Rugby World Cup

[Nero]

Less than two weeks to go for the Rugby Union World Cup.

Last night South Africa made a massive statement of intent destroying New Zealand. I wasn't sure if the Boks could defend their title, but I'm starting to think it's a possibility. They look very strong and if on form I can't see anyone living with the power they have.

Winners? It's a tough one as France, NZ, Ireland and SA will all play each other in the Quarter Finals. The winners has to come from one of them.

 

[Zoophonic]

Less than two weeks to go for the Rugby Union World Cup.

Last night South Africa made a massive statement of intent destroying New Zealand. I wasn't sure if the Boks could defend their title, but I'm starting to think it's a possibility. They look very strong and if on form I can't see anyone living with the power they have.

Winners? It's a tough one as France, NZ, Ireland and SA will all play each other in the Quarter Finals. The winners has to come from one of them.

I have had no doubts whatsoever that SA will (not could) defend their title. They know how to peak. Even their defeat to NZ in Auckland they dominated possession. Last night they were aided by incredibly sloppy All Blacks play and their red card but even so they were miles better. NZ on the other hand look a pale shadow at the moment.

 

[Abel Tasman]

Anybody who saw our game will have been impressed with the Boks who didn’t let us settle from the off. Time and time again they sensed a weakness and went for line outs and rolling mauls instead of 3 point penalties. We couldn’t cope and gave away penalty after penalty until the refs patience snapped and we took 2 yellows within 2 minutes.

We gave them a try when Jodi Barrett handed them a gift interception and Kolosi looked immense destroying our back line defence for the other first half try. When Scott B was sent off that was it. Second half we did nothing to suggest we can do well in this World Cup. I’m still irritated we didn’t replace Foster last year when we should have done after Ireland beat us at home. We also have a nasty injury to Tyrel Lomax. Retallack is also out for the first game at least. All in all we are not looking great.

 

[Nero]

Anybody who saw our game will have been impressed with the Boks who didn’t let us settle from the off. Time and time again they sensed a weakness and went for line outs and rolling mauls instead of 3 point penalties. We couldn’t cope and gave away penalty after penalty until the refs patience snapped and we took 2 yellows within 2 minutes.

We gave them a try when Jodi Barrett handed them a gift interception and Kolosi looked immense destroying our back line defence for the other first half try. When Scott B was sent off that was it. Second half we did nothing to suggest we can do well in this World Cup. I’m still irritated we didn’t replace Foster last year when we should have done after Ireland beat us at home. We also have a nasty injury to Tyrel Lomax. Retallack is also out for the first game at least. All in all we are not looking great.

Despite New Zealand looking well below their usual standard, I suspect you will still beat France on the opening night. Typical All Blacks to put in a performance of the highest quality when it really matters.