tour, in big wins against France & Italy, and tight games against Wales. In '05 played brilliantly, beating the Lions in all three tests, won the Tri Nations with one close loss, and won the Grand Slam at end of year. '06 nearly started with a loss with two close games against Ireland at home, and a close game against Argentina away. Won the Tri-Nations with only one close loss, and strolled through the park in Europe at end of year, beating England, France (twice) and Wales. This is the first time we can take the status 'favourites' confidentally as we are truely playing like champions (unlike the past 4 campaigns). NZ is playing like if not better than the '87 Rugby World Cup champions. I never thought we would win '95, '99 and '03 (I was too young to watch '91 RWC) as the AB's never played like champions beforehand unlike the '87 or '07 RWC.

 

As for the other teams to win, doesn't look too flash lol (other than Ireland).

 

[Blind Joe Death]

Can someone please pin this topic? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?

 

Anyways, Yeah i'm worried that the All Blacks might bomb it again, but this is a very different case to '91, '95, '99, '03.

 

Before 1991, most of our great players were coming up to their retirement, and was a very old team (very unheard of in the most of All Blacks history) and weren't ready. They had a 4 years unbeaten run from '86-'90 and started losing tests in 1990-91 including losing the Bledisloe Cup. Even with all this, were favourites. Consequently lost to the eventual champions in the Semi, Australia.

 

Before '95 we had a very mixed few years. The All Blacks were in a slump, more so with the lost series to France in our own backyard. They weren't ready with too much youth in the squad, but were favourites. Had a great campaign (mostly with Jonah Lomu) but lost to South Africa in the final 15-13.

 

Before '99, like '95, was a very mixed few years. NZ had won the inaugural Tri-Nations series in '96, and in '97 both unbeaten in all tests. But in 1998 had lost every match in the Tri-Nations, and losing 5 tests in a row. NZ won the '99 Tri-Nations with one loss, but looked vulnerable. Although had beaten France quite convincingly NZ didn't look ready. Were favourites yet again for the third time in a row, but never lived up to the expectations. Lost to France in Semi unexpectedly.

 

Before '03, NZ probably were more prepared than the previous three years. Didn't win the Tri-Nations in both '00 & '01 (Australia won both) but played well especially against South Africa .Won the '02 with one loss, and the '03 with no losses. Were favourites, but most people felt it was a very young side with no experience (especially with the likes of Oliver, Mehrtens not in the squad) so looked vulnerable in tight situations. Lost to Australia in the Semi in a tight game.

 

Now this is when we are more ready. Beat England convincingly twice with experience and youth in the squad. Played poorly in the '04 Tri-Nations coming third. Not only won, but played surpurbly in the end of year tour, in big wins against France & Italy, and tight games against Wales. In '05 played brilliantly, beating the Lions in all three tests, won the Tri Nations with one close loss, and won the Grand Slam at end of year. '06 nearly started with a loss with two close games against Ireland at home, and a close game against Argentina away. Won the Tri-Nations with only one close loss, and strolled through the park in Europe at end of year, beating England, France (twice) and Wales. This is the first time we can take the status 'favourites' confidentally as we are truely playing like champions (unlike the past 4 campaigns). NZ is playing like if not better than the '87 Rugby World Cup champions. I never thought we would win '95, '99 and '03 (I was too young to watch '91 RWC) as the AB's never played like champions beforehand unlike the '87 or '07 RWC.

 

As for the other teams to win, doesn't look too flash lol (other than Ireland).

Haha thanks mate for the pin request lol!

 

Anyways yea I see were your coming from the all blacks are looking in their best form yet but lets just hope they keep it up throught this year.

 

P.S. The reason we lost the 2003 world cup was because of that stupid John Mitchell!!! He didnt even pick Christian Cullen and now weve lost him!!! I think Graham Henry is the right coach for us but he needs to show more emotion. Like imagine the All Blacks winning the world cup and then in the change rooms hes grumpy about how bad they played haha.

[a_fool_from_edinburgh]

well I'll be rooting for Scotland. Don't follow rugby to closley but its great to watch I think, something tells me that Scotland won't be doing to well but I can always hope!

'mon the Scots!

[All-Blacks]

well I'll be rooting for Scotland. Don't follow rugby to closley but its great to watch I think, something tells me that Scotland won't be doing to well but I can always hope!

'mon the Scots!

And what makes it worse....they are in the same pool with the All Blacks . I think Italy could beat Scotland (obviously in same pool too), they are playing extremely well, especially their forward pack.

 

 

I think Graham Henry is the right coach for us but he needs to show more emotion. Like imagine the All Blacks winning the world cup and then in the change rooms hes grumpy about how bad they played haha.

 

LOL, thats probably whats going to happen! Even when AB's beat France pretty convincingly 47-3 he didn't show even a sign of happiness, deep down though he probably is happy. But i've seen him smile though (you'd be thinking OMG!?!?!?!) when he went to our school 50 year jubilee way back in '05. He used to be headmaster of Kelston Boys High (I went there before went to England).

 

 

[a_fool_from_edinburgh]

ahhh man Scotland are with the All Black. f*ck that we don't stand a chance! Oh how I hark for the days when I was younger and Scotland's rugby team was something to be proud of!

[All-Blacks]

ahhh man Scotland are with the All Black. f*ck that we don't stand a chance! Oh how I hark for the days when I was younger and Scotland's rugby team was something to be proud of!

Don't worry, every team feels the same with the All Blacks . I don't think Scotland has won the 6 Nations in over 15 years . The main problem with Scotland at the moment is that they don't really have a player with such leadership as most other countries (like McCaw or O'Driscoll). Gavin Hastings is surely missed in the Scots side. If no one is injured and you play well during the 6 Nations i'm sure you'll make the quarters. It all just depends on how well Italy play as they are on hot form ATM, just like Argentina.

 

Anyone want to predict the Quarter Finalists out of Pool D of Argentina, France & Ireland. I could see France missing out as Ireland & Argentina are playing extemely well recently. Anyone agree on France missing out on the Quarter Final spot?

 

 

[Blind Joe Death]

ahhh man Scotland are with the All Black. f*ck that we don't stand a chance!  Oh how I hark for the days when I was younger and Scotland's rugby team was something to be proud of!

Don't worry, every team feels the same with the All Blacks . I don't think Scotland has won the 6 Nations in over 15 years . The main problem with Scotland at the moment is that they don't really have a player with such leadership as most other countries (like McCaw or O'Driscoll). Gavin Hastings is surely missed in the Scots side. If no one is injured and you play well during the 6 Nations i'm sure you'll make the quarters. It all just depends on how well Italy play as they are on hot form ATM, just like Argentina.

 

Anyone want to predict the Quarter Finalists out of Pool D of Argentina, France & Ireland. I could see France missing out as Ireland & Argentina are playing extemely well recently. Anyone agree on France missing out on the Quarter Final spot?

Yea It could happen cause i do agree Ireland and Argentina are playing great rugby but I'd say all three are pretty even it just depends on what happens that night.

[a_fool_from_edinburgh]

ahhh man Scotland are with the All Black. f*ck that we don't stand a chance!  Oh how I hark for the days when I was younger and Scotland's rugby team was something to be proud of!

Gavin Hastings is surely missed in the Scots side. If no one is injured and you play well during the 6 Nations i'm sure you'll make the quarters.

Too bloody right! I met him when I was wee, total f*cking hero of my childhood and the bastard stopped playing rugby and played American Footbal... wtf?!?! Ach well We'll see what happens hope fully like you say we'll make it at least as far as the quaters

[Mister Pink]

Yes, I'm looking forward to this World Cup. I hope Ireland keeps form. After watching the Fifa World Cup last year I've been dying to see some rugby action, especially now that the Euros for football are coming up and Irelands soccer team is a joke at the moment.

 

If Ireland get to the quarter finals I'll be happy

[All-Blacks]

This World Cup is going to be close!

 

Heres my predictions

 

Quarter-Finals:

 

1)Winner Pool B-Wales

Runner-up Pool A-South Africa

 

2)Winner Pool C-New Zealand

Runner-up Pool D-Argentina

 

3)Winner Pool A-England

Runner-up Pool B-Australia

 

4)Winner Pool D-Ireland

Runner-up Pool C-Italy

 

Semi-Finals:

 

1)Winner QF1-Wales

Winner QF2-New Zealand

 

2)Winner QF3-England

Winner QF4-Ireland

 

3rd/4th Playoff:

 

Losser SF1-Wales (3rd)

Losser SF2-England (4th)

 

Final:

 

Winner SF1-New Zealand (Champs )

Winner SF2-Ireland (2nd)

 

[Blind Joe Death]

This World Cup is going to be close!

 

Heres my predictions

 

Quarter-Finals:

 

1)Winner Pool B-Wales

Runner-up Pool A-South Africa

 

2)Winner Pool C-New Zealand

Runner-up Pool D-Argentina

 

3)Winner Pool A-England

Runner-up Pool B-Australia

 

4)Winner Pool D-Ireland

Runner-up Pool C-Italy

 

Semi-Finals:

 

1)Winner QF1-Wales

Winner QF2-New Zealand

 

2)Winner QF3-England

Winner QF4-Ireland

 

3rd/4th Playoff:

 

Losser SF1-Wales (3rd)

Losser SF2-England (4th)

 

Final:

 

Winner SF1-New Zealand (Champs )

Winner SF2-Ireland (2nd)

Nice work by the looks of things even if that's write or not All-Blacks have a pretty smooth run all the way to the Finals. By the way that's probably what I'd predict as well for the quarters although I'd probably pick France over Ireland to say myself and I'd say that Final would be France verse All Blacks as France are at home every game.

 

[All-Blacks]

Well this is a tricky one, the Les Bleus (France) are a very unpredictable side. No matter what they're form is like its always a 50/50 chance. France could either stroll through the park and waste everyone (including New Zealand) and win the World Cup or could get beaten by Argentina and Ireland and miss the Quarters all together. Remember '99, France got wasted by NZ before the RWC, and unexpectedly beat NZ in the Semis, this could happen again. France could easily lose all the 6 Nations matches, lose the series to the All Blacks in NZ in June, and win the World Cup.

 

Everyone is saying there is only one candidate for the Cup, obviously being NZ, but I think either of these teams could win: Ireland, France, England (they have a great squad, just need a good coach), South Africa (they can still win, good players in EVERY position) and of course NZ. Australia could win (hope not!) if they fix their front row problem, but seems highly unlikely.

 

Is anyone going to any of the games?

 

 

 

[Blind Joe Death]

Is anyone going to any of the games?

Nah but I'm going to the next World Cup after this one in New Zealand 2011. It should be great as I love New Zealand and All Blacks will be at home every game and so on. I wish I could go to France though it seems like a great country!!!

 

But I did hear theres a lot of pollution there. Apparently you cant even see the Eifell tower from 300 metres back from it in the morning.

[All-Blacks]

 

But I did hear theres a lot of pollution there. Apparently you cant even see the Eifell tower from 300 metres back from it in the morning.

 

 

Really? I should check that out some time, London has pretty bad pollution too . The tickets are pretty expensive so i'm just going to watch it in a French or English pub, just as good as going to the actual game. Do people call you a traitor because you go for the AB's ya mum? I walked around Auckland wearing a Wallaby jersey once, everyone was looking at me and thought I was going to get beaten up .

[All-Blacks]

The times for the World Cup have been announced....World Cup matches dates & times. Most of the All Blacks games are during the day, do you think this will hurt the AB's as they are known to be better at wet night games?

 

Also thought you guys might like to know..

 

RBS 6 Nations squads:

 

England squad:

 

Backs: Iain Balshaw (Gloucester), Mike Catt (London Irish), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers), Andy Farrell (Saracens), Toby Flood (Newcastle), Shane Geraghty (London Irish), Josh Lewsey (London Wasps), Jamie Noon (Newcastle), Shaun Perry (Bristol), Jason Robinson (Sale Sharks), Peter Richards (Gloucester), Paul Sackey (London Wasps), Mathew Tait (Newcastle), Mike Tindall (Gloucester), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons).

 

Forwards: Alex Brown (Gloucester), George Chuter (Leicester Tigers), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers), Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers), Perry Freshwater (Perpignan), Danny Grewcock (Bath), Magnus Lund (Sale Sharks), Lee Mears (Bath), Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers), Tim Payne (London Wasps), Tom Palmer (London Wasps), Tom Rees (London Wasps), Stuart Thompson (Northampton), Phil Vickery (London Wasps, capt), Dan Ward-Smith (Bristol), Julian White (Leicester Tigers), Joe Worsley (London Wasps).

 

Ireland Squad:

 

Forwards: Neil Best (Ulster), Rory Best (Ulster), Simon Best (Ulster), Simon Easterby (Llanelli), Jerry Flannery (Munster), Keith Gleeson (Leinster), John Hayes (Munster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Trevor Hogan (Munster), Marcus Horan (Munster), Denis Leamy (Munster), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster), Paul O'Connell (Munster), Mick O'Driscoll (Munster), Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster), Frankie Sheahan (Munster), David Wallace (Munster), Bryan Young (Ulster).

 

Backs: Isaac Boss (Ulster), Tommy Bowe (Munster), Girvan Dempsey (Leinster), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster), Shane Horgan (Leinster), Denis Hickie (Leinster), Robert Kearney (Leinster), John Kelly (Munster), Barry Murphy (Munster), Geordan Murphy (Leicester), Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster), Ronan O'Gara (Munster), Eoin Reddan (Wasps), Peter Stringer (Munster), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Paddy Wallace (Ulster).

 

France squad:

 

Backs: Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (Toulouse), Pierre Mignoni (Clermont), Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz), Benjamin Boyet (Bourgoin), David Skrela (Stade Français), Damien Traille (Biarritz), Romain Cabannes (Biarritz), Florian Fritz (Toulouse), Yannick Jauzion (Toulouse), David Marty (Perpignan), Vincent Clerc (Toulouse), Christophe Dominici (Stade Français), Cédric Heymans (Toulouse), Aurélien Rougerie (Clermont), Thomas Castaignède (Saracens/ENG), Anthony Floch (Clermont), Clément Poitrenaud (Toulouse)

 

Forwards: Pieter de Villiers (Stade Français), Laurent Emmanuelli (Clermont), Sylvain Marconnet (Stade Français), Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), Olivier Milloud (Bourgoin), Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse), Benoît August (Biarritz), Sébastien Bruno (Sale/ENG), Raphaël Ibañez (Wasps/ENG), Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français), Grégory Lamboley (Toulouse), Lionel Nallet (Castres), Pascal Papé (Castres), Fabien Pelous (Toulouse), Jerome Thion (Biarritz), Serge Betsen (Biarritz), Julien Bonnaire (Bourgoin), Sébastien Chabal (Sale/ENG), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse), Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz), Rémy Martin (Stade Français), Yannick Nyanga (Toulouse), Elvis Vermeulen (Clermont)

 

Scotland training squad (final squad yet to be finalised):

 

Backs: Simon Danielli (Border Reivers), Rob Dewey, Marcus Di Rollo and Phil Godman (all Edinburgh Rugby), Andrew Henderson (Glasgow Warriors), Robbie Kydd (Northampton Saints), Rory Lamont (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Lamont (Northampton), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Calum MacRae (Border Reivers), Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh Rugby), Sam Pinder (Glasgow Warriors), Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh Rugby), Nikki Walker (Neath Swansea Ospreys).

 

Forwards: John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors), Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Border Reivers), David Callam (Edinburgh Rugby), Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby), Bruce Douglas (Border Reivers), Ross Ford (Border Reivers), Dougie Hall (Edinburgh Rugby), James Hamilton (Leicester), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Gavin Kerr (Border Reivers), Scott MacLeod (Llanelli Scarlets), Donnie Macfadyen (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Murray (Edinburgh Rugby), Euan Murray (Glasgow Warriors), Alasdair Strokosch (Edinburgh Rugby), Simon Taylor (Edinburgh Rugby)

 

Injured but invited to attend: Mike Blair (Edinburgh - shoulder), Chris Cusiter (Border Reivers - shoulder), Nathan Hines (Perpignan - foot), Allister Hogg (Edinburgh - knee), Scott Lawson (Glasgow - foot), Ben MacDougall (Border Reivers - cheekbone), Simon Webster (Edinburgh - lower leg), Jason White (Sale Sharks - knee).

 

Welsh & Italian squad yet to be named.

Edited January 17, 2007 by All-Blacks

[Blind Joe Death]

 

Do people call you a traitor because you go for the AB's ya mum? I walked around Auckland wearing a Wallaby jersey once, everyone was looking at me and thought I was going to get beaten up  .

Haha yeah well I've already been called a traitor in this topic (the second post in this topic by Fuzzy Juzzy)! But yeah in my school I always get called a traitor and so on as i live in Australia and were also born in Australia. You should of seen the sh*t I got when the aussies beat the All Blacks in the 2003 World Cup Semi-Finals everyone was laughing at me for the rest of the year lol. But I still stay true to the All Blacks no matter what!

 

 

The times for the World Cup have been announced....World Cup matches dates & times.

 

Thanks but I've already got a link to the World Cup date and times on my second link in the very first Topic Starter Post by me. Thanks for showing interest in my topic though!

 

 

Most of the All Blacks games are during the day, do you think this will hurt the AB's as they are known to be better at wet night games?

 

Hmmm I always thought the All Blacks were better at Dry Night games not wet night games as they are a fast team which run better on a dry field. But yes I think it will effect them playing at day time as I think all teams dont like playing at day with the sun and all.

Edited January 20, 2007 by ya mum

[Tommy Corelli]

I'm going to randomly pick a team and see how they do. I pick FIJI

[All-Blacks]

There are five teams left to qualify, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay South Korea & Tonga with three games left to play.

 

In Repechage 1 Portugal & Morocco have one game left in their two match series (Portugal won the first leg on 20th Jan. 10-5) on the 27th of Jan. If Portugal wins (which seems likely) they instantly go to the next round against Uruguay, but if Morocco wins with a six point lead (if it is a drawn series, its decided by point differential, Portugal has a five point difference with in the win in the first round) they go ahead instead.

 

The victor of the two will then proceed to play Uruguay (unknown date). Whoever wins that outcome will go ahead to the Rugby World Cup in Pool C, with Italy, New Zealand, Romania and Scotland.

 

In Repechage 2 there is only one match being played, that is between South Korea and Tonga (I'm 100% certain its going to be Tonga ). This will be played on 10th of Feb in Auckland, NZ with the winner going to the Rugby World Cup in Pool A, with England, South Africa, Samoa and USA.

 

What remainding teams do you guys think will go to the World Cup? Personally I think it will be Tonga & Portugal.

[Blind Joe Death]

There are five teams left to qualify, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay South Korea & Tonga with three games left to play.

 

In Repechage 1 Portugal & Morocco have one game left in their two match series (Portugal won the first leg on 20th Jan. 10-5) on the 27th of Jan. If Portugal wins (which seems likely) they instantly go to the next round against Uruguay, but if Morocco wins with a six point lead (if it is a drawn series, its decided by point differential, Portugal has a five point difference with in the win in the first round) they go ahead instead.

 

The victor of the two will then proceed to play Uruguay (unknown date). Whoever wins that outcome will go ahead to the Rugby World Cup in Pool C, with Italy, New Zealand, Romania and Scotland.

 

In Repechage 2 there is only one match being played, that is between South Korea and Tonga (I'm 100% certain its going to be Tonga ). This will be played on 10th of Feb in Auckland, NZ with the winner going to the Rugby World Cup in Pool A, with England, South Africa, Samoa and USA.

 

What remainding teams do you guys think will go to the World Cup? Personally I think it will be Tonga & Portugal.

Hmmm I would definitely think Tonga will make it through with maybe Uruguay. Probably just because of reputation and all. Although Portugal have a good chance. Anyways I was just thinking of the last World Cup on how Samoa nearly made the quarter-finals but just missed out after losing to England in a close game. Yeah well does anyone think that maybe this year a Pacific Island team will make the quarter-finals or further??? I would love to see one of them in there for sure!!

 

By the way Pacific Island consist of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga (If Tonga makes the World Cup that is).

[All-Blacks]

Anyways I was just thinking of the last World Cup on how Samoa nearly made the quarter-finals but just missed out after losing to England in a close game.

Yes a brilliant game! I was actually rooting for England in '03, they totally deserved to win the Cup. But god how scared I was when Samoa were leading in the second half . But who saved the day you say? No doubt it was Wilko . To be honest I actually want to see this more often to see top sides struggling against weaker sides. In the AI's (the end of year tours) I nearly pissed my pants with laughter when Italy were leading against Australia 'til the last minute when the 'Wobbiles' scored a late try winning 25-18. I think this is a good sign for rugby in the future, teams like Argentina who are constantly shocking teams like France are improving at a considerable rate and its a matter of time when we see Argentina and Italy (and maybe USA who are going to be injected with loads of cash) beating the All Blacks.

[Blind Joe Death]

 

Anyways I was just thinking of the last World Cup on how Samoa nearly made the quarter-finals but just missed out after losing to England in a close game.

To be honest I actually want to see this more often to see top sides struggling against weaker sides. In the AI's (the end of year tours) I nearly pissed my pants with laughter when Italy were leading against Australia 'til the last minute when the 'Wobbiles' scored a late try winning 25-18. I think this is a good sign for rugby in the future, teams like Argentina who are constantly shocking teams like France are improving at a considerable rate and its a matter of time when we see Argentina and Italy (and maybe USA who are going to be injected with loads of cash) beating the All Blacks.

Haha yeah I loved that game when Italy nearly one. I just love to see Australia suffer. Even though I was born here and have lived here all my life I have just always hated Australian rugby. Anyways yeah I agree I love seeing up and coming countries play well against the "Big Boy's". I remember last world cup Japan played pretty well along with USA. I think they both will become great team's in the near future.

 

Bit off topic but not really: I can't wait till Super 14 it will be awesome. First game is Crusaders verse Blues I think on the 2nd of FEB. Super 14 is always a great warm up to the Tri Nations/World Cup!

[All-Blacks]

Anyways I was just thinking of the last World Cup on how Samoa nearly made the quarter-finals but just missed out after losing to England in a close game.

To be honest I actually want to see this more often to see top sides struggling against weaker sides. In the AI's (the end of year tours) I nearly pissed my pants with laughter when Italy were leading against Australia 'til the last minute when the 'Wobbiles' scored a late try winning 25-18. I think this is a good sign for rugby in the future, teams like Argentina who are constantly shocking teams like France are improving at a considerable rate and its a matter of time when we see Argentina and Italy (and maybe USA who are going to be injected with loads of cash) beating the All Blacks.

Haha yeah I loved that game when Italy nearly one. I just love to see Australia suffer. Even though I was born here and have lived here all my life I have just always hated Australian rugby. Anyways yeah I agree I love seeing up and coming countries play well against the "Big Boy's". I remember last world cup Japan played pretty well along with USA. I think they both will become great team's in the near future.

 

Bit off topic but not really: I can't wait till Super 14 it will be awesome. First game is Crusaders verse Blues I think on the 2nd of FEB. Super 14 is always a great warm up to the Tri Nations/World Cup!

Damn traitor (doesn't bug me mind you ).

 

 

Yes i'm hoping new Japan Coach John Kirwan (ex-All Black) is going to help improve the team, Japan is full of cash and if Japans national side plays well, they will attract crowds. And if you attract crowds, you get revenue, and if you are making enough the money can be put into use to improve not only the national side but of all levels (especially in secondary school level where talent is mostly seen) of the game across the country. Now all of this won't happen overnight, but someone needs to spark this and if JK is going to be the man to do it, Japan will be a top side in say 10-15 years.

 

This happened exactly with Italy, they were invited into the 5 Nations in 2000 and were carved into shreads in the first few seasons in the 6 Nations. But eventually as they had more professionalism (in other words, more money) through popularity growing in Italy as they were invited into a top competition, Italy have been beginning to improve which showed in the '06 Nations when they drew with the previous Grand Slam champions Wales, 18-18. Just recently giving both Australia and Argentina a scare in tight games, and then quite convincingly beating Canada. I wouldn't be surprised if they beat Scotland and Wales (who are quite frankly playing poorly lately) in the upcoming 6 Nations in Feburary.

 

I've also heard the All Blacks might tour North America playing a little series against USA and Canada to try and make the game popular over there (but I wonder if they are only doing it for the money ). This is good news as North America as a lot of money and would do Rugby some good , but I hope Rugby doesn't become as wealthy as soccer, full of arrogant rich pricks (Beckham anyone?).

 

PS-Yeah i'm looking forward for the Super 14, its not as good as the Heineken Cup but its still an entertaining competition. I'm going for Crusaders (i'm born from Canterbury ) and hopefully they can still play well without their All Blacks for the first 7 weeks . I'm actually worried that the NZ sides will be too weak without their stars and most likely will give a chance for the Aussie and SA sides to win the Super 14 (NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ). Well mind you, the Aussies and South African sides are crap anyway so the absence of the AB's for 7 weeks probably won't make a difference to the outcomes lol.

[Blind Joe Death]

 

I've also heard the All Blacks might tour North America playing a little series against USA and Canada to try and make the game popular over there (but I wonder if they are only doing it for the money  ). This is good news as North America as a lot of money and would do Rugby some good  , but I hope Rugby doesn't become as wealthy as soccer, full of arrogant rich pricks (Beckham anyone?).

 

PS-Yeah i'm looking forward for the Super 14, its not as good as the Heineken Cup but its still an entertaining competition. I'm going for Crusaders (i'm born from Canterbury  ) and hopefully they can still play well without their All Blacks for the first 7 weeks  . I'm actually worried that the NZ sides will be too weak without their stars and most likely will give a chance for the Aussie and SA sides to win the Super 14 (NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO  ). Well mind you, the Aussies and South African sides are crap anyway so the absence of the AB's for 7 weeks probably won't make a difference to the outcomes lol.

Hmm sounds interesting... There could maybe be some record breaking games if you know what I meen (NZ beat Canada 200+ - 0 )! lol

 

Yeah Crusaders are awesome but I'm more of a Hurricanes fan myself as my Dad was born there and I just love their team and so on. They are just so fast and arent scared to run the ball (which can be bad sometimes)!

 

Yeah I also heard about the all-blacks being rested for the first 7 or 8 weeks in the super 14. I was quite dissapointed but I guess it's best for the All-Blacks preparation for the World cup so I don't mind.

[Chalk]

Most likely Portugal and Tonga.

 

 

The ways the pools are it seems that NZ and Australia have both drawn relatively easy pools. England may have a challenged against South Africa if they aren't playing well (and RSA is) but I wouldn't rule out the likes of France or Ireland.

 

Still think that NZ is a pretty good bet at the moment though.

[All-Blacks]

I know this is kinda off topic, my dear Crusaders got beaten 34-25 by the Blues . It was a slopy game, mistakes galore, no one deserved to win, but someone had to win I guess. Even though the Crusaders still had 8 AB's in their line up (they normally have 14 or 15, but 22 AB's are gone for first 7 weeks) they looked lost without their stars DC, McCaw, Thorne and Jack. DC getting terittory, McCaw robbing the ball and Jack and Thornes height were all dearly missed. God the Crusaders have a tough upcoming 7 weeks ahead of 'em.

 

On Topic: Portugal is going to play Uruguay during the weekend to decide the last spot into Pool C, its probably going to be close but I think with Portugals determination and momentum, I think they will just win. Your thoughts?

 

And yeah I think NZ has once again another easy pool, but I don't think its a bad thing for the AB's, it could be useful to see their best line up for the latter stages. The AB's had a pretty simple pool in '03, but I don't understand why they didn't rotate and experiment, if my memory serves me correctly I don't think Daniel Carter even started a game in the whole competition. Hopefully Henry will experiment because I don't think he even knows his best line up, the only players that are DEFFINANTLY in the First XV are Carter, Hayman and of course, McCaw.

Edited February 2, 2007 by All-Blacks

[Blind Joe Death]

I know this is kinda off topic, my dear Crusaders got beaten 34-25 by the Blues . It was a slopy game, mistakes galore, no one deserved to win, but someone had to win I guess. Even though the Crusaders still had 8 AB's in their line up (they normally have 14 or 15, but 22 AB's are gone for first 7 weeks) they looked lost without their stars DC, McCaw, Thorne and Jack. DC getting terittory, McCaw robbing the ball and Jack and Thornes height were all dearly missed. God the Crusaders have a tough upcoming 7 weeks ahead of 'em.

 

On Topic: Portugal is going to play Uruguay during the weekend to decide the last spot into Pool C, its probably going to be close but I think with Portugals determination and momentum, I think they will just win. Your thoughts?

 

And yeah I think NZ has once again another easy pool, but I don't think its a bad thing for the AB's, it could be useful to see their best line up for the latter stages. The AB's had a pretty simple pool in '03, but I don't understand why they didn't rotate and experiment, if my memory serves me correctly I don't think Daniel Carter even started a game in the whole competition. Hopefully Henry will experiment because I don't think he even knows his best line up, the only players that are DEFFINANTLY in the First XV are Carter, Hayman and of course, McCaw.

Yeah I'm sorry about that. It was a pretty close game but Blues just came out on top. I think it was a pretty good game to start off the Super 14 and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season. I think it is a good thing that the all blacks are out for the first seven weeks because it gives some others have a chance to shine and show what they got for the World Cup. I was quite impressed by Stephen Brett from the Crusaders who played five-eighth in todays match. He could be the next Daniel Carter.

 

Back to on topic: I'm not sure who's going to win out of Portugal and Uruguay.. with common knowledge and reputation I think Uruguay would win but I'm not sure how Portugal are playing so maybe they will win so yeah.

 

Anyways I got an idea.. how about someone starts a Super 14 topic in this Sport's discussion forum? I was going to make one but I have made this one so I thought I would let someone else have a go?

[Herc]

Im going for new zealand simply cus I live here lol. GOBLACKS!

[CptCharisma]

Canada is going to lay down a spanking to Austrailia.