Rugby World Cup 2023

[Elpenor]

Eddie used to say to England fans “wait till the World Cup, mate”, but now he has to tell the Aussie fans “wait till the next World Cup, mate”

 

[bendeus]

I'm not a coach, but in team sports rugby football etc you always need a spine of experienced players to help bring younger ones on. This seems to be a principle for all teams that have ongoing sustained success. I think this is especially true of rugby which is a complicated game , before you get into the vagaries of reffing preferences etc.

Eddie jettisoned that and Aus are paying the price for him takjng that risk. There is a reason why World Cup winning teams have a high number of caps in their sides.

2/3 very experienced players could have made a massive difference to the campaign for them.

A bit like France a few years back , rugby needs a strong Aussie team.

This would apply similarly to Wales. The WRU's scorched earth policy wrt prioritising the national team over the feeder regions means that there's literally a five year gap between the older 'golden generation' , who have now either already retired, or are about to, and the youngsters coming through. It's a pretty impressive showing by Gatland to get us through to the knockouts bearing that in mind.

 

[two sheds]

On again - amazing how quickly the next match comes round

Good so far

 

[starfish]

3rd game in 18 days for Namibia apparently.

 

[starfish]

3rd game in 18 days for Namibia apparently.

Actually 3rd in 12 days according to beeb website. Im sure commentator said 18.

 

[two sheds]

I heard 18, too. You can tell, though. They're flagging. Unfair really they should space all the games out more. Perhaps have the tournament over four months.

 

[two sheds]

I thought that second yellow card was a bit harsh the uruguayan was dropping down, almost hit the namibian's shoulder with his head rather than other way round.

Third looks like a red though

 

[starfish]

Its been 4 games in 18 days Scott Hastings just cleared it up. Not fair on them.

 

[two sheds]

Certainly not, particularly if the team they're playing has had say 4 games in 25 days

Why they lost I think

 

[littlebabyjesus]

That was very entertaining. Good even match. Both teams very ambitious and showing some flair. Loads of mistakes. Then Namibia fading.

While the yellows spoiled the spectacle a touch, I thought they were all fair. The review system works pretty well imo. The first red/yellow was a clear yellow, second a clear red imo. I thought the third was more red than yellow as well, though.

This is what has to happen. You have to try to get low in the tackle. If you fail and hit the head, you will get a yellow. If you fail to even try and hit the head, it's a red. I applaud the effort to clamp down on this.

 

[littlebabyjesus]

Certainly not, particularly if the team they're playing has had say 4 games in 25 days

Why they lost I think

And smaller teams have less strength in depth. Some of the big teams have been resting players for the matches against Tier 2 teams.

 

[two sheds]

That was very entertaining. Good even match. Both teams very ambitious and showing some flair. Loads of mistakes. Then Namibia fading.

While the yellows spoiled the spectacle a touch, I thought they were all fair. The review system works pretty well imo. The first red/yellow was a clear yellow, second a clear red imo. I thought the third was more red than yellow as well, though.

This is what has to happen. You have to try to get low in the tackle. If you fail and hit the head, you will get a yellow. If you fail to even try and hit the head, it's a red. I applaud the effort to clamp down on this.

Yes I can see the game in future banning all tackles above the waist - you often see players' heads snap back when hit with a chest-high tackle. Bring it on I say.

 

[1927]

I thought that second yellow card was a bit harsh the uruguayan was dropping down, almost hit the namibian's shoulder with his head rather than other way round.

Third looks like a red though

Was crazy, when he first went to the tv ref I thought he was looking at the guy with ball for driving into the "tackler". The only person at risk in that situation was the "tackler", rugby is doing a good job at trying to reduce head injuries, but the methodology leaves something to be desired.

 

[two sheds]

Yes I thought the same.

 

[Elpenor]

Just watched highlights of Uruguay v Namibia - what a try by the Uruguayan scrum half.

They’ve scored some brilliant tries this tournament. Hopefully they’ll kick on

 

[Elpenor]

Japan must be the only country with a worse anthem than England!

 

[two sheds]

Bump Japan Samoa

 

[Petcha]

Japan must be the only country with a worse anthem than England!

It's a dirge yes, but then most of them are. At theirs isnt asking us all to save a 'gracious' glorified dole bludger

 

[two sheds]

Wehey

The tier II countries do play some really attractive rugby - it seems that they're just not allowed to when they play the tier I countries.

 

[sleaterkinney]

2/3 very experienced players could have made a massive difference to the campaign for them

Especially two of their best ones. Hooper is only 31, no reason to ditch him, or to blood a 10.

 

[starfish]

That was a great try.

 

[two sheds]

Interesting last minute and a half

 

[A380]

Great last 20 minutes

 

[two sheds]

Another enjoyable game

 

[Smangus]

 

[flypanam]

Japan must be the only country with a worse anthem than England!

I think it’s quite haunting. And it mentions moss.

I wouldn’t wipe my arse with The English Dirge, as it’s possible the worst set of strung together words in the Language, which considering the wealth of writers and musicians England has produced is quite a feat.

Gutted for Samoa, seriously had high hopes for them this WC.

 

[two sheds]

I can't listen to The English Dirge, which means I normally don't hear the other anthem as I've turned the sound off.

 

[flypanam]

hoping for the mother of all upsets tonight, would have been the perfect game for Menoncello but he’s injured.

 

[Petcha]

ABs back to full strength, with all their Barretts included. I think they'll come out firing given the shit they must be getting from home.

 

[two sheds]

And another bump and they're off

First minute and I'm loving the 'ooooooh' when there's anything like a big hit. All Blacks have to smash them don't they? Would love Italy to do well.