2007 Rugby World Cup

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Jonah

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I watched Australia - Japan, christ we smashed the crap out of them, they were downright terrible, almost 70-0 in the second half. </p>

Argentina beat FRance, that was interesting too.</p>

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www.rugbyworldcup.com</p>

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For those in the states, you can watch some of the games if you get the new "VS." channel. They just showed the france-argentina match, and the England-USA match is being showed tomorrow at 5pm. I forgot to check which time zone though. Check you local listings!
 
I'm surprised at how close the USA managed to keep the game against England, was only 28-10 in Englands favor at Full Time.
 
Not a good start for European teams. England struggled with the US, Walesneeded a late blitz to get pastCanada, Irelandcould only beat Namibia by 15and hosts France lost. If Argentina can beat Ireland, an all southern hemisphere semi final stage could happen with South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. With the way the RWC has started though, anything could happen.</p>
 
NZ has looked the most impressive to date. Destroyed Italy who are actually a very good side these days. NZ should walk away with this WC, unless they choke again.
 
Yeah thats what impressed me the most, as you said, Italy are considered one of the top teams in World Rugby today, and to beat them 76-14 or whatever it was is a very impressive feat.</p>

WatchoutPortugal!lol</p>
 
When Tana left it was such a blow to me, I wasn't sure how then-newcomers would take his place. Well Rico Gear has certainly made a name for himself, and others have made the side one of the strongest in recent memory.
 
I've read thatPortugal will field a B squad against the All Blacks. They realise they have no chance of winning it and are focused on the Romania game. Which is fair enough, the All Blacks will almost certainlydo the same. However the All Blacks have good depth, and this game still has the potential for some new records to be set. </p>

The All Blacks are beatable, even if it does require they end up choking again. They're weak at second five and centre, and haven't really settled on a combination there.They had no answer for Stirling Mortlock in the game they lost to Australia this year,hewas picking up line breaks with ease. If they suffer another injury at the already weak lockpositionthey're also in trouble, and will probably have to call someone up. </p>
 
I was impressed with Canada's game against Wales.
 
Schalk Burger of South Africa has been suspended four games for a high tackle against Samoa. That would mean he misses the game against England and a knockout game. South Africa should be able to get by without him if the ban holds though.
 
Tough break though, to lose Burger. I didn't see the Canada-Wales result. I would presume Wales won?
 
Wales won 42 - 17. That scoreline suggests it was a comfortable win, but it wasn't. Wales were down 17 - 9 in the second half, but finished the game much stronger.
 
Another big win for us, 108-13 over Portugal. The only real challenge in our pool is up next in Scotland, although I'm predicting another big scoreline, i'll go with 53-10.
 
Interesting fact about the potential quarter final between the All Blacks and France - it wouldn't be in France. Instead it would be in Cardiff (Wales), which has got to help the All Blacks.With Ireland playing so horrible, and Argentina already having beaten France, it's looking increasingly likely.</p>
 
Well I finally figured out how to watch the games: torrents! I'm watching the All Blacks - Italy opener now, and then I'll move on to the rest of the pool play games. Something I've noticed is that Rico Gear was absent from the Italy game. Am I missing something?
 
Not quite sure, I cant find anything on why he didnt play, he wasnt listed in the team, and wasnt on the IR, maybe they just wanted to rest him?
 
Well if Siviventi keeps playing like he did in the Italy game I don't think too many people will remember about Gear. But when Conrad Smith was replaced by....Mulliania? I'd rather move Macdonald into Centre and replace his wing spot with Rico. Oh well, can't argue with the result.</p>

So how about South Africa over England? I've said it before and I'll say it again: the only real threat to the All Blacks is from the springboks</p>
 
Rico Gear isn't a starter for the All Blacks anymore in the big games. It used to be Rokocoko and Sivivatu, but recently it's become Howlett and Sivivatu. I think if the final were played today, they'd put McAllister at second five, Smith at center and Muliaina at fullback. I'd rather Muliaina replaces Smith at center, with MacDonald at fulback. Mils is a utility player, but McDonald is a specialist fullback.</p>

I predicted an All Blacks - South Africa finalbefore the tournament, and are definitely sticking by that now. It's hard to judge who is the better at the moment, as Jake White rested his stars during the Tri Nations.South Africa have definitely got the better locks, but the All Blacks have a team made to score tries.</p>

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France smashed Namibia, as expected anyway though. I love Chabal's interview. Instant Classic.</p>

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Anyone see Tonga upset Samoa? They were down to 13 men but managed to hold on bravely. I can't see them beating England, but this will be the best chance they have at it for a while. France vs. Ireland is coming very soon, that'll be one ofthe biggest pool matches withthe implications it will have on Pool D.
 
Wow that chabal interview is a classic! You gotta love this guy
 
France 25 Ireland 3. It seems pretty certain New Zealand will play France in the first knockout game now. It'll be a massive game, there's a good chance the winner ofit willgo on to win the RWC.</p>

And this is good to read,</p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Georgia's sterling efforts at the world cup have sparked an unprecedented wave of interest in the sport at the top of the country's political chain.Georgia president Mikheil Saakashvili has announced plans to build at least 10 rugby stadiums over the next 12 months.He also pledged to finance a top-flight competition in recognition of the exposure the IRB Rugby World Cup has given Georgia.</div></p>

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/new...idential+decree</p>
 
That's awesome about Georgia, even if you're not a fan you have to respect that. I know that their other top sport is REAL wrestling. The Georgians have some good taste I must say. Anywho, looks like my prediction of Fiji moving on was right way back. No big surprise, though that was an absolutely fantastic match against Wales today. I mean seriously, one of the best I've seen this RWC. France vs New Zealand would be a stormer and likely an instant classic. I do believe whoever wins that would win the RWC. There is no doubt on that.</p>
 
I heard about the Wales game today. Some are calling it the best rugby game ever played. Thoughts?</p>
 
Not the best ever played, but one of the best I've seen that's for damn sure. I think there is a replay tomorrow of the match if anyone has missed it. You can order it on the RWC website or catch it if you have Setanta Sports on TV or Broadband. I know I'll be watching it again and recording it too. You can bet on it.</p>

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Everything basically came down to the wire. Wales were down and played their rugby in the second half by storming back. The lead changed hands a few times late and was a thriller to the stretch. In the end Wales looked as though they were about to win with a late try, but Fiji kept pushing their limits and forced out a try in the dying minutes of the match to secure the win. Nicky Little may be out the rest of the tourny though as it appears he tore something in his right knee I believe. Sick to watch too.</p>
 
Knockout stages</p>

Australia vs. England</p>

New Zealand vs. France</p>

South Africa vs. Fiji</p>

Argentina vs. Scotland</p>

South Africa have a fairly easy schedule in the knockout stages. First they have Fiji, who they should smash. In the semi final, they should have Argentina (provided Argentina beat Scotland). Argentina are very strong by their standards this year, but South Africa should be able to get through themcomfortably enough. Then they're in the final.</p>

Dan Carter is under an injury cloud for the All Blacks. He withdrew from the Romania game, but from the sounds of it there's no major damage so I'm pretty sure he will be there for the French game.</p>
 
NZ france should be a great game, but I expect the All Blacks to come out on top. Australia v England could go either way, but judging by how England played against the USA I'd take Australia if I were a betting man.</p>
 
Of course Australia is going to win, they've been strong throughout the tournament whereas England has been lacksidasickal. How about that try the Americans scored against them - that was great</p>

And yes, that Wales-Fiji match was extremely good.</p>
 
England plainly suck compared to what they once were. Don't expect Argentina to roll over and die and France and Suth Africa are likely the only two teams that can beat the All Blacks.</p>
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (M Two One)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

France smashed Namibia, as expected anyway though. I love Chabal's interview. Instant Classic.</p>

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my fav rugby player lol</p>

the beast</p>

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