2019 Rugby World Cup
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@nzzp said in 2019 Rugby World Cup:
What's good is that there is probably no really easy path to the final. 2007 South Africa had to play knock out games against Fiji, Argentina and then England. All Blacks would lick their lips at that. And - even so - England damn near beat SA, despite losing 36-0 to them earlier in the tourney.
The tournament could open up for the winner of NZ/SA. They get a QF with one of Scotland, Japan or Samoa. Then the runner-up Wales/Australia vs winner of England/France/Argentina. If England drop a pool game and all else goes to seedings they avoid any of the other big 4 teams entirely until the final.
The secret to a potentially easy draw seems to be getting drawn with another contender (or eventual finalist). The easier the pool, the harder the knock-out draw - sorry Ireland!
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@rotated said in 2019 Rugby World Cup:
The secret to a potentially easy draw seems to be getting drawn with another contender (or eventual finalist). The easier the pool, the harder the knock-out draw - sorry Ireland!
Not gonna lie, I'm going to quietly smile if Ireland get a tough QF that they drop. Never won a knockout game at the tourney - will be interesting to see how the pressure goes.
I used to enjoy watching Ireland play, but a few wins and their fans have gone full feral one eye ranters. Sustained success is really really hard; when you're top dog, all the big teams target you.
also, this is a RWC win for southern hemisphere coaching. Of the 5 contenders, SANZAAR represent 5/5. NZ: NZ Ire, Wales, Fast Eddy and whoever coaches SA these days. Not lying, I had to google it to find out it was Rassie Erasmus.
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Not 2019RWC but think it might be interesting to a few of our TSF family
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@Chris-B said in 2019 Rugby World Cup:
Much more interesting episode of The Breakdown tonight. Especially because they had Sir Ted on. A few things he said:
Downloaded and watched on your reccomendation @Chris-B .
I have to admit Ted lost me at "who is that boy from Canterbury, what is his name?"
Mo'unga.
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Sitting here in Australia watching the SR coverage and the interview with
Scott Johnson Australian coaching director
What a complete Knob WC is all about England , France and Australia AB’s not rated
We are going to smash Australia off the park and this idiot doesn’t even realise it -
@Chris Nah you've got it wrong, he's talking about those 3 cos there is a small chance Ozzie beat them. No point talking about ABs cos they are always going to lose that game. So concentrate on winnable games, and hope someone else knocks out the ABs!
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@Chris-B said in 2019 Rugby World Cup:
To put some discussion in one place - four guys on the comeback trail who need to get on the park and put in some convincing performances:
Sam Cane
Sonny-Bill Williams
Liam Squire
Waisake NaholoSam Cane doesn't, he's got so much in the bank if he's fit he goes. Same as Colesy. Might not be starting at the pointy end, but he's going. SBW, sadly, is similar - unless the coaches opinion has changed massively from last year - he was in and preferred last year on absolutely nothing during the domestic season. Squire and Naholo most certainly require some form, because Squire has been off/out for so long, and Naholo has always been almost fringe.
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Agreed. Sam Cane is definite if fit and in reasonable form. The amount of work he quietly gets thru, particularly on D is astonishing
His neck injury has been a bit of a blessing now Ardie has come into his own. Who to start at 7 is a nice dilemma for Shag.
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Agree he will most likely go to the cup, but I have my concerns over Cane. Surely coming back from an injury like that he will be gun shy for a while, if not forever?
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If Cane's neck is strong enough for the rigours of the RWC, he goes.
Not sure about the other three though. Lots of guys playing better and looking hungry in all three positions. I suspect SBW might still make it because of his experience, the respect he has in the squad and his special range of skills.
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@Crazy-Horse yeah that is a tough one. HIs brutal defence is a trademark of his game, which is why he was so often thought of as being more suited to 6...but with an injury like that, getting yourself back to that level of physicality will be tough.
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@taniwharugby and if he does get back to his best in time for the cup I will have nothing but admiration for him. I can't imagine what it's like mentally playing rugby again after breaking your neck.
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Not sure where I should post this but have literally just woken up from a dream where the ABs didn't make it out of pool play.
I need help:
- For the shock and emotion of waking from a nightmare
- For actually dreaming about the All Blacks
Not sure who the biggest loser is, me or my hypothetical ABs ...
