Aragorn11: So the Rugby World Cup is upon us and beginning this Friday night.
Personally I think it will come down to the All Blacks, Australia and England as to who wins, giving my own country, Ireland, an outside chance.
Groups should be predictable enough apart from England, Australia and Wales's group with only 2 to qualify for the quarter finals.
Bring it on
To those not familiar with Rugby, its like American Football, without the protective clothing the players wear
You have a solid team,, i do watch rugby depending on the team playing, but i'm 101% for football,, my son is part of a local rugby team here, and he will be having an x-ray for his shoulder joint,, displaced. France has a good team too, but they lost last time against the Brits,,,
Babettefr: You have a solid team,, i do watch rugby depending on the team playing, but i'm 101% for football,, my son is part of a local rugby team here, and he will be having an x-ray for his shoulder joint,, displaced. France has a good team too, but they lost last time against the Brits,,,
I would not surprise me in the least if France do well, but I can't see it. They have been underperforming for the last 2/3 years and whether thats because of Saint-Andre or the demands of the league I do not know. Poss both, but I do think Saint Andre does not know what his best team is and is constantly chopping and changing.
Joe Schmitd is some manager and we will be more prepared than ever. We have never even reached the semi finals before so a lot will depend on our match with France, as the runner up in our group is likely to play the All Blacks in the quarters. We were close to beating them 10 months ago so you never know I guess.
Soor to hear about your son and hope he recovers soon.
BerrySmoothieMy Retreat, Auckland New Zealand4,733 posts
Aragorn11: Yeah France always seem to perform in the WC's, especially against the All Blacks.
Australia seem to be going about their business quietly yet building momentum. It all seems to be geared towards this WC. That is some group.
Yes, lest we reminded when we were disposed of by the French in the semis some years ago.
I give Ireland an outside chance of making the finals. I wouldn't rule out Australia. They have that "never give up" attitude...a steeliness about them. Always a worry. The French are a dark horse, and as you say perform well in the WC.
Anything could happen. There seems to be a lot of pressure building on our chaps as a dead cert to make the finals. On form, they should, but we know the WC always brings with it surprises in any sporting code.
BerrySmoothieMy Retreat, Auckland New Zealand4,733 posts
Aragorn11: Yeah France always seem to perform in the WC's, especially against the All Blacks.
Australia seem to be going about their business quietly yet building momentum. It all seems to be geared towards this WC. That is some group.
Yes, lest we reminded when we were disposed of by the French in the semis some years ago.
I give Ireland an outside chance of making the finals. I wouldn't rule out Australia. They have that "never give up" attitude...a steeliness about them. Always a worry. The French are a dark horse, and as you say perform well in the WC.
Anything could happen. There seems to be a lot of pressure building on our chaps as a dead cert to make the finals. On form, they should, but we know the WC always brings with it surprises in any sporting code.
BerrySmoothie: Yes, lest we reminded when we were disposed of by the French in the semis some years ago.
I give Ireland an outside chance of making the finals. I wouldn't rule out Australia. They have that "never give up" attitude...a steeliness about them. Always a worry. The French are a dark horse, and as you say perform well in the WC.
Anything could happen. There seems to be a lot of pressure building on our chaps as a dead cert to make the finals. On form, they should, but we know the WC always brings with it surprises in any sporting code.
The French have given you a couple of shocks down the years if I remember correctly. I think whoever finishes 2nd in our group play NZ in the quarter finals, assuming you top your group. That is likely to be Ireland or France. Could be a great match.
All Blacks have to be favourites and I agree about Australia. England are not going to be easy beat on their home soil either. Looking forward to it as I think this WC is more open than others, given the improvement in Northern Hemisphere teams in recent years.
BerrySmoothieMy Retreat, Auckland New Zealand4,733 posts
Aragorn11: The French have given you a couple of shocks down the years if I remember correctly. I think whoever finishes 2nd in our group play NZ in the quarter finals, assuming you top your group. That is likely to be Ireland or France. Could be a great match.
All Blacks have to be favourites and I agree about Australia. England are not going to be easy beat on their home soil either. Looking forward to it as I think this WC is more open than others, given the improvement in Northern Hemisphere teams in recent years.
Hope you're feeling better Berry
Thank you....I am feeling better
I have occasional bad hair days >>>>>>
Yeah, you're right....the French make us nervous on the rugby field.
Ireland and England have made heaps of progress over the last few years, particularly Ireland in recent times.
BerrySmoothieMy Retreat, Auckland New Zealand4,733 posts
Aragorn11: I know, I woke up this morning Like that !
Can't wait now, am expecting a bruising encounter tonight with Engerland v Fiji but England should beat them.
Glad you're feeling better.
You woke up like that?
That would be a good morning for me!
Yep, England should have no trouble in that match. Fiji are fast, but lack basic skills, not that I am any expert on rugby....just come from a sporting-mad family.
Yep, England should have no trouble in that match. Fiji are fast, but lack basic skills, not that I am any expert on rugby....just come from a sporting-mad family.
T'was great, that UK #15 ,,is really a tornado,, Fidji had a good defense,, I will be again scotched to rugby tonight, forecast says France can win over Italy,, wait & see,, the best wins,, have a pleasant weekend and "bon match"
T'was great, that UK #15 ,,is really a tornado,, Fidji had a good defense,, I will be again scotched to rugby tonight, forecast says France can win over Italy,, wait & see,, the best wins,, have a pleasant weekend and "bon match"
Yeah Babette, England got over a potential banana skin last night. They will be hard to beat in this competition. Hoping for an Italy win today
Today I will be suspending my love for all things Canadian Just for today
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Rugby World Cup 2015(Vote Below)
Personally I think it will come down to the All Blacks, Australia and England as to who wins, giving my own country, Ireland, an outside chance.
Groups should be predictable enough apart from England, Australia and Wales's group with only 2 to qualify for the quarter finals.
Bring it on
To those not familiar with Rugby, its like American Football, without the protective clothing the players wear