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BP for Japan. Oh dear Scotland...
Well, that was quite a finish. That’s one proud host nation team!
As much as you would like to see us out, it doesn’t change a thing. We will get the bonus against Russia then need to beat them by more than 7. Based on how we each played against Samoa, I am significantly more confident than I was 2 hours ago.
Going back to England arg match, did anyone else notice a bit of soccer-style face clutching on the ground after late or potentially dangerous tackles? This Beginning to creep into rugby is not the way we should be going…
Maybe that was why manu didn’t see yellow
He started play acting before he’d even hit the floor.
Anyway, great result for Japan. The looked like they struggled a bit with the pressure to win and win well. They did if in the end though.
If we cannot beat Russia and Japan then we deserve to go out
I am not confident at all tho
I want to see Japan gain parity with tier one teams but why is it always at scotlands expense!
Because Scotland aren't very good. If they consistently beat the top teams, there wouldn't be a problem.
Looks like I missed a good game.
Japan are such a fun team to watch, really enjoyed their games this tournament. If i was wearing the saltire i'd be a bit nervous right now*
Bit workmanlike from England at times, but Argentina are a solid team and turned it into a niggly game.
*Edit: Still not as embarrassing as Eng going out in 2015
As much as you would like to see us out, it doesn’t change a thing. We will get the bonus against Russia then need to beat them by more than 7.
Well it does change things. It means you have to do more than simply beat Japan to qualify.
Based on how we each played against
SamoaIreland , I am significantlymoreless confident than I was 2hoursweeks ago
Hools - we have actually beaten top teams in recent years more than many teams ranked above us. Its just that is often followed with a rubbish defeat.
It is the inconsistency that's the frustration with Scotland, i enjoy watching them much more than Wales or Ireland, you just never know who's going to turn up.
Hools – we have actually beaten top teams in recent years more than many teams ranked above us. Its just that is often followed with a rubbish defeat.
That is somewhat misleading, as New Zealand have not beaten a team ranked above them for years.
The Japan v Scotland game is hard to call, especially as Scotland need to field a team strong enough to be confident of beating Russia with a bonus point, but be ready to play Japan 4 days later.
I am getting increasingly anxious about the Wales v Fiji game and it’s not until Wednesday.
New Zealand have not beaten a team ranked above them for years.
Yes, but New Zealand have a consistent strategy (that Japan seem to have cottoned on to recently) of having more points at the end of the game than the opposition. Seems to make all the difference when rankings are calculated.
Yawn; paraphrase/selectively post away nmbuzz. None of the Scottish supporters posting on here have said we just had to beat them, we all assumed a Japanese’s bonus against Samoa, so as hard as it it to comprehend, nothing has changed from last week and we need to stop them getting a bonus. Overconfidence in our own superiority isn’t a Scottish trait amongst the six nations, certain other countries do it much better. Often closely followed by press releases asking for clarity about Welsh scrummaging technique/ complaints about captains decision making etc.
🙂
Scotlad have this weird stat (IIRC) where over the last 3 years we have beaten every team ranked above us bar NZ and been beaten by them as well - sometimes very badly!
If we cannot beat Japan without conceding a bonus point we do not serve to go thru. Its as simple as that. The spineless display against ireland sets the tone. I doubt any Scots fans would begrudge japan going thru
Japan are now above Scotland in the rankings - and deservedly so. We can change that. Our destiny is in our hands
Hey Duckman, you're right. Nothing has changed from the presupposed view that Japan would get the bonus point against Samoa and go into the Scotland game on 14pts.
However, the 85th minute bonus point did change things for me as I got to make fun of all my Scottish friends!
Scotlad have this weird stat (IIRC) where over the last 3 years we have beaten every team ranked above us bar NZ
When was the last time Scotland beat South Africa?
yer right - I shouldn't rely on memory or quoting other fans! Doh!
It is the inconsistency that’s the frustration with Scotland, i enjoy watching them much more than Wales or Ireland, you just never know who’s going to turn up.
Allez l’ecosse
FFS, squint put-ins are ignored for two years and this is the moment he decides to take issue with it?
****.
Going back to the ongoing high tackle controversy, the commentators were agreeing that it’s a good thing in the long term but will cause some upset in the short term while players make the necessary adjustments.
I agree but surely this should all have been carried out during the last four years of domestic competitions, not in the biggest tournament in rugby.
And the irony of the RWC is that Lavanini gets a red for a high tackle on Faz who should have had several cards for it over the last few years. 🙄
I agree but surely this should all have been carried out during the last four years of domestic competitions, not in the biggest tournament in rugby.
I agree, it is becoming more and more tedious. I cannot see it winning over the hearts of those not already invested in the game.
There is no change to the laws or guidance around high tackles for the WC. Its been the way it is for several seasons
Bruce Wee - the squint put it. He actually stated no hook so feeding to the back of the scrum - not the same. He motioned both squint put in and no hook
The problem is that the current generation of players have been brought up to go for the big hits. Just because the way a law is refereed suddenly changes doesn't mean that the players will automatically be able to change their behaviour.
SBW is a case in point. One of the world's most adaptable athletes yet his basic instinct (from the NRL) to hit someone with a shoulder charge got him sent off (rightly) against the Lions.
in 3 years they should have been able to
There is no change to the laws or guidance around high tackles for the WC. Its been the way it is for several seasons
Yes, we all know that. There is, however, a difference in the way it’s being interpreted.
in 3 years they should have been able to
Really? 10-15yrs of doing something until it's instinctive isn't gonna just disappear.
The coming generations will learn but the current ones will get a lot of cards.
Farrell ducked slightly into the tackle and Lavanini is 6ft 7. It was an unfortunate collision and ruined the game completely. I didn't bother watching the 2nd half.
I still think replacing the red carded player after 10 minutes is the answer. Or you could have a two tier system of orange for the Lavanini type penalty with him replaced by another player after 10 and red for the Quill tackle on Farrell with him off permanently with no replacement.
There really is not idelejon - unless its been interpreted differently in England. this is exactly how the pro 14 has been doing it for years
namaste - think how the tackling the player in the air has changed in the same timespan - when did you last see a player being cartwheeled?
when did you last see a player being cartwheeled?
True but as you chase a kick there's a bit more time to consider what's about to happen.
I still disagree with doing away with red cards. Take them away and where is the punishment for stuff like spear tackles which are bloody dangerous?
Players know the rules. Sod the spectacle when safety is jeopardised with things like the spear tackle the Italian props did.
Farrell ducked slightly into the tackle and Lavanini is 6ft 7. It was an unfortunate collision and ruined the game completely.
I think d’allaglio said it in the wrap up and I teach it to my kid - look at his eyes in the replay. He isn’t looking at Farrells shorts, he’s looking at his face and that’s where he went. I’m a generation before these players and I was always taught to aim for the shorts. I appreciate players want to wrap up the ball but if your looking at someone s faces in a tackle situation that’s where you’re body will be going.
Have a look as well at Underhills tackle at 48 mins. Perfect example - looks at the shorts, shoulder to hip area, slides down the legs.
Never mind all this legal/illegal tackling, as a Leicester Tigers supporter I have seen the most amazing, rare and improbable thing.
Telusa Veanu has been spotted actually on a rugby pitch, actually playing rugby. I’m off to see if I can discover where dodos have been hiding all these years.
France trying really hard to make topping pool C impossible.....
Lucky bounce of the ball here and there and now we have a more interesting game. To be fair it’s all been exciting. Worth watching if you’ve given it a miss so far.
France v Tonga
Tongan 4 should be in the bin. Veanu went for a big smash in from the side when the 4 avoided yellow first time.
France are a shower of shite aren't they?
Another fine example of how one of the main uses of the TMO is to prevent tries being scored. In Penaud's non try, yes, there was a knock on from the high ball but the ref and linesman both saw it and didn't call it. Then, once the try has been scored they go all the way back to check it and disallow the try. If the try hadn't been scored they'd have played on.
Where's the fairness in that? There are any number of missed calls in games. It's part of the sport. So why only use the TMO to chalk off tries? Either use it to go back and check everything, all the time, or use it for the line/grounding/final phase passing decisions.
Scoring tries is the point of the game and the current use of the TMO negates that.
And yet there so much foul play being missed. As for the offside line it looking like it's now the centre of the set piece.
That's two levels of refereeing. France penalised at 76 minutes for 7 not rolling away although he's really trying a few minutes before the whole Tongan front row dropped round the Rick to block the ball and 18 block french 9 nothing from the ref.
So much talk of sweaty shirts and slippy balls. Why not sew on a patch of cotton/sticky stuff to the front of the shirt?
France are a shower of shite aren’t they?
It's just a trick they like to pull on other teams. They play like clowns until everyone thinks they're hopeless, then they turn around and play sublimely. As much as I like to see England lose, the thought of French people being happy is so nauseating I think I'll wish England good luck.
So much talk of sweaty shirts and slippy balls. Why not sew on a patch of cotton/sticky stuff to the front of the shirt?
The shirt already have rubberised grip areas around pectoral and above hip areas. https://www.rugbydump.com/news/the-evolution-of-rugby-jerseys-over-the-years/
People are unimpressed with England, but France are making harder work of games than we are! When they bother, they look pretty good but they only bother for about 20mins of a game.
As much as I like to see England lose, the thought of French people being happy is so nauseating I think I’ll wish England good luck.
Geez!
I thought my anti- Farrell bile was bad. Your life sounds like Schadenfreude is your only source of joy.......
Wales: L Williams; North, Jonathan Davies, Parkes, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; Wyn Jones, Owens, Francis, Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (C), Navidi, James Davies, Moriarty.
Replacements: Carre, Dee, Lewis, Shingler, Wainwright, T Williams, Patchell, Watkin.
Fiji: Murimurivalu; Tuisova, Nayacalevu, Botia, Radradra; Volavola, Lomani; Ma'afu, S Matavesi, Saulo, Cavubati, Nakarawa, Waqaniburotu, Kunatani, Mata
Replacements: Dolokoto, Mawi, Ravai, Ratuniyarawa, Yato, Matawalu, Vatubua, J Matavesi
Still no back up locks!!
Fiji best Wales in 2007 right? That's not really pissible this time is it?
Tipuric being rested or injured?
Tipuric rested as is Wainwright. I guess Tips may be captain v Uruguay.
Fiji best Wales in 2007 right? That’s not really pissible this time is it?
Anything is possible but I dont see a Gatwards coached team trying to take Fiji on at beach rugby again.
No real update on Billy, other than he’s going to be assessed again tomorrow. I’m hoping he’s rested or benched for Saturday with Wilson give some decent game time.
Your life sounds like Schadenfreude is your only source of joy…….
Not the only source of joy, I do like kitten videos too. But let's face it, the point of international sports is to destroy the dreams of the fans from the other team. If I was in charge, I'd set it up so that both sides could lose, seeing all those fans going home crying would be ace. Especially English and French fans because they keep getting their hopes up despite the woeful results over the years. By now, Australians have got used to losing at rugby so that takes most of the fun out of it. The best thing of all is when New Zealand lose, their whole country is so neurotic and insecure that they think the world might forget they're there if they weren't good at rugby. When they lose, it's amazing seeing the whole country go into a meltdown, but it's nearly as good when they win because they still get all nervous if they don't utterly destroy the opposition - Jesus, if the All Blacks don't win by 25 points, they are clearly in decline and the country is doomed.
Blimey hols2 you've put some good thought into this. Enough work there generations of psychiatrists.
Some of my Scottish mates get far more joy from England losing than they'd ever get from Scotland winning. You'd get on well with them.
TBH whilst I do enjoy laughing at the Celts when they lose, by and large I like to see everyone play well and generally I'm happy if the team that plays the best rugby wins.
You should try it....
I’m happy if the team that plays the best rugby wins.
By definition, the team that wins has played the best rugby, so you're right to be happy about that. It also means that the team that loses played the worst rugby, so you should also be happy that they lost.
Are you my mate George? You sound just like him. If you look up the word "pedantic" in the dictionary they have his picture there.
Unfortunately the team that plays the best rugby doesn't always win.
For example, kicking the ball up into the air and running after it isn't exactly great rugby but Ireland won plenty of games in the last few years (until they got found out).
Unfortunately the team that plays the best rugby doesn’t always win.
Leaving poor refereeing out of it, the team that wins has played the best rugby by definition. What you seem to be saying is that the rules should be changed to encourage a more exciting game with more running and passing instead of kicking.
Well Frans Steyn summed it up well when he said, "It's not about playing rugby, it's about winning."
Hogg to Exeter.
Good signing, that.
The hooker didn't even pretend to hook the ball, that's why the it was given as a free kick.
I'm even more surprised that Lavavini got 4 weeks, when the Italian props only got 3 weeks for the piledriver.
Italian biscuits must be nicer.
You could say the Italians got 6 weeks cumulatively! Lavanini has previous I believe so that would go against him.
That scrum Infringement was given for no attempt to hook AND a crooked feed. If he’d made an attempt to pretend to hook it he would have been fine.
I'm surprised an international coach doesnt know the hooker must lift leg to hook.
Tomos Williams," the greatest homo erotic piece of volleyball since Top Gun "
How Japan beat Ireland
Yeah the Squidge videos have been great.
Boo to World Rugby's lawyers for blocking him on YouTube. (Boo to the 6N and Super Rugby likewise).
Don't they realise that guys like Squidge promote the game brilliantly?
The NBA decided to make all their footage available to youtubers and bloggers. The result- record numbers of viewers and increased ticket sales.
CFH - old news that.
I think its a good move all round. I rate Baxter as a coach, it frees up space in Glasgow for other up and coming players. I think Hogg will prosper with Exeters style of play.
. I think Hogg will prosper with Exeters style of play.
Playing alongside a BIL great like Cuthbert can only help him!
Actually I always thought Exeter played a dull up the jumper fat forward game.
Well the French are at it again - Guirado supposedly "ousted" from his role by the coaches.
It's not often I agree with anything Mourad Boudjellal says (although he's always entertaining) but he said:
“Take control guys, take the power, because there are coaches all over the place. Our team spirit is almost non-existent,” Boudjellal said. “Individually, we have players who are world class. Collectively, for several years, that hasn’t been the case.
“Since when have we been frightened against these teams [such as Tonga], who we respect, of course, but who aren’t on our level? Take control guys, because it is your history, your World Cup.
“You are there for your career and for your country. You are there for French rugby and to try to go as far as possible, to see if you can win this World Cup – but we will only get there if you take control.
“Japan is a magnificent country to visit. Out coaches who are there, I invite you to visit Japan, go and look around, treat yourself and leave the players to tell their own stories because for years I have not understood the game plan of this France team.
“Honestly, I don’t understand. Something is going wrong, so it’s over to you guys [the players]. Tell the coaches to go on holiday. Write your story yourself.
“There is a lot of experience, there are guys in this group who will certainly be major coaches in the future, so start to be a big coach today. Start today, kick the coaches out, take control, tell your own story, because we are ready to follow you.”
Billy V has a boot on his injured ankle...
Given how pivotal he is to England's game plan, this could be big news.
Given how pivotal he is to England’s game plan, this could be big news
Well surely they can just bring in one of the other, hard-running No8s in the squad?
Oh, wait - hang on a minute.....
going to be a long day for Canada !
Jesus. Are we going to see triple figures?
According to my calculations the final score will be 112 - 0.
might be now they're down to 14
AA - thats what the pundits seem to say but everytime I have watched them they play a counterattacking game not just foreward dominated. They are the english side I support.
It’s not the end of the World if Billy is out, Wilson did a pretty good job before and Curry is pretty good. I suspect we’ll see Wilson playing v France and Billy ok for Aus with Wilson on the bench.
Billy needs a test anyway. He’s not looked at his best so far and Wilson has proved himself a good deputy in the past (more so than Hughes).
French rugby does seem to be in a bit of a state which could prove to be bad for us this weekend if they decide to sort their shit out. They’ve looked good in small patches.
I’ve always thought the Exeter game was pretty forward dominated. They score lots from driving mauls and retain the ball with lots of picking and driving. I watch a lot of the AP being English.
It’s not the end of the World if Billy is out, Wilson did a pretty good job before and Curry is pretty good.
Well, perhaps not but the game plan is built around Vunipola's carrying ability to some degree. Seems odd that there are no other number 8s, especially given Billy's tendency to get broken. Neither Wilson nor Curry can fill his shoes. Surprising that Ben Morgan never got a look in. Powerful carrier, quick feet, good hands and never played poorly for England in my recollection. Had a good season for Glaws too.
Nathan Hughes never impressed me for England. Always seemed to punch below his weight.
Anyone else more than a little nervous about tomorrow?
Got to do school drop off half way through first half. Stupid kids getting educated.
Only sort of. We should get the bonus point we need against Russia - if we don't we do not deserve to go thru,
Typhoon may cause games to be cancelled, which would put Japan through.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191008/p2a/00m/0sp/004000c
Ironically, the term kamikaze (divine wind) comes from a typhoon that wrecked a Mongolian invasion fleet centuries ago and saved Japan.
I never understood why Eddie took such a dislike to Morgan. He always played well for England, his international performances were always way above his club form. He also seems like a quite a bright rugby player.
Hughes has that one awesome season hit capped and then seemed to stop trying. He’s also lazy and seems to go awol in games.