Rugby World Cup 2023

[Lord Camomile]

I don't think so

have to say over the years i've moved from a big fan of NZ rugby, I spent a wonderful two years in Hamilton watching the Chiefs and Waikato to having a very strong dislike of the All Blacks (i actually like England more than the NZAB). If the boks win the WC it will be well deserved.

No, I don't think so. But this might be the last time we see such a dominant NZ side for a while. They're losing 10 of their best players to the Japanese league apparently meaning they won't be eligible to play for the ABs (Smith, Barrett, Mounga amongst them). Cant really blame them. Their careers are short so might as well cash in.

Fair enough; that's why it was something of a question, as I've lost touch with how teams are viewed by other nations, and figured antipathy towards Eng/SA might outweigh that towards NZ, where it seems like there's often a begrudging respect behind the irritation.

 

[Elpenor]

I’m with the bloke I watched the 2019 New Zealand semi final with which is a good omen, but also here is his sort of partner and the three of us all watched the 2019 final against South Africa together

So not sure what all that means

 

[Elpenor]

Arrogant kiwis Lord Camomile is the reason

Fair enough; that's why it was something of a question, as I've lost touch with how teams are viewed by other nations, and figured antipathy towards Eng/SA might outweigh that towards NZ, where it seems like there's often a begrudging respect behind the irritation.

 

[1927]

I’m with the bloke I watched the 2019 New Zealand semi final with which is a good omen, but also here is his sort of partner and the three of us all watched the 2019 final against South Africa together

So not sure what all that means

Nothing!

 

[Smangus]

Getting stupidly more optimistic as kick off approaches, blind faith and beer

 

[A380]

England could pull a rabbit out of the hat. But I’m not holding my breath…

 

[Ax^]

same could of been said of Argentina today

we shall see but next world cups need a better picks of groups either way

 

[Ax^]

Booing the ref already

 

[planetgeli]

The team I wanted to win lost all four qfs. Last night I wanted Argentina to win.

Tonight South Africa. Apologies in advance.

 

[fucthest8]

Well, well, well!

E2A planetgeli exerting his influence already!

 

[flypanam]

The team I wanted to win lost all four qfs. Last night I wanted Argentina to win.

Tonight South Africa. Apologies in advance.

O’Keeffe wants England in the final.

 

[Lord Camomile]

Is it too early to start trying to wind down the clock?

 

[Elpenor]

Whatever England are doing is working so far and pleasing the ref

 

[A380]

Not what I was expecting

 

[planetgeli]

Not what I was expecting

Return that crystal ball to Argos

 

[Ax^]

hmm watching with the sound off the commentary team are annoying as hell


fair play at the start england

 

[Lord Camomile]

Got away with it, but did one or both not call for the ball, there?

 

[Elpenor]

Farrell needs to be calm down (again)

 

[Ax^]

him if only he had a father figure in rugby who could give him a level head for the game


jesus and people complained about sexton kicking off

no wonder Andy could managed johnny he had experience from home ..

 

[fucthest8]

This is the hungriest I've seen England for a long time. Every kick followed up pretty much perfectly and it's working.

 

[gawkrodger]

Well this is a pleasent surprise

 

[gawkrodger]

Daly's having his best test in years

Mitchell's best performance so far

 

[Ax^]

why are the Boks playing the kicking game against england

it the one aspect of the game were england can get in road into the game

SA world cup being be heavy hitting bastards

lets kick it and see what happens

 

[Lord Camomile]

Ooof, that is rough for any player.

 

[planetgeli]

The kicking from the hands is appalling in this game

 

[Ax^]

red card for england coming up


here comes billy

 

[Lord Camomile]

Jesus, it's not pretty!

 

[fucthest8]

Uh-oh. Pollard on. Vunipola fucks it. Here we go...

 

[Elpenor]

Think Pollard coming on is key - wet weather fly half, can kick better, functional not flashy

 

[Lord Camomile]

Ffffffackin' 'ell, that was tight!