[Other Sport] Rugby (Union) World Cup Official Thread

[crodonilson]

The Rugby Union World Cup kicks off this Friday with what looks like an absolute belter between heavyweights France and New Zealand in what could be a dress rehearsal for the final. Let's hope the Mighty All Black's absolutely hammer the French.

 

[Ali_rrr]

Off to Lyon and Lille for this. First game up is NZ Italy which I'm really looking forward to. Then down to Lille for Scotland Romania which is more for the pissup in Lille than anything else.

Glad I didn't get England tickets. Thankfully we have an easy group but I can't see us getting past the quarters unless Borthwick pulls a bear out of the hat.

 

[Pavilionaire]

England's build-up has been lamentable, whilst Borthwick is arguably the worst England coach of the professional era.

If England win the tournament it would be even more remarkable than Denmark picking themselves up off the beach and winning Euros '92.

 

[Icy Gull]

Really looking forward to this. I can support just about any country that play good rugby, other than South Africa, Wales and Australia

I expect nothing but frustration and inevitable cluelessness from England, I am ready for it.

Once we’re knocked out I’ll be backing France but always enjoy watching New Zealand too.

 

[PeterT]

England's build-up has been lamentable, whilst Borthwick is arguably the worst England coach of the professional era.

If England win the tournament it would be even more remarkable than Denmark picking themselves up off the beach and winning Euros '92.

I have tickets for every England game - offers?

 

[crodonilson]

Really looking forward to this. I can support just about any country that play good rugby, other than South Africa, Wales and Australia

I expect nothing but frustration and inevitable cluelessness from England, I am ready for it.

Once we’re knocked out I’ll be backing France but always enjoy watching New Zealand too.

NZ are the people champions, one their own nation is out everyone will be cheering on the mighty All Blacks.

 

[PeterT]

Off to Lyon and Lille for this. First game up is NZ Italy which I'm really looking forward to. Then down to Lille for Scotland Romania which is more for the pissup in Lille than anything else.

Glad I didn't get England tickets. Thankfully we have an easy group but I can't see us getting past the quarters unless Borthwick pulls a bear out of the hat.

You are probably right about England, though I do remember being at the Stade de France to see us lose 36-0 to the Saffers in 2007 and then a few weeks later we were in the final. I agree it’s very unlikely that this will happen again, apart from the 0-36 bit, but it’s not impossible for us to fluke our way into a semi final given the draw we have.

 

[The Mole]

Just arrived in Marseille- looking forward to Scotland beating South Africa on Sunday

 

[Brovion]

Really looking forward to this. I can support just about any country that play good rugby, other than South Africa, Wales and Australia

I expect nothing but frustration and inevitable cluelessness from England, I am ready for it.

Once we’re knocked out I’ll be backing France but always enjoy watching New Zealand too.

Same for me, but instead of your New Zealand I'll be supporting Ireland. (And yes I know they wouldn't reciprocate, but I don't care.)

 

[Ali_rrr]

You are probably right about England, though I do remember being at the Stade de France to see us lose 36-0 to the Saffers in 2007 and then a few weeks later we were in the final. I agree it’s very unlikely that this will happen again, apart from the 0-36 bit, but it’s not impossible for us to fluke our way into a semi final given the draw we have.

Definitely be a positive if we make the semis. Don’t think SB is a bad bloke by any stretch and if we get a good run it’ll take the pressure of him immensely.

Can’t see anyone other than SA winning it though.

 

[PeterT]

Definitely be a positive if we make the semis. Don’t think SB is a bad bloke by any stretch and if we get a good run it’ll take the pressure of him immensely.

Can’t see anyone other than SA winning it though.

I was kicked out of my hotel near Marseilles as the Saffers are using it as a base camp. So I know where to direct the dodgy lasagne if needs be ……!

 

[mwrpoole]

Definitely be a positive if we make the semis. Don’t think SB is a bad bloke by any stretch and if we get a good run it’ll take the pressure of him immensely.

Can’t see anyone other than SA winning it though.

The only hiccup I can see SA having, they have a tough group then 1/4 final vs NZ or France. That could takes its toll.

 

[One Love]

NZ are the people champions, one their own nation is out everyone will be cheering on the mighty All Blacks.

Are they?

All the rugby people I know can't stand them after all the favouritism they've received from the officials/authority especially during the Lions tours.

 

[crodonilson]

Are they?

All the rugby people I know can't stand them after all the favouritism they've received from the officials/authority especially during the Lions tours

Yes, they are the Brazil of Rugby Union, adored for their style of play, and entertainment value. The Haka is worth the admission price alone.

Are they?

All the rugby people I know can't stand them after all the favouritism they've received from the officials/authority especially during the Lions tours.

See above.

 

[One Love]

Yes, they are the Brazil of Rugby Union, adored for their style of play, and entertainment value. The Haka is worth the admission price alone.

See above.

Penny's dropped. He's on a windup. Silly me.

 

[crodonilson]

Heads up first game tonight and it should be an absolute belter. Will watch the first half and then record the 2nd half. Come on the All Black's.

 

[Gwylan]

I was going to have a tenner on France to win the cup but at 3-1, I don't think I'll bother. I'm certainly not backing Wales as I'm not sure we'll get through the group.

Looking forward to the competition though: there are four sides who can genuinely win it: NZ, SA, Ireland and France - and it's not often that there are that many strong teams.

 

[veuve]

Should be a cracker.

 

[Questions]

When you think of our best teams from the late 80’s through to 2007 ( god knows how we made that final) we only won it once so it’s so tough to be victorious. 4 teams can win it and I am not including Australia. That All Black battering at the hands of the Boks recently was interesting though it might affect them.

France will take some beating and I’m curious as to whether they can meet Ireland in the final.

 

[Peppermint Tea]

Bonjour fans de mouettes!

I arrived in Marseille at lunch time. First thing I asked the cabbie was about OM and the Europa group. He was pretty clued up about us and thinks we will go through with Ajax.

Was rather a “I’m dreaming” moment to be discussing this to be honest…