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I don't think Garland talks like that to Wales do you?
well it did something, as they came back after half time to within a point…
It was 17-9 at halftime, finished 40-16
Seemed to have only two words ****ing and **it! Truly inspiring 🙄🙄🙄
Feel for Japan today, but I thought their final was last week. The Boks were bloody brutal though in defence and their power told in the end.
France, France, France. You were so close to doing something that not many gave the any hope of doing but one moment of stupidity and you made your lives very difficult. Those missed kicks at goal came back to bite you. Wales weren’t great but their into the semi’s and who knows what can / will happen.
Is that really his half time talk or a hoax?
The Amazon documentary on NZ is great, Steve Hansen is very understated and apparently uses horsewhispering techniques to motivate his players! Something very odd going on at Rugby Australia, some unsavoury characters in the hierarchy these days and they are going backwards.
I expect a NZ vs SA final. England are good but NZ are really on a different planet.
Fantastic performance from Japan over the whole tournament , they have been a joy to watch and I salute them for their contribution.
A final between a northern hemisphere team vs southern hemisphere team would be a fitting & mouth watering spectacle to end the world cup.
i'd expect NZ and SA to get the nudge at the bookmakers but both semi's are too close to call by this rugby fan.....
I don’t think Garland talks like that to Wales do you?
I expect he has Edwards to do the shouty stuff when necessary!
I expect a NZ vs SA final.
Yep. I don't think Wales have much chance unless they improve dramatically. England have more chance, but if NZ play the way they did yesterday, they have to be solid favorites to keep the cup.
After most RWCs we go on about why the SH always win. In 2015 there were 4 SH sides in the semis. In 2019 there are only two but are we gonna be facing another all SH final?
Wales are capable and obdurate. Will that be enough?
England look good but they're intrinsically the same side who surrendered two big leads to the Boks, likewise to Wales and failed to beat Scotland from 31-0 up. Flat track bullies who can't cope when it gets a bit lively.
NZ v SA for me. 😒
Flat track bullies who can’t cope when it gets a bit lively
The most I’ve admired from this thread within the exception of one or two is how we’ve all generally been in support of NH sides and thier performances that are not our own. Then of course, there’s the ignorant ones that stand out in the crowd.
So true. It's why I so rarely dip into this thread. That and I'm not a rugger expert.
I was listening to one of the commentators on FiveLive criticise the Boks as playing ugly, suffocating rugby against Japan. The thing is, the Boks have perfected this kind of rugby to the extent that it is in its own way a beautiful thing to watch. I think they will use the same tactics against the Welsh and I'd be surprised if the Welsh won, but it's not out of the question if a Bok got a yellow or even red card; I think it will come down to discipline and the referee.
NZ vs England, I think for the first half vs South Africa and the whole game vs Ireland, NZ played near perfect rugby. England are playing well, the flankers are a new element and can make a huge difference, but the NZ forwards look as strong as any pack I've seen. England will try to target the more inexperienced Kiwis, but under Hansen they all seem to mature with each game, I actually think England could be on the end of a spanking like the Irish.
I said a few weeks ago on here that NZ and SA were on a different planet to the other sides and barring some discipline or dodgy ref decisions, I think both will end up in the final, but that final will be closer than the group game as the Boks gradually perfect their suffocating gameplan.
I expect he has Edwards to do the shouty stuff when necessary!
Suspect that he just gives them a very hard stare in total silence!
I’m with you Handybar, except Wales. I think on a good day Wales can beat S.A. but not if they play like they did today.
I loved the boks rugby, they did exactly what they needed to do to win. Semis; Can't pick between England and NZ, but I think they will be playing SA in the final. That was the best I have seen England play, albeit in patches, since you hired that wee gobshite.
The most I’ve admired from this thread within the exception of one or two is how we’ve all generally been in support of NH sides and thier performances that are not our own. Then of course, there’s the ignorant ones that stand out in the crowd
So its ignorant to point out that the current England team has a habit of blowing big leads and not seeing out tough games?
I don't fancy Wales now the competition has been narrowed down a bit more.
Wales v France was very telling, we only just nicked it, and France were playing a lot stronger.
Hope for England vs Wales in the final, but I'm pretty sure it will be nz vs sa.
TBH France looked better for most of the game, I think that the red card was 100% justified and is a poor reflection, but a win is a win and if you are going to ruin it for your team by being a dick then tough.
If Wales play like that against SA they are dead in the water. So far I haven't seen England play in any way that makes them look like challengers to NZ, maybe SA, but not NZ. I'm going NZ SA final.
If I was Gatland, which thankfully I'm not, I'd be tempted to start Patchel at 10. I love Biggar he's a proper tough nut with big balls but he kills our attack and its meaning Parkes who is very very average and also has a broken hand is trying to distribute and he's shite at it too. Parkes would be ok just running straightlines off someone who can play flatter and pass. I might even be tempted to put Patch at 15 and play Liam ahead of North who looks soooo flat. Mind you North hasnt been given a pass in space for the last 240 000 years.
Anyway a semi final is a cracking achievement for this team just hope we have a demoralised NZ in the third place match and beat them 😉
Very hard to see past NZ for the win now.
It would be awesome to see England take them out and realistically they are the only team left capable IMO. SA had a great start against them in the group stages but despite the insane defense, don't always take their chances as we saw today. Wales will believe they can beat SA but they are two similar style teams, one with a massively weaker pack and less "x-factor" in the backline so realistically it is only going one way :/
So anyway... how comes Wales were such a sh.. show today? Only Wainwright and Ball looked like they had any legs- the rest looked off their feet for the most part. I suspect this is just what Wales look like without Foxy and Navidi and a squad that hasn't been able rotate at will, but one hopes there is a simple explanation which can be fixed ready for Sunday!!!
Did the other team turn up?
If I was Gatland, which thankfully I’m not, I’d be tempted to start Patchel at 10. I love Biggar he’s a proper tough nut with big balls but he kills our attack and its meaning Parkes who is very very average and also has a broken hand is trying to distribute and he’s shite at it too. Parkes would be ok just running straightlines off someone who can play flatter and pass. I might even be tempted to put Patch at 15 and play Liam ahead of North who looks soooo flat. Mind you North hasnt been given a pass in space for the last 240 000 years.
It’s a good job I don’t have Gatland’s job as I haven’t a clue. But, when things were getting desperate at about 65 minutes, I too wondered if bringing Patchell on would help us. I think Biggar is fantastic, and he always seems to be where he’s needed and never drops his head, or panics in any way. But it did feel like we needed to try something different at that point. We won though, so we just have to trust Gatland. I think you’re rather harsh on Parkes, as to my eyes he’s done some great things for Wales over the past year or so.
England, (France and other teams), have far more players to draw upon, but Wales seem to benefit from having played so much together, England have not had as much stability in their team and I think this can then lead to confusion when they are put under pressure. I think England have more chance of beating NZ in the semifinal than they would have done if they had met in the final.
Jacob Pieper under investigation after posting silly elbow picture with Welsh fans. Oh dear.
Just need Rolland to tip up someone half his size now 😀
Jacob Pieper under investigation after posting silly elbow picture with Welsh fans. Oh dear.
Although it changes nothing about the red card, that is an pretty stupid move just a few hours after the match - could lead to allegations of favouritism.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50121693
Mind you North hasnt been given a pass in space for the last 240 000 years.
I wonder if the theory is that just having North on the pitch means teams have to worry about him, even if he never actually does anything useful?
Surely that’s not his right arm? It made me smile 😀
The most annoying thing about England is that they’ve given fans a teeny bit of hope which will no doubt be smashed to bits on Saturday. I think we’ll put the AB’s under a bit more pressure than Ireland but they’ll still win. We pushed them the last time we played them but as soon as we switch off for a nano- second they find a way to score points.
Wales SA will be a proper slog I think. Wales don’t seem to create an awful lot of opportunities but have an outstanding ability to absorb pressure without giving away penalties. The Boks look back to their big powerful best but have some proper X factor on the wings.
I’m going SA NZ final too.
Peyper is a bit silly for posing for that picture so soon after the result.
Navidi heading home is a massive loss for Wales. Talk of a back being the replacement. More cover in the centres?
I think Wales might just do it. They are a team, well led from coaches to captain, they know how to win tight games, real discipline and trust. A great example of a team way more than the sum of their parts.
And despite wishing England to win obviously, if not or even instead maybe I’d like Wales to win it. Mainly because of Gatland and AWJ who seem to be really decent guys who deserve it on their CV, and I don’t really want EJ to have it on his as I don’t think he is a good coach. Never thought I’d think something like that!
Then of course, there’s the ignorant ones that stand out in the crowd.
Are you calling me an ignoramus Kryton? If so, I'll take it as a compliment. 😉
Anyway, much as I desperately want England to win and although they've played well and look to be peaking nicely they're basically the same side who folded against Scotland and Wales in the 6N. So there's a bit of realism to temper the enthusiasm.
The most I’ve admired from this thread within the exception of one or two is how we’ve all generally been in support of NH sides and thier performances that are not our own. Then of course, there’s the ignorant ones that stand out in the crowd.
FFS, there's no obligation to support any team because of geography. People can support any team they want to for any reason. It's just a game.
The most I’ve admired from this thread within the exception of one or two is how we’ve all generally been in support of NH sides and thier performances that are not our own. Then of course, there’s the ignorant ones that stand out in the crowd.
Edit: Nevermind, hols2 got there first
As much as I hate to say it, I can see England pushing the AB all the way. They did look very, very good against Australia. Better than ABs? - probably not. Able to give them a decent game and possibly sneak a result - Defo.
Wales will be better against SA. They knew the quarter finals would be their reckoning, now the pressure is off and hopefully they can play properly.
Still hoping for an Eng - Wales final!
Although, just out of interest, Kryton, would you say you're a strong supporter of the birther movement?
Do people really expert Welsh people to support England in the world cup because they are from the same hemisphere, that just shows a complete lack of understanding of what it is to be a supporter.
Navidi is a big loss, but more so with Moriarty being such a liability. Also 26 missed tackles at the weekend, so some work to be done.
Halaholo available to be selected from tomorrow? Too late to be called up?
Do people really expert Welsh people to support England in the world cup because they are from the same hemisphere, that just shows a complete lack of understanding of what it is to be a supporter.
What it means to be a Welsh supporter. England v Wales has a load of rugby, history and class related baggage.
That doesn't mean we can't be objective when talking about them and appreciate good rugby. I just don't want it to come from England 🙂
Do people really expert Welsh people to support England in the world cup?
TBH I'd be most disappointed if any of the Celts wanted us to win.
One of the (many) great things about being English is the moral condescension we enjoy by supporting the Celtic nations whilst they all want us to lose.
Do people really expert Welsh people to support England in the world cup?
It says more about the individuals than the game. I'll happily be supporting Wales should they be the only NH team through to the final.
Although, just out of interest, Kryton, would you say you’re a strong supporter of the birther movement?
Not sure what that means tbh.
Halaholo available to be selected from tomorrow? Too late to be called up?
What about McNicol?
It says more about the individuals than the game.
What does it say oh wise one?
Some people on here need to woman the **** up.
namastebuzz
Member
Do people really expert Welsh people to support England in the world cup?
TBH I’d be most disappointed if any of the Celts wanted us to win.
One of the (many) great things about being English is the moral condescension we enjoy by supporting the Celtic nations whilst they all want us to lose.
Kryton abide by this^^^^, plus a true Englishman will relish the abuse from their little brothers. It shows how much we have pissed them off. Stop whining about it. Its all part of the fun. I love how much it pisses off my little Celtic neighbours when I love and support them, and I fully expect them to hate me back.
a true Englishman will relish the abuse from their little brothers. It shows how much we have pissed them off.
😆😆😆
We love you guys really.
(Albeit in a patronisingly annoying kind of way.)
I do love them too. it just cracks me up when that annoys them
No we really do hate you.
Probably the best moment to post this 🙂
I've seen that before. Excellent.
molgrips
No we really do hate you.
Sweet.
One of the (many) great things about being English is the moral condescension we enjoy by supporting the Celtic nations whilst they all want us to lose.
Apart from when you lose to one of us of course, or anybody else. Then it is either luck (Scotland last year) or poor reffing; (Welsh slam game, Lawes offside, Barclay holding Hughes back ) At that point you whine...a lot...
Stop whining about it.
Who's whining? I'm just pointing it out, it isn't spoiling my day far from it. My point I guess is that anyone with a decent moral fibre and some intelligence might recognise a talent or good performance from any man/woman/team regardless of their nationality *shrugs*
Btw AA a PSA - you know your idol is on Celebrity Hunted? Just in case you haven't tuned in already
At that point you whine…a lot…
Not me.
Btw AA a PSA – you know your idol is on Celebrity Hunted?
I've no idea what celebrity hunted is but I will investigate!!
My point I guess is that anyone with a decent moral fibre and some intelligence might recognise a talent or good performance from any man/woman/team regardless of their nationality *shrugs*
I could recognise Dilly Dally Dayglo was a good player, doesnt mean I supported him.
I’ve no idea what celebrity hunted is but I will investigate!!
Ha Ha. Its crap "escape and evasion" entertainment reality type stuff. He's running around the country with Martin Offiah and a camera trying to avoid being spotted.
I'm English but in the past I've also lived in South Africa. I'd love to see either Eng or SA win the competition but I'll accept either team losing to NZ if it's a really good game.
I thought Japan played very well and was sorry to see them go out, but not sorry enough that I'd have wanted them to win.
Happy to see Wales beat France and I'm always happy to see Oz call for a taxi to the airport.....
My point I guess is that anyone with a decent moral fibre and some intelligence might recognise a talent or good performance from any man/woman/team regardless of their nationality *shrugs*
But only so long as they are from the same hemisphere? And preferably from Europe. But not France, obviously. Or Italy.
And if you have a choice between supporting one of the home nations or England then it's obviously it's pretty churlish not to support England?
Does that about cover it?
Does that about cover it?
No idea, it appears to be an argument you are having with yourself.
Sorry it must have been someone else who said
The most I’ve admired from this thread within the exception of one or two is how we’ve all generally been in support of NH sides
Anyway, going back to the rugger:
When England went into the 2003 RWC (sorry to mention it) they did so on the back of 10 consecutive home and away wins over the SH big three.
This time round we have 8 wins out of 11 which sounds OK but 6 of those were over Australia which leaves 2 out of 4 against SA and 0 from 1 against the ABs.
So we're 2 from 5 against our semi final and potential final opponents.
As Steve Hansen pointed out, experience of losing is not as good as experience of winning.
.
Apart from when you lose to one of us of course, or anybody else. Then it is either luck (Scotland last year) or poor reffing; (Welsh slam game, Lawes offside, Barclay holding Hughes back ) At that point you whine…a lot…
No qualms with any of those mate. It's only 1990 I'm bitter about. 😉
Owen Lane heading to Japan. I'd still back Scott Williams but then what do us arm chair fans know
Owen Lane eh? Strange one, I would imagine they must be confident its just tackle bag duty....he's not played in the centres for Blues yet has he? Would love to see him play in midfield on a regular basis.
Wales alternative 15 for next six nations!!
1. Carre
2. Dee
3. Lewis
4. Beard
5. AWJ's secret younger clone.
6. Ellis Jenkins
7. Tipuric
8. Faletau
9. Tomos williams
10. Anscombe/Patch
11. Adams
12. Halaholo
13. Lane
14. MCnicol
15. Loopy
I’ve no idea what celebrity hunted is but I will investigate!!
Maybe not for the squeamish, the last I saw of it, he was in the woods with a large black man who was in the process of undressing!
There was some moaning from France fans after the Wales game about the rip being a forward pass for the last try. However, I was just reading where someone states that Law 11 states that a rip is not deemed a forward pass. Is this correct and if so why did they look at it, with the tmo, as if it was an issue?
See below:
LAW11 Knock-onorthrowforward
5. The ball is not knocked-on, and play continues, if:
a. A player knocks the ball forward immediately after an opponent has kicked it
(charge down).
b. A player rips or knocks the ball from an opponent and the ball goes forward from the opponent’s hand or arm.
Wouldn't call myself I massive rugby fan or student of the game but that's interesting, Good to learn something about a game I've been watching on TV since I was young ( I'm Welsh and we get dragged through town behind a donkey if we don't at least watch the six nations)
It isn’t knocked on (for want of a better word) if it goes forward in the direction of the ball carrier. Forward in the direction of the tackler with the tackler having the last touch is a knock on.
I thought it was forward by a mile when I watched it live and turned off the tv in despair. No idea how Wales got away with that*
*the wording of the TMO referral saved Wales but it looked clearly forward to me
France have had their breaks against Wales in the recent past anyway, that's why we all love sport, for the swings and roundabouts, I'm more worried about getting to the final and losing to England:)
It isn’t knocked on (for want of a better word) if it goes forward in the direction of the ball carrier. Forward in the direction of the tackler with the tackler having the last touch is a knock on.
I think I see what you mean. Point b. above is unclear as it says forward, but not from who’s perspective. I think what confused me was the France player was facing ‘backwards’ ie in the direction of Wales attack iirc.
I’m more worried about getting to the final and losing to England:)
I’m worried about more injuries and more players being sent home. It could get to the point where I get called up, and I only ever played once - it was too rough for me!
I thought it was forward, and I think the guys above have misinterpreted the law.
However, who cares, thats rugby. Wales would likely have scored elsewhere, France lost the game when the big bloke got carded.
I thought it was forward by a mile when I watched it live and turned off the tv in despair. No idea how Wales got away with that*
*the wording of the TMO referral saved Wales but it looked clearly forward to me
The ref said on field try so it had to be clearly forward to be chalked off and it wasnt
LAW11 Knock-onorthrowforward
I think it was more that another bloke could of caught it ahead of the guy who ripped it and so would have been offside...I dont ****ing now....Wales won, happy daze...
In other news I see Vahamina or however its spelt has retired from internationals at 28, seems a shame to stop after such a brainfart.
I can see in the case of a rip it is impossible to discern what caused the direction of the movement of the ball because both players will be applying force to the ball hence the rule, but that is a guess.
In my father's day you had to catch a charge down otherwise it was a knock on!
In other news I see Vahamina or however its spelt has retired from internationals at 28, seems a shame to stop after such a brainfart.
It’s nit his first though is it? Disciple isn’t the strongest part of his game.
Also means he can go to the hearing and give an especially Gallic shrug/ snort on hearing the verdict. All while saving on the cost of a pack of biscuits.
Also means he can go to the hearing and give an especially Gallic shrug/ snort on hearing the verdict. All while saving on the cost of a pack of biscuits.
He will still be banned from club games.
Jaco Peypers RWC is over also. He’s been omitted from the semi’s.
<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">Lots of tiny bits of news going on - Keiren Read getting wound up by the press, England training light yesterday on “handling”, claims of spies with cameras, and more articles across he world theorising that England could actually scrape through. </span>
Exciting times.
NZ getting Owens 2 games in a row? He certainly suits their “style” as he wants a flowing game.
No news on Rob Howley?
Interestingly I don't think I've heard a single mention or name check of Stephen Jones since he flew over either...