2023 RWC Buildup, Squads, Fixtures 'etc'

Augme · 28-10-2023 05:10PM

NZ have also been had an extra days rest thanks to the nature of the draw. Ans they played their last group game on a Thursday. It's not their fault, but world rugby really don't do a very good job to endure a level playing field.

28-10-2023 05:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121294819#Comment_121294819

I think once South Africa get 7 days, as opposed to teams who got 6 in previous tournaments they are fairly ok.

28-10-2023 05:22PM

It's unusual the the final is on RTE and Virgin.

I don't recall any sports event simultaneously on both stations. TG4 may have overlapped with the odd GAA game back in the 1990s\2000s, and I'm not even sure on that.

A lot at stake in this final, from the title itself to who goes ahead on the roll of honour. They play each other so often there must be serious rivalry between players. Like we saw the rivalry develop with NZ and us and we don't meet as often, or have such a historic rivalry.

As long as the game isn't decided by a card or bad decision and we have champions without question or caveat.

lawrencesummers · 28-10-2023 05:28PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121294851#Comment_121294851

Dont forget its also on ITV so you dont have to listen to any dinosaurs like lenihan or williams and its a high cahill free zone as well.

28-10-2023 05:29PM

The more I look at it the more 50/50 it is. These type of finals can take on a life of their own like 1995, 2011 swung every way.

Leslie Purkiss · 28-10-2023 05:36PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121294798#Comment_121294798

SA were out on their feet post the French game. They can go to the well one final time tonight.

FrancieBrady · 28-10-2023 05:58PM

NZ by +10 for me.

lawrencesummers · 28-10-2023 06:05PM

If NZ do win it will be some achievement by joe smith, when he got involved they were in a terrible way.

If SA win its some achievement by rassie, back to back world cups and two world cups in 5 years. Losing marx and mapimpi would destroy most teams.

The saving grace of the semi finals Being terrible is that the final does have the two best teams of the competition contesting it.

Kermit.de.frog · 28-10-2023 06:15PM

I'm backing the boys in green

Leslie Purkiss · 28-10-2023 06:18PM

“The pack win rugby games, the backs determine by how much” applies tonight.

SA should have too much up front. Big, big man.

28-10-2023 06:20PM

Rob's green handkerchief is real South African green.

28-10-2023 06:24PM

I feel an anti climax when big tournaments end. Hard to go back to the URC.

Burkie1203 · 28-10-2023 06:34PM

Weather could ruin this

SaoPaulo41 · 28-10-2023 06:39PM

So who will be watching on rte 2 or Virgin? Virgin for the game ( Can't stand Hugh Cahill commentary,smugness personified) however will watch ht on rte 2.

SaoPaulo41 · 28-10-2023 06:40PM

I think SA will be wrecked after last wk ,of course its a final and will give 100% but nz by 15 plus

28-10-2023 06:41PM

South Africa were following the forecast. I don't think they would have went 7:1 if a dry night and more ball in back play.

TheRona · 28-10-2023 06:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121295039#Comment_121295039

I think SA forward dominance is overstated, and I don't think their two extra forwards coming on will be better than Savea and Barrett who continue on for NZ.

PTH2009 · 28-10-2023 06:46PM

All Blacks by 5

sligeach · 28-10-2023 06:47PM

Hard to care about this final. Don't care for either team winning tonight and it could be us playing in it. We beat one of the finalists and lost to the other by a slender margin while not playing our best. It's anticlimactic, we possibly played the final in the quarter-final against New Zealand.

28-10-2023 06:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121295111#Comment_121295111

I don't know will they. In many respects they didn't turn up last week, emotionally as much as anything. They may play better tonight. They've had 7 days.

For both teams it's one final push. I think the first 15min will be crucial. If NZ are 14 nil up by 15-20min it would look game over. If SA are 3-3 and get a few big turnovers it's amazing how a team can be reenergised.

28-10-2023 06:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121295109#Comment_121295109

Virgin cos they're on since 6.30!!

StevenToast · 28-10-2023 06:51PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121295136#Comment_121295136

Bandwagoner talk....This is big boy stuff tonight....

Ireland failed again at the world cup when it matters...

If you cant get excited about tonight....youre not a rugby fan...

Man Vs ManUre · 28-10-2023 06:52PM

I am gonna have to watch this final on mute, as I cannot stop listening to the new vault tracks on Taylor Swift 1989!!

lawrencesummers · 28-10-2023 06:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121295121#Comment_121295121

The SA front row could make quick work of the NZ front row, and then the subs that both sides have for the front row are worlds apart. The bomb squad has mostly done damage in the front row.

Maybe Nz can negate that dominance at scrum time but its easier said than done.

The contrast in style in many match ups is intriguing.

Mo’unga vs Pollard.

very different 10’s

Ioane vs Kriel

Speed vs Strength

barrett va DDA

footballer vs route 1 battering ram

28-10-2023 06:53PM

You'd imagine scrum laws will change soon re. penalties and free kicks.

fitz · 28-10-2023 06:55PM

NZ by 12, Rassie to spend the next three months whinging about Barnes.

28-10-2023 06:56PM

All Blacks abú 🖤

28-10-2023 06:57PM

The French must really feel awful. They may well have been the best team in it, and at home. Worse for them than us.

FrankN1 · 28-10-2023 06:57PM

South Africa to win but NZ to score first.

28-10-2023 07:00PM

Siya Kolisi is some man for the singing! Looks like he's praying too.

2023 RWC Buildup, Squads, Fixtures 'etc'

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