Quote:
Originally Posted by hfc rd
could be a right miserable sunday of sport :(
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hfc rd
could be a right miserable sunday of sport :(
They're right - 16-0 February 1969.Quote:
Originally Posted by cabbageandribs1875
Quote:
Originally Posted by mayo hibee
embarrassing for all involved today
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.
The score could have been worse. I'm sure we'll do better next time. Hamish Watson will be missed big style.
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cabbageandribs1875
This in a nutshell! 😂
Despite Ireland's injuries, they are miles better than us. Still, I expected more than three points from it!
It looked like Ireland had at least one player going off their feet at every ruck how was that allowed?
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.
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.
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by hfc rd
Agree not good news think a fair chance he would have started on Monday.Quote:
Originally Posted by Golden Bear
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimBHibees
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.
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.
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.
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 behindQuote:
Originally Posted by hfc rd
The reason how they have pulled away from the likes of Uruguay and other similar nations is because of the following:Quote:
Originally Posted by weecounty hibby
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!
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!Quote:
Originally Posted by hfc rd
Canada dropped the ball over the line when it was easier to score.Quote:
Originally Posted by hfc rd
Ironic that the first red was for a tackle on Farrell.
Half time Japan v Ireland. Japan well in it at 9-12 and they are playing well
Japan are going to steamroller us.
Come on Japan!
Wow...Few of neighbours will be less full of themselves today! Japan were great, gonna be some game against us.
That's kick-started my interest in the rugby anyway. So refreshing by Japan.
Is that a good result for Scotland then?
Absolute scenes!!
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by heretoday