The Official RWC 2011 Thread

[expat yorkshire]

Well done France

I think A few factors contributed to our loss

I think we badly missed sherridan in the scrum

Picking players who were clearly out of form ( Jonny and the scrum half both very poor)
Indiscipline and mistakes at crucial times like losing you throw in at a 5 metre line out
I think we need a wholesale clear out and build again for 2011
Selection of old mates rather than taking bold decisions ( if you compare this to Gatland who dropped Williams and Stephen Jones)

[Fat Bob]

Yes, well done France. The only thing I can complain about is how the scrum has been refd in the whole tournament, most of the penalties have gone to the team binding incorrectly (i.e. on the arm, not the body), however, we should have the nounse to sourt that out. I'll admit that maybe my rose coloured specs but something I've been confused about. Hell, so have the England front row!

France played well, England poor performance all around. Both French tries were down to poor tackling and poor cover tackling: Vincent Clerc's try went through four tacklers, Medard's had two cover tacklers going for the winger leaving a wide open space for the pop inside. Well done France for taking the opportunities when they presented themselves, and Egnland, heading in 16-0 down at half time is just too far behind. Played slightly better in the second half, two tries through the backs (I think Simon Shaw would have been embarrassed scoring the second!) but too little, too late. France took control of the match early on and never really let England have enough to get back into it.

Also, the Celtic quarter: well done Wales. From my (beer addled) memory, Ireland seemed to play like England did in the warm up games. Two opportunities to kick for goal given up when 7-0 down. Mad in knock-out rugby! All Welsh tries taken well (can Joubert give a try without going upstairs? Same touch judge in all occasions not doing his job!) and the Irish, even though they drew close, again, never really managed to stamp any authority on the game.

[Burbage]

Ireland never looked like getting through the Welsh defence. It took a fumble and a bit of random bouncing to get through. A lesson there perhaps. But I see Wales being a difficult side to beat. They didn't give away any penalties in easy spots (except one), though with the wind as it was Ireland should have been heading down the middle. Wales did well to push them wide. On a less blustery day I think Ireland would have kicked more, but there were no easy shots.

France looked good, England looked good for about 20 min in the second half.

[baloo]

If the kiwis somehow manage to beat the aussies in the semi, they will get smashed by france in the final.

[daffodil]

Happy, happy, happy, happy.....

Great game against Ireland, some strange decisions by them in not taking early, easy points but Wales were just too good in most aspects. Thought Phillips, Adam Jones, 1/2penny, Lydiate all had super games and really couldn't have asked more from Shane - scored the opening try & savd an Irish one. Cymru am Byth !!

As for England, what a dreadful first half - well done to France for retaining that healthy lead. So, that's France's one big RWC game done, bring it on next weekend!!

C'mon Aussies !!

[baloo]

phew.

[daffodil]

Indeed

Just need the AB's to stick to the script and it's a repeat of the 1987 semi final teams, can Wales and Australia go one step further this time around?!

[baloo]

Yeah, it's now a guessing game of which of the finals the ABs will choke on.

[Fat Bob]

The 87 semis it is. Well done to the Aussies and All Blacks for getting over their quarter hurdles.

Aussies scored the only try in a tough quarter with the Boks, very tight game, went behind and came back.

The Kiwis took time doing what they needed to do, I don't think my kiwi friends liked me when I celebrated the Puma's try.

[daffodil]

Seems like the PM is getting behind Wales for the game...nothing like a bit of political schmoozing, eh?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-15281202

Wonder what we'll get if we actually win anything.

[Fat Bob]

An open-top bus tour around the capital. Sorry, your capital. Oh, and Old Bill and bragging rights for 4 years.

[baloo]

Are the Boks the biggest whingers in world rugby ? They are still going on about Bryce Lawrence.

[daffodil]

An open-top bus tour around the capital. Sorry, your capital. Oh, and Old Bill and bragging rights for 4 years.

Oh, alright then, if you insist.

[Fat Bob]

Are the Boks the biggest whingers in world rugby ? They are still going on about Bryce Lawrence.

I thought that was the Kiwis: 1995 - poison; 2007 - Barnes, can't remember the other whinging.

[daffodil]

Just a few hours to go before the longest 80 minutes of the tournament so far, tense doesn't even begin to describe it.

Wales in a state of rugby fever (fervour?) with more people watching the game at Millenium Stadium than can be accommodated at Eden Park, if the British press is to be believed! Brains will no doubt be flowing for breakfast....and lunch....and...

Go The Boyos, fairly high scoring game, Wales by 5.

C'MON!!

[Pinklepurr]

I don't suppose anyone knows a place in Shanghai to watch the rugby? A desperate Mr PP is trying to find a sports bar or something as I type this...

[Lichtgestalt]

Just a few hours to go before the longest 80 minutes of the tournament so far, tense doesn't even begin to describe it.
C'MON!!

Heart attack already?

[expat yorkshire]

Why did Wales not at least try for a Drop kick at the end ?

[Pinklepurr]

Probably just as well he couldn't find anywhere...I kept him up to date with the action as it happened...pity they just didn't get there. If the aim had been a bit better and the team could have kept it together a bit more they could have won.

[Fat Bob]

Sorry PP (well, Mr PP), only seen this today. O'Malley's in the French Quarter shows sports and serves Guinness. Guinness being a neutral drink!

[Fat Bob]

Tough break for Wales: tight game indeed and never helps playing with 14 men for 60 mins. The red card was a sending off offence, though I'd agree that these sorts of tackles may not have been as harshly dealt with during other matches.

France did what they needed to, which was win, and yes, the drop-goal option was not used by Wales and you have to wonder why. Several opportunities to do so in the last 10, and we were all sitting there looking to when they'd do it....and they didn't (or only did once).

Neutral colours again today, best of luck both teams.

[Spike]

Tough break for Wales: tight game indeed and never helps playing with 14 men for 60 mins. The red card was a sending off offence, though I'd agree that these sorts of tackles may not have been as harshly dealt with during other matches.

France did what they needed to, which was win, and yes, the drop-goal option was not used by Wales and you have to wonder why. Several opportunities to do so in the last 10, and we were all sitting there looking to when they'd do it....and they didn't (or only did once).

Neutral colours again today, best of luck both teams.

I think the ref's decision was right. Warburton clearly lifted the French guy's hips above his head and slammed him into the ground head and shoulders first, a dangerous move in my mind. I can't understand what the fuss is about.

[baloo]

Fuck it.

Well done New Zealand.

Should be an entertaining final if the French turn up.

[Pinklepurr]

Thanks FB...passed it on anyway as he was wanting to watch today's match too...even though I warned him he wouldn't like the result and oops, I was right...(heh heh, he hates that I am an AB fan) now he won't have to worry about who comes third...

[Burbage]

If Dan Carter had been playing Australia would have lost by 40. Australia were never really in the game at all, which all goes to prove that old maxim, no team beaten by Ireland in a world cup has ever gone on to win it.