Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan The hunt for Webb Ellis

connemara man · 15-07-2019 4:47pm #1

So there will be squads announced and world cup news popping up sooner rather than later so have at it

bilston · 15-07-2019 7:12pm

If the final is half as exciting as the Cricket World Cup Final (yes that's right...the Cricket), then we are in for a treat.

Might even be a repeat final of the Cricket...I hope not...but it could happen.

15-07-2019 7:49pm

connemara man wrote: »

so have at it

15-07-2019 7:50pm

connemara man wrote: »

so have at it

15-07-2019 7:51pm

connemara man wrote: »

have at it

15-07-2019 7:51pm

connemara man wrote: »

so have at it

Oh wait... did you mean about the World Cup?

thebaz · 15-07-2019 11:40pm

NZ / Argentina on Sunday will be a good gauge of 2 big teams -
plus keep an eye on SA , our probabl QF opponent - our biggest game for 4 years

Of the outsiders , think Fiji will cause a few surprises , have the usual sinking fealing about Ireland , peaking too soon, van derf flier must stay fit , and Murray must return to form or else need a new 9 - Cooney or Marmion.

Phileas Frog · 15-07-2019 11:51pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

sydthebeat · 15-07-2019 11:54pm

What will the biggest shock of the RWC be?

Could Namibia or Canada take an Italian scalp? Would Argentina beating either England or France be a shock? Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit? Could wales reach a RWC final?

Dog Botherer · 16-07-2019 2:16am

sydthebeat wrote: »

What will the biggest shock of the RWC be?

Could Namibia or Canada take an Italian scalp? Would Argentina beating either England or France be a shock? Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit? Could wales reach a RWC final?

No
No
Yes
Yes

Also reckon this could be the year Fiji really kick on and start putting themselves in contention to be the next Tier 1 nation after Argentina. They’ve been playing some incredible rugby lately, even by their standards, and should have most of their best players available despite the best efforts of their clubs. They should absolutely be targeting that Australia game with everything they have.

I could see France losing to the USA.

16-07-2019 9:12am

Dog Botherer wrote: »

I could see France losing to the USA.

And still somehow qualifying...

Clegg · 16-07-2019 11:52am

Deleted User wrote: »

God we really miss Heaslip at 8.

16-07-2019 12:32pm

Clegg wrote: »

God we really miss Heaslip at 8.

Probably the best thing I could say about Heaslip is he never went on Love Island.

Could say the same about all Leinster players tbh.

Squidgy Black · 16-07-2019 12:34pm

This year's rugby championship will be an important one, South Africa will be looking to keep their momentum going, Australia will want to have a turnaround from their poor enough form to date

16-07-2019 12:35pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

This year's rugby championship will be an important one, South Africa will be looking to keep their momentum going, Australia will want to have a turnaround from their poor enough form to date

Didn't Rassie come out and say he's picking a B team against Australia?

Hilarious if true.

Heymans · 16-07-2019 12:52pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Probably the best thing I could say about Heaslip is he never went on Love Island.

Could say the same about all Leinster players tbh.

At least some of them don't have the support of Tony Ward like you enjoy having.

Squidgy Black · 16-07-2019 12:53pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Didn't Rassie come out and say he's picking a B team against Australia?

Hilarious if true.

“I'm pretty comfortable even though I know Australia will pick their first choice team against us.

That in a way isn't a catch 22 but if they pick their first choice team‚ and we've got 15 guys in New Zealand‚ and we beat them with a mixed-up team‚ that'll be a bigger boost for us."

16-07-2019 1:02pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

“I'm pretty comfortable even though I know Australia will pick their first choice team against us.

That in a way isn't a catch 22 but if they pick their first choice team‚ and we've got 15 guys in New Zealand‚ and we beat them with a mixed-up team‚ that'll be a bigger boost for us."

Interesting tactic. Basically saying they expect to lose but if they win it will be massive.

Australia will be galvanised by that but they're so inconsistent it's hard to call.

RugbyLover123 · 16-07-2019 8:57pm

I think people underestimate Argentina here. Or maybe I overrated them.

They should beat France and their game with England will be 50/50 imo. Then either Oz/Wales or outside chance of Fiji in 1/4. Which I can see them coming through.

They’ve built serious depth over the last 2/3 years with the Jags. Their players don’t really get the recognition though because they’re off the radar and not English speaking imo. Matera is one of the best back rowers in the world atm.

Squidgy Black · 16-07-2019 9:02pm

RugbyLover123 wrote: »

I think people underestimate Argentina here. Or maybe I overrated them.

They should beat France and their game with England will be 50/50 imo. Then either Oz/Wales or outside chance of Fiji in 1/4. Which I can see them coming through.

They’ve built serious depth over the last 2/3 years with the Jags. Their players don’t really get the recognition though because they’re off the radar and not English speaking imo. Matera is one of the best back rowers in the world atm.

I don't think you can say the Argentianan's don't get recognition any more given the Jaguares performance in Super Rugby this year. Most people are very much aware of the threat they pose given the way they've been playing.

sydthebeat · 16-07-2019 9:52pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I don't think you can say the Argentianan's don't get recognition any more given the Jaguares performance in Super Rugby this year. Most people are very much aware of the threat they pose given the way they've been playing.

I dare say your average rugby fan wouldn't be able to make half of an Argentinian starting XV..... They have two house hold names in sanchez and creevy... And after that probably matera who is absolutely breaking the frontiers of what a back row should be doing on a rugby field.

After that they will have some other European based players returning but I can't say there will be many of them guaranteed a starting spot.

Squidgy Black · 16-07-2019 10:01pm

sydthebeat wrote: »

I dare say your average rugby fan wouldn't be able to make half of an Argentinian starting XV..... They have two house hold names in sanchez and creevy... And after that probably matera who is absolutely breaking the frontiers of what a back row should be doing on a rugby field.

After that they will have some other European based players returning but I can't say there will be many of them guaranteed a starting spot.

Wholeheartedly agree in that aspect, but I think as a team compared to say 2 years ago, general rugby fans would be much more aware after the SR campaign that there's something starting to click for the pumas.

sydthebeat · 16-07-2019 10:14pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Wholeheartedly agree in that aspect, but I think as a team compared to say 2 years ago, general rugby fans would be much more aware after the SR campaign that there's something starting to click for the pumas.

Agreed 100%

The hags went from being annual bottom feeders for their first two years, some noticeable scalps in year three, and then their exceptional year this year (a dryer day and that final could have been very different).

They played it very very cleverly by using super rugby as a testing and preparation ground for their national team for the first three years, and then used more settled and continuous selections this year. It used to drive me mad how they would chop and change every week when they came into super rugby first. Its worked for them though and they will be highly polished and very hard to beat in this comp.

16-07-2019 10:32pm

RugbyLover123 wrote: »

I think people underestimate Argentina here. Or maybe I overrated them.

They should beat France and their game with England will be 50/50 imo. Then either Oz/Wales or outside chance of Fiji in 1/4. Which I can see them coming through.

They’ve built serious depth over the last 2/3 years with the Jags. Their players don’t really get the recognition though because they’re off the radar and not English speaking imo. Matera is one of the best back rowers in the world atm.

I think the best France are going to play all season is their first game at home to Scotland and they'll still lose. They'll definitely lose the return leg and then it's an Italian game which does little for their confidence if they win but devastates it if it goes the other way.

They have history against Tonga, and USA have it in them to take a big if dispirited scalp.

Stan27 · 17-07-2019 12:46am

Wales and Argentinian will do very well I think

swiwi_ · 17-07-2019 5:38am

If we're picking upsets, I reckon Japan vs Scotland and Fiji vs Wales.

There has yet to be a RWC without at least 1 or 2 surprising results.

swiwi_ · 17-07-2019 5:41am

Looking at the match schedule there and day 1 is a dud (Japan vs Russia...why, why, why?), but day 2 has Aust vs Fiji, Fra vs Arg and NZ vs SA. That's Saturday stuck in front of the TV for sure.

sydthebeat · 17-07-2019 8:30am

swiwi_ wrote: »

Looking at the match schedule there and day 1 is a dud (Japan vs Russia...why, why, why?), but day 2 has Aust vs Fiji, Fra vs Arg and NZ vs SA. That's Saturday stuck in front of the TV for sure.

You'd want to be up early here....

All those games will be over by noon.

Podge_irl · 17-07-2019 9:33am

swiwi_ wrote: »

Looking at the match schedule there and day 1 is a dud (Japan vs Russia...why, why, why?), but day 2 has Aust vs Fiji, Fra vs Arg and NZ vs SA. That's Saturday stuck in front of the TV for sure.

To make sure the hosts win the opening match.

17-07-2019 9:44am

swiwi_ wrote: »

Looking at the match schedule there and day 1 is a dud (Japan vs Russia...why, why, why?), but day 2 has Aust vs Fiji, Fra vs Arg and NZ vs SA. That's Saturday stuck in front of the TV for sure.

To be fair Japan are most likely only going to win two games so having one of them at the outset makes sense.

sydthebeat wrote: »

You'd want to be up early here....

All those games will be over by noon.

First game is Aus v Fiji at 5:45 which is going to be out of reach for most. 8:15 is France v Argentina and 10:45 is NZ v SA.

Two of the biggest pool games all on the one morning, Aus v Fiji is a big enough game too.

Probably only get to watch France game live, won't be up for the first game and most likely at kids training for NZ v SA so will have the DVR recording everything and will avoid the interwebs for a few hours.

If South Africa win that game it's going to really open a pandora's box. Changes the entire competition.

17-07-2019 9:49am

With James O'Conner back playing for Australia here is my most memorable James O'Connor World Cup Memory.

I was in the Goat with a mate and my aul lad, it was around 10:30 / 11:00 when Bowe made that break and at full time I bought the earliest round of beers I can recall getting!

swiwi_ · 17-07-2019 9:52am

Podge_irl wrote: »

To make sure the hosts win the opening match.

Yeah, but give them Japan vs Samoa.

At least it would be some sort of match.

This will be over after 15 minutes.

In case anyone's forgotten, Russia are there because Spain & Germany fielded ineligible players IIRC.

17-07-2019 10:24am

swiwi_ wrote: »

Yeah, but give them Japan vs Samoa.

At least it would be some sort of match.

This will be over after 15 minutes.

In case anyone's forgotten, Russia are there because Spain & Germany fielded ineligible players IIRC.

I somewhat agree - I think Japan v Ireland should have been the opener, Ireland spent most of the last two years in or around world no.2, it's the biggest team Japan are going to face unless they make the final 7 and it would have been a decent opener.

All that said - take world rugby rankings out of it - Japan v Russia for your average casual has wider appeal in terms and context outside of Rugby so I can see why they went that way. Russia won't win - but I expect them to throw themselves into the fixture.

The pool games that I'm most excited about and which I consider most consequential:

France v Argentina
NZ v South Africa
Irl v Scotland
Japan v Ireland
Aus v Wales
South Africa v Italy
England v Argentina
England v France
Japan v Scotland

These are the games which I think will largely decide the order of the final 8.

Podge_irl · 17-07-2019 10:30am

It's a reasonable point - but ultimately Japan v Samoa is not going to be any more interesting to most of the global viewing population then Japan v Russia and the latter is better for the hosts.

It certainly does look like the opening match has gotten more facile over the years. I think France losing on the opening night probably put a bit of a damper on things (even if it was a great match) and they are looking to avoid a repeat. It also gives huge exposure to the "other" team.

2015: England v Fiji
2011: NZ v Tonga
2007: France v Argentina
2003: Australia v Argentina
1999: Wales v Argentina
1995: South Africa v Australia

17-07-2019 2:04pm

I'm looking forward to the world cup. What about you guys

Squidgy Black · 17-07-2019 2:17pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I'm looking forward to the world cup. What about you guys

I'm starting a new job in a couple of weeks and yet to know if it'll be the sort of place that'll frown upon having the matches on my screen or phone.

So pretty anxious.

aloooof · 17-07-2019 2:50pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I'm starting a new job in a couple of weeks and yet to know if it'll be the sort of place that'll frown upon having the matches on my screen or phone.

So pretty anxious.

The Ireland Russia game is on a Thursday and my other half thinks I'm crazy to be considering taking the day off.

Yeah_Right · 17-07-2019 3:25pm

aloooof wrote: »

The Ireland Russia game is on a Thursday and my other half thinks I'm crazy to be considering taking the day off.

That relationship has run its course. Time to trade her in.

Cookiemunster · 18-07-2019 8:55am

Whatever about the actual tournament, Argentina have won the jersey world cup

sydthebeat · 18-07-2019 9:02am

I'd wait to see Fiji before calling that

DelBoy Trotter · 18-07-2019 9:09am

sydthebeat wrote: »

I'd wait to see Fiji before calling that

It's already been released: https://shop.rugbyworldcup.com/collections/fiji/products/fiji-rwc-2019-home-pro-jersey

Exclamation Marc · 18-07-2019 9:43am

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Whatever about the actual tournament, Argentina have won the jersey world cup

Their second jersey is a thing of wonder...

https://twitter.com/thepaulwilliams/status/1151748194746937344?s=19

aloooof · 18-07-2019 9:47am

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Whatever about the actual tournament, Argentina have won the jersey world cup

That's a beaut. Is it just me or are jersey's with collars always better?

Cookiemunster · 18-07-2019 10:08am

DelBoy Trotter wrote: »

It's already been released: https://shop.rugbyworldcup.com/collections/fiji/products/fiji-rwc-2019-home-pro-jersey

As I said, Argentina wins

RugbyLover123 · 18-07-2019 10:28am

Hopefully it’s available in stores. Never buy jerseys but couldn’t find Argentina’s last WC jersey to buy anywhere.

18-07-2019 11:27am

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I'm starting a new job in a couple of weeks and yet to know if it'll be the sort of place that'll frown upon having the matches on my screen or phone.

So pretty anxious.

We're giving everyone the day mostly off. Down tools at 10.30 and people can head home or stay for game. Buying brunch for whoever wants to watch the match and beers in the afternoon.

Can't wait!

18-07-2019 11:33am

Might be old news but Joe Marler is back training in the England squad. Probably pressured after Mako was injured.

Yeah_Right · 18-07-2019 11:57am

Deleted User wrote: »

We're giving everyone the day mostly off. Down tools at 10.30 and people can head home or stay for game. Buying brunch for whoever wants to watch the match and beers in the afternoon.

Can't wait!

You hiring?

18-07-2019 1:04pm

Yeah_Right wrote: »

You hiring?

Welcome aboard!

Former Observer · 18-07-2019 5:54pm

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

bilston · 18-07-2019 7:05pm

Former Observer wrote: »

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

Could the English suffer the embarrassment of a second pool stage exit?

With France and Argentina in their pool it can't be ruled out.

But while I fancy Argentina will run them close, the Six Nations rabble that was France will need to improve a lot. In fact they'll probably beat England and lose to Tonga (or whoever the weaker teams are in their pool).

Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan The hunt for Webb Ellis

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