Rugby

[J-C]

Not so sure you can attribute basic mistakes and handling errors to Townsend. The players have got to rise to the occasion and so far they haven't.


You can if the tactics are to be as open and expansive as they are, this 2nd half you've seen Scotland keeping it tighter and using the shorter pass probably due to the weather. Ireland are big strong and do all the basics superbly and pounce on errors, we've lost 3 tries due to errors because the Scottish team are trying to be too open in their play.

[Sylar]

Surely give Darcy Graham a chance. Seymour hasn’t even been mentioned.

I can't believe he's still not on - one of the best prospects we have in our rugby setup. Yet Duncan Taylor started? A guy who hasn't played international rugby in a few years due to injury? Graham was incredible in the recent summer tests - we need his pace to get any penetration here.

[Golden Bear]

You can if the tactics are to be as open and expansive as they are, this 2nd half you've seen Scotland keeping it tighter and using the shorter pass probably due to the weather. Ireland are big strong and do all the basics superbly and pounce on errors, we've lost 3 tries due to errors because the Scottish team are trying to be too open in their play.

Or can't execute the game plan because of incompetence?

[cabbageandribs1875]

i'm not too despondent, this is playing out just as i expected, a hammering beckons in the QF anyway, should we be lucky enough to progress that is

[cabbageandribs1875]

we could hope for an abandonment, but the replay would pan out the same way

[cabbageandribs1875]

easy peasy

[Sylar]

Game, set, match. On the back of ANOTHER ****ing handling error.

[J-C]

Or can't execute the game plan because of incompetence?


Or can't implement the game plan due to playing the top ranked team in the world, keep it tight and give Ireland nothing and do what they do and wait for a mistake, if you play so open mistakes will happen.

Look at Hibs right now, how often have we said we pass it about all nice but have huge holes in the midfield when put under pressure, that's Scotland rugby.

[J-C]

Funny there's few Irish handling errors, in all this rain.

[Golden Bear]

Or can't implement the game plan due to playing the top ranked team in the world, keep it tight and give Ireland nothing and do what they do and wait for a mistake, if you play so open mistakes will happen.

Look at Hibs right now, how often have we said we pass it about all nice but have huge holes in the midfield when put under pressure, that's Scotland rugby.

Mind you, the Irish team have also had every break of the ball that they possibly could.!

[Sylar]

Or can't execute the game plan because of incompetence?


Or can't implement the game plan due to playing the top ranked team in the world, keep it tight and give Ireland nothing and do what they do and wait for a mistake, if you play so open mistakes will happen.

Look at Hibs right now, how often have we said we pass it about all nice but have huge holes in the midfield when put under pressure, that's Scotland rugby.

I think the truth is somewhere between the 2 of you. Individual errors are killing us - in some instances it is incompetence, in other instances it's symptomatic of a systemic problem. All happening in the spotlight of a world class Irish side.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Well, that was a fine trio of matches to help pass a Saturday morning, Great stuff.

Heading to The Fly Half for tomorrow morning's game, Wonder what the atmosphere will be like before 1000?!!

Lasted a half then moved on to The foot of the Walk.

[J-C]

I think the truth is somewhere between the 2 of you. Individual errors are killing us - in some instances it is incompetence, in other instances it's symptomatic of a systemic problem. All happening in the spotlight of a world class Irish side.


I remember Gavin Hastings slammed the players a few years back by saying there was far too much time bulking up and getting big and not enough time spent on the training pitch doing the basics of the game, there are times like today when you can see exactly what he means, we spent hours on the pitch going through all the basics on a weekly basis.

[cabbageandribs1875]

we will probably get our customary "losers" try that we normally get against top ten teams, after ireland get their bonus point and realise the games in the bag and start pulling back a bit so not risking any unnecessary injuries

[hfc rd]

we will probably get our customary "losers" try that we normally get against top ten teams, after ireland get their bonus point and realise the games in the bag and start pulling back a bit so not risking any unnecessary injuries


Ireland already have their bonus point. They have already taken off many of their best players and giving youngsters like Carty a chance to impress. Managing the game well..

[CloudSquall]

Samoa Vs Japan for 2nd will be a great watch.

[cabbageandribs1875]

only 10 handling errors, progress


yet another forward pass.... ******* amateurs

[cabbageandribs1875]

not even a sniff of a losers try :( it would be appreciated if ireland send out their u15's team against us next time, nobody likes one-way traffic

[hfc rd]

Oh well, very well played Ireland. Deserved win and very good performance considering they had a few key players missing.

Scotland, nothing to say other than absolutely abysmal! Not going to rant, I’ll save that for the Hibs game this afternoon 😂

[cabbageandribs1875]

lowest points score against ireland for at least 50 years...that the studio are aware of anyway

[cabbageandribs1875]

Oh well, very well played Ireland. Deserved win and very good performance considering they had a few key players missing.

Scotland, nothing to say other than absolutely abysmal! Not going to rant, I’ll save that for the Hibs game this afternoon 😂


could be a right miserable sunday of sport :(

[mayo hibee]

lowest points score against ireland for at least 50 years...that the studio are aware of anyway

They're right - 16-0 February 1969.

[cabbageandribs1875]

They're right - 16-0 February 1969.



embarrassing for all involved today

[Golden Bear]

I remember from a few years ago reading that Ireland, (I presume the entire island of Ireland, ) had something like 140, 000 plus registered Rugby players compared to 35000 plus in Scotland.

A bigger choice will in theory increase the chances of producing a better national team.

[heretoday]

The score could have been worse. I'm sure we'll do better next time. Hamish Watson will be missed big style.

[hfc rd]

Professional job done by England against Tonga.

Look a very good bet to reach the semi finals along with New Zealand and South Africa. That 4th semi final berth is wide open to anyone in England’s group or Australia’s.

[hfc rd]

could be a right miserable sunday of sport :(


This in a nutshell! 😂

[Hibernia&Alba]

Despite Ireland's injuries, they are miles better than us. Still, I expected more than three points from it!

[spike220]

It looked like Ireland had at least one player going off their feet at every ruck how was that allowed?

[hfc rd]

Easy peasy win for Wales against Georgia.

Will be interesting to see how that group unfolds. Despite Fiji’s defeat to Australia on Saturday, I’m not writing them off just yet. Win this group and you avoid an England team that looks bang on form and for me, 3rd favourites for the World Cup after New Zealand & South Africa.

[hfc rd]

Samoa win against Russia in a very physical game. Still surprised how they never escaped with a red card! Some of those high tackles were extremely dangerous in my opinion.

[Golden Bear]

Personally I think the loss of Ali Price is as big a blow as the loss of Hamish Watson.

We're jinxed it seems.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49803146

[JimBHibees]

Samoa win against Russia in a very physical game. Still surprised how they never escaped with a red card! Some of those high tackles were extremely dangerous in my opinion.

The two potential red cards would have had a big impact on Scotland game on Monday as both players would have been ruled out. Scotland will need to play much better as Soma will be tough a good mix of physicality and skill.

[JimBHibees]

Personally I think the loss of Ali Price is as big a blow as the loss of Hamish Watson.

We're jinxed it seems.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49803146

Agree not good news think a fair chance he would have started on Monday.

[hfc rd]

The two potential red cards would have had a big impact on Scotland game on Monday as both players would have been ruled out. Scotland will need to play much better as Soma will be tough a good mix of physicality and skill.


Yep, definitely will need to play better. Will be interesting to see the reaction from Scotland after that Irish mauling!

TBH, I thought Russia were the better side than Samoa. Felt the scoreline flattered Samoa as was never a 25 point win. They were trailing at HT and looked 2nd best in the opening half. Gotovtsev got an early yellow for the Russians in the 2nd and Samoa took advantage of having an extra man for 10 mins and scored 2 tries during that period which practically won them that game. As we know, the two yellows they received which could have been red (2nd one should definitely have been a red) was a big moment in the game. If Samoa went down to 14 or even 13 men, I can’t see them winning that game.

[hfc rd]

So we have our first shock of the tournament! Hats off to Uruguay, every single one of those Uruguayan players were terrific!

Fiji were absolutely horrific. I’m struggling to think of one single aspect of their game that was actually pretty good. So poor in every single department.

[hfc rd]

World Rugby statement re officiating:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFOZl6KUYAElwMo.jpg:large

Can't imagine that kind of statement ever coming from the SFA/UEFA/FIFA about their own refs.

[weecounty hibby]

So we have our first shock of the tournament! Hats off to Uruguay, every single one of those Uruguayan players were terrific!

Fiji were absolutely horrific. I’m struggling to think of one single aspect of their game that was actually pretty good. So poor in every single department.
I really feel for Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. If you look at the amount of islanders playing for other countries due to the financial draw of doing so then then they could all have pretty decent teams. Uruguay in their day were as strong as Argentina with a strong rugby tradition but I'm not sure how Argentina forged ahead and left them behind

[hfc rd]

I really feel for Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. If you look at the amount of islanders playing for other countries due to the financial draw of doing so then then they could all have pretty decent teams. Uruguay in their day were as strong as Argentina with a strong rugby tradition but I'm not sure how Argentina forged ahead and left them behind

The reason how they have pulled away from the likes of Uruguay and other similar nations is because of the following:

Argentina produced one of the greatest underdog stories in RWC history. They had that incredible run in RWC 2007 when they won all their games, topping the group ahead of hosts France (who they beat on the opening night in Paris 17-12) and then they came up against the eventual winners South Africa in the semi finals. They once again beat France, in fact hammered them in the bronze final (think it was something like 34-10). From there they have performed consistently well at the past two World Cups, reaching the quarters in 2011 (at Scotland’s expense) before losing to eventual winners and hosts New Zealand. Shortly after the 2011 RWC, they were invited to join the Southern Hemisphere’s equivalent of the 6 Nations - formerly known as the Tri Nations but now called the Rugby Championship. The yearly competition means they continually test themselves against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and it has only aided their development further. 4 years later at RWC 2015 they reached the semi finals again, hammering Ireland in the quarters 43-20. They have competed in every single Rugby World Cup since it’s creation back in 1987.

Uruguay have only played in 3 World Cups (99, 03 & 15). Before the Fiji victory today, they had only won two games in their entire RWC history (Spain 03 & Georgia 11). I really hope today's victory see an upwards turn for Uruguayan rugby and they start to impose themselves on the international stage. They were really impressive today, so hopefully that upwards spiral starts today!

[hfc rd]

Two pretty much straight forward victories as expected for England and Italy.

Caught the last 30 mins of the Italian game and wasn’t surprised to see the score although I did hear Canada had a couple of good openings but lapses of concentration in the final 3rd really hurt them.

Regarding the England game, I thought USA defended really well in the opening moments of the 1st half. They really frustrated the English forwards but as anticipated in the end, England’s superior quality, fitness and experience settled the game. USA did give a good account of themselves early doors and shouldn’t be too disheartened with the result. Gary Gold looks a pretty decent coach and I think he will be managing a tier 1 nation or top domestic club in the very near future.

Also we officially had our 1st red card of the tournament and it was the correct decision. It was a shocking challenge by John Quill on Owen Farrell.

Tomorrow, no RWC matches scheduled but we’ve got some decent games at the weekend with Japan vs Ireland & Australia vs Wales the pick of the bunch.

Also Edinburgh are back in action. Kicking off the new season at home to Zebre

[Golden Bear]

Two pretty much straight forward victories as expected for England and Italy.

Caught the last 30 mins of the Italian game and wasn’t surprised to see the score although I did hear Canada had a couple of good openings but lapses of concentration in the final 3rd really hurt them.

Regarding the England game, I thought USA defended really well in the opening moments of the 1st half. They really frustrated the English forwards but as anticipated in the end, England’s superior quality, fitness and experience settled the game. USA did give a good account of themselves early doors and shouldn’t be too disheartened with the result. Gary Gold looks a pretty decent coach and I think he will be managing a tier 1 nation or top domestic club in the very near future.

Also we officially had our 1st red card of the tournament and it was the correct decision. It was a shocking challenge by John Quill on Owen Farrell.

Tomorrow, no RWC matches scheduled but we’ve got some decent games at the weekend with Japan vs Ireland & Australia vs Wales the pick of the bunch.

Also Edinburgh are back in action. Kicking off the new season at home to Zebre

Not to mention the Warriors away game v the Cheetahs tomorrow night. It's on premier sports 2 at 5.55. I can't wait!

[Danderhall Hibs]

Two pretty much straight forward victories as expected for England and Italy.

Caught the last 30 mins of the Italian game and wasn’t surprised to see the score although I did hear Canada had a couple of good openings but lapses of concentration in the final 3rd really hurt them.

Regarding the England game, I thought USA defended really well in the opening moments of the 1st half. They really frustrated the English forwards but as anticipated in the end, England’s superior quality, fitness and experience settled the game. USA did give a good account of themselves early doors and shouldn’t be too disheartened with the result. Gary Gold looks a pretty decent coach and I think he will be managing a tier 1 nation or top domestic club in the very near future.

Also we officially had our 1st red card of the tournament and it was the correct decision. It was a shocking challenge by John Quill on Owen Farrell.

Tomorrow, no RWC matches scheduled but we’ve got some decent games at the weekend with Japan vs Ireland & Australia vs Wales the pick of the bunch.

Also Edinburgh are back in action. Kicking off the new season at home to Zebre

Canada dropped the ball over the line when it was easier to score.

Ironic that the first red was for a tackle on Farrell.

[weecounty hibby]

Half time Japan v Ireland. Japan well in it at 9-12 and they are playing well

[CloudSquall]

Japan are going to steamroller us.

[heretoday]

Come on Japan!

[Dalianwanda]

Wow...Few of neighbours will be less full of themselves today! Japan were great, gonna be some game against us.

[heretoday]

That's kick-started my interest in the rugby anyway. So refreshing by Japan.

[BoyledEgg]

Is that a good result for Scotland then?

[CloudSquall]

Absolute scenes!!

[Dalianwanda]

That's kick-started my interest in the rugby anyway. So refreshing by Japan.

Well we still have to beat all the other teams and get bonus points. Just makes it tighter for first but just the same for second.

[cabbageandribs1875]

didn't watch it but that's a bit of a surprise, the Japanese also beat south africa at last WC, i'd fancy them to beat Scotland in the last group game, Japan and Ireland will both beat Russia and i'm really not too confident we can beat Samoa

[hfc rd]

Another great morning of rugby today.

Caught the last 15 mins of Argentina vs Tonga and looks like the Argentinians had already wrapped the game up inside the opening 30 mins. Just like Scotland’s group, this is going to go right down to the wire to see who qualifies for the quarters alongside most likely England.

Japan vs Ireland was a fantastic game! Thought pre-match, it was going to be a tight game with Ireland just about edging it but I was totally wide off the mark with that prediction! Japan were excellent throughout and well deserved winners in the end. Even though an Irish win would have been more ideal looking at it from a Scottish perspective , I was even starting to cheer on the Japanese as it would have been totally cruel if they didn’t win that game. Showed Scotland and Gregor Townsend up on how you beat this Irish team! Talking about Scotland, result now means we need to pick up bonus point wins over both Samoa & Russia as well as a win over Japan. Can I see us doing it? After last week, definitely not but let’s see what happens against Samoa on Monday and take things from there.

South Africa vs Namibia was as you expected. Showcasing their incredible depth and virtually steam rolling over the Namibian’s. Such an entertaining team to watch when they all click together.

Tomorrow, two decent games from Group D, Georgia vs Uruguay & Australia vs Wales.

Don’t forget Edinburgh vs Zebre later this evening at 7.35pm live on Premier Sports

[nellio]

Is that a good result for Scotland then?

Not sure it is. Ireland get a losing bonus point and Japan get the points for the win. I would say that unless Japan slip up against Samoa you are going to have to hammer Japan to get a bonus point and to stop them getting losing bonus point. You will also have to get your points difference up and try to get bonus point wins against Russia and Samoa.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Cracking start from Wales so far, 10-0.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

10-5

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

10-8, Great game so far. 👏

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

13-8

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

23-8 ht

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

26-15, what a game!

[weecounty hibby]

Good game this. Wales lucky not to be getting a yellow card in there. 3 penalties in a row inside the 5m line.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Fancy The Aussies from here, 26-22

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

26-25

[weecounty hibby]

Yip, 13 to go, 1 point in it. Wales can't get the ball and Australia looking dangerous

[cabbageandribs1875]

wales will still win



i think wales should have went for the line-out there instead of taking the penalty

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

29-25

[cabbageandribs1875]

the aussies have shot themselves in the foot here..twice

[weecounty hibby]

Aus starting to make some silly mistakes now. Couple of stupid penalties, one for off side and one in the line out from that one gives Wales an easy 3. Daft forward pass there as well

[cabbageandribs1875]

i've already got the QF line-ups ;)

Eng v Aus
NZ v Jap
Wales v France
Ireland v South africa


SF


Eng v NZ
Wales v Ireland


Final

i'm not telling yi

[weecounty hibby]

Six minutes to go. Wales will strangle the game now. Here we go scrum time and time wasted. They are absolute masters of this type of thing

[cabbageandribs1875]

aussies miss touch tut tut


and they've mucked up yet again

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

25-29 FT. Great game, really enjoyed that.

[nellio]

Fantastic from Wales this morning. Feel we can beat France in the quarters too.

Might be able to Rest a few players against Uruguay.

[Hibeesmad]

Wales doing what they do best.

[hfc rd]

First game that kickstarted the morning was Georgia vs Uruguay. Was hoping Uruguay would kick on from their big victory against Fiji a couple of days ago but it wasn’t to be. Georgia claiming a bonus point victory.

Australia vs Wales was a fantastic game. Real edge of the seat stuff. Wales were brilliant and deservedly won that close game. The Wallabies played really well in the 2nd half but a disappointing 1st half cost them. Wales who have now won two in a row against Australia after losing 13 straight to the Wallabies. Overall, what a fantastic game that was!

Now, tomorrow it’s Scotland vs Samoa. Hoping we win but God knows what lies in store! Let’s see what happens!

[JimBHibees]

Do Scotland need to not only win but win with bonus point with Japan winning and Ireland getting bonus point though losing. If so can't see it.

[hfc rd]

Do Scotland need to not only win but win with bonus point with Japan winning and Ireland getting bonus point though losing. If so can't see it.


Pretty much yes, bonus point is going to be crucial. One of the reasons why Ireland decided to kick the ball out for FT against Japan was to protect their bonus point. One more Japan point in that game would have cost them that.

Might be wrong but I think that’s what determines who finishes where if two or more teams have the same number of points before GD.

[cabbageandribs1875]

22579


mon sconnie botland :saltireflag


lose this we're out, but knowing south africa awaits that wouldn't be too calamitous

[Sylar]

I have a horrible feeling about this.

[The 90+2]

Scotland to win by more than Three tries.

[cabbageandribs1875]

the wee japanese mascot laddie singing FoS :)





what a difference that closed roof will make to the atmosphere

[cabbageandribs1875]

it's not like us to make an error near the try line









:rolleyes:


samoans having to make a change after just 3 mins

[Sylar]

Darcy Graham deserves his shot. He's been incredible for Edinburgh for a few seasons now.

[cabbageandribs1875]

penalty Scotland 3-0 after 9 mins




lol maitland, lord knows what that was supposed to be



what a kick from Hogg

[cabbageandribs1875]

not a pretty game so far

[Sylar]

Few too many errors sneaking into the game from our part.

[The 90+2]

Error after error after error.

[Sylar]

Is it just me, or are the Scottish commentators' pronunciation of Samoa getting on anyone else's nerves?

[cabbageandribs1875]

millions of japanese TV's getting switched over to the weather channel instead

[cabbageandribs1875]

basics, just basics

[Just_Jimmy]

I complained about the piss poor handling during the six Nations and we're still doing it. It's crap coaching.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[cabbageandribs1875]

now THAT is more like it try Scotland


great conversion kick 10-0


gilchrist spills the restart :rolleyes:

[Just_Jimmy]

That was excellent rugby. 3 to go

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[cabbageandribs1875]

brilliant by laidlaw try 15-0

converted 17-0

[The 90+2]

In there. Hopefully build on that the second half now confidence back.

[cabbageandribs1875]

millions of japanese TV's have switched over again after hearing rugby has broken out

[cabbageandribs1875]

what a drop goal from hogg :flag:

[Sylar]

Both Hogg and Russell's kicking has been exceptional.

[cabbageandribs1875]

that was a scotland knock-on in the ruck there

[cabbageandribs1875]

and there's the scotland we all know, **** up eventually


what a chance blown for another try, wha's like us eh

[The 90+2]

and there's the scotland we all know, **** up eventually


what a chance blown for another try, wha's like us eh

Yep. Get the hopes up time and they baws it.

Can’t argue with a 20-0 lead at ht though, Samoa look tired and have no confidence - famous last words.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Yep. Get the hopes up time and they baws it.

Can’t argue with a 20-0 lead at ht though, Samoa look tired and have no confidence - famous last words.


i think we should have got the penalty try over in the corner, then under the posts we knocked on imo, not surprised a couple of samoans shouted knock on as well

[cabbageandribs1875]

fgs darcy graham catch the ball son

[cabbageandribs1875]

has to be a penalty try shirly

and a yellow card



referee agrees with me :)

[cabbageandribs1875]

if we can keep the samoans to a duck-egg here i'l be quite impressed

[cabbageandribs1875]

samoa back to 15, didn't lose a point


maitland goes on mazy run again, off-loads to a samoan again

[The 90+2]

See if they blow the bonus point here....

[Sylar]

Beginning to doubt we're going to get it. It's lazy rugby at times. The fouls are inexcusable.

[cabbageandribs1875]

if we fail to get a bonus point here townsend needs sacked straight after :agree:

what a dreadful 2nd half performance so far



lol wow the samoan kicked that ball dead, i don't think i've ever saw that from that position on the field



then maitland blows it going in for a try, dire, just so dire


oooooh could be another penalty try instead, well done maitland :greengrin:greengrin:greengrin

[Sergio sledge]

Oh no Maitland....

[Sergio sledge]

Might be ok and get a penalty try out of this.

[Sylar]

YES! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[cabbageandribs1875]

if we didn't have a barrowload of errors this could have been our biggest winning margin against samoa



and again we totally **** up right in front of the posts, astonishing

[The 90+2]

Job done phew.

[cabbageandribs1875]

are we determined to let them score

[cabbageandribs1875]

samoans first duck-egg at a world cup

[hfc rd]

Well thank God for that!

Waking up this morning, I felt we were going to win but not get that crucial bonus point which would have felt like a defeat. First 30 mins, despite leading 3-0, was very scrappy with both teams making a number of handling errors and us failing to make our superior possession count. Our first try was a superb cross-field kick by Russell for Maitland to catch and dive over the try line. 2nd try came four minutes later. Great work by both Russell and the superb Jamie Ritchie sent Laidlaw through, who did really well to keep hold of possession, and score the 2nd try. From there, I felt it was just a matter of time we were going to get this bonus point as Samoa were absolutely offering nothing. Hogg scored an absolute superb drop goal to pretty much make sure of the win and from there just focus on getting that bonus point. 2nd half and again we had to be patient for that 3rd try and eventually came via TMO after the Samoa winger was penalised and yellow carded for coming in at the side which stopping a try coming from a rolling maul. Over 20 mins to go, we started getting very desperate again and the silly errors creeped back into our game again. Kept on rushing and rushing for this try rather than doing what the Japanese did against the Irish at the weekend - don’t rush and just be patient with our play, we have over 20 mins left. Build phases which will tire out the Samoan forwards. An opening will come. Finally that 4th try did come with 6 mins remaining. Quick play from the offload sent Maitland through to score but he lost control after the same culprit, came across with pace and slid into Sean with his knees. Referee correctly awards a penalty try after consulting with the TMO and the same Samoan player was shown a 2nd yellow which resulted in a red.

First clean sheet of the tournament. Wasn’t a 5 star performance but I don’t care about that just now as the main thing is we got the bonus point win!

Our next game is against Russia a week on Wednesday before the big one against Japan, 4 days later. A similar scoreline like today against the Russians will set us up nicely for the Japanese game.

No rugby tomorrow. The two games on Wednesday are France vs USA and New Zealand vs Canada.

[J-C]

Had the granddaughter all day, so 1st time online.

Cracking game play by Scotland executed perfectly, good tries, bonus point and a clean sheet, we have a chance to progress with performances like that.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Played really well - they should’ve had more than the 2 sin bins. I was really impressed by the leadership shown by Hogg and thought Richie was excellent.

For those complaining about the handling - it’s been discussed during other matches that the ball is like a bar of soap due to the 90% humidity and sweat.

Great result, we’ll get the 5 points vs Russia next week then it’s onto the decider vs Japan.

[Hamish]

New Zealand are 10/11 with a - 67 points handicap v Canada

[Sylar]

New Zealand are 10/11 with a - 67 points handicap v Canada

While I wholeheartedly expect the All Blacks to win, that would be utterly ridiculous!

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

I'm not so sure it is.

[Sylar]

I'm not so sure it is.

Having noted some of their pool match results in previous campaigns, I actually agree with you - 108 points vs Portugal...scary!

All Blacks look horrifying going forward, but even they're not immune to handling errors.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Having noted some of their pool match results in previous campaigns, I actually agree with you - 108 points vs Portugal...scary!

All Blacks look horrifying going forward, but even they're not immune to handling errors.

They're lagging behind a bit! ☺

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Back on track again - 35-0 after 42 mins.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

49-0 after 48 minutes.

[JeMeSouviens]

49-0 now!

I've only been watching since half-time and they've scored 21 pts in 8 minutes.

Oh Canada! :boo hoo:

[JeMeSouviens]

Umm, not so sure I want the 2nd place in our pool now. :worried:

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

63-0

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

New Zealand are 10/11 with a - 67 points handicap v Canada

Imagine taking that bet then having to suffer that Barrett fumble in injury time! Ouch! 😱

[The 90+2]

Imagine taking that bet then having to suffer that Barrett fumble in injury time! Ouch! 😱

I cashed out with my France -22 in the first game with 20 mins left. Thank god.

[Sylar]

Imagine taking that bet then having to suffer that Barrett fumble in injury time! Ouch! 😱

Told you it was utterly ridiculous :greengrin

A more clinical NZ team could have hit 100 odd points easily. Some difficult handling conditions and trying to be a bit too clever at times.

Still, 63 unanswered points is pretty scary. Even against a team as poor as Canada.

[hfc rd]

France not at their best but always have a habit of doing well at World Cups. Fancy them to sneak 2nd spot ahead of Argentina. That victory against them on MD1 was massive!

New Zealand very comfortable winners as everyone anticipated although agree with what Sylar said above about their performance. A better NZ team could have scored 100 or more points against Canada but a bit of carelessness at times in their play and tough conditions only see them settle with just 63 points to nil 🙂

Tomorrow it’s Georgia vs Fiji and then Ireland vs Russia.

[hfc rd]

Georgia vs Fiji was quite an interesting match. I thought Georgia were playing not bad in the 1st half despite trailing 7-3 and looking the much better team. 2nd half, Fiji were a different animal and ripped the Georgians to shreds. Massive win for the Fijian’s to make up for the poor showing & shock result against Uruguay. Also finishing in the top 3 of your pool guarantees an automatic qualifying spot for France 2023.

Ireland vs Russia had a lot riding on it. Ireland looking to make up for that shock defeat to the Japanese and knowing a bonus point win would take them one step closer to the quarters. I didn’t see the game as was out with the Mrs but heard it was a comfortable Irish win although the performance was lethargic. End of the day, they got the win and bonus point which is all that really matters in the end.

Tomorrow, it’s South Africa vs Italy.

[cabbageandribs1875]

deserved red for one italian, could very easily have been a 2nd for the other one, what on earth possessed them to pile-drive the south africans head in to the ground :rolleyes:


45 mins on the clock, presently 17-3 SA

[Danderhall Hibs]

deserved red for one italian, could very easily have been a 2nd for the other one, what on earth possessed them to pile-drive the south africans head in to the ground :rolleyes:


45 mins on the clock, presently 17-3 SA

What a ridiculous tackle (by both of them). After the whistle as well as dangerous and illegal.

They were never going to get back into the game but that sealed it for them.

[hfc rd]

Good comfortable win in the end for the Springboks but I thought before the red card, Italy were making a good fist of it. They had chances to score and defended pretty decently against a very powerful South African forward line. Game changed when the two stupid Italian’s performed a tag team move you see on WWE on The South African number 8 Duane Vermeulen. What on earth were the both of them thinking? Only Andrea Lovotti got sent off but the other culprit, Nicola Quaglio should have been red carded too. You’ve just won a penalty a few metres away from the South African try line and if you score a converted try, you reduce the deficit to just 7 points and get a bit of momentum behind you. You then do that? Stupidity beyond belief! Once the red was shown, South Africa just steamrolled the Italians scoring 5 tries and a penalty to win the game 49-3. Also special mention to the wee South Afrcian wing wizard - Cheslin Kobe. An absolute talent and for me, one of the best wingers in the world! I hope the unfortunate ankle injury he picked up towards the end of the game is nothing serious.

Tomorrow we have 3 games which are - Australia vs Uruguay, England vs Argentina & Japan vs Samoa. A fantastic morning of Rugby before the football begins! 😊

[JeMeSouviens]

Good comfortable win in the end for the Springboks but I thought before the red card, Italy were making a good fist of it. They had chances to score and defended pretty decently against a very powerful South African forward line. Game changed when the two stupid Italian’s performed a tag team move you see on WWE on The South African number 8 Duane Vermeulen. What on earth were the both of them thinking? Only Andrea Lovotti got sent off but the other culprit, Nicola Quaglio should have been red carded too. You’ve just won a penalty a few metres away from the South African try line and if you score a converted try, you reduce the deficit to just 7 points and get a bit of momentum behind you. Once the red was shown, South Africa just steamrolled the Italians scoring 5 tries and a penalty to win the game 49-3. Also special mention to the wee South Afrcian wing wizard - Cheslin Kobe. An absolute talent and for me, one of the best wingers in the world! I hope the unfortunate ankle injury he picked up towards the end of the game is nothing serious.

Tomorrow we have 3 games which are - Australia vs Uruguay, England vs Argentina & Japan vs Samoa. A fantastic morning of Rugby before the football begins! 😊

Pretty confident Japan will win but we could really do with Samoa stopping them getting the bonus point.

[hfc rd]

Pretty confident Japan will win but we could really do with Samoa stopping them getting the bonus point.


Yeah unfortunately, I can’t see anything other than a Japanese victory. Samoa look nothing that great from what I’ve seen in these past two games against Russia and ourselves. Hopefully they prove me wrong and give us all a major shock. Even stopping Japan getting the bonus point will be massive!

[weecounty hibby]

Argentina red card means a bonus point win for England I'm afraid. They are making heavy weather of it though against 14 men.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Red card has spoiled this game, correct decision though.

[JeMeSouviens]

Gee thanks, Samoa :rolleyes:

[hfc rd]

FFS, Samoa why did you not just kick it out and go for a lineout at the halfway line if you wanted to try and get a losing bonus point?! So stupid going for the scrum, 5 metres out from your own try line!

Even if we get the bonus point win against Russia, it’s still in Japan’s hands and I just can’t see us beating them by more than 7 points with 4 tries. Plus they also have the advantage of having more time to prepare for the game than we do.

[JeMeSouviens]

I think if we get a BP win against Russia and improve our points difference by +23 then we “only” have to win and stop Japan getting the losing bp.

It’s possible but Samoa just putting the bloody ball out would’ve helped!

[Danderhall Hibs]

FFS, Samoa why did you not just kick it out and go for a lineout at the halfway line if you wanted to try and get a losing bonus point?! So stupid going for the scrum, 5 metres out from your own try line!

Even if we get the bonus point win against Russia, it’s still in Japan’s hands and I just can’t see us beating them by more than 7 points with 4 tries. Plus they also have the advantage of having more time to prepare for the game than we do.

Mental decision.

[Golden Bear]

I'm still optimistic we'll do whatever needs to be done against Japan and go thru. Or maybe that's the whisky speaking now.😁

[hfc rd]

I'm still optimistic we'll do whatever needs to be done against Japan and go thru. Or maybe that's the whisky speaking now.😁


Pass some of that whisky over here mate! 😁

[Danderhall Hibs]

Pass some of that whisky over here mate! 😁

I think we can beat them next week as well. We can’t be as bad again as we were against Ireland and I’m not convinced Japan can be as good as they were against Ireland.

[cabbageandribs1875]

i didn't watch the japanese against ireland so i've no idea how good they were, but samoa showed today they can be got at and i'm now slightly more confident we can beat them, having said that it's the scottish way that we will beat them but somehow it just won't be enough to go through

[CloudSquall]

We'll **** it up against Russia and then destroy Japan in typical Scottish fashion.

[hfc rd]

Australia vs Uruguay - Australia got back to winning ways with a comfortable 45-10 victory against Uruguay. I thought Uruguay did give a good account of themselves early on but eventually tired and lapses of concentration let them down. Despite the scoreline, I felt Australia’s performance was a little lethargic by their standards. You can tell by MC’s their were some parts they done well and others which were making him very uneasy! Overall, they got the win, which is all that matters.

England vs Argentina - I thought early stages Argentina were making a real good game of this until the red card in the 18th minute for Argentina’s Tomas Lavanini, which for me ended the game as a contest. England pretty much ran away with it from there and officially became the first team in the 1/4 finals.

Japan vs Samoa - As you can see from my comments earlier, I ain’t happy one bit with why Samoa decided to go for a scrum at the end! What on God’s earth were they stupid idiots thinking? That bonus point for Japan could be massive! Take nothing away, when Japan are playing at their very best, they look very good outfit but in the 1st half half, I felt Samoa dome pretty well and were only trailing by 7 points and had only conceded just 1 try. They didn’t let the Japanese get into any sort of a rhythm like you seen against the Irish. Overall Japan deserved the win and with 10 mins to go, I was very happy that Samoa had somewhat kind of frustrated them until the last 5 mins of the match when the Japanese scored two tries and sent their whole nation wild. Over to Scotland now...

Tomorrow (well later this morning) we have New Zealand vs Namibia and France vs Tonga

[hfc rd]

watched this one, namibia gave a good account of themselves and even led for a few mins :)...until the 2nd half when the floodgates opened, as expected, jordie barrett playing his first game as a number 10....all 6ft 5" of him :greengrin

Didn’t see any of the games yesterday as had a bit too many bevvies on Saturday night. Was out for the count on Sunday morning. Just watched highlights of both matches and thought the following:

France vs Tonga looked a really good game to watch. Tonga gave it as as good as they got. France always have a habit of pulling off a result at a World Cup and the game against mostly likely Wales in the quarters could go either way.

New Zealand vs Namibia - who would have thought half an hour into the game that the scoreline would read New Zealand 10-9 Namibia? I certainly wouldn’t have predicted that. 2nd half, as you said cabbageandribs1875, the floodgates opened and New Zealand just ran riot, playing some scintillating rugby that we are so accustomed to seeing from the All Blacks. Must have got a kick up the backside from Steve Hansen at HT!

Tomorrow it’s South Africa vs Canada.

[cabbageandribs1875]

typhoon possibly hitting the area where ireland play samoa on saturday, they need a bonus point to make sure of qualifying, any games cancelled are automatically given a scoreless draw, the name of the typhoon is 'Typhoon Hagibis' i'm convinced Hagibis is related to Haggis....the stars/weather whatever are aligning :wink: see you in the final All Blacks


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49959221

[hfc rd]

typhoon possibly hitting the area where ireland play samoa on saturday, they need a bonus point to make sure of qualifying, any games cancelled are automatically given a scoreless draw, the name of the typhoon is 'Typhoon Hagibis' i'm convinced Hagibis is related to Haggis....the stars/weather whatever are aligning :wink: see you in the final All Blacks


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49959221

Couldn’t have timed this any better! 😁👍🏾

[Danderhall Hibs]

typhoon possibly hitting the area where ireland play samoa on saturday, they need a bonus point to make sure of qualifying, any games cancelled are automatically given a scoreless draw, the name of the typhoon is 'Typhoon Hagibis' i'm convinced Hagibis is related to Haggis....the stars/weather whatever are aligning :wink: see you in the final All Blacks


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49959221

Any idea what happens if a typhoon hits during the knockout stages? Not much point calling it a scoreless draw?

[JeMeSouviens]

Any idea what happens if a typhoon hits during the knockout stages? Not much point calling it a scoreless draw?

I believe if it's called off before half time then the game is replayed, if after half-time then the result stands.

If the replay can't take place in the next 2 days, then ...


The sequential criteria to decide the victor is as follows:

The team with the most match points from the pool phase (applicable in quarter-finals and semi-finals).
The team which has the best points difference in all their tournament matches.
The team which has the best difference between tries for and tries against in all their tournament matches.
The team which has scored most points in all their tournament matches.
The team which has scored most tries in all their tournament matches.
Where all criteria above are not able to determine a winner, the team that is higher ranked in the official World Rugby Rankings at the time the match is scheduled to be played.

If the World Cup final is cancelled and criteria two to five cannot determine a winner, the two teams will be declared joint winners.



oh, there's more, if the match is abandoned at half-time or later and the current score is a draw then ...


the following sequential criteria apply:

The team which scored most tries in the match.
The team with the most match points from the pool phase.
The team which has the best points difference in all their tournament matches.
The team which has the best difference between tries for and tries against in all their tournament matches.
The team which has scored most points in all their tournament matches.
The team which has scored most tries in all their tournament matches.
Where all criteria above are not able to determine a winner, the team that is higher ranked in the official World Rugby Rankings at the time the match is scheduled to be played.

Again, if the final is abandoned and criteria one to six cannot determine a winner, the two teams will be declared joint winners.

[JimBHibees]

FFS, Samoa why did you not just kick it out and go for a lineout at the halfway line if you wanted to try and get a losing bonus point?! So stupid going for the scrum, 5 metres out from your own try line!

Even if we get the bonus point win against Russia, it’s still in Japan’s hands and I just can’t see us beating them by more than 7 points with 4 tries. Plus they also have the advantage of having more time to prepare for the game than we do.

Didn't see the game but was it not a free kick Samao got rather than a penalty, if so kicking it out would have finished the game as was in added time. Gregor was giving it large yesterday link to article below about the ref penalising the Samoans for a crooked feed in the scrum which apparently is now unheard of at this level so sounds like Japan being giving a helping hand at the most crucial of times. Bearing in mind Scotland got done over at the last world cup wouldn't altogether rule out the same happening.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49959867

Taking a bit of a risk tomorrow with 14 changes and no Hogg or Russell on the bench as Russia have been pretty good and very physical. Hope this confidence in the squad pays off with a much needed bonus point win.

[JeMeSouviens]

The super typhoon is now threatening our game v Japan. Very convenient for the Japanese if that happens!

[Danderhall Hibs]

I believe if it's called off before half time then the game is replayed, if after half-time then the result stands.

If the replay can't take place in the next 2 days, then ...




oh, there's more, if the match is abandoned at half-time or later and the current score is a draw then ...

:aok:

[hfc rd]

South Africa vs Canada - A predictably one sided 1st half is the best way to describe that 1st half. Every time South Africa attacked, they just seemed to score try after try. 2nd half Canada did not too bad and scored the opening try of the 2nd period but every man and their dug knew it was nothing more than a mere consolation. The Springboks finished off the 2nd period and their group campaign by scoring 3 tries in that 2nd period (10 in total).

Tomorrow (this morning) we have 3 games:-

Argentina vs USA
Scotland vs Russia - C’MON Scotland!!!!
Wales vs Fiji

[cabbageandribs1875]

スコットランドに来て


:agree:

[cabbageandribs1875]

16k local school kids bussed in to cheer on scotland :)

no Finn Russell, stuart hogg, jonny gray or greig laidlaw

try and conversion Hastings 13 mins

7-0
Hastings again 18 mins...
double try and conversion...Hastings 14 Russia 0

interception at Russian line out, try Horne 22 mins, converted

21-0....... HT

[The Pointer]

Playing with, for Scotland, confidence, though I won't stop keeching myself till we get the fourth try. Thought 'Hairboi' had overcooked it for one of his tries but he's playing well.

[cabbageandribs1875]

4th try 45 mins, converted

28-0

[Dalianwanda]

Great pace from Graham, bonus point in the bag...phew

[cabbageandribs1875]

51 mins 35-0

20 of those for hastings


same scoreline oirland beat the russians


seymour in the corner 40-0...lovely conversion from hastings 42-0


i honestly think we're safe in this game


58 mins george horne hat-trick try 47-0, hastings misses conversion, get him off boooo


huge muck up with a forward pass for that try, surely the TMO notices it ? just about to take the kick and finally noticed, chalked off

[cabbageandribs1875]

pleased for john barclay getting a try

75 mins 54-0


77 mins try 59-0.....converted 61-0


and yet another forward pass again with hastings in for the try, pass the ball backwards boys, backwards, even i could do it :(




but anyway, well done scotland, japan beware :)

[JeMeSouviens]

I think we’ve got this. :wink:

[hfc rd]

Scotland - SENSATIONAL 😁

Bring on Japan!

[cabbageandribs1875]

55 years since Scotland have went two successive games without losing a point


that doesn't happen often in modern day rugby

[CloudSquall]

Before the Samoa and Russian matches I thought we'd end up going out due to bonus points but all credit to the team, they have steamrollered Samoa and Russia.

Very confident going into the match vs Japan which is a feeling I don't like having:greengrin

[JeMeSouviens]

Scotland - SENSATIONAL 😁

Bring on Japan!

That's the points difference sorted. So I think the permutations (not involving typhoons) are in ascending order of straw-clutchiness:

- Beat Japan by 8 points or more and if Japan score 4 tries, Scotland must also score 4 tries
- Beat Japan by less than 8 points but score 4 tries and stop Japan scoring 4 tries
- Beat Japan other than the 2 ways above or draw and Samoa beat Ireland

[The Pointer]

Superb performance. Have that very unusual warm, fuzzing feeling you get from thumping the oppo. Thought Barclay was going to stop running before he scored but what a nice wee mis-pass.

[cabbageandribs1875]

2004

Scotland 100 v Japan 8




hopefully see a repeat this sunday :)

[Danderhall Hibs]

51 mins 35-0

20 of those for hastings


same scoreline oirland beat the russians


seymour in the corner 40-0...lovely conversion from hastings 42-0


i honestly think we're safe in this game


58 mins george horne hat-trick try 47-0, hastings misses conversion, get him off boooo


huge muck up with a forward pass for that try, surely the TMO notices it ? just about to take the kick and finally noticed, chalked off

That shouldn’t have been called forward. Trick of the eye as “explained” by BOD and Mcgeechan.

[cabbageandribs1875]

That shouldn’t have been called forward. Trick of the eye as “explained” by BOD and Mcgeechan.



but we DID get away with one that everyone except the TMO(and officials) agreed WAS forward...the TMO(and officials) were tricked :greengrin



great try Fiji after 3 mins v wales, the man just bulldozed his way to the line

[hfc rd]

That's the points difference sorted. So I think the permutations (not involving typhoons) are in ascending order of straw-clutchiness:

- Beat Japan by 8 points or more and if Japan score 4 tries, Scotland must also score 4 tries
- Beat Japan by less than 8 points but score 4 tries and stop Japan scoring 4 tries
- Beat Japan other than the 2 ways above or draw and Samoa beat Ireland


Yep, although would we not get eliminated if we drew with Japan and Samoa beat Ireland? Due to h2h which is what comes down to. Or is it two points for a draw?

[cabbageandribs1875]

2nd Fiji 'try' , not given, forward pass, welsh player yellow card for dangerous tackle on Mata

[cabbageandribs1875]

Yep, although would we not get eliminated if we drew with Japan and Samoa beat Ireland? Due to h2h which is what comes down to. Or is it two points for a draw?



surely safe to take that scenario out of the equation



try two this time for Fiji, both have been in the corner so not great chances for the extra points

[JeMeSouviens]

Yep, although would we not get eliminated if we drew with Japan and Samoa beat Ireland? Due to h2h which is what comes down to. Or is it two points for a draw?

:agree:

[cabbageandribs1875]

needless yellow card for Fiji player now


and that's cost them within 90 seconds, try wales


another fijian yellow card, they do tend to self-implode don't they, which of course costs them yet again, try wales

[cabbageandribs1875]

fiji on top 2nd half, penalty try awarded and a yellow card for a welsh player fiji lead 17-14 after 53 mins


biggar takes a sore one from one of his own players


pen wales 17-17


29-17 wales, silly errors have cost the fijians, i think they've been the better team

[cabbageandribs1875]

Scotland actually qualified for the 2023 WC with that win today

[Sir David Gray]

Scotland's quite good at finding new ways to fail at sport but if we don't qualify because the Japan game gets postponed due to the typhoon I'm sure that would be quite unique.

[hfc rd]

Argentina vs USA - Very comfortable win for Argentina. USA had chances to score tries but failed to take them.

Scotland vs Russia - Couldn’t have asked for a better performance and result. 14 changes made by Townsend, I was thinking it would be typical Scotland that we win this game without that crucial bonus point but then beat Japan and get eliminated by 1 point. Thought we were absolutely sensational! Back to back clean sheets. Also as pointed out during the match, you need to go back 55 years since Scotland went two successive games without losing a point! Win has been a little shadowed though with this potential haggis typhoon. Hopefully it is nothing major in the end and the big game against Japan goes ahead this Sunday. Will see what gets announced tomorrow morning.

Wales va Fiji - Fantastic game from start to finish. Fiji could have finished their World Cup campaign on a major high but Wales just about pulled through in the end and got the win.

No game tomorrow. Next match is on Friday which is Australia vs Georgia.

[Hibernia&Alba]

We played really well against Russia and looked clinical, but Japan will be tough! Can't wait.

[cabbageandribs1875]

22606


they can **** right off wae this gash, get the games played :fuming: 7-a-side in a scout hall if necessary, just get a game played

[hfc rd]

22606


they can **** right off wae this gash, get the games played :fuming: 7-a-side in a scout hall if necessary, just get a game played

It’s all speculation. No one has a clue. Some reports were claiming our game is going to get moved to Kobe and the England vs France is going to get postponed.

There is going to be an announcement tomorrow morning by World Rugby.

[Sir David Gray]

It kind of begs the question as to why World Rugby have chosen to hold a World Cup in a country that is prone to extreme weather conditions at the time of year that they have the World Cup.

Nothing against Japan hosting it but surely they need to look at things like this in advance.

It would make a complete mockery of the tournament if a country doesn't qualify from the group stages just because their last match is cancelled due to the weather.

[bringbackbenny]

It kind of begs the question as to why World Rugby have chosen to hold a World Cup in a country that is prone to extreme weather conditions at the time of year that they have the World Cup.

Nothing against Japan hosting it but surely they need to look at things like this in advance.

It would make a complete mockery of the tournament if a country doesn't qualify from the group stages just because their last match is cancelled due to the weather.

Which conveniently would also result in the hosts progressing to 1/4 finals by default.

[CloudSquall]

England game cancelled and it's "wait and see" for the Scotland game.

Going out due to a Typhoon would give a while new meaning to "glorious failure"..

[Sir David Gray]

England game cancelled and it's "wait and see" for the Scotland game.

Going out due to a Typhoon would give a while new meaning to "glorious failure"..

This also affects Italy.

Their game v New Zealand has been cancelled meaning Italy are out. The chances are they wouldn't have beaten New Zealand anyway but it's a shame they won't now have the chance to pull off a shock.

[Danderhall Hibs]

This also affects Italy.

Their game v New Zealand has been cancelled meaning Italy are out. The chances are they wouldn't have beaten New Zealand anyway but it's a shame they won't now have the chance to pull off a shock.

They’ll be delighted with a draw - best result in their history.

Seriously though there should be contingency - I know they’re not in control of the weather but they are in charge of having a contingency. It’s not as if theirs is an unexpected event - it’s the 19th of the season!

[mayo hibee]

The Ireland game cannot be postponed, it has to be played that day. If it cannot be played that day then it's two points for each team.



Gregor Townsend has dug himself a massive hole with his comments a few days ago when it looked like the Ireland v Samoa game would be the one affected (and would have created an outcome that would have been a very useful result for Scotland).

He should have kept his trap shut, his comments are being thrown back at Scotland now that the shoe is on the other foot.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Gregor Townsend has dug himself a massive hole with his comments a few days ago when it looked like the Ireland v Samoa game would be the one affected (and would have created an outcome that would have been a very useful result for Scotland).

He should have kept his trap shut, his comments are being thrown back at Scotland now that the shoe is on the other foot.



why/how's that then :confused:

[Mantis Toboggan]

Which conveniently would also result in the hosts progressing to 1/4 finals by default.

And winning the group and thereby avoiding New Zealand. However i think Japan want this game played as well

[Mantis Toboggan]

Gregor Townsend has dug himself a massive hole with his comments a few days ago when it looked like the Ireland v Samoa game would be the one affected (and would have created an outcome that would have been a very useful result for Scotland).

He should have kept his trap shut, his comments are being thrown back at Scotland now that the shoe is on the other foot.

What's happening has nothing whatsoever to do with anything that Townsend has said

[mayo hibee]

No, but it weakens his argument/protestations that the Scotland game should go ahead. In his own words, if it can't be played on the day it will have to be called a draw.

Hopefully it will go ahead as the storm should have passed by then but you can see how the Japanese might be in no rush to fulfil the fixture and if transport systems etc. are not back fully running they will feel justified in calling it off and taking the two points needed to qualify.

[Mantis Toboggan]

No, but it weakens his argument/protestations that the Scotland game should go ahead. In his own words, if it can't be played on the day it will have to be called a draw.

Hopefully it will go ahead as the storm should have passed by then but you can see how the Japanese might be in no rush to fulfil the fixture and if transport systems etc. are not back fully running they will feel justified in calling it off and taking the two points needed to qualify.

Ultimately it is not going to matter what Townsend has said as a precedent has now been set anyway with the cancellation rather than rescheduling of 2 games.
As I said in my other posts, it would also mean Ireland coming 2nd in the group and getting NZ in the quarters, so I would suggest that it is very much in Irelands interest that the game gets played as well.

[Pretty Boy]

Surely a tournament loses all integrity if a crucial postponed game is just cancelled altogether and called a draw rather than rescheduled?

If the All Blacks were at risk of elimination would a game just be declared a draw? I doubt it.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Surely a tournament loses all integrity if a crucial postponed game is just cancelled altogether and called a draw rather than rescheduled?

If the All Blacks were at risk of elimination would a game just be declared a draw? I doubt it.

Agreed. They have only cancelled games that were fairly meaningless so far though (although I suppose France might’ve fancied topping the group).

[Hibeesmad]

Looking forward to the World Cup kicking off, I think the All Blacks will win it but there will be some fantastic spectacles. I've got an each way bet on Josh Adams to finish top goalscorer @ 25-1 paying 7 places.

Adams recently moved to Cardiff Blues from Worcester due to a Welsh Rugby Union rule that if you have less than 60 caps and don't play for a team in Wales, you do not get selected for the national team.

Hat-trick for Mr Adams yesterday :cb

[Mantis Toboggan]

Agreed. They have only cancelled games that were fairly meaningless so far though (although I suppose France might’ve fancied topping the group).

Sergio Parisse would disagree https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/10/italy-sergio-parisse-all-blacks-rugby-world-cup-cancellation
While NZ would almost certainly have beaten Italy, you have to feel that his comment about what would have happened in the inverse scenario is spot on, which is why the cancellation undermines the integrity of the tournament

[lyonhibs]

Sergio Parisse would disagree https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/10/italy-sergio-parisse-all-blacks-rugby-world-cup-cancellation
While NZ would almost certainly have beaten Italy, you have to feel that his comment about what would have happened in the inverse scenario is spot on, which is why the cancellation undermines the integrity of the tournament

Steve Hansen coming across as a bit of **** in that article, perhaps not surprisingly.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Sergio Parisse would disagree https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/10/italy-sergio-parisse-all-blacks-rugby-world-cup-cancellation
While NZ would almost certainly have beaten Italy, you have to feel that his comment about what would have happened in the inverse scenario is spot on, which is why the cancellation undermines the integrity of the tournament

:agree: it’s a fair point. There’s another player that’s worked hard through rehab to be fit for a short cameo in that match as well.

It’s a pity that NZ didn’t need the points cos we’d have seen a contingency then.

What a shambles - decision for the Scotland game is on Sunday which means there’s no time to play the game elsewhere. They should all be on a train just now to a place that’s safe - play the game behind closed doors in a stadium with a roof.

[hfc rd]

It’s been a very good World Cup so far but this will just make a massive mockery of the sport and it’s lack of sporting integrity if a nation is knocked out because of the weather!

Was only a kid back then but my dad mentioned that South Africa’s World Cup semi final in 95 was almost cancelled because of heavy rain and if it had been cancelled, France would have progressed to the final because they had a better disciplinary record than South Africa – that was to be the tie-breaker if necessary.

As 1-2 other posters have mentioned, if Sunday’s game was to affect England, New Zealand, Australia etc being knocked out because of the weather, you can bet your bottom dollar World Rugby will be doing everything they can to ensure the game was to go ahead.

I’ve got nothing against Japan as it is a beautiful country and the people are very nice and friendly over there. However it further begs the question why the f*** did they let Japan host this tournament, knowing that it is prone to typhoons and other adverse weather conditions during this time of the year? If the tournament was to be held in Japan, surely playing it in the summer would have been the more sensible decision.

[Danderhall Hibs]

It’s been a very good World Cup so far but this will just make a massive mockery of the sport and it’s lack of sporting integrity if a nation is knocked out because of the weather!

Was only a kid back then but my dad mentioned that South Africa’s World Cup semi final in 95 was almost cancelled because of heavy rain and if it had been cancelled, France would have progressed to the final because they had a better disciplinary record than South Africa – that was to be the tie-breaker if necessary.

As 1-2 other posters have mentioned, if Sunday’s game was to affect England, New Zealand, Australia etc being knocked out because of the weather, you can bet your bottom dollar World Rugby will be doing everything they can to ensure the game was to go ahead.

I’ve got nothing against Japan as it is a beautiful country and the people are very nice and friendly over there. However it further begs the question why the f*** did they let Japan host this tournament, knowing that it is prone to typhoons and other adverse weather conditions during this time of the year? If the tournament was to be held in Japan, surely playing it in the summer would have been the more sensible decision.

Playing it in our summer would mean it’d disrupt the Southern Hemisphere season though...

And I too was only a kid in 95 (honest) and I remember that. Sure the semi was played in a swimming pool - it would normally have been called off but better to crack on than rely on disciplinary records.

Different sport but I remember ROI going to the next stage of the football World Cup on the toss of a coin.

[JimBHibees]

Playing it in our summer would mean it’d disrupt the Southern Hemisphere season though...

And I too was only a kid in 95 (honest) and I remember that. Sure the semi was played in a swimming pool - it would normally have been called off but better to crack on than rely on disciplinary records.

Different sport but I remember ROI going to the next stage of the football World Cup on the toss of a coin.


That was because two teams were completely level after playing all the group games.

[JimBHibees]

It is an absolute shambles to be honest. Surely they could have been moved to behind closed doors on say Monday at a stadium with a roof? Incredible there seems to be a rule that pool games cannot be moved which seems very random and specific. Apparently there have been 19 typhoons in this season.

[JimBHibees]

Steve Hansen coming across as a bit of **** in that article, perhaps not surprisingly.

Certainly did. Ridiculous comments and hugely disrespectful to other teams. Hope they get horsed.

[Sir David Gray]

How can you possibly train for four years, preparing for the biggest tournament of your career and then get told your team's eliminated because of the weather?

There's six days between the Japan game and the Quarter Finals starting and even if the typhoon is bad on Sunday and the match can't go ahead, surely they could play it on Monday instead and whatever team progresses would still have enough rest before their Quarter Final.

[hfc rd]

Playing it in our summer would mean it’d disrupt the Southern Hemisphere season though...

And I too was only a kid in 95 (honest) and I remember that. Sure the semi was played in a swimming pool - it would normally have been called off but better to crack on than rely on disciplinary records.

Different sport but I remember ROI going to the next stage of the football World Cup on the toss of a coin.


Fair enough if it couldn’t be possible to stage it during the summer. But surely to God you would have had a couple of back up plans in place, just in case these situations arised which was always going to be very likely during this time of the year.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Fair enough if it couldn’t be possible to stage it during the summer. But surely to God you would have had a couple of back up plans in place, just in case these situations arised which was always going to be very likely during this time of the year.

It is possible but they hardly ever do it. I can only remember the 1995 WC being played in May/June all the others have been October/November - which I assume to be to suit the Southern Hemisphere teams.

[Speedy]

Total shambles. No integrity at all in the sport after this.

[hfc rd]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50008474

Sorry Mr Jones, you wouldn’t be saying that if it was England that found themselves in Scotland’s position. All it does is show a lack of sporting integrity and makes a massive mockery of the sport on its very own biggest stage.

[JimBHibees]

How can you possibly train for four years, preparing for the biggest tournament of your career and then get told your team's eliminated because of the weather?

There's six days between the Japan game and the Quarter Finals starting and even if the typhoon is bad on Sunday and the match can't go ahead, surely they could play it on Monday instead and whatever team progresses would still have enough rest before their Quarter Final.

Agree they know the time of year they were playing in so some contingency should have been built in. Can't see it going ahead to be honest which would be shambolic for the tournament. You can bet your bottom dollar they would be moving heaven and earth if one of the bigger teams or probably even Japan was going to go out in this way.

[The Pointer]

Good to hear Mark Dodson taking a robust attitude to this on the radio this morning, questioning why it isn't possible to play the game on Monday. The organisers have dug their heels in but the SRU have asked a QC to look at the agreement they have with World Rugby.

If the game doesn't go ahead I think we say to them, right, we start the next World Cup with 4 points.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Good to hear Mark Dodson taking a robust attitude to this on the radio this morning, questioning why it isn't possible to play the game on Monday. The organisers have dug their heels in but the SRU have asked a QC to look at the agreement they have with World Rugby.

If the game doesn't go ahead I think we say to them, right, we start the next World Cup with 4 points.

They could make a decision earlier and move the game to somewhere that won’t be affected - play it at the scheduled time and behind closed doors if need be.

I’m not sure about starting the next one with 4 points is an option though - that’d just make a farce of 2 tournaments. I’d prefer a by to the final.

[hfc rd]

https://mobile.twitter.com/BBCSPORTNI/status/1182549916339470336

The pitch for Ireland - Samoa game tomorrow looks horrendous. Injuries galore.

[Hibernia&Alba]

https://mobile.twitter.com/BBCSPORTNI/status/1182549916339470336

The pitch for Ireland - Samoa game tomorrow looks horrendous. Injuries galore.

Is that Tynecastle?

[hfc rd]

Is that Tynecastle?


Looks too small a ground to be Tynecastle.

[Golden Bear]

They could make a decision earlier and move the game to somewhere that won’t be affected - play it at the scheduled time and behind closed doors if need be.

I’m not sure about starting the next one with 4 points is an option though - that’d just make a farce of 2 tournaments. I’d prefer a by to the final.

Absolutely correct.

The unknown factor is the possible damage to the infrastructure (roads, bridges, railways, buildings etc) which can't be repaired within 24 hours. However I can't see any reason why the game can't be moved to another part of Japan which hasn't been affected by the tornado.

I wonder if the same scenario would have played out if it was the case that Scotland had the narrowest of advantages going into the game v Japan? I think not.

[nellio]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50008474

Sorry Mr Jones, you wouldn’t be saying that if it was England that found themselves in Scotland’s position. All it does is show a lack of sporting integrity and makes a massive mockery of the sport on its very own biggest stage.

Absolute clown. Really hope that Australia annihilate them.

[Moulin Yarns]

The projected typhoon track takes it right through Yokohama on the Saturday where the game is due to be played on Sunday. I guess it is a wait and see what damage has been caused rather than the weather affecting the game, but it could and should go ahead at another venue or behind closed doors. Imagine the scenario that Samoa beat Ireland :greengrin and Scotland is awarded the 2 points as the game is cancelled. Assume Ireland still get a bonus point and so are on 12 points, Scotland would also be on 12 points. We would be out because of the defeat to Ireland :rolleyes:

[hfc rd]

Eddie Jones - "It's typhoon season, so you go somewhere else and it's terrorists season. You know what's going to happen”.

What an utter bellend! Guy really is a Grade A prick.

[Steve-O]

The ludicrous assertion I keep seeing in NZ is “well you just should’ve beat Ireland and you wouldn’t be in this position”. That is the kind of apathy being shown here in many quarters. The whole thing is bugging me more than I ever thought I could be bugged by rugby!

[Danderhall Hibs]

The ludicrous assertion I keep seeing in NZ is “well you just should’ve beat Ireland and you wouldn’t be in this position”. That is the kind of apathy being shown here in many quarters. The whole thing is bugging me more than I ever thought I could be bugged by rugby!

It’s like they don’t understand 2 teams get out of the group in the World Cup.

Just shows they don’t care about the integrity of the game - they’re just happy to have to play 1 less game and get an extra week off before the QF.

[hfc rd]

Didn’t see the Australia vs Georgia game earlier today. Just the extended highlights and reading the match report, it’s been labelled as an “unimpressive win”.

Tomorrow, instead of 3 matches, it’s just the one game on what looks set to be played on an awful pitch - Ireland vs Samoa.

[hfc rd]

https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12337/11833074/japan-vs-scotland-world-rugby-to-make-cancellation-decision-on-saturday-night

Not holding my breath but fingers crossed! 🤞🏾

[Danderhall Hibs]

Didn’t see the Australia vs Georgia game earlier today. Just the extended highlights and reading the match report, it’s been labelled as an “unimpressive win”.

Tomorrow, instead of 3 matches, it’s just the one game on what looks set to be played on an awful pitch - Ireland vs Samoa.

Did you see the video of the Ireland player lifting the turf and “burying” the ball under it?

[hfc rd]

Did you see the video of the Ireland player lifting the turf and “burying” the ball under it?

Yep. Both teams will be lucky to escape without any injuries.

https://mobile.twitter.com/BBCSPORTNI/status/1182549916339470336

[Steve-O]

It’s like they don’t understand 2 teams get out of the group in the World Cup.

Just shows they don’t care about the integrity of the game - they’re just happy to have to play 1 less game and get an extra week off before the QF.

Genuine comments on Facebook and the like that we “only have ourselves to blame”! Mental.

[cabbageandribs1875]

hope greig laidlaw gets the chance to captain scotland in what could possibly be his last international game, we're certainly going to miss his kicking




Italians understandably not very happy at missing out against the all blacks https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/10/italy-sergio-parisse-all-blacks-rugby-world-cup-cancellation#targetText=Sergio%20Parisse%20has%20h it%20out,Cup%20match%20against%20New%20Zealand.



kin farce

[hfc rd]

Japan’s training session this morning/afternoon:

https://mobile.twitter.com/OliverTrenchard/status/1182849399371599873

Found it brilliant the way the Japanese players all made their way through it differently. Some just walked through it with no problem like Leitch while Nagare used the bench and door to not get wet above knee level 😂

[we are hibs]

Japan’s training session this morning/afternoon:

https://mobile.twitter.com/OliverTrenchard/status/1182849399371599873

Found it brilliant the way the Japanese players all made their way through it differently. Some just walked through it with no problem like Leitch while Nagare used the bench and door to not get wet above knee level 😂

Theyre lucky not to get electrocuted there tbh

[Sylar]

I think a lot of people are getting themselves hysterical (not on here, but in general) about a rugby match, when Japan is sitting in the path of what could be their worst typhoon in over 60 years. This thing could quite easily result in thousands of fatalities and thousands more being displaced, yet a large part of the focus is on us. I agree with World Rugby - the talk of legal action isn't helpful. We all signed up to the competition rules and accepted the risk of playing a RWC in a country that's subject to significant storms at this time of the year (the madness of choosing Japan with this knowledge is a different discussion). Even if WR took a "common sense" approach and moved it x00 miles away, or played it a few days later...this is likely going to be a major national emergency, and the days after this thing makes landfill will see the Japanese authorities/people dealing with disruption on a monumental scale - I doubt anyone will/should be thinking about rugby in the wake of that, especially the Japanese team who will undoubtedly be impacted by the devastation this thing will likely bring.

Is it going to suck if this is how we exit the competition? Absolutely. Is it a farce that this situation has been allowed to develop by choosing to play the World Cup in this locale during their typhoon season? Completely.

I'm also growing weary already of the suggestion that World Rugby wouldn't impose the rules if it were a New Zealand, England or Australia etc facing elimination. It's baseless, and it just sounds like a major chip on the shoulder.

[hibsbollah]

I think a lot of people are getting themselves hysterical (not on here, but in general) about a rugby match, when Japan is sitting in the path of what could be their worst typhoon in over 60 years. This thing could quite easily result in thousands of fatalities and thousands more being displaced, yet a large part of the focus is on us. I agree with World Rugby - the talk of legal action isn't helpful. We all signed up to the competition rules and accepted the risk of playing a RWC in a country that's subject to significant storms at this time of the year (the madness of choosing Japan with this knowledge is a different discussion). Even if WR took a "common sense" approach and moved it x00 miles away, or played it a few days later...this is likely going to be a major national emergency, and the days after this thing makes landfill will see the Japanese authorities/people dealing with disruption on a monumental scale - I doubt anyone will/should be thinking about rugby in the wake of that, especially the Japanese team who will undoubtedly be impacted by the devastation this thing will likely bring.

Is it going to suck if this is how we exit the competition? Absolutely. Is it a farce that this situation has been allowed to develop by choosing to play the World Cup in this locale during their typhoon season? Completely.

I'm also growing weary already of the suggestion that World Rugby wouldn't impose the rules if it were a New Zealand, England or Australia etc facing elimination. It's baseless, and it just sounds like a major chip on the shoulder.

Totally agree with you on the legal action threat, absolutely ridiculous from the Scottish Rugby Union, and completely lacking in sensitivity as well due to the potential catastrophe that's possiblly unfolding.

[weecounty hibby]

The rules about cancelling a match are very sensible if a match has to be cancelled due to a sudden unexpected issue. When we have known for days of the potential to the area then it is a disgrace that there was no plan to move the game to another city or delay the game. That is not only the Scotland game but the NZ v Italy and the England v France games as well.

[weecounty hibby]

Totally agree with you on the legal action threat, absolutely ridiculous from the Scottish Rugby Union, and completely lacking in sensitivity as well due to the potential catastrophe that's possiblly unfolding.
Where have they said they are unsympathetic to the situation the people of the area are in. It is nothing to do with Japan, the Japanese, the area, or even the weather and everything to do with completely inept management of the situation by World Rugby

[hibsbollah]

Where have they said they are unsympathetic to the situation the people of the area are in. It is nothing to do with Japan, the Japanese, the area, or even the weather and everything to do with completely inept management of the situation by World Rugby

In the context of what's unfolding its massively insensitive. Squabbling over getting financial compensation (because that's what legal action is about, let's be honest) when there's thousands of lives at risk. Keep your mouths shut till after the event.

[weecounty hibby]

In the context of what's unfolding its massively insensitive. Squabbling over getting financial compensation (because that's what legal action is about, let's be honest) when there's thousands of lives at risk. Keep your mouths shut till after the event.

I don't see where it's about a financial situation at all. It's about the right to progress to the next stage of the tournament on the pitch. World rugby are potentially taking that away from Scotland through poor planning and management. They have already done it to Italy, even though that was unlikely to happen they never had the chance to compete to see if they could qualify. Again I cannot stress enough that being given almost a full week to arrange a suitable alternative they are actually waiting till game day to make a decision. A completely disgraceful way to manage anything.
I have, as I'm sure everyone connected to the SRU will too, the greatest sympathy for anyone who has to contend with living in the area during or after the typhoon. It doesn't make the WR mismanagement any more acceptable

[hfc rd]

That pitch looks absolutely horrendous! Apparently big lumps of turf were already coming up when Samoa were practicing scrums during their warm up!

Real risk of injuries.

[Speedy]

Makes a joke of the competition.

Six nations should be changed as well, final games should all be at the same time.

[Sylar]

I don't see where it's about a financial situation at all. It's about the right to progress to the next stage of the tournament on the pitch. World rugby are potentially taking that away from Scotland through poor planning and management. They have already done it to Italy, even though that was unlikely to happen they never had the chance to compete to see if they could qualify. Again I cannot stress enough that being given almost a full week to arrange a suitable alternative they are actually waiting till game day to make a decision. A completely disgraceful way to manage anything.
I have, as I'm sure everyone connected to the SRU will too, the greatest sympathy for anyone who has to contend with living in the area during or after the typhoon. It doesn't make the WR mismanagement any more acceptable

Assuming this unfolding disaster is as bad as it looks like it could be, who in Japan is going to be concerned about a rugby match?

You could move it to the furthest point from where landfall is due: if thousands of people are killed and thousands more displaced, it’s going to be a state of national emergency. Moving it is putting a plaster over a tumour. My only thought is why Japan were awarded the competition given the known seasonality of typhoons. Having said that, one of this magnitude is an extremely rare event and the only thought anyone in Japan should have is for their safety.

SRU need to realise the gravity of what’s heading toward Japan. This thing is enormous and the impacts make a game of rugby seem meaningless.

[weecounty hibby]

Assuming this unfolding disaster is as bad as it looks like it could be, who in Japan is going to be concerned about a rugby match?

You could move it to the furthest point from where landfall is due: if thousands of people are killed and thousands more displaced, it’s going to be a state of national emergency. Moving it is putting a plaster over a tumour. My only thought is why Japan were awarded the competition given the known seasonality of typhoons. Having said that, one of this magnitude is an extremely rare event and the only thought anyone in Japan should have is for their safety.

SRU need to realise the gravity of what’s heading toward Japan. This thing is enormous and the impacts make a game of rugby seem meaningless.

So just call a halt to the whole competition. That would actually be better than penalising some teams

[Pretty Boy]

Assuming this unfolding disaster is as bad as it looks like it could be, who in Japan is going to be concerned about a rugby match?

You could move it to the furthest point from where landfall is due: if thousands of people are killed and thousands more displaced, it’s going to be a state of national emergency. Moving it is putting a plaster over a tumour. My only thought is why Japan were awarded the competition given the known seasonality of typhoons. Having said that, one of this magnitude is an extremely rare event and the only thought anyone in Japan should have is for their safety.

SRU need to realise the gravity of what’s heading toward Japan. This thing is enormous and the impacts make a game of rugby seem meaningless.

Given the scenario you describe, and I have little reason to argue it's inaccurate, is a postponement of games for 1 or 2 days really adequate or suitably sensitive?

In a state of national emergency with thousands killed and/or displaced surely you enter territory in which the recovery period is measured in months and as such the entire tournament just becomes an unnecessary distraction? Perhaps it would be best just to postpone the entire event.

[weecounty hibby]

Given the scenario you describe, and I have little reason to argue it's inaccurate, is a postponement of games for 1 or 2 days really adequate or suitably sensitive?

In a state of national emergency with thousands killed and/or displaced surely you enter territory in which the recovery period is measured in months and as such the entire tournament just becomes an unnecessary distraction? Perhaps it would be best just to postpone the entire event.
Exactly. It's either a national disaster and will be defined as one so sport is very much an afterthought or its manageable and you put contingency plans in place, as they have known about the typhoon for about a week, such as moving games to other places or delaying them by a day or two. What World Rugby have done is to disadvantage some of the relative minnows in the game rather than planning and managing the situation.

[Moulin Yarns]

The eye of the typhoon has passed to the north of Tokyo and Nagasaki so news should be coming out of Japan as to the level of damage later today.

Current situation at the airport

https://www.webcamtaxi.com/en/japan/nagasaki/nagasaki-airport.html

[Sir David Gray]

Assuming this unfolding disaster is as bad as it looks like it could be, who in Japan is going to be concerned about a rugby match?

You could move it to the furthest point from where landfall is due: if thousands of people are killed and thousands more displaced, it’s going to be a state of national emergency. Moving it is putting a plaster over a tumour. My only thought is why Japan were awarded the competition given the known seasonality of typhoons. Having said that, one of this magnitude is an extremely rare event and the only thought anyone in Japan should have is for their safety.

SRU need to realise the gravity of what’s heading toward Japan. This thing is enormous and the impacts make a game of rugby seem meaningless.

The argument about sport being a lot less important than many people potentially being killed, injured or made homeless as a result of this storm goes without saying.

However the point still stands that even if this storm does do its very worst, the rugby World Cup will still be played to a conclusion and the point being made is that some teams are potentially going to be denied the chance to progress as far as they can due to one of their matches being cancelled.

I agree that every team signed up to play knowing the rules in advance and knew that they were playing in a country that is prone to experiencing typhoons at this time of year but I can still understand why teams would be angry at being eliminated in this way, whilst still being able to put things in perspective and having the utmost sympathy for the Japanese people affected by this storm.

[hfc rd]

Bit of positive news regarding the game although we await World Rugby’s decision if it is totally safe for it to go ahead

https://mobile.twitter.com/dannychoo/status/1183043414792630272

https://mobile.twitter.com/HnakoDorothy/status/1183047125568876545

https://mobile.twitter.com/stuartker60/status/1183023990710734848

[stoneyburn hibs]

Any action taken from the SRU is going to be seen as nothing but negative. If it doesn't go ahead then we should keep quiet. It's galling to go out of two world cups in a row on circumstances outside of how we played.
I hope it's played but the world press won't paint a pretty picture of Scotland if we complain given that there has been fatalities.

It's just bloody typical of Scotland.