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I wouldn’t be surprised if Aus beat England as well
I’m fully expecting they will. Whilst Australia haven’t been great they’ve played some tough games and are capable of some very good moments. They’ve also beaten the AB’s well this year.
England have done what is needed so far but haven’t been tested or out in a complete performance. Nine is an issue, our first choice fullback is a centre, the nr 8 our carrying game is based around hasn’t fired this WC and may be broken. When the game plan works and clicks we look very good but it isn’t ot the opposition find away to negate it we don’t adapt very well.
As much as I’d like to see Ireland beat the AB’s I can’t quite see it happening next week unfortunately.
France may push Wales for a bit, but Wales are pretty damn good at just fishing a way. Plus France only seem capable of playing for 20 mins. Two weeks off won’t do them any favours with the resentment and divisions in camp.
If there is to be an upset it’ll be Japan beating SA which I’d love but can’t see at the mo. I worry that yesterday was Japan’s final.
Biggest outsiders in 1/4s are Ireland, I could make a better case for any of the others to beat their opponents.
Yeah watched it TJ,Scotland were blown away,I would suspect that performance would have beaten any of the home nations.
JPN vs SA looks like another great game.
I was fairly astonished to learn the SA and JPN have only actually played each other twice and its currently 1-1! And you could argue that Japan won the only match between the two sides that was properly competitive.
Still, the pre-world cup warm up match was a pretty dominant victory by SA.
I can't see Ireland turning over the ABs. I think their world cup curse is set to continue.
England will beat Australia - although as a Scot it will be really difficult to figure out which side to cheer against!
It would take a really bad day for Wales for France to have any chance - Wales have actually been really impressive, whereas France have just rode their luck and are lucky to qualify
England will beat Australia
I would say theres a very real possibility this might not happen. If Aus click for 80mins someone could well get smashed!
France v Wales is 60:40 to Wales at best, NZ should win and so should SA, keep it tight and kick to the corners.
I would say theres a very real possibility this might not happen. If Aus click for 80mins someone could well get smashed!
I agree. They’ve proved that this year too beating the AB’s.
England will beat Australia – although as a Scot it will be really difficult to figure out which side to cheer against!
Aye - there is nothing finer in world sport than watching the aussies get beat - but cheering on England?
More thoughts, I love reading what everyone else is thinking. It is going to be a long weeks wait.
QF1 Sat 19th 08:15 Eng v Aus
England are my favourites for this one. They have beaten Australia most times recently. They have had some great performances, most notably against Ireland. When on top they have flair and power. However whilst winning comfortably they have had little to do so far this tournament. Something has looked amiss, but they may need better opposition to find it. When hitting difficulties they can implode. Eddie Jones has a good record at the WC, but I am unconvinced he is a great strategist.
Australia in the second half against Wales were good enough to trouble England. I cannot see Cheika taking them all the way, he is a big reason for my supporting England in this game.
QF2 Sat 19th 11:15 Nz v Ire
Recent wins by Ireland against NZ are not enough for me to give them much hope. Unless they’re still in the game towards the end when it could be very helpful psychologically. I thought Sexton looked good in their last game, if he’s playing well Ireland have a chance. A yellow or red card is always a possibility.
QF3 Sun 20th 08:15 Fra v Wal
I feel Wales could beat or lose to any of the remaining teams. They have played fairly solidly, without totally convincing so far. France have shown some great flair in short periods, along with a lack of discipline/cohesion. I would put Wales as slight favourites due to two factors AWJ and Gatland; hopefully that will be enough.
QF4 Sun 20th 11:15 SA v Jap
SA have a huge depth of experience and a formidable team, but Japan have looked excellent. Only a fool would say Japan have no chance, but my gut says SA will have too much for them. Everyone will be sat watching this game.
England will beat Australia – although as a Scot it will be really difficult to figure out which side to cheer against!
Aye – there is nothing finer in world sport than watching the aussies get beat – but cheering on England?
[this is genuinely not meant to upset] Tj I have it in my mind that you are English?
By birth! Like many of those we share these islands with its complicated. Pushed to sum it up in one sentence it would be. I am british, of english birth, scotland is my home.
My allegiance in rugby is to Scotland since the 70s. You cannot change what is in your heart.
Its actually a bit annoying - I was born in the west country. I could have been a Bath and England supporter and saved myself a lot of heartache over the years and won a few things but Edinburgh and Scotland it is.
Edit - I should have said scots fan. I usually do. Being at school in glasgow in the 70s calling myself scots with my name and accent would not have gone down well
By birth! Like many of those we share these islands with its complicated. Pushed to sum it up in one sentence it would be. I am british, of english birth, scotland is my home.
My allegiance in rugby is to Scotland since the 70s. You cannot change what is in your heart.
Its actually a bit annoying – I was born in the west country. I could have been a Bath and England supporter and saved myself a lot of heartache over the years and won a few things but Edinburgh and Scotland it is.
Fair enough, you can support or not support who you like. I just half presumed you might support England when Scotland weren’t involved.
I think Japan will beat SA. I really do. SA will not be able to cope with their speed and will not be able to outscore them.
Did you see the recent match between them? Japan were at home with a very strong side yet got humped 41-7.
I think they'll do better this time but SA play with a level of power, pace and precision that Ireland and Scotland could only dream of. They're on a higher level altogether.
I'd love Japan to win and I hope I'm wrong. But I don't think I am.
Guass - two things turned me against England - the arrogance of the Carling era and again post 2003 when apparently england were too good for the 6N.
That has just made it fun to beat them and see them beaten
Gauss1777 if you've supported Scottish rugby for years supporting England is quite hard. Too many hard fought losses and painful commentating to forget.
I am british, of english birth, scotland is my home.
My allegiance in rugby is to Scotland since the 70s. You cannot change what is in your heart
That's funny. Me too. English born. Dad from Devon. Mum from Grantown-on-Spey. Brought up in South Africa but came to Scotland aged 7.
First day of school in Dundee - punched in the face for being English! Been fiercely English ever since despite going to every match at Murrayfield as a kid and supporting Scotland against everyone else.
PS solved the punching problem by punching back - harder! 😉
Guass – two things turned me against England – the arrogance of the Carling era and again post 2003 when apparently england were too good for the 6N.
I hear what you’re saying there, it is difficult now to remember quite how arrogant they appeared back then. The England team do not seem to be like that now, although their pundits often remain so. I guess I’m just disinterested in the England team, I wouldn’t particularly support them but I’m not unhappy when they win. Australia seem to be bad sports to me, so I shall be keenly supporting England against them.
Just in case anyone needs a laugh.
Was it given?
Was it given?
Come on TMO's arent that blind!!
I know, it was ironic...
Surely in your one eyed world AA wales had a try stolen from them by biased refs? 😉
Amos took a lot of stick for his performance yesterday, but I thought he showed promise (shoot me down now). Just appeared to be forcing things too much. It must be hard to be so close to the first team, so close to playing in the World Cup and feeling you have to do something special, show you have something to offer that others don’t.
Amos took a lot of stick for his performance yesterday, but I thought he showed promise
He's a pretty good player tbf but saturday was a horror show of a performance!
Aki out for 3 weeks. Irish biscuit tin obviously delayed by Typhoon Haggis!
Isn’t that the default ban, no matter what you’ve done?
6 weeks is standard. Halved for nice biscuits IITC
I'm going wins for England, Wales, SA and NZ.
With England, Glauss has it right. If they can get the rub of the ball and stop Hooper wining they'll win but they need to deny Australia the ball and not go toe to toe with them - Aus have good strike runners. I see this as Squeaky Bum time for us English, with England ahead after the 1H, but whoever plays best in the second half will win the game.
Of note, Billy's injured and Farrell's been ill. Ford never looks good on the back foot and I think he'll be targeted.
I think the plan is to keep it tight, not let the Aus 3/4 have the ball, and keep the scoreboard ticking with territorial penalties and drop goals.
First day of school in Dundee – punched in the face for being English!
Cool story bro'
WRU pursuing the SRU for bringing the game into disrepute after the press conference threatening legal action.
Obviously I meant World Rugby not the Welsh Union...doh.
Good
Not a good show by Scotland Rugby officials, but in that same position I think most of the other larger nations may have been in a similar dilema.
With regards to the quarters, Australia for me. I think England will be "found out" in some positions and skills where they are weaker than the opposition. I think the Australian backrow will win the breakdown and England will concede far too many penalties. Also think the England centre partnership will prove to be too negative and Australian backs will be too fast. Lastly, I think the England scrum will come under a lot of pressure, this depends on how the ref interprets the scrum, but I can see a fair few penalties going the Australian way.
Wales vs France can go either way. Neither team is yet firing on all cylinders. If the French forwards get a stronghold on the game then its theirs for the taking.
Feel for Japan, to come through as group winners and now face SA is tough. I like SA and how they play the game. I think they will be too powerful for Japan over the course of the game. I see it as a fairly close first half, maybe with Japan one try down. However the Boks will be too strong in the second half. Similar to the Scotland game but with SA winning by a decent margin in the end.
Good
Nah, tensions were high, far better to be the bigger person and walk away imho.
Hmm I'm not so sure World Rugby will win any legal action.
Hmm I’m not so sure World Rugby will win any legal action.
It's not legal action. The SRU and going to be tried and found guilty in the special World Rugby kangaroo court. I'm sure Alan Gilpin will wear a wig and bang a hammer just to make sure it's all official.
World Rugby are ****s. The SRU are also ****s but this time (and in fact this is the only time I remember) I think they did the right thing.
I think they did the right thing.
I think you’re in the minority there.
No one rugby fan I’ve chatted to thinks the same, which includes Scottish fans.
It is one thing to consider options and take counsel in private, but to raise the issue in public was not a good look, especially considering the damage that was to come. I don’t think the Italian team have come out too well either, especially when everyone knew what the outcome was going to be.
Contrast to the Canadian team. They could have stamped their feet and demanded that Canadian rugby us respected (similar to Sergio), instead they went to help clear up the damage.
I think you’re in the minority there.
You can think what you like. You're not a supporter of a Tier 1.5 nation that World Rugby find useful to have around whenever they want to say 'See, we treat all Nations equally.'
Get out of your bubble.
I think the Italians had some players about to end their careers, they wanted to end it against the All Blacks in a World Cup match.
From memory I agreed with Parisse, he is saying there should be a plan B in place. Its the Rugby World Cup, the pinnacle of what teams train for, and a match is cancelled and a 0-0 draw given. The organisers had years to put in place a Plan B, maybe even move the date of the tournament.
Would the same have had happened if NZ needed to win to move to the next round? Impossible to say. But there would have been some noise thats for sure.
There was no talk of legal action. Only disappointment that the world cup was planned poorly by the organisers and Italy were impacted by it, he doesn't feel that is fair and doesn't feel that the same would have happened in the reverse situation.
You can think what you like. You’re not a supporter of a Tier 1.5 nation that World Rugby find useful to have around whenever they want to say ‘See, we treat all Nations equally.’
Jesus Christ you have one hell of a chip on your shoulder.
Everyone I’ve spoken to has thought the same about the SRU’s stance. Especially being so public about it.
Yes it’s a shame that games were cancelled but at the end of the day, it’s a sodding game of rugby. The worst typhoon in 60 years hit killing over 30 people.
I think threatening legal action by the SRU was a bad look, particularly in the face of a natural disaster where people lost their lives.
BUT
The SRU probably had a right to expect the WRU's "contingency plans" were a bit better developed than just cancelling the match and awarding both sides a draw.
Jesus Christ you have one hell of a chip on your shoulder.
Every time I start to lose it I end up in little exchanges like this and I remember why it's there. Try being less of a stereotype.
Everyone I’ve spoken to has thought the same about the SRU’s stance. Especially being so public about it.
Like I said, get out of your bubble. The world is not England.
Yes it’s a shame that games were cancelled but at the end of the day, it’s a sodding game of rugby. The worst typhoon in 60 years hit killing over 30 people.
Is this you losing the argument and trying to divert attention? Do I need to remind you that whenever things don't go your way you get World Rugby to change the rules for you?
TBH I don't really see what all the fuss was about.
I think the Japs have organised a great tournament. It was at the back end of the typhoon season and it was unfortunate that the biggest typhoon for a long time showed up.
Everyone knew the rules on cancellation of pool games when they signed up. It was a shame about the games being cancelled, especially for the Italians and it was a shame for Scotland that their game went ahead but time to move on.
I think the Italians had some players about to end their careers
True, and all the Scots were doing was asking for the opportunity to put some of their players (and coaches) in the same position.
Martin - I was relating to the passion behind what Parisse was saying. He was not saying Italy should sue the WRU. He was merely expressing his disappointment.
There's a huge difference in saying "this is cr@p and should have been planned better", to "this is cr@p, we're taking you to court unless you let us play".
Everyone I’ve spoken to has thought the same about the SRU’s stance. Especially being so public about it.
Yep. I think the whole world thinks SRU look silly over this. FFS, they could have at least waited until they knew whether the game was cancelled or not before mouthing off. Now, having lost the game to a clearly better team, they just just look ridiculous.
Like I said, get out of your bubble. The world is not England.
If you actually bother to read what I wrote beforehand, those rugby followib friend ms include Scottish fans. You know the same people who support your team.
Look at the comments form others on here; what the SRU did didn’t look great.
Is this you losing the argument and trying to divert attention? Do I need to remind you that whenever things don’t go your way you get World Rugby to change the rules for you?
No it’s me putting the situation into context. It was moaning about a sodding game of rugby.
You don’t need to remind me of that. The RFU and coming have acted like pricks in the past. Just on the SRU did...
If you actually bother to read what I wrote beforehand, those rugby followib friend ms include Scottish fans. You know the same people who support your team.
In other words, 'Some of my best friends are Scottish.'
If you're talking about TJ he isn't actually King of Scots. He doesn't speak for all of us.
Here you go, a helping hand to get out of your bubble. This article has the benefit of quoting Dodson directly. That way you can get upset by what he actually said rather than what the BBC, Torygraph, and Grauniad said he said.
Was it the SRU or was it the overpaid chief exec Dodson mouthing off?
Did the SRU actually move to do anything. Looks like World Rugby are looking at Dodson's comments. It's just a pity he's seen as a mouthpiece for Scottish rugby.
Fwiw I'll be supporting, if not cheering on, england (except for Farrell and May). I'm hoping England win off a badly awarded penalty towards the end of the match.
In other words, ‘Some of my best friends are Scottish.’
If you’re talking about TJ he isn’t actually King of Scots. He doesn’t speak for all of us.
Well done, sone of friends are Scottish and I’m not talking about TJ. I’m talking about people that I ride with, work with etc. This will probably blow your mind, but there are Scottish people living outside of Scotland.
This will probably blow your mind, but there are Scottish people living outside of Scotland.
Not really given I'm one of them.
Do these Scottish people live in England? I remember living in England for a year. You quickly learn to just smile and nod when you come across a full-blown stereotypical arrogant English fan. Otherwise you end up getting the Torygraph quoted at you for the rest of the day.
Calm down chaps
It's not just me who thinks it was very poor format. Many fans on another forum agree
Townsend and Dodson both know they might lose their jobs and they overreacted
It's made us look petty and stupid
Form not format!
Many fans on another forum agree
Many fans on yet another forum disagree.
I remember living in England for a year. You quickly learn to just smile and nod when you come across a full-blown stereotypical arrogant English fan. Otherwise you end up getting the Torygraph quoted at you for the rest of the day.
I don’t read the Telegraph tah.
Luckily these chaps have far less of a chip in their shoulder than you.
Luckily these chaps have far less of a chip in their shoulder than you.
Or they just know better than to bait a quintessential arrogant English fan to their face. I can close the browser anytime I like. If I had to deal with you every day I'd know better than to tell you what you don't want to hear.
Brucewee, what forum do fans think it was acceptable behaviour? Be interesting to read.
I’ve no dog in the fight, but it would be good read why legal action after agreeing to T&Cs is acceptable. Rather than bickering, it would be good to see people’s reasoning.
I don’t read the Telegraph tah.
A Daily Mail reader. Interesting.
Brucewee, what forum do fans think it was acceptable behaviour?
http://www.glasgowwarriors.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10952
I think threatening legal action by the SRU was a bad look, particularly in the face of a natural disaster where people lost their lives.
I wonder if the Englandshire supporters are up in arms about Scotland to deflect from their own thobber of a coach's words about the Typhoon Gods?
I wonder if the Englandshire supporters are up in arms about Scotland to deflect from their own thobber of a coach’s words about the Typhoon Gods?
Come on, that's not the same thing at all. That's just looking on the bright side of a natural disaster that claimed the lives of 70 people. It's not like he suggested World Rugby were incompetent.
What did Jones say?
I think it was acceptable for Scotland to explore every avenue to try to get the game played including considering legal action. Why would you not try your best if you believe World Rugby could and should have done better?
It's not life and death and optics might not be great in hindsight but players put their heart and soul into preparing for a world cup, for some it will be their last opportunity to represent their country.
"We can do a lot of different things. We are not concerned at all, we are excited, absolutely excited as it’s a great opportunity. Who would have thought we would have two relatively easy games, one tough game and then two weeks to prepare for a quarter-final. So someone is smiling on us – the typhoon gods maybe?"
Jones is a class act.
It’s not life and death and optics might not be great in hindsight but players put their heart and soul into preparing for a world cup, for some it will be their last opportunity to represent their country.
Very much this. I get it, it looks a bit grubby and petty threatening to go legal, but absolutely no one suggested playing in dangerous conditions. Not a single person was advocating for going out to play rugby under the Great Wave of Kanagawa, just if the game had to be cancelled they find another day to play it.
optics might not be great in hindsight
They weren't very good in foresight, either.
A Daily Mail reader. Interesting.
I don’t read that either. I can’t stand that paper.
So as far as you seem to be concerned the English / RFU can do nothing right and are arrogant (original by the way). And the SRU are beyond reproach?
Jones is an idiot. We’ve done OK under him but he needs to keep his mouth shut.
know better than to tell you what you don’t want to hear.
Sounds a bit like you.
Have bickering little girls taken over the thread, enjoy what's left of the tournament ladies,and remember to step out from your keyboards in occasion, maybe take up cycling.
Indeed, I thought we agreed a couple of pages back to keep this on an even keel. We need a card system and give people a day or so in the bin if they keep sassing back.
I can see the mods getting a lot of biscuits.
. We need a card system and give people a day or so in the bin if they keep sassing back
Ha ha! Good shout! 😆
Although the starting point should be six days with time off for previous good behaviour.
If you’re talking about TJ he isn’t actually King of Scots. He doesn’t speak for all of us.
This is surely treason? Or heresy or something of that ilk?
Burn him at the stake I say!
Hang on a bit, there are other forums?
I think we should all just look forward to some great rugby and no doubt some mediocre dull games as well.
The problem with the card system is we would all end up arguing if it was a red, yellow or warranted a card at all..
Although at least we would have to keep those discussions civil.
My musings...
ENG v AUS
England should be able to win this, if they can neutralise Pocock and Hooper. If they don't...
IRE v NZL
I so, so, so desperately want Ireland to win this one. They won't, but I want them to.
WAL v FRA
Urgh. If it's the Wales from the second half of the opening 6N game onwards, Wales should win fairly easily. If it's the Wales from the first half of that game, France by a hatful!
JPN v RSA
Sad to say, I think this is where the fairy tale ends for Japan.
Bloody hell what happened to this thread?
Cheers for steering it back Captain and yes I don’t think you’re far off but England are good at throwing matches away just by being too complacent.
I dont think Pocock and Hooper are the threat I think some people are under estimating the Aussie front five which is handy and the backs are hard running big ****ers, they should have put Wales away and I'd give Wales a 30:70 chance v England so Aus have a good chance to. England should win but Aus winnibg wouldnt shock me.
Wales should beat France but could fold in the front 5 and lose, 60:40 to Wales.
The other two see SA and NZ as heavy favourites.
Bloody hell what happened to this thread?
The whole world was ready to forget all about the whole lawyer thing and move on with their lives. Then an arrogant English fan who happens to be in charge of the World Cup decided he was going to teach the uppity jocks a lesson. Then a Daily Mail reader came on here to gloat about it and another chippy jock took exception.
National stereotypes were thrown around willy-nilly and Eddie Jones was invoked as the final word in ****ishness.
Brucewee - thanks for the link. Some real interesting comments on that forum. Shame this thread went down hill as there is some very good reading in this thread but also in the glasgowwarrirriors forum linked.
We don't all have to agree with each others point of view, but should be open to differences of opinion and that link does help in that regard. (Some additional information in the link that is not shared in this thread so adds some missing detail)
mindmap3, I apologise. I got caught up in the moment and said something I shouldn't have. If you talk to people who know me they will tell you that I never normally use that word and it is completely out of character for me.
Mods, what's going on? If I call someone a **** or a **** then the swear filter will stop me but it lets me call anyone I want a D***y M**l R*****r? Sort it out!
mindmap3, I apologise
It takes a big man to apologise and that's at least two from you on this thread Bruce. So well done.
I'd buy yourself or any of the other Scotch lads on here a pint if you're ever near Stonehaven.
(Except Duckman, of course 😉)
We need a card system and give people a day or so in the bin if they keep sassing back.
Goof god no, imagine the tumbleweed that would be this thread if the Red Card system is introduce for High & Mighty opinions!