Official Rugby World CUp (and the lead up tests) Thread

[Ozzy Biz]

I thought this might be a good way to stop Katman, Redevouz, MFB and myself from hijacking threads and turning them into rugby ones... ;)

So to start it up....

I was fairly upset for a few days after France were smashed by NZ in Auckland the other night. My confidence in their ability has recently been restored after discovering that France chose to play a 3rd grade team and not their top squad. They're doing the same for tonight's test in Wellington; only 5 players from the 38 who starred in their 6-Nations campaign will be there, three of which are on the bench I think. Wht's everyone's thoughts on this 'hide your best away' tactics that a lot of the European teams seem to be doing?

Secondly, has anyone seen Jonah Lomu play since his comeback last year? I kow he hasn't received any S14 contracts as he was planning. Sure, he's probably only good for 4 years at best, but really, no interest?!

And with that I'll leave. I've want to get 4-5 hours of study in before the games tonight (France vs NZ followed by Aus vs Fiji)

Cam

[nate]

61-10 abs over the french...



muhahahahaha..


yeah i know i know 3rd rate them, but come on, it's a new record...

[rendezvous_drummer]

Haha yeah we did Hijack a few threads eh. As we all know, I'm supporting the Canadian and Irish squad. The Canadian side....don't expect much from them. Canadians feel that Rugby isn't a top priority to focus on...it's a shame really. At least they beat USA.

Ireland on the other hand, despite losing to Argentina, have played very well and am expecting big things from them this world cup.

As for the France-NZ game.......what did ye expect haha. Third line against 1st line was it?

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Oh just don't get me started on Rugby. I did play for eleven years after all.

England aren't going to do this well this time around, it's a shame but they really did lose an entire generation of players at the end of the last World Cup. I'm glad to see Mike Catt back in the squad, our backline is the most predictable backline half the time, but add Mike Catt into the backline and we immediately become alive. He's a talisman. Wilkinson is excellent, but only on his day and he's too fragile to be a realistic opportunity for the duration of the next few months.

As for Jonah Lomu? It's a pity. There's a guy I have a LOT of time for. Really the prototype for the fast and physically huge wingers and centres that have come to dominate the bigger teams of both hemispheres. I really would like to see him playing again.

[Ozzy Biz]

I'm not sure how fast Lomu is these days, he's put on a couple of kilos (weighs in at 125 now I think) so I doubt he's near his old 10.8s 100m time. He might not have the pace to keep up with the faster style of game many teams are favouring these days.

As for MFBs 11 years; I can't quite top that. I'm having this year off as my shoulder's are in pretty bad shape, I more dislocation and it's reco's... I'm building up the muscles around my shoulders so I can play again next year, also have to lift my fitness to try and lose the number 1 and get the 6, 7, or 8 jumper.

I watched most of the three games in a row last night (NZ v France, Aus vs Fiji, RSA vs Samoa) and I don't think any were real indications of actual team strength. We played scrappily and as a result only won by 49 pts; the same margain as the Junior All Blacks the week before. I think we missed about 6 or so conversions and had one try denied by the video ref so I guess it's not too bad. RSA I wasn't paying too much attention too but they looked as if they would have definately beaten us had we played. Same goes for NZ and (unfortunately) I think we might have struggled a bit against the French reserves had we played them.

Lastly, where's the 2011 RWC?

Cam

[Vinnysimmo]

I know next to nothing about rugby but are the all blacks and the aussies favorites as usual?

[Ozzy Biz]

I know next to nothing about rugby but are the all blacks and the aussies favorites as usual?

The Aussies?.... Hardly. I forsee our next four matches could possibly be quite embarrassing; NZ, RSA, NZ, and RSA in that order.

NZ are the premier favourite, RSA have recently moved to a very close 2nd favourite. France is a bit of a dark horse, their top players are all hidden away in the lead up to september. Ireland stands to do quite well, but after that recent loss to Argentina I'm a little more sceptical of their chances. Speaking of Argentina, they seem to have risen the ranks and are now a very respectable team. I haven't seen them play so I can't really verify this however. I do know that when they beat Ireland, their flyhalf scored 17 or so points out of their 22; meaning they may be relying on a couple of star players to carry the team, but I don't really know. The great thing about rugby, especially World Cup football, is that any of the top-tier teams could come out on top or be eliminated prematurely. Just look at what happened to NZ last time, and the time before that, and.... ...well basically every year since '87!

Also, I'm pretty pumped for the this wednesday night: the IRB Sevens comp is on and followed by State of Origin. Yeah, I know Origin is league, but it's the best three league games in the year and the only ones I'll watch. Go NSW! And as Reg Regan would say: "BRING BACK THE BIFF!"

Cam

[nate]

The great thing about rugby, especially World Cup football, is that any of the top-tier teams could come out on top or be eliminated prematurely. Just look at what happened to NZ last time, and the time before that, and.... ...well basically every year since '87!




i think the rugby world cup has become a lot like the football world cup, in that there are about 6 teams (more for football) who could win it at any time, all form outside the world cup, doesn't count, i know that seems strange, but it's it own beast, players react differently under the pressure of world cup games. this is a good thing...

whlist nz is top at the moment unfortunately i think it means nothing.

[Vinnysimmo]

Well, as i said, I know nothing about rugby.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

See this is the thing. Nate's got it on the nail.

Last World Cup, England did go in favourites, and we were basically unbeatable in the run up; but WE DID NOT PLAY WELL. If we'd played like we played in the autumn internationals before the World Cup, we'd have wiped the floor with every single team we'd come across, and that includes Australia. And that's not disrespect to the other teams, it's just the plain truth. Come the World Cup, Wilkinson first showed his first signs of weakness (poor kicking performance) and our backs were awful until Catt was re-instated. The forwards were fairly reliable, but we relied on the backs to score most of our points.

I think this is true of most teams. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Australia put in a great performance this time, despite a poor start.

[drumbandit]

What do you lot think about Andy Farrell playing Union? Apparently he got payed £1 million to play for England and is he even on the squad anymore? I have a weird feeling that France will take it this World Cup, but we have lost so many key players. Bringing back old faces does seem to be working I have to say but to improve, new players must get experience.

I wanna see Dawson play one last time, even though Ellis has been playing so well, there's something about Dawson's confidence and cheek that makes him so fun to watch.

Tom

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

To be honest, whatever works. At the moment I'm open to almost any suggestions, we need to try experimenting and see what happens and then solidify the team. We've still got a couple of months to decide and it's not like the players are playing at the moment.

[drumbandit]

True, I'm so up for the World Cup !! Got me in the Rugby mood.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

God I miss playing.

It's funny. My old coach (alcoholic lunatic, but one Hell of a guy) started up a youth womens' team in Gravesend. Nine players from that team made it into the Kent side and eight of those now represent the South-East of England ladies' youth team. I was surprised when I heard THAT news. I wish I'd carried on coaching. In my last year of school, I coached some of the first years and I had a great time doing it. I really miss it.

[drumbandit]

Yeah I helped coach one of my uncle's teams and it was great fun. I said to the whole team ' run out to the cone then sprint back' and instead of them running out so they were inline with the cone and then back in some sort of flat line. They all sprinted at the actual cone and all made sure they touched it, then ran back !! So funny.

My cousin played for her regions' ladies team, and her brother played for England U16's and for Worcester (my cousin) . Then he quit playing all together! I'd love to be at that level !!

Tom

[Ozzy Biz]

MFB, out of curiosity, why'd you stop playing?


When I was in yr 11 playing 1st grade for school (in Melbourne, mind you. Not anything impressive at all) we had GAP student called James Cooper who was our assistant coach and had played half-back for the England U19s the season before coming out here. What a hard-nut he was, he used to full-contact train with us. That hurt a bit. Great fun, until he breaks your nose...

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Full contact train? That was nearly every session from when I was nine upwards!

As for me stopping? No big story there. Basically I stopped playing because I was travelling miles to school each day and come the weekend I was too tired to play. Plus I wasn't dedicated enough to train on weekdays as the rest of my team were starting to do, going down to the gym etc. Now, that's all fine and I'm not bitter. Then they started losing team members due to work commitments and the like as we got older, so I started playing again. End of the season and there wasn't a youth team for me to really go to, except for some Saturdays when I had to work. I started playing when I was five, in fact I started playing a year earlier than I was allowed. I was never really fit enough to play at any decent level, but I was a decent second row and back row player (6'2" and 180Ibs at 14 gets you there by default!) but never massively skilled and greatly inconsistent. When I played well, I was as good as anybody on my team, on a bad day, I was terrible.

No matter. Maybe I'll train up and find a team who want me.

[Ozzy Biz]

Full contact train? That was nearly every session from when I was nine upwards!


haha... Yeah, we never trained without tackling/etc in the drills. What's the point, really? I meant he would train with us, like one of the team members, and beat the absolute crap out of some of the guys. Buff guy, body-builder in the off-season. First time I popped a shoulder he was responsible. That hurt a bit.

I went back to watch my old team play the other week as they're doing really well this season, on top of the table I think. They've got this kid who's just turned 16, and he'd be maybe 6'4" and 125-130kg. Seriously big boy.

Ayone watching the IRB Sevens tomorrow on Fox? (Fox in Aus at least)

[katman]

Did someone say Rugby World Cup?

I have a very good feeling about this one. We weren't completely up to scratch against England and Samoa in recent weeks, but we were trying combinations. The real test will be the Tri-Nations. I have a ticket for Saturday's game vs Oz at Newlands (Cape Town).

I think we have the forwards to dominate most teams this year. And we have a few stars in the backline, but possibly also a few weaknesses (flyhalf, right wing).

[Ozzy Biz]

Did someone say Rugby World Cup?

I have a very good feeling about this one. We weren't completely up to scratch against England and Samoa in recent weeks, but we were trying combinations. The real test will be the Tri-Nations. I have a ticket for Saturday's game vs Oz at Newlands (Cape Town).

I think we have the forwards to dominate most teams this year. And we have a few stars in the backline, but possibly also a few weaknesses (flyhalf, right wing).

About time you showed up!... ;)

Yeah, I'm pretty confident in the abilities of the RSA boys at the moment, especially the forwards and whatever wing Habana plays on. Something funny about our upcoming game; they dropped Lote Tuquiri from the squad for the Welsh games as an incentive for him to work harded, but also to really work on his speed to make him more of a match for Brian Habana. The press has been eagerly anticipating this game for that match up, and Habana now isn't playing! It's interesting though, when they play on each other. I was at the Aus vs RSA game last year where we flogged you around the park. I think the highlight was the Habana Tuquiri matchup; Tuquiri has him more than covered in strength but if he gave Habana too much space, he'd fly straight past him. It was very interesting to watch, and there was a lot of ball on that wing. I rate Habana as my favourite winger playing the international circut at the moment, and probably third all-time favourite (Ben Tune second and Lomu first, when they were in their prime of course).

[katman]

About time you showed up!... ;)

Yeah, I'm pretty confident in the abilities of the RSA boys at the moment, especially the forwards and whatever wing Habana plays on. Something funny about our upcoming game; they dropped Lote Tuquiri from the squad for the Welsh games as an incentive for him to work harded, but also to really work on his speed to make him more of a match for Brian Habana. The press has been eagerly anticipating this game for that match up, and Habana now isn't playing! It's interesting though, when they play on each other. I was at the Aus vs RSA game last year where we flogged you around the park. I think the highlight was the Habana Tuquiri matchup; Tuquiri has him more than covered in strength but if he gave Habana too much space, he'd fly straight past him. It was very interesting to watch, and there was a lot of ball on that wing. I rate Habana as my favourite winger playing the international circut at the moment, and probably third all-time favourite (Ben Tune second and Lomu first, when they were in their prime of course).

Yep, Habana took a knock to the knee near the end of the second England test and they're still debating whether he'll be in Saturday's squad or not. And I agree, he's just about the most exciting thing to emerge in SA rugby in recent years. His match-up with Tuquiri would be worth the admission price alone. If he's left out he'll most likely be replaced by JP Pietersen - tall, young wing from the Sharks who ended up top try scorer in the Super14. But still a little raw around the edges and not quite in Habana's league yet.

What's the Oz team like for Saturday? Is Drew Mitchel there? And Cameron Shepard? And will Giteau be playing at 12? You guys still have one of the most lethal backlines in the world - just need a couple of props to replace Dunning, Rodzilla and Baxter.

Also, I wouldn't read too much into the results of the past few weeks' internationals. Ireland, England, France and even Wales didn't send full strength teams on tour. These away test were all about resting players involved in club and regional finals as well as testing possible depth in several positions. Come WC time, I'd say anyone of SA, OZ, France, Ireland and even England have a fair chance at upsetting the Kiwis.

Honestly hope it's us though.

[Ozzy Biz]

Yep, Habana took a knock to the knee near the end of the second England test and they're still debating whether he'll be in Saturday's squad or not. And I agree, he's just about the most exciting thing to emerge in SA rugby in recent years. His match-up with Tuquiri would be worth the admission price alone. If he's left out he'll most likely be replaced by JP Pietersen - tall, young wing from the Sharks who ended up top try scorer in the Super14. But still a little raw around the edges and not quite in Habana's league yet.

What's the Oz team like for Saturday? Is Drew Mitchel there? And Cameron Shepard? And will Giteau be playing at 12? You guys still have one of the most lethal backlines in the world - just need a couple of props to replace Dunning, Rodzilla and Baxter.

Also, I wouldn't read too much into the results of the past few weeks' internationals. Ireland, England, France and even Wales didn't send full strength teams on tour. These away test were all about resting players involved in club and regional finals as well as testing possible depth in several positions. Come WC time, I'd say anyone of SA, OZ, France, Ireland and even England have a fair chance at upsetting the Kiwis.

Honestly hope it's us though.

The tuquiri-Habana match up was exceptional, especially as they are such different players in most aspects. As far as our scrum goes, it's probably better than it has been for a couple of years. Rodney Blake is still injured I think, and wose still he's slimmed down a bit by the looks of things. I still think the best bit of every game or rugby played last year was Rodzilla somehow ending up on the wing in general play against England and receiving a pass, I think he got a run up from about halfway and he was flying along. The only player between him and the try line was a guy who looked about 80kg, and he was stationary on the try line. Blake absolutely smashed him; it was brilliant!

I'm not sure about the team for the weekend, I'll look it up on rugby.com.au now and see if I can find something. Although, I'm almost certain it will be the 9, 10, 12, 13 combo of gregan, larkin, giteau and mortlock. Drew Mitchel has some competition for the wing now tht Digby Ione is in the side; he is seriously talented.

[Ozzy Biz]

After looking at the list, I'd say it wil be:
Dunning, Moore, Baxter
Sharpe, Vickerman
Elsom, Palu, Smith
Gregan
Larkham
Mitchell
Giteau
Motlock
Tuquiri
? <-- I'm not sure...

The other guys are:
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Mark Chisholm, Sam Cordingley, Adam Freier, Mark Gerrard, Stephen Hoiles, Julian Huxley, Benn Robinson, Guy Shepherdson, Scott Staniforth, Phil Waugh (c).

Huxley has played the last three games at fullback, but they are his only international caps, so I don't think he'd play there. The forwards seem to be doing quite well. Watch Moore, Palu, and Robinson. All new kids on the block, big fellas too. Palu is one of my favourite Wallabies at the moment; 120kg and 195cm hard running number 8. Played a year of League; started for the Cowboys half a dozen times maybe four years ago. Moore tackled a guy in the first test against Wales and dislocated the guys knee and broke his femur simultaeously. The mic at the sideline picked up the crack loud and clear.

Hopefully we don't play as horribly as last week and it's a good match.

[katman]

I must say, I was impressed with Huxley in the Super14. But there can be quite a step up to test match level. Possibly Mark Gerard on the other wing? What's happened to Clyde Rathbone? And Chris Latham?

And I agree, Palu is quite a monster. Wouldn't want to tackle that for all the money in the world. We have our own super-athlete, Pierre Spies, who might start at 8 on Saturday. Played wing less than two years ago (yet to turn 21, I think), but gew to about 1.95m and 106kg and made the move to the back row. Destructive runner in a bit of space. But no one knows whether it will be him, Bobby Skinstad, Danie Rossouw, Joe van Niekerk or AJ Venter. And that's a pretty handy choice dilemma to be stuck with.

[Ozzy Biz]

I must say, I was impressed with Huxley in the Super14. But there can be quite a step up to test match level. Possibly Mark Gerard on the other wing? What's happened to Clyde Rathbone? And Chris Latham?

And I agree, Palu is quite a monster. Wouldn't want to tackle that for all the money in the world. We have our own super-athlete, Pierre Spies, who might start at 8 on Saturday. Played wing less than two years ago (yet to turn 21, I think), but gew to about 1.95m and 106kg and made the move to the back row. Destructive runner in a bit of space. But no one knows whether it will be him, Bobby Skinstad, Danie Rossouw, Joe van Niekerk or AJ Venter. And that's a pretty handy choice dilemma to be stuck with.


Rathbone is injured (can't remember what he did), Latham is recovereing from a knee reco I think. Gerard may very well play the other wing. He's a great winger; doesn't have the speed of habana, rococoko, etc but probably has better skills else where. He's actually first cousin of Wycleff Palu. My exact thoughts about Huxley, although he's a great kick during play. He's not too flash at all with conversions and penalties, but boy can he launch a torpedo a long way down the line. I'm really looking forward to the game to get a better indication of where both Australia and South Africa are standing at the moment.

[katman]

Just got the teams for Saturday. I see Drew Mitchell made it into the starting line-up for you guys with Mark Gerrard on the bench. Tough choice - both are class.

Personally I would have started with Freier at hooker. Good team and pretty evenly matched, except for the front row and our jumpers possibly compete a little better in the line-outs. Should be close. I'm calling it 34-22. To the Boks, of course!

Springboks - 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Ashwin Willemse, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Butch James, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.

Subs: 16 Gary Botha, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Johann Muller, 19 Danie Rossouw, 20 Michael Claassens, 21 Wynand Olivier, 22 Frans Steyn.

Wallabies - 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Drew Mitchell, 13 Stirling Mortlock (c), 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Stephen Larkham, 9 George Gregan, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Dan Vickerman, 4 Nathan Sharpe, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Matt Dunning.

Subs: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Al Baxter, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 Stephen Hoiles, 20 Phil Waugh (vc), 21 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 22 Mark Gerrard.

And here's the 81st minute of the Super14 final. Classic Habana.

[katman]

And thus it ended...

[Ozzy Biz]

Yeah, it was 2003 all over again...
Great game however. We played really well, especially in defence. South Africa were strong and unrelentful in attack the whole game. Katman, were you getting worried for a while when it was 10-19 our way and we seemed to be in control of the game? Hell, I was feeling pretty damn good until that guy came off the bench and kicked the best drop goal I've seen since Matt Dunning in the S12 a few years ago. Then decided to have another go and put the the South Africans up by 3 with a couple of minute to go.

[katman]

Yeah, it was 2003 all over again...
Great game however. We played really well, especially in defence. South Africa were strong and unrelentful in attack the whole game. Katman, were you getting worried for a while when it was 10-19 our way and we seemed to be in control of the game? Hell, I was feeling pretty damn good until that guy came off the bench and kicked the best drop goal I've seen since Matt Dunning in the S12 a few years ago. Then decided to have another go and put the the South Africans up by 3 with a couple of minute to go.

Was I worried? Are you kidding me? I was soiling myself right until the end. I was standing behind the posts where the two drop goals went over - what an atmosphere! Awesome game. I thought Oz were brilliant in defense. Basically the whole first half they were just throwing themselves into tackles, and the 2 or 3 times they made it into our 22, they scored. When Giteau went over next to the posts - right in front of us - everyone went very, very quiet. Kind of sorry that one team had to lose.

I think we really missed a game-breaker like Habana. And losing the captain after 10 minutes didn't help much either. For Oz, I thought Tiquiri had a very ordinary game. And Huxley was fairly annonymous. George Smith was back to his best form at the breakdown, Giteau is sheer class and Dunning played as well as I've ever seen him play.

Ha ha - yes, I'd put Steyn's drop kicks right up there with Larkham's wobbly and Dunning's classic strike.

I think you guys should really fancy your chances against the Kiwis. If your forwards can play as confrontational and in-your-face as they did on Saturday, they're certainly in with a shout.

[Ozzy Biz]

Was I worried? Are you kidding me? I was soiling myself right until the end. I was standing behind the posts where the two drop goals went over - what an atmosphere! Awesome game. I thought Oz were brilliant in defense. Basically the whole first half they were just throwing themselves into tackles, and the 2 or 3 times they made it into our 22, they scored. When Giteau went over next to the posts - right in front of us - everyone went very, very quiet. Kind of sorry that one team had to lose.

I think we really missed a game-breaker like Habana. And losing the captain after 10 minutes didn't help much either. For Oz, I thought Tiquiri had a very ordinary game. And Huxley was fairly annonymous. George Smith was back to his best form at the breakdown, Giteau is sheer class and Dunning played as well as I've ever seen him play.

Ha ha - yes, I'd put Steyn's drop kicks right up there with Larkham's wobbly and Dunning's classic strike.

I think you guys should really fancy your chances against the Kiwis. If your forwards can play as confrontational and in-your-face as they did on Saturday, they're certainly in with a shout.

Haha. Good stuff. Tuquiri played well, but not by his standards if that makes sense. I'd say everyone else on the field played brilliantly; with the very notable exception of an unexperienced Huxley. To play fullback against this South African team in SA after 4 international caps is a lot of pressure.
I was especially impressed by all of our forwards; Shepardson, Moore, Dunning, Elsom, Smith, Vickerman, Sharpe, Palu, Waugh, Hoiles, Frier, Robinson, and Chisolm. Love those boys.
The tried-and-true Gregan-Larkham-Giteau-Mortlock combination certainly works, and I pressume will continue in the lead up and throughout the world cup. Tuquri and Mitchel are dangerous on the wing, and geez I can't wait for Latham to return.

Things are looking a little brighter for Australian rugby.

[rendezvous_drummer]

What a match the SA AUS match was!! Australia really had that game in hand, but those Boks man.....whoever scored those drop kicks, unbelievable. Now I read that the Aussie Squad are accusing the front row of the Boks of illegal performance enhancers.

On another note, Canada was killed by the ABS. Don't know if ye gys care, but i'm a bit pissed off. 64-16 I think it was. Scored more against the ABS than other teams usually do and I didn't expect them to win, but more effort at least damnit!

[katman]

What a match the SA AUS match was!! Australia really had that game in hand, but those Boks man.....whoever scored those drop kicks, unbelievable. Now I read that the Aussie Squad are accusing the front row of the Boks of illegal performance enhancers.

On another note, Canada was killed by the ABS. Don't know if ye gys care, but i'm a bit pissed off. 64-16 I think it was. Scored more against the ABS than other teams usually do and I didn't expect them to win, but more effort at least damnit!

Illegal performance enhancers? I seriously doubt they'd make such allegations. Where did you read this? They were probably speaking of "illegal" scrummaging technique, as they had before the match. These days there always seem to be issues raised pre and post games, hoping to influence referees. The SA scrum is a pretty solid unit and I guess people will try anything to gain some kind of advantage. If you want to see a monstrous tight-5 match-up, watch Saturday's game between the Boks and the All Blacks in Durban. Os du Randt packing down against Carl Hayman - now there are two man-mountains. Also, the Kiwis have drafted Anton Oliver back in at hooker, which means they are pretty serious about their scrum. Can't wait.

[Ozzy Biz]

Illegal performance enhancers? I seriously doubt they'd make such allegations. Where did you read this? They were probably speaking of "illegal" scrummaging technique, as they had before the match. These days there always seem to be issues raised pre and post games, hoping to influence referees. The SA scrum is a pretty solid unit and I guess people will try anything to gain some kind of advantage. If you want to see a monstrous tight-5 match-up, watch Saturday's game between the Boks and the All Blacks in Durban. Os du Randt packing down against Carl Hayman - now there are two man-mountains. Also, the Kiwis have drafted Anton Oliver back in at hooker, which means they are pretty serious about their scrum. Can't wait.

The SA loosehead was dropping the scrum and engaging early quite a bit during that game. And BJ Botha does angle in rather than engaging straight and square.

I'm looking forward to the NZ RSA game

[katman]

The SA loosehead was dropping the scrum and engaging early quite a bit during that game. And BJ Botha does angle in rather than engaging straight and square.

I'm looking forward to the NZ RSA game

Don't really want to get involved in a scrum technique discussion as these things can get ugly. But BJ Botha is probably one of the most technically-correct tightheads in world rugby today. Stories of him scrumming in are simply fed to the media to counter similar allegations of the past few years about the Oz front row (and paticularly Bill Young). It's a classic tit-for-tat business. And as for engaging early - I think the young English ref had a very good game except for this part. His pauses between the "crouch... pause... touch... engage" commands were way too long and were a recipe for disaster. Plus the Oz front row seem to shift laterally - particularly on defensive scrums underr pressure - just before engagement, making a square hit very difficult. Just my 2c worth.

[Ozzy Biz]

Don't really want to get involved in a scrum technique discussion as these things can get ugly. But BJ Botha is probably one of the most technically-correct tightheads in world rugby today. Stories of him scrumming in are simply fed to the media to counter similar allegations of the past few years about the Oz front row (and paticularly Bill Young). It's a classic tit-for-tat business. And as for engaging early - I think the young English ref had a very good game except for this part. His pauses between the "crouch... pause... touch... engage" commands were way too long and were a recipe for disaster. Plus the Oz front row seem to shift laterally - particularly on defensive scrums underr pressure - just before engagement, making a square hit very difficult. Just my 2c worth.

Yeah, that's cool. I don't mind avoiding an in-depth front row technique discussion. I played loose-head through school rugby so I 've had a few conversations about it in my time; it's not the most riveting stuff to talk about.
And being technically proficient doesn't mean he chooses to work around the laws a bit. There are plenty of guys that will break the rules for as long as they can; until they get pulled up at least. I also did notice the length of space in his scrum calls, but really, you're talking about the world's best scrummagers and they should be able to hold their postition for and extra half a second before the engage. Don't you think?
Just my 2c worth...

[rendezvous_drummer]

Crap, I don't want to open a can of worms on the scrummage techniques. I read this off of Planetrugby.com which is where I read most of my Rugby news.

[katman]

Crap, I don't want to open a can of worms on the scrummage techniques. I read this off of Planetrugby.com which is where I read most of my Rugby news.

Just trawled planetrugby and the only seemingly related piece I could find was this:

http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3555_2359392,00.html

which, as I mentioned, is the usual pre-match media banter that all international teams seeem to get involved in these days. In this case it's about a tighthead scrumming in at an agle. No mention of banned substances though. They would never make such allegations - there are enough measures in place to keep test rugby clean and slanderous accusations like that would ruin relations between countries.

[Ozzy Biz]

Just trawled planetrugby and the only seemingly related piece I could find was this:

http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3555_2359392,00.html

which, as I mentioned, is the usual pre-match media banter that all international teams seeem to get involved in these days. In this case it's about a tighthead scrumming in at an agle. No mention of banned substances though. They would never make such allegations - there are enough measures in place to keep test rugby clean and slanderous accusations like that would ruin relations between countries.

Rugby's probably one of the cleanest sports going around. One reason I think for this being the case is the sizeable punishments. Andrew Walker and Wendel Sailor got 2 years apiece for doing a little coke on the side.
Speaking of Wendel, I heard on the grape vine that he was thinking about going back to league, and then today one of the clubs (i forgot which one) announced that they had been talking to him. Probably a good move on his part; I can't see him making it back into the team now with Tuquiri, Ione, Mitchell, and Gerrard playing.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Just trawled planetrugby and the only seemingly related piece I could find was this:

http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3555_2359392,00.html

which, as I mentioned, is the usual pre-match media banter that all international teams seeem to get involved in these days. In this case it's about a tighthead scrumming in at an agle. No mention of banned substances though. They would never make such allegations - there are enough measures in place to keep test rugby clean and slanderous accusations like that would ruin relations between countries.

I don't know why I said illegal substances. My mistake, but yes that's the article. I know that the SA front line is one of the most difficult lines to break, I think they were just too powerful for the Aussies.

[nate]

Do. Not. Relax. When. Playing. The All. Blacks.


Ever.

any questions?


what a game, huh? SA played quite dirty i thought, i saw more than one punch been thrown, i'm sur NZ did as well, but didn't see any.

SA must be gutted. Both teams made a LOT of mistakes.....discuss

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I need to see the match. I heard the result on the radio and just WISH I could've watched it. Sounds like an absolute stormer of a match.

There's nothing wrong with a little bit of dirty play; most referees will let some of it go, I know I let a little bit go here and there when I refereed kids' matches. Just to enhance the flow of the game. However, dirty play must NOT be allowed in the scrum, just no. It's dangerous.

I want Wendel Sailor to stay in Union. I always enjoy watching his performances.

I'm up for a discussion of scrummage tactics. Let's do it! Please?

[nate]

I need to see the match. I heard the result on the radio and just WISH I could've watched it. Sounds like an absolute stormer of a match.

There's nothing wrong with a little bit of dirty play; most referees will let some of it go, I know I let a little bit go here and there .




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux8qs_PoMdk&mode=related&search=


enjoy, this guy always puts the games up on you tube. i love him.....yup i little bit of dirty play is ok, just not too dirty and dont get caught.....

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I just watched the first four minutes of that match, it's too late to watch the rest and I just wanted a taster. Those four minutes, would be the first thing I play to somebody if I were introducing them to Rugby. That scrum is scarily huge. Really awesome those few minutes!

[Ozzy Biz]

I need to see the match. I heard the result on the radio and just WISH I could've watched it. Sounds like an absolute stormer of a match.

There's nothing wrong with a little bit of dirty play; most referees will let some of it go, I know I let a little bit go here and there when I refereed kids' matches. Just to enhance the flow of the game. However, dirty play must NOT be allowed in the scrum, just no. It's dangerous.

I want Wendel Sailor to stay in Union. I always enjoy watching his performances.

I'm up for a discussion of scrummage tactics. Let's do it! Please?

I think Wendel would be playing for Australia A if he stays with union. Tuquiri, Mitchell, Ione, and Gerrard are all better players than Sailor in my book.

[katman]

How terribly disappointing was that.

Well done to the Kiwis - no doubt they're the best team on the planet right now. And they play 100% for the full 80+ minutes. Our guys seemed to run out of steam in the closing minutes and their concentration lapsed a few times.

Losing close matches to them is heartbreaking. But there is some honour in taking them to the wire. Next time...

[rendezvous_drummer]

Canada beat NZ in the Under 20 match eh. How funny is that!

[nate]

I just watched the first four minutes of that match, it's too late to watch the rest and I just wanted a taster. Those four minutes, would be the first thing I play to somebody if I were introducing them to Rugby. That scrum is scarily huge. Really awesome those few minutes!

there is a 9 minute highlights package on youtube which is pretty good....

How terribly disappointing was that.

Well done to the Kiwis - no doubt they're the best team on the planet right now. And they play 100% for the full 80+ minutes. Our guys seemed to run out of steam in the closing minutes and their concentration lapsed a few times.

Losing close matches to them is heartbreaking. But there is some honour in taking them to the wire. Next time...

it was anybodies game SA where very, very tough. great game of rugby.

[Ozzy Biz]

And what about South Africa? Not naming their top 9 players to tour. There is talk of RSA being removed from the Tri-Nations; NZ and Aus have voiced their opinions about it being disrespectable and destroying the integrity of the world game. Will be interesting to see the outcome of it all. Hopefully they get smashed by the Kiwis and us... (hopefully!)

[katman]

And what about South Africa? Not naming their top 9 players to tour. There is talk of RSA being removed from the Tri-Nations; NZ and Aus have voiced their opinions about it being disrespectable and destroying the integrity of the world game. Will be interesting to see the outcome of it all. Hopefully they get smashed by the Kiwis and us... (hopefully!)

I agree it's a little disappointing. But it's World Cup year and our top Bok players are completely spent. You must remember that we have a very tough domestic competition in the Currie Cup (which Aus doesn't have) followed by the Super14 (in which our top two Bok-feeder teams, Bulls & Sharks, contested the semis and finals) followed immediately by three internationals in consecutive weeks followed by 4 Tri-Nations games followed by the WC. No break since the beginning of the year. No other country has it this bad in the build-up to the WC. There is no way we would ever be able to take close to a full-strength squad to France without some kind of rest and reconditioning break.

And this touring team only has 2 new caps (tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis and flyhalf Peter Grant). The rest are all existing Springboks. So I wouldn't write them off too quickly.

Also, no one threatened IRB action when England sent a third team to SA a few weeks ago, for exactly the same (World Cup) reasons. Or when France sent their second stringers to NZ. Even the Welsh team that toured Australia now weren't full-strength. Ditto for the Irish in Argentina. And Graham Henry's "squad rotation" policy for the All Blacks the past 2 seasons is well known (and widely praised). Seems the rules are a little different when you're the All Blacks.

[Ozzy Biz]

I agree it's a little disappointing. But it's World Cup year and our top Bok players are completely spent. You must remember that we have a very tough domestic competition in the Currie Cup (which Aus doesn't have) followed by the Super14 (in which our top two Bok-feeder teams, Bulls & Sharks, contested the semis and finals) followed immediately by three internationals in consecutive weeks followed by 4 Tri-Nations games followed by the WC. No break since the beginning of the year. No other country has it this bad in the build-up to the WC. There is no way we would ever be able to take close to a full-strength squad to France without some kind of rest and reconditioning break.

And this touring team only has 2 new caps (tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis and flyhalf Peter Grant). The rest are all existing Springboks. So I wouldn't write them off too quickly.

Also, no one threatened IRB action when England sent a third team to SA a few weeks ago, for exactly the same (World Cup) reasons. Or when France sent their second stringers to NZ. Even the Welsh team that toured Australia now weren't full-strength. Ditto for the Irish in Argentina. And Graham Henry's "squad rotation" policy for the All Blacks the past 2 seasons is well known (and widely praised). Seems the rules are a little different when you're the All Blacks.

I think it's a little different with the all-blacks, as they have probably 45+ world class players that could play in their team. I was speaking about this earlier at home to my dad (another rugby fanatic) about the difference in reaction between the South African under strength team in comparison with the Irish and Welsh 2nds and the French 3rds that played recent games. The big reason I think there has been the uproar is that the Tri-Nations have always been regarded as probably the most elite of competitions with the exception of the world cup, and now it's importance has been questioned by the decision to play a sub-par South African team (by their standards). If the Tri-Nations are something that can be disregarded by a team to increase their chances of playing well for another competition, this obviously raises some eyebrows about the integrity of the comp. At the same time, I realise the schedule for the Bok's players has left a bit to be desired and this is something that management must address if they are serious about their world cup chances. I'm not particularly shocked or disgusted by this decision; especially as it'll increase our chances of having a win against the Boks!

[katman]

Ha ha - don't count them chickens just yet.

I also realise the AB's have the depth to be able to rotate and rest and still get the results. But if the Aus and Kiwi rugby unions are arguing principles here -and the principle is to always field your strongest match22 (against first tier countries) - then it should apply to everyone. Just my take on it.

Plus, SA currently has the best depth in their squad for as far as I can remember. Some of these guys on tour are playing for their World Cup tickets and I think you might just be surprised by some of the lesser known names. The guy replacing John Smit in the squad is called Bismark du Plessis. He'll probably feature off the bench and his brother, Jannie, might get a start at tighthead prop. Both of them have a bright future in SA rugby. Also, openside flanker Wikus van Heerden has a real chance of going to France as Schalk Burger's back-up, if he puts in some big performances in the next two games. Much to prove, so neither game will be a walk-over by any stretch of the imagination.

[katman]

What a smoking performance by the Aussies on Saturday!

This Tri-Nations is shaping up to be the closest and most tense comppetition in a long time. And thanks to Oz for keeping us very much in the game.

Now we must just find a way to contain Giteau, Mortlock and Tiquiri on Saturday and Bob's your uncle.

[Ozzy Biz]

Can't let this thread die.... we still have a good couple of months worth of posts I reckon.

Anyways, not too much is happening in the way of top-class rugby at the moment.
Tuquiri and Dunning were in a bit of trouble after partying at 5:30am with some NRL players and a random guy off the street who assaulted a taxi driver that night.

I'm not sure if anyone here is following the new Mazda Australian Rugby Championships, but I think it's bloody brilliant. They've implemented some rule changes to make the game flow a little better. My god, is it fast now, and they are hitting bloody hard. The forwards are being worked like never before. If good for nothing else, it'll lift the overall fitness of our non-wallabie players (there are a few Wallabies playing at the moment; Wycliff Palu, Chris Latham, Alistair Campbell, Matt Cockbain, Mark Chism,....)


Experimental Law Variations and Commentary
Touch Judges
1. TJ’s can indicate offside at the tackle by raising their flag horizontally in the direction of the offending team. This flag raising will be mirrored by the opposite TJ so as to provide visual assistance to the referee. The referee however is not obliged to act on the offence.

Posts and flags around the field
2. Corner post, and post at corner of touch in goal and dead ball line are moved back 2 metres. This ensures consistency of touch along the entire length of the touch line and touch in goal line.

Inside the 22 metre line
3. When a defending player receives the ball outside the 22 metre line and passes, puts or takes the ball back inside the 22, the following can occur:
a. If the ball is then kicked directly into touch, the lineout is in line with where the ball was kicked.
b. If a tackle, ruck or maul is subsequently formed or an opponent plays the ball and the ball is then kicked directly into touch, the lineout is where the ball crossed the touch line.
Lineout
4. On a quick throw in, the ball can be thrown straight or backwards towards the defenders goal line, but not forward towards the opposition goal line.
5. A player peeling off at the front of the lineout can do so as soon as the ball leaves the throwers hands.
6. The receiver in a lineout must stand 2 metres from the lineout.
7. The non throwing hooker does not have to stand between the 5 metre line and the touch line. They must conform to law wherever they stand.
8. There is no maximum number of players in the lineout but there is a minimum of 2.
9. Neither team determines numbers in the lineout.
10. Pre-gripping is allowed.
11. If a lineout throw is not straight, the option is a lineout or FK to non throwing team. (Added 1 Oct).

Breakdown (tackle/post tackle)
12. Players entering the breakdown area must do so through the gate. RIGIDLY APPLIED
13. Immediately the tackle occurs there are offside lines.
14. The offside lines run parallel to the goal lines through the hindmost part of the hindmost player at the tackle.
15. A tackled player must immediately play the ball and may not be prevented from playing the ball by any player who is off their feet. (Added 1 Oct).
16. Any other player playing the ball at the breakdown must be on their feet. (Added 1 Oct)
17. If the ball is unplayable at the breakdown, the side that did not take the ball into contact will receive a FK.
18. If the ball is received directly from a kick and a tackle occurs immediately, and the ball becomes unplayable, the FK is given to the team who received the kick.
19. There are only 3 penalty offences (not including dangerous play) at the breakdown:
a. Offside for not coming through the gate.
b. Offside where defenders are in front of the last man on their side of the breakdown. i.e. the offside line.
c. Players on the ground preventing playing of the ball.
20. Repeated infringements can be dealt with as per current law.
21. A scrum option is available for all FKs.
22. Dangerous play will not be tolerated. Eg. Diving over the breakdown.
23. The half back should not be touched unless he has his hands on the ball.

Maul
24. Defending players can pull down the maul.
25. Players joining the maul must do so through the gate. RIGIDLY APPLIED.
26. If a maul becomes unplayable, the team not in possession at the start of the maul receives a FK.
27. The ‘truck and trailer’ is no longer an offence.

Scrum
28. The offside line for players who are not in the scrum and who are not the teams scrum half, is 5 metres behind the hindmost foot of the scrum.

Sanctions
26. For all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate, and Law 10-Foul Play, the sanction is a FK.
*FK = Free Kick.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I really don't like the idea of defending players being allowed to collapse the maul. I really, really do not think that is a good idea in the slightest. Having been in a few collapsed mauls myself (and having collapsed a few on purpose, including a charge down on one occasion where I went a little mental) I just think it's a recipe for some serious neck injuries.

[Ozzy Biz]

I really don't like the idea of defending players being allowed to collapse the maul. I really, really do not think that is a good idea in the slightest. Having been in a few collapsed mauls myself (and having collapsed a few on purpose, including a charge down on one occasion where I went a little mental) I just think it's a recipe for some serious neck injuries.

I thought that too, but it seems alright so far. A heap of notable players have given it the thumbs up, including long-time Wallabies like Morgan Turinui. There just seems to be so much more rugby played in the 80 mins. One of the games this weekend had 250 tackles and over 100 rucks and mauls. Also, the bench is a little larger with an extra two players which I think is due to the physical fatigue the players (especially the forwards) are subjected to. It's great to watch; fast, aggressive, flowing, balls-out rugby. Just the way it should be.

Also, Melbourne city have their first professional rugby side now, the Rebels, and we're f'n ripping sh!t up! I love it, I'm gona buy a team jersey next week.

[katman]

What a good idea to revive this thread. Time is running out for some teams to get it together before the WC kicks off. MFB - 2 losses to France can't sit too well with you?

I have a feeling this is going to be one of the most exciting and cosely-contested World Cups to date. And while I admit that NZ must still be firm favourites, there are at least 3 - perhaps 4 - other teams in with a real shout. The Ozzies seemed to have got things together in time and could be a real threat. The French are looking dangerous and must be a favourite at home. And my boys, the Springboks, are very pumped-up and well-drilled. England and Ireland might have fallen off the pace a bit in these warm-up games, but a couple of weeks from now will be a different matter.

The pool game between SA and England is going to be massively important because the loser will most likely face Australia in the semis and both teams would want to avoid that at all cost.

As far as the new laws are concerned - I'm all for collapsing the maul. If there are two current rules that just seem ridiculous to me it's the non-collapsing of mauls (how are you supposed to legally defend this?) and the 10m rule if a player decides to take a quick tap and go on a free kick or penalty. In my opinion, if you want to take it quickly, you sacrifice the luxury of having the opponent fall back 10m. Either that, or they should outlaw the quick penalty. But watching players run through opponents who have their hands thrust in the air in innocence until they think 10m has lapsed and then launch into a tackle, only to be re-penalised by the ref for not falling back 10m is daft, to say the least.

Just my 2c.

[Ozzy Biz]

What a good idea to revive this thread. Time is running out for some teams to get it together before the WC kicks off. MFB - 2 losses to France can't sit too well with you?

I have a feeling this is going to be one of the most exciting and cosely-contested World Cups to date. And while I admit that NZ must still be firm favourites, there are at least 3 - perhaps 4 - other teams in with a real shout. The Ozzies seemed to have got things together in time and could be a real threat. The French are looking dangerous and must be a favourite at home. And my boys, the Springboks, are very pumped-up and well-drilled. England and Ireland might have fallen off the pace a bit in these warm-up games, but a couple of weeks from now will be a different matter.

The pool game between SA and England is going to be massively important because the loser will most likely face Australia in the semis and both teams would want to avoid that at all cost.

As far as the new laws are concerned - I'm all for collapsing the maul. If there are two current rules that just seem ridiculous to me it's the non-collapsing of mauls (how are you supposed to legally defend this?) and the 10m rule if a player decides to take a quick tap and go on a free kick or penalty. In my opinion, if you want to take it quickly, you sacrifice the luxury of having the opponent fall back 10m. Either that, or they should outlaw the quick penalty. But watching players run through opponents who have their hands thrust in the air in innocence until they think 10m has lapsed and then launch into a tackle, only to be re-penalised by the ref for not falling back 10m is daft, to say the least.

Just my 2c.


An even nastier sounding fact about the English is that of their last 16 home games, they've lost 15. Ouch. Also that el capitan Phil Vickery was carried off the field in the last game vs France.

It's funny you mention that RSA is worried about it's performance in the English game as it may result in playing the Aussies. Our papers are saying the same thing about our game against Wales as being the decider for if we play the South Africans or the English in the first elimination round. Haha, gotta love that; not so different after all!

Again, I really like the way the new game is being played. Also that they broadcast a two games a weekend on free-to-air TV, as opposed to the FOXTEL exclusivity of Super-14. You can also watch it live on the internet and the highlights later on http://www.abc.net.au/sport/rugby_union/arc/live/video_archive.htm

Go the Rebels!

[katman]

Almost that time. We have a warm-up game against an Irish club side tomorrow, followed by a game against Scotland on the weekend (which should be good - Scotland were looking in great shape against Ireland the other day).

And then it's off to France. Last time we'll see a few of these guys in action - the great Os du Randt and Percy Montgommery will be making their final Bok appearances at the WC.

I also like this pic of Schalk Burger on the charge.

And I had to include one of Eddie Jones in a Bok jacket, just for you Ozzy.

[Ozzy Biz]

And I had to include one of Eddie Jones in a Bok jacket, just for you Ozzy.

It's funny, I used to really like the guy. He was the coach of the Wallabies and also the patron of the school rugby team I played for. Now I don't care whatsoever. Just a few months back he made a promise to never hold any sort of coaching role again.Obviously a man of his word.

I lost a little respect for him when he was told me at a training session of ours he coached that the technique I was using never worked; a technique I got straight from our other prop who is a prop in the national squad.

But really, good luck for you guys and I congratulate Eddie on getting himself a new job. Hopefully he can use his immense knowledge to do for the Boks exactly what he did for the Queensland Reds.


haha

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

With regards to England losing the last two matches, it's been nearly made up for with that victory against Wales. It was beautifully humiliating for the Welsh (local rivalry) and I accept that it's not a meaningful victory in any way; but I liked watching. As for France, I wasn't expecting an English victory anyhow and I know that we don't stand a good chance of defending the World Cup. Give it another four years I say for our next real attempt. The new England coach seems to know what's what though; I'm giving him a chance.

[Ozzy Biz]

Here's something interesting (for the Aussies at least).

19 year old aboriginal star Kurtley Beale has been named as flyhalf in the shadow world cup squad for the wallabies. That's gotta be rare, for both his age and that he has never played for the Wallabies before (to the best of my knowledge). I have to say though, he deserves it. The kid is amazing and has secured himself man-of-the-match for the last two West Sydney Rams games in the Australian Rugby Championship, including scoring three tries and setting up another 5 or so. He really has talent, reads the play and has tremendous vision. He's first year out of school, played flyhalf for the warratahs for a fair chunk of the season and kicks major arse.
Look forward to him dominating in years to come.

[katman]

I really like the look of this Beale guy. The bit that I saw of him in the Super14 was impressive. And only 19 years old. Mind you, Fancois Steyn is also only 19 and is going to play a big part in our World Cup campaign. Is Beale going along as Larkham's understudy? And how come Cameron Shepard didn't make the Wallaby squad?

[Ozzy Biz]

I really like the look of this Beale guy. The bit that I saw of him in the Super14 was impressive. And only 19 years old. Mind you, Fancois Steyn is also only 19 and is going to play a big part in our World Cup campaign. Is Beale going along as Larkham's understudy? And how come Cameron Shepard didn't make the Wallaby squad?

If I remember correctly, Cam Shepard has some sort of niggling injury. I think he's in the shadow squad with Beale. Berrick Barnes is reserve flyhalf and Beale is the shadow.

I'm very happy with the Wallabies squad at the moment. Latham, Palu & Lyons are all back from injury. There are young guys like Beale and Berrick Barnes who are in trmendous form, and the old faithful line-up of Gregan, Larkham, Giteau, Mortlock, Latham, Tuquiri is still there and strong.
Sharpe won the John Eales medal for 2007, and Vickerman is playing well too. Chism is back in the squad, and even Cockbain has made it back (I think, he's at least in the shadow squad). The last Wallabies (not A) game he played was the '03 world cup final.
Even with all our old players back or still playing, our squad has an average age of 26 or 27. Not bad considering you've got guys like gregan who's 34/35 and no one under 21 in the main squad.

By the way, if anyone wants to get on a RWC Dream Team league go to:
http://rwc2.sportal.virtualsports.com.au/
Create a team and enter 697402 as the league code. I was going to name it, but forgot so its some "Public League 62432363..." or something. No biggie.

[katman]

Latest betting odds from Ladbrokes:

NZ - 4:9
SA - 5:1
FRA - 7:1
AUS - 12:1
IRE - 20:1
ENG - 33:1
ARG - 66:1
WAL - 100:1

Can't remember when last there was such a firm favourite as the All Blacks.

[Ozzy Biz]

Latest betting odds from Ladbrokes:

NZ - 4:9
SA - 5:1
FRA - 7:1
AUS - 12:1
IRE - 20:1
ENG - 33:1
ARG - 66:1
WAL - 100:1

Can't remember when last there was such a firm favourite as the All Blacks.

Sportsbet No Selection (default) Price
14981 NEW ZEALAND 1.60
14986 SOUTH AFRICA 5.50
14976 FRANCE 7.00
14972 AUSTRALIA 7.50
14978 IRELAND 26.00
14974 ENGLAND 34.00
14971 ARGENTINA 101.00
14990 WALES 101.00
14985 SCOTLAND 301.00
14979 ITALY 401.00
14975 FIJI 1001.00
14984 SAMOA 1001.00
14973 CANADA 2501.00
14980 JAPAN 2501.00
14983 ROMANIA 2501.00
14987 TONGA 2501 .00
14977 GEORGIA 5001.00
14991 NAMIBIA 5001.00
14982 PORTUGAL 5001.00
14989 USA 5001.00

NZ is a much better bet in South Africa, that's for sure.

[nate]

Can't remember when last there was such a firm favourite as the All Blacks.


the last world cup?


hopefully this time, they wont crash under the pressure.......

[Ozzy Biz]

the last world cup?


hopefully this time, they wont crash under the pressure.......

The All Blacks are favourites (top 3 at least) from every world cup I can remember. They are also habbitual 'chokers', showing fine form too early and then falling short in one of the finals. Except of course in '87, when they won. I'd call that an outlier... ;)

Anyone getting on (or want to get on) the RWC Dream Team competition?...

[katman]

the last world cup?

They were favourites last time round, but nowhere near so overwhelmingly as this year.

Except of course in '87, when they won.

That's only because we weren't there :)

[Ozzy Biz]

That's only because we weren't there :)

That's debatable (haha)...
I blame it on the French knocking us out in the Semi's so we didn't get the chance to beat the All Blacks.

60 hours until the first match, France vs Argentina.
Pool D is I think the most hottly contested; France, Ireland and Argentina are in it. It's the only pool with 3 teams that could make it out into the finals, all the others have two.
Pool A - England & South Africa
Pool B - Australia & Wales
Pool C - New Zealand & Scotland (chance Italy may beat them, I'm not sure. I'm don't really know their current form)
Pool D - France, Ireland & Argentina. Any two, but I'm leaning towards France & Ireland.

Getting exciting...

[katman]

Didn't Italy recently beat Wales? And they've come close against a few more big names. I wouldn't write them off completely, although Scotland also seem to be much improved from last year this time.

We start with a tough match against Samoa and we'll do well to come away injury free. Because next up is England - one of three huge games we'll have to win if we want the cup. Hope Brian "The Chiropractor" Lima doesn't do too much damage to our midfield in his 4th World Cup.

I also feel that Argentina could perhaps pull off a surprise victory in their group and maybe even pip Ireland to the quarters. Possible, but not very likely.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Samoa are just one of those teams you don't want to face. They might not win, but they will wear you down and tire you out and inflict losses on your players because of their style. The perfect example of a team that dig in and hit hard. I remember in the last World Cup when England played them. I went down to my old Rugby club to watch the match and it was brutality - absolute brutality.

On a side note - a young MFB after a particularly muddy match. Not in my team's strip, but anothers'. We'd made a composite team for a fun match whilst on tour. Ah to be that thin again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/mediocrefunkybeat/aftermatch.jpg

[Ozzy Biz]

I agree with Katman and MFB about Argentina and Samoa. I'm looking forward to seeing Hernandez play for Argentina; he's supposedly one of (if not) the best fullback in the world at the moment.

Keeping with the nostalgia that MFB started, here's one from 2004. That's me in the blue, becoming verticle in a manner I didn't want to be. I land on my head, and that's all I remember

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

There are some priceless pictures that used to be on my Dad's computer consisting of one of our smallest players making a perfect hit on a guy who was much larger, and the other player literally being knocked back off his feet. It was the same match that my photo up there is from and I was standing on the touchline (substituted off I believe) and I felt and heard the crunch of the other player hitting our centre. It was absolutely numbing. That dump tackle looks rather spectacularly painful; I'm assuming you got quite concussed from that one! The worst injury I ever got was a broken collar bone - twice in the space of eight weeks.

I'm getting excited for the World Cup now. I love watching it on TV. I might have to start playing again if I can find the time and a team.

[Ozzy Biz]

There are some priceless pictures that used to be on my Dad's computer consisting of one of our smallest players making a perfect hit on a guy who was much larger, and the other player literally being knocked back off his feet. It was the same match that my photo up there is from and I was standing on the touchline (substituted off I believe) and I felt and heard the crunch of the other player hitting our centre. It was absolutely numbing. That dump tackle looks rather spectacularly painful; I'm assuming you got quite concussed from that one! The worst injury I ever got was a broken collar bone - twice in the space of eight weeks.

I'm getting excited for the World Cup now. I love watching it on TV. I might have to start playing again if I can find the time and a team.

Actually don't remember the next 5 or so minutes after that tackle. They were filming the game and I get straight back up, supporting the play until we score the try off the next phase. What I do remember is trying to run off the field because I'm all over the shop. I tried to run along the 22 to the side, but I was seeing multiple lines because my vision went funny for a while. Then my equillibrium decided it would have a rest for a while and I started throwing up not ling after that. I had severe concussion with every problem associated with it (minus the strokes and long term stuff).

I took a year off rugby this year because I had to basically rebuild all the muscles in my shoulders as the ligaments and tendons across the front and top are stretched and don't hold my shoulder in all that well anymore. But next season I'm playing again; Colts grade for the Melbourne Rugby Club. Looking forward to it more than christmas for an 8 year old.

Hanging out for the Australian demolition of Japan in Lyon on Friday (Sat for us)

Cam

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I'll be trying to catch what I can of the RWC. I work on Wednesday evenings, Friday evenings and all of Saturday, so I'll probably catch most of it live; although Sunday's off as well because I've been asked to produce a band's EP. It's surprising how quick you can regain your shape. I've just finished a two week theatre course which involved a lot of choreography and I can already feel my old build starting to come back, that is, very muscly and broad. We ought to arrange a DWF Rugby Sevens tournament one year, that would be hilarious.

[katman]

Yes, tic-toc-tic-toc.... it is almost upon us.

I see Wilko is out for the first game, and possibly the second (against SA) as well. Ankle ligament damage in training. That's a bit of a blow. Who will replace him? Olly Barkley?

[Ozzy Biz]

Yes, tic-toc-tic-toc.... it is almost upon us.

I see Wilko is out for the first game, and possibly the second (against SA) as well. Ankle ligament damage in training. That's a bit of a blow. Who will replace him? Olly Barkley?

Hit the nail on the head there with Barkley. From what I remember O'Driscal is going to miss Ireland's first match too, as is Guy Shepardson for Australia.
Again, if anyone wants to do an online RWC dreamteam comp with me...
http://rwc2.sportal.virtualsports.com.au/
league no: 697402
It's a little easier than organising a DWF 7s comp.

[katman]

Although I'm quite keen, I simply don't have enough time for a fantasy league. And if you don't keep up with the tournament and make changes regularly, you fall off the pace very quickly. Have fun, though.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Yes, tic-toc-tic-toc.... it is almost upon us.

I see Wilko is out for the first game, and possibly the second (against SA) as well. Ankle ligament damage in training. That's a bit of a blow. Who will replace him? Olly Barkley?

Yep, Ollie is indeed replacing him. They showed on the news yesterday all of the injuries that Wilkinson's had since the last World Cup and I don't think there was a single part of his body that didn't have a little square around it to show where there had been one! Either way, Ollie is a very capable player and actually I prefer him in attack to Wilkinson, although Wilkinson in defence is something to be very weary of. The thing about Wilkinson is that he keeps the scoreboard ticking over; it's never static for more than a few minutes when he's on the pitch. He would score any penalty, drop-kick it etc and just keep the board moving, which is what England have lacked. He's a great player, just far too injury-prone.

We can do great without him though. We've got a good side of individuals, we just need to gel...

[nate]

france where awful....what a shock..

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

GO ARGENTINA!

Oh yes. That makes me happy.

Sorry you French people, seven-hundred year rivalry and all.

[Ozzy Biz]

Woo! Argentina 17 France 12
I got up at 4:30 this morning to watch the game.

Very scrappy rugby; lots of handling errors. Certainly not the best way to start a Wolrd Cup.

I'm just hanging out for 11pm tonight (or 3.45pm in Lyon) when Australia plays Japan. Berrick Barnes is making his test debut, and I think they want to have the game well and truly sealed by the time he gets on.

I may just watch the NZ vs Italy game too...

I love the RWC.

[Ozzy Biz]

Australia 91
Tries: Elsom 3, Mitchell 2, Latham 2, Barnes 2, Sharpe, Ashley-Cooper, Latham, Smith, Freier
Conversions: Mortlock 9/12, Giteau 2/2
Penalties: Mortlock 2/2

Japan 3
Penalties: Ono 1/1

New Zealand 76
Tries: Howlett 3, McCaw 2, Sivivatu 2, Collins 2, Muliaina, Jack
Con: Carter 7, McAlister 2
Pen: Carter

Italy 14
Tries: Stanjevic, Bergamasco
Con: Bortolussi, de Marigny con

Great night of rugby. We didn't play that well; I was hoping for a 100+ point victory, but such is life. Berrick Barnes scored a try in his test debut at the world cup and Rocky Elsom got 3.
Goodnight

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Yeah... England 28

USA 10

Terrible. Terrible.

[jonescrusher]

Haha. England suck.


...

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Haha. England suck.


...

Ergh. No comment. If we learned to LOOK where we passed, we could've actually had a better result. First lesson of Rugby. LOOK when you pass.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Yeah... England 28

USA 10

Terrible. Terrible.

HOW does that happen?! England better shape up!

[jonescrusher]

Well the ENglish cricket and football teams both had great matches, it just wouldn't be very english if all our teams did well on the same day.

I'm sure everything will click into place come the South Africa match. Just like it never did for England at last year's World Cup.

[Ozzy Biz]

Yeah... England 28

USA 10

Terrible. Terrible.

Wow. A team paying $5000 to win the cup lost to a team paying $34 (according to the TAB Sportsbet numbers I looked at the other day) by a margin of 18 points. That is disgraceful.

I know who's coming out on top of Pool A. I'd say Jack White and the Springboks are quite happy with themselves and their next four matches at the moment.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I think England will shape up. It's just lucky that they had their first match against a team that weren't going to win. As for Wales...

[Ozzy Biz]

It's half time with the 'Boks up 21 to 7 against Samoa
Talk about a physical game, I haven't see hits this big in a while. Just wow.
Samoa is playing really good, if a bit undisciplined, rugby. I'm not sure how long it will last however.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Shame. I was enjoying this match and now it's turned into a SA rampage. It was really good and I genuinely thought that Samoa had a chance of winning it right up until ten minutes into the second half. I'm really starting to miss Rugby. I'm going to have to start playing again.

[rendezvous_drummer]

On a side note, France lost, Ireland plays Namimbia. I'm sure the Morale of the French is damaged a bit so that's some good news fer Ireland, but I still don't take the French lightly. I'm going to say Ireland and France comes out of their group.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I'm not so sure. I'd like to see Argentina go through, but it's going to be the group to watch. Assuming England lose against South Africa and Australia do their bit in Group B, then England will play Australia in the Quarter-Finals. It's going to get interesting if that's the case. I'm hoping either Australia lose one of their matches (unlikely) or England beat South Africa (possible, but at this stage, unlikely). Curiouser and curiouser...

Come on Namibia. Giving the Irish a spanking! Ireland 27 Namibia 17.

[Ozzy Biz]

What's happening to the Eurpean teams?!
Ireland 27 Namibia 17
England 28 USA 10
France 12 Argentina 17
Wales 42 Canada 17
Scotland 56 Portugal 10

Ok, so all but France won, and France lost against a Pumas side who played very well. However, there is ow a very real chance thatFrance could be the first host nation to be eliminated at the end of the pool matches in world cup history.
Wales' win is at least slightly respectable, even though they were down 17-9 until they took their 'resting' best players off the bench.
Ireland fell to pieces after a great start and barely survived to tell the tale. And that is with Brian O'Driscoll back in the side.
As for England, where do I start?.... Although at least they had a better margain than Ireland.

Scotland, on the other hand, looks a lot more promising than I first imagined. Wales fits into this same catergory for me, even after their "don't worry, our B-Team can beat them easily" debarcle that could have ended in tears (not mine, of course).

I'm hoping Ireland will get their act together and not lose any pool matches and come out of the pool matches with prefferably agrentina.Hopefully England makes it out of their pool and face Australia in the first quarter final. New Zealand to face Argentina in their first quarter. Ireland to face Scotland in their quarter final. South Africa to face Wales.

Of that, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland progress. Australia plays NZ and (hopefully) comes out on top. South Africa plays Ireland and RSA (though I'd prefer Ireland) come out on top. Australia vs. RSA final*. You heard it here first

*knowing my luck, this will not be the case and it will be RSA vs NZ. Either way, a great match.

[katman]

Ozzy, your permutations sound just about right. Except I'm not 100% convinced the Aussies will take the AB's in the semis. It will be a huge game though. I'm kind of hoping for/expecting a NZ - SA final. But a lot can happen before then.

Our game against England on Friday is BIG. I don't think the Boks are underestimating this English side at all. They might have stuttered a bit against the USA but they're quality and they have depth. Olly Barkly looked the part too. And well done to him for getting up after that disgusting spear tackle.

Speaking of terrible tackles - did anyone see Brian Lima's late shoulder charge on Andre Pretorius? He's been getting away with it for almost 2 decades now and everyone just seems to accept it as his "chiropractor" trademark. He should have been yellow or red carded. And he probably would have if he hadn't concussed himself in the process and gone off.

Predictions for top-try scorer of the tournament? I'd say it will be between Howlett and Habana. Three of Habanas four tries were completely self-crafted with unreal stepping and speed. I guess he will be a marked man in the big games.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Ozzy, your permutations sound just about right. Except I'm not 100% convinced the Aussies will take the AB's in the semis. It will be a huge game though. I'm kind of hoping for/expecting a NZ - SA final. But a lot can happen before then.

Our game against England on Friday is BIG. I don't think the Boks are underestimating this English side at all. They might have stuttered a bit against the USA but they're quality and they have depth. Olly Barkly looked the part too. And well done to him for getting up after that disgusting spear tackle.

Speaking of terrible tackles - did anyone see Brian Lima's late shoulder charge on Andre Pretorius? He's been getting away with it for almost 2 decades now and everyone just seems to accept it as his "chiropractor" trademark. He should have been yellow or red carded. And he probably would have if he hadn't concussed himself in the process and gone off.

Predictions for top-try scorer of the tournament? I'd say it will be between Howlett and Habana. Three of Habanas four tries were completely self-crafted with unreal stepping and speed. I guess he will be a marked man in the big games.

Brian Lima's tackles are somewhat illegal, and they should really be clamped down on pending an investigation. They are a spectacle (and to be honest, I like watching those sort of tackles just for the fun) but they are dangerous and having been on the receiving end of many, many illegal tackles I can vouch for how painful they can be.

As for that tackle on Barkley. Wow. That was a serious serious tackle. The player should have been instantly sent off for that one as far as I'm concerned, it was highly dangerous. Watching the replay, it actually resembled a wrestling souplex and I'm surprised that Olly Barkley got up from that one as quickly as he did. Absolutely disgusting and (although fun to watch) there should be much harsher treatment of any such offenders in the future. At grass roots level over here, illegal tackles are generally dealt with very well. I was sent off on at least two occasions for illegal tackles and once for charging down a maul (I ran in from about thirty yards). This sort of enforcement is to be encouraged at ALL levels of Rugby. International right down to the lowest grass roots level.

England are a good team all told. It really is a case of actually just getting rid of the handling errors and inducing some self-belief. There's nothing inherently 'wrong' with our game and our players are really very good. It's just knock-forwards and occasional lapses of concentration that are all mental aspects of the game. Perhaps some creativity would be appreciated in the backs as well; that made the difference last time around. England had already peaked well before the last World Cup and were actually in their poorest form for months when we won it, and there was no sense of creative play in the backs. They brought in Mike Catt (who can't kick at all really) and he set up some great runs and some very clever ideas against serious opposition. We need more players like that and players like Martin Johnson who can actually impose some self-belief. When we have that sorted out, there is actually a realistic chance of us doing very well this time around.

[Ozzy Biz]

Ozzy, your permutations sound just about right. Except I'm not 100% convinced the Aussies will take the AB's in the semis. It will be a huge game though. I'm kind of hoping for/expecting a NZ - SA final. But a lot can happen before then.

Our game against England on Friday is BIG. I don't think the Boks are underestimating this English side at all. They might have stuttered a bit against the USA but they're quality and they have depth. Olly Barkly looked the part too. And well done to him for getting up after that disgusting spear tackle.

Speaking of terrible tackles - did anyone see Brian Lima's late shoulder charge on Andre Pretorius? He's been getting away with it for almost 2 decades now and everyone just seems to accept it as his "chiropractor" trademark. He should have been yellow or red carded. And he probably would have if he hadn't concussed himself in the process and gone off.

Predictions for top-try scorer of the tournament? I'd say it will be between Howlett and Habana. Three of Habanas four tries were completely self-crafted with unreal stepping and speed. I guess he will be a marked man in the big games.

Hey,I said that was what i was hoping for, not that it was guaranteed.

As for Lima, yeah, I saw that! Wowsers, I would not want to be on the receiving end of one of those. Actually, for that matter, I also would not want to be in between the Samoan #8 and the try line. Did you see the hit up where Schalk Burger and your #8 tackled him simultaneously & standing next to each other? Wow, that was huge. He would have got through had your 8 not managed to get a hold of one of his legs after he had been bounced off from the tackle. To bump Burger and another man of his size, stature and quality is no mean feat, even by Lomu standards (dare I say. He could probably do it, but it still would not be easy)

BIIIIIIIG hitting game, that one. I loved every minute...

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Watching the first half of the Samoan match was the most fun I've had watching Rugby in a long time. Hits like that are just entertaining.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Disgusted with the result with Ireland, should not have conceded 17 points and should've scored a hell of a lot more than 32. Hopefully they'll get it going in the next few matches. I'm surprised Canada was able to score 17 points! Good for them, hopefully it'll boost their morale to help them beat Fiji. LET'S GO CANADA AND IRELAND!

[katman]

Actually, for that matter, I also would not want to be in between the Samoan #8 and the try line. Did you see the hit up where Schalk Burger and your #8 tackled him simultaneously & standing next to each other? Wow, that was huge. He would have got through had your 8 not managed to get a hold of one of his legs after he had been bounced off from the tackle. To bump Burger and another man of his size, stature and quality is no mean feat, even by Lomu standards (dare I say. He could probably do it, but it still would not be easy)

That no. 8 is an absolute monster. And so is their 120kg wing. Can't believe the thighs on that guy. Unfortunately Jean de Villiers is out of the World Cup - torn bicep muscle. That's heartbreaking for him as he missed out in 2003 due to a last minute injury too. But given the physicality of the game, we're probably lucky that he was the only serious casualty.

Can't wait for the England game on Friday. That's almost like a knock out game in the middle of the pool stages. So much will depend on the result.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Really whoever wins that game won't play Australia in the Quarters if all goes as expected. A lot to play for; the best team will win.

[katman]

So Schalk Burger gets cited for a clumsy tackle in the air - which was dealt with in the game and penalised - and banned for 4 matches, and Brian "The Chiropractor" Lima gets off scot-free - not a warning, yellow card or citing - for his no-arms, late and high tackle on Andre Pretorius. I smell a huge dumpster of rats with this IRB and its citing policy. Call me paranoid, but someone is trying a little too hard to "make an example" of Burger. Some people would appear to be trying to spoil SA's chances of making the final.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

So Schalk Burger gets cited for a clumsy tackle in the air - which was dealt with in the game and penalised - and banned for 4 matches, and Brian "The Chiropractor" Lima gets off scot-free - not a warning, yellow card or citing - for his no-arms, late and high tackle on Andre Pretorius. I smell a huge dumpster of rats with this IRB and its citing policy. Call me paranoid, but someone is trying a little too hard to "make an example" of Burger. Some people would appear to be trying to spoil SA's chances of making the final.

I'm not sure that's the case, but you have got a point. There is a double-standard at work.

[jonescrusher]

Sorry, I know this is totally off-topic, but thought i'd pick your brains; was looking at the twenty20 cup fixtures and saw with some surprise that the final is scheduled for 2pm on a monday afternoon. Is it a public holiday in S.A. on that day?

[Ozzy Biz]

This just in, Schalk Burger has had his suspension halved from four to two games. I'm guessing you're happy with this decision, Katman. It's certainly good for the 'Boks.

[katman]

You know what, Ozzy, I'm not happy. The appeal board admitted that the original judges had made a mistake in assessing that Burger had gone for the player and that he had in fact attempted to play the ball. And on the strength of this they halved his sentence. But if they agree that he went for the ball, then he should have been exonerated completely. Penalty for the clumsiness but no more. Which is how the referee and the touch judge saw it. There is little difference between missing 4 games and missing 2 games - the England game is probably the biggest game till the finals, should we get that far. And he's out for that one. So he's back to face the USA and, possibly, Wales in the QF. Big deal.

[Ozzy Biz]

You know what, Ozzy, I'm not happy. The appeal board admitted that the original judges had made a mistake in assessing that Burger had gone for the player and that he had in fact attempted to play the ball. And on the strength of this they halved his sentence. But if they agree that he went for the ball, then he should have been exonerated completely. Penalty for the clumsiness but no more. Which is how the referee and the touch judge saw it. There is little difference between missing 4 games and missing 2 games - the England game is probably the biggest game till the finals, should we get that far. And he's out for that one. So he's back to face the USA and, possibly, Wales in the QF. Big deal.

It's still better than the original 4 games though...

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

England were terrible.

That's all I've got to say about that.

[Ozzy Biz]

England were terrible.

That's all I've got to say about that.

I concur. 36-0 from a team that will most likely still make the quarters is quite terrible.

I'm looking forward to the two games tonight; NZ vs. Portugal followed by Australia vs. Wales.
This is our big must-win pool match, and after Wales losing 11 of it's last 15 tests, I'm quietly confident.

[Ozzy Biz]

Australia 32 Wales 20.

A "satisfactory" game according to Wallabies coach John Conolly. I agree. We should have won by >20 points.

Berrick Barnes started at flyhalf due to Steve larkham having a knee knock the other day; and the young fella played extremely well for his 2nd test cap.

I also watched the first half of the NZ B squad vs Protugal, and that was ridiculous. I hate Un-Zed so much..... yet I can't deny how good they are. All we can do is hope that they choke once again...

[rendezvous_drummer]

What the hell is going on? Ireland 14- Georgia 10 ????!!!!!!!

[Ozzy Biz]

It seems things generally aren't looking good for the northern hemisphere teams...

[katman]

He he he - 36-0. And then we did the double over England yesterday in the twenty20 cricket. Maust say, that was on of the best Bok performances I've seen in years coupled with one of the most lacklustre England perrformances. Fourie du Preez and Butch James were outstanding. And I don't think the Andy Farrell experiment worked at all. Ditto for Catt at flyhalf. So our next game against Tonga is a top-of-the-pool clash.

And I agree, Ozzy. Barnes had a great game in Larkham's absence. Bit of a scrappy game at times, but still very entertaining.

The game I'm really looking forward to is Ireland vs Argentina - think it's one of the last games in the pool stages. That result will determine whether France or Argentina top their pool (and most likely face us in the semis, if we get past Wales in the quarters).

[katman]

Just got my first look at the new England kit. Nice.

[Ozzy Biz]

Updates:
Argentina 63 - Namibia 3
France 25 - Ireland 3
Australia 55 - Fiji 12
RSA 30 - Tonga 25
NZ 40 - Scotland 0
England 44 - Samoa 22

I think thats all the (main) games of late.

Brian Lima was cited for a dangerous tackle on Johnny Wilkonson
Steve Larkham may make a return from knee surgery to play against Canada

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Having watched most of Australia against Fiji yesterday, I can definitely see that Australia ought to win this tournament if all their cylinders fire. When they weren't dropping the ball, it was beautiful flowing Rugby, quick recycling of the ball and creative back play, with a solid defence.

Yes, I'm betting on Australia to win the World Cup.

[nate]

Having watched most of Australia against Fiji yesterday, I can definitely see that Australia ought to win this tournament if all their cylinders fire. When they weren't dropping the ball, it was beautiful flowing Rugby, quick recycling of the ball and creative back play, with a solid defence.

Yes, I'm betting on Australia to win the World Cup.


really? please don't say that, it scares me, cause you might be right. My money will always be with the AB's, i don't think they played that well in the scotland game, they didn't finish 4 tries, and they dropped the ball loads, knocked it on, AND i'm worried that they haven't had any proper games in the pool games...

lots to worry about, but i do think they are the best side there......but that may not mean they'll win it.

if oz win again....sheesh, not 3 times...

SA looked a little rubbish the other day, the french are getting better and as you say oz are looking good, still anyones cup me thinks...

...but NZ should take it....will NZ play france in the quarters? that game will be huge....

[Ozzy Biz]

really? please don't say that, it scares me, cause you might be right. My money will always be with the AB's, i don't think they played that well in the scotland game, they didn't finish 4 tries, and they dropped the ball loads, knocked it on, AND i'm worried that they haven't had any proper games in the pool games...

lots to worry about, but i do think they are the best side there......but that may not mean they'll win it.

if oz win again....sheesh, not 3 times...

SA looked a little rubbish the other day, the french are getting better and as you say oz are looking good, still anyones cup me thinks...

...but NZ should take it....will NZ play france in the quarters? that game will be huge....

The All Blacks are often the best team coming into the cup, and we all know the reults.

I will shave my head if we win again. Wow, that would be a good night I would have....

One of the great things about the RWC is that almost any of the top-tier teams can win (unlike the local Australian Football League, where Geelong has been more of a dominant force than the ABs comparitively, and my money is on them winning comfortably in next Saturdays Grand Final)

[katman]

Another South African citing (Francois Steyn) that turned out to be bullsh*t. Tongan management said their hand was forced into laying the bogus complaint. Suddenly the conspiracy theories about disrupting our World Cup don't seem so far-fetched anymore. Clearly different sets of rules for different teams. Carl Hayman's two clear punches in the Italy game? Ah, that's really nothing. Drew Mitchel's spear tackle? Rugby's not tiddlywinks. Gareth Thomas's late shoulder charge? He's just an uncompromising character, is all. Aussie hooker Moore's late, off-the-ball shoulder charge on Wales' Shane Williams? Boys will be boys, eh? Brian Lima's disgusting late, high, no-arms tackle on Andre Pretorius? That's just the old chiropractor doing his thing - not even a warning. But when he commits a simliar offence on Johnny Be God, he gets cited and banned for 3 games. Call me cynical, but I smell a big old stinking rat.

[Ozzy Biz]

Another South African citing (Francois Steyn) that turned out to be bullsh*t. Tongan management said their hand was forced into laying the bogus complaint. Suddenly the conspiracy theories about disrupting our World Cup don't seem so far-fetched anymore. Clearly different sets of rules for different teams. Carl Hayman's two clear punches in the Italy game? Ah, that's really nothing. Drew Mitchel's spear tackle? Rugby's not tiddlywinks. Gareth Thomas's late shoulder charge? He's just an uncompromising character, is all. Aussie hooker Moore's late, off-the-ball shoulder charge on Wales' Shane Williams? Boys will be boys, eh? Brian Lima's disgusting late, high, no-arms tackle on Andre Pretorius? That's just the old chiropractor doing his thing - not even a warning. But when he commits a simliar offence on Johnny Be God, he gets cited and banned for 3 games. Call me cynical, but I smell a big old stinking rat.

Yeah, I have to agree with you. Consistancy doesn't seem the be the IRB's highest concern, let alone even in their vocabulary.

[jonescrusher]

Wales just cost me a lot of money. Not happy.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Wales just cost me a lot of money. Not happy.

Ouch Jones.

But what a match!

[NUTHA JASON]

absolutely agree. i would rank it in my top 10 games i ever watched. so good that i'm watching it again on itv4 right now before my gig. nail biting to the end. this is all good for the saffas of course.

j

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

absolutely agree. i would rank it in my top 10 games i ever watched. so good that i'm watching it again on itv4 right now before my gig. nail biting to the end. this is all good for the saffas of course.

j

I have the video of the famous 1973 Baa Baa's VS. All Black match, and the Wales - Fiji match was every bit as exciting. That's really saying something.

[NUTHA JASON]

i never saw that one but i was at all the ellis park games in the 1995 world cup (i wasselling programmes) and that fiji game was comparable with the south african / all balcks final.

usa are on the south african slab tonight. pity i'm playing bang in the middle of the game. fortunately i know there is a telly in my line of site so i can keep an eye on the match from my kit.

j

[Ozzy Biz]

I've been away for the weekend, got some catching up to do. (As for that Geelong AFL victory I mentioned, they won by over 100 points...)

Yeah... go Fiji. The Boks will be quietly happy with that result too, I dare say.

RSA 64 - USA 15
Argentina 30 - Ireland 15
NZ 85 - Romania 8
France 64 - Georgia 7

Ireland and Wales prematurely eliminated before the quarters.

Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins now needs a new job, while Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan will stay for the remainder of his contract.

Sione Lauaki has been cited for an alleged dangerous tackle during the Pool C victory over Romania in Toulouse

Wallabies powerhouse umber 8 David Lyons' world cup campaign is over, after fracturing his fibula against canada.

The wallabies 'second string' side have, according to the statisticians, played the first game of any rugby union side with a perfect 100% efficiency in their tackling; not a single missed tackle. If anyone saw that game it was pretty scrappy at best, but the tackling was great. Hugh McMenniman is certainly a force to be reckoned with.

So next weeks games for the quarters are:

Australia vs. England
New Zealand vs. France
South Africa vs. Fiji
Argentina vs. Scotland

If I was a betitng man (or really, if I could afford to wager money while at uni), I'd be betting on an entirely Southern Hemisphere Semi Final. Although just quietly, i'd love for France to get up over the All Black juggernaught. It feels like the outcome of the RSA/Fiji and Pumas/Scots games are already set in stone, and I certainly would not be putting any money on england.

[katman]

I agree, it looks like all-south semis. But I wouldn't write the French off just yet. The AB's have looked spectacular so far, but their sternest test was probably Scotland (who have just dropped to 11th in the IRB rankings). France must be battle-hardened after qualifying from the pool of death. And to be honest, since losing to the Pumas in the opening game, they have looked stronger and stronger. The AB's must still be firm favourites, but France are certainly worth a little flutter at the bookies.

I missed the Fiji Wales game and it sounds like I missed a cracker. Not sure our guys would prefer to play Fiji in the quarters. After playing both Tonga and Samoa in the pool games, they know just how much a game against the islanders takes out of you. And hurts.

If Luaki was cited for going in with a swinging arm on his opponent's head (that's the only Luaki incident I saw) then he deserves it. That was almost a sucker-punch. Has anything been said about citing the Georgian player who spear tackled the French flanker (Remy Martin, I think it was)? That was a disgusting tackle.

[Ozzy Biz]

Morgan Turinui gets the call up to the Wallabies squad after David Lyons early exit from the team.

Haven't heard any more about the citings from the weekends game.

Man, I am getting pumped for the All Blacks versus Le Bleus. Go France!

[Darren675]

settle the score?

more like embarass them i'd say, there a mere shadow of the team they were four years ago

[Ozzy Biz]

Ay, I agree that they're ot quite the juggernaut they were 4 years ago, but they still have a pretty handy scrum, some fast outside backs in Robinson and Sackey plus englands favourite son. We really have to keep the game in our attacking half to prevent Wilko having a big impact on the game.
Apparently after 4 years on injury he's a bit more cautious in his play, standing a couple of metres back from where he used to and getting rid of the ball a little earlier. I read in The Australian (Aussie paper) today that the Wallabies coaches are pretty keen on shutting JW down.

I'm just hanging out for Drew Mitchell to score to more tries and break Jonah Lomu's record of most tries in a single Wolrd Cup.

Also have to remember that at least England made it to the quarters, unlike Wales and Ireland....

[katman]

How many has Mitchell got? Six or seven?

Howlett must be up there somewhere too. And I think Habana has six now as well. Kind of reassuring that the top scorers are all wings. Means that the top teams fancy some open, running rugby. Although I see it becoming a lot tighter and more structured as the big guns start facing each other. No more of this sevens style game.

Australia should have too much in the tank for England. Amazing what the retirement of a few key players and the appointment of a mediocre coach can do to a team. They were dire against us, but should have a little more structure with Wilko in charge. A player like Sackey has to be shut down very quickly as he has so much pace and steps really well. I predict 32-16 to Oz.

France v NZ should be good too. Since their ballsup against Argentina, France have looked better and better in each game. NZ should still take it fairly comfortably, but can't allow themselves to become complacent. We all know what happened in '99. The French must be kicking themselves for allowing this QF to take place in Wales. But that's what happens when you prostitute yourself for World Cup votes.

Sorry for Scotland, but the way they've been playing the last year or so, Argentina are probably going to walk all over them. They might be playing a conservative brand of rugby, but the Pumas have been very clinical and effective in every game so far. I'm a little uneasy about a potential semi final against them. Particularly since we now seem to have lost all our tighthead props to knee injuries.

And that leaves just Sa v Fiji. Should be bruising, but I can't imagine the islanders posing a huge threat if we manage to keep it tight and tidy.

And that concludes my QF round-up. :)

[Ozzy Biz]

... and now on to the weather

[Ozzy Biz]

Some updates ahead of the weekends games...

France announce they will play a kicking based game against NZ. Dan Carter responds saying "When you kick you have to kick for a reason" in regards to that style of play, and that "I will be looking to step up to another level this weekend,"
This will definitely be the biggest match of the quarters.

Andy Farrell ruled out of the England vs. Australia match with a strained right calf muscle, while Australian centre Stirling Mortlock comes back into the squad after recovering from an injured shoulder.

NEW Zealand reserve No.8 Sione Lauaki has had his two-week ban overturned after a Rugby World Cup appeal committee ruled his tackle in a pool match last weekend was not dangerous.

ENGLAND five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson has praised Australia counterpart Berrick Barnes, labelling him "incredible"

Johnny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson will play together for a unsuccessful English team on October 6.

ex-Wallabie and king of the goose-step David Campese analysed the games of all teams playing in the quarters and said this about Scotland "I can't work out what the Scots are trying to do when they get their hands on the ball. I get the impression they have no idea either."
I think it's a fair call.

AUSTRALIA Rugby Union boss John O'Neill could be dragged before the game's world governing body over his banter about hating the English.
According to high-placed insiders, "a couple of members of the public" have written to the IRB saying they considered the O'Neill comments offensive and inappropriate. Several RFU officials were also "not too happy".
O'Neill refused to back down. "I stand by what I said," he replied. "Whether it's cricket, rugby league or rugby union, we do all hate England. All I'm doing is stating the bleeding obvious."
Fair call I think.

In about 60 or so hours the World Cup will be entirely of southern hemisphere teams.

[jonescrusher]

What a delightful slice of Australasian arrogance :D

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

What a delightful slice of Australasian arrogance :D

True, but unfortunately they have reason to believe that. They really do...

[nate]

maybe...i'm real nervous about the french game....can't wait to watch it.....

they (the french) might just do it y'know....

[jonescrusher]

How do the words taste Ozzy? lol, classic moments. Absolutely classic.

[Ozzy Biz]

I gotta hand it to them, the English really stepped up, to levels I thought unreachable for them. The scrummaging and rucking was world-class, and they really made us play their style of game. Johny Wilkinson's kicking game was one he will probably like to forget, but the same goes for Stirling Mortlock, so I'd say that just about cancels out. I think they missed roughly the same amount of set kicks.
A farewell to George Gregan and Stephen Larkham, the history's greatest and longest enduring halfs combination, with a combined 240 (I think) international test caps.

Final score - Aus 10 - England 12

I'm going to bed now and getting up in 4 hours to watch the NZ vs France game. Up until about 15 minutes ago I was hoping France would take it out, but now I really want NZ to step up and tear the French apart. Use it as a warm-up game for a semi-finals onslught that I hope can beak records as well as white-jumpered bones. As for the other side of the finals; I'm hoping the Suthers don't do to much physical damage to the Fijians (as they're such nice people), then beat the Pumas in the semi as a warm-up game for the final. I'm not really sure who I want to win. I like the Boks but I think the All Blacks will probably go the whole way and win the cup for the first time since the innaugral '87 cup. realisitically, I think they deserve it too.

Good night. And John O'Neil is most certainly right; Australians really do hate the English.

[nate]

I gotta hand it to them, the English really stepped up, to levels I thought unreachable for them. The scrummaging and rucking was world-class, and they really made us play their style of game. Johny Wilkinson's kicking game was one he will probably like to forget, but the same goes for Stirling Mortlock, so I'd say that just about cancels out. I think they missed roughly the same amount of set kicks.
A farewell to George Gregan and Stephen Larkham, the history's greatest and longest enduring halfs combination, with a combined 240 (I think) international test caps.

Final score - Aus 10 - England 12


gracious in defeat, well said, great game of rugby and congrats to the english....who haven't played better all world cup......

if we get past the french, we'll deal with them, ozzy.....(i hope)

[jonescrusher]

In about 60 or so hours the World Cup will be entirely of southern hemisphere teams.


It's been a great day.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

This feels good. Just finished my gig and got home to the news that England won. Watching the DVD recording now.

This feels really good... A perfect evening.

[Ozzy Biz]

Did anyone watch the France vs New Zealand game? Wow. That's my world cup highlight so far. We now have three of the four teams I thought (before the cup started) were in the running to win removed from the comp (these being Ireland, Australia, and NZ). Wales' early elimination was also a suprise.

France 20 - New Zealand 18

I can't remember ever seeing defense that good. NZ had 72% possession and something like 70% time in their attacking half. They played brilliantly, stringing together up to 30 phase pick and drive sections of play. And the french held on. The coach should be congratulated for his choice of starting and bench players, because it worked a treat. Bringing on Chabal and Michalak with about 20 minutes to go really helped put the French on top.
A credit to the All Blacks, they did practically everything right and tried many different styles of play. Corner kicks to wingers ala Rugby League style, multiple-phase pick and drives, amazing line-outs and scrummaging (100% of their set-pieces they won), but the French held on and managed to capatalise on most of the opportunities given to them.

I honestly cannot see the English being able to stop the French if they play like they did last night/this morning. Right about now I'd say Jack White and the boys from the Boks camp might be doing a hell of a lot of analysis of that game trying to find something in the French game they can exploit.

My southern hemisphere semi final prediction turned out to be way out, but this was a feeling not only held by myself but a lot of the media; both Australian and international. We should now be left with England/France vs RSA/Argentina for the final. Although I'm not making any certain claims about who will win in todays/tomorrows games, I highly doubt that Fiji or Scotland can progress. England were a long shot to win, but they stepped up and we slumped to standards I have't seen since the dark days of 2005. Obviously the better team on the day. However I just can't see Fiji or the Scots progressing.

I'm now supporting the French. I was blown away by their performance, and you can't not like Ellissalde, Chabal, and Michalak. Go Les Bleaus!

[nate]

Did anyone watch the France vs New Zealand game?

yes.

oh dear, oh dear. i said i was worried.

this hurts.

we'll played to the french...

[Ozzy Biz]

Well done to the Fijians who held the Suthers to the wire the whole game. It was 20 each at about 60 minutes, then the Fijians dropped the ball on the line twice. These could have potentially been game winning tries. The experience of South Africa helped them pull away at the end, finishing 37 - 20.
The Fijians truly have been one of the greatest stories from this world cup, even without the players poached from them. Can you imagine them having Rocokoco, Sivivatu and Tuquiri as outside backs!

Argentina have made their way into the World Cup semis for the first time in history after a shaky 19 - 13 win over Scotland.

NZ coach Graham Henry's future with the ABs looks a little bleak, after their largest cup-campaign expendature resulted in NZ's worst world cup results; their first elimination at quarter final stage.

[katman]

Wow! What a weekend.

Firstly, the Aussies and Kiwis have my sympathy. I would have backed either team to make the finals and by their pre-world cup form they should have. But it just goes to show that this kind of knock-out tournament is a monster of a different kind.

But the French were awesome and thoroughly deserved their win. I think they made about 4 times as many tackles as the AB's, which is just crazy. And Michalak's introduction was perfectly timed. Together with Hernandez of Argentina, he must be one of the most creative footballers in rugby today.

And lots of credit to the English pack, and particularly the tight 5. I don't think Dunning, Baxter and Sheperdson would want to remember this game. The way they secured their set piece ball and disrupted the Oz scrum reminded me of the England team of 2003.

Our guys had a huge scare against a very fired up Fiji. And my god, those guys are physical. Every time a ball is turned over or charged down (and the defense is scrambled) you just know there's trouble. Their attacking from broken play is right up there with the All Blacks. If they can just sort out the set pieces and their discipline, they could become a major force.

And then the Pumas almost blew it against a tough looking Scotland. Pichot and Hernandez were the difference, in my opinion. Probably the best 9-10 combination on show at the World Cup. The Scots were good, but tried too much individually. If the Lamont brothers had managed to link up with support more often, the game could have turned out different.

Roll on the semis. I've learnt my lesson this weekend. No predictions.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

...

I'm stunned.

We all know why.

[jonescrusher]

Ha! Too good. Next stop Argentina ;)

[Ozzy Biz]

...

I'm stunned.

We all know why.

Well done to the English. I'm dissapointed to see the French out, but more dissapointed because the English are in the final. Not just because I'm Australian, but because I don't like watching their style of game as much as the French. It's not something they can change really, they have a massive forward pack and tend to do rather well at scrum time. I just find that syle of play not as exciting as the expansive risk-taking play of NZ, Australia and the island nations'.

[Ozzy Biz]

Ha! Too good. Next stop Argentina ;)


God, imagine if Argentina get out on top of the Springboks. That would mean the top 5 ranked teams have been eliminated before the final, as well as two other top tier teams in Scotland and Wales. sheesh....

The other thing to remember is that this will kind of throw the draw for the next cup out a fair bit. The reason RSA have a relatively easy side of the pool is their premature elimination in '03. What happens with NZ, Aus, Wales, Ireland and Scotland all out early? Another top tieer team there and you could have two "pools of death" on the same side of the draw. sheesh...

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I'm just feeling damn proud of the England team. It's not likely we'll win the final, but to go into this World Cup the way we did and then beat two of the best teams in the World one straight after the other, when we'd all but been written off pre-tournament really means something to me. Last time we underachieved during the World Cup (at least in terms of the style of play, if not results necessarily - we were practically unbeatable) and this time we've swallowed the bitter pill and got on with playing solid Rugby. I'm really proud of the way the boys are achieving and defying the odds. But I doubt we'll win the final.

[NUTHA JASON]

congrats england. bit of a slow game, a bit kicked to death, but i found the last quarter to be entertaining. i hope that tonight i can say that the saffas will be meeting the english next weekend.

round two...ding ding

j

[Ozzy Biz]

Just over 7 hours until kick off for the 3rd last game of the cup.
John Eales is backing the Pumas to win tonight. "I think the Latino dream will continue another couple of weeks," Eales said.
CJ van der Linde is back for the Boks.

I'm most definintely not making any predictions. I just hope its a good game to watch!

[drumbandit]

The France England game was immense, defensively an amazing game, and the 80 second try was heartstopping. Far too many box kicks I have to say from Andy Gomarsall but the first one outweighs the others.

Unlucky lads, the record of French defeats in world cup games against England remains.

I can see an Argentina England final....... find out tonight.

[NUTHA JASON]

my heros:

http://www.sporting-heroes.net/files_rugby/DU_RANDT_Os_19971129_GH_R.jpg

http://www.sporting-heroes.net/files_rugby/HABANA_Bryan_20061125_GH_L.jpg

http://www.sporting-heroes.net/files_rugby/MONTGOMERY_P_19991030_GH_R.jpg

[Ozzy Biz]

Bryan Habana is a magician. There's simply no other explanation. I reckon it took about 7 secods for him to run 70m when he took that intercept and made a dash for a try. Definitley my favourite winger playing international rugby at the moment. I sometimes feel sorry for JP Pieterson, because Habana makes him look so inferior comparatively. Habana also broke Jonah Lomu's record for tries in a single world cup. On that note, did anyone else notice Jonah Lomu in the crowd; he gave a big dorky smile and wave to the camera.

Burger played well, although typical loose-forward 'dirty behind play' style. Got a yellow in the end. Percy Montgomery played like he always seems to; very effectively. Not a bad kicking percentage if I do say so myself. Os Du Randt did well, especially considering he played in the 95 team...



RSA 37 - Argentina 13

[katman]

Bryan Habana is a magician. There's simply no other explanation. I reckon it took about 7 secods for him to run 70m when he took that intercept and made a dash for a try. Definitley my favourite winger playing international rugby at the moment. I sometimes feel sorry for JP Pieterson, because Habana makes him look so inferior comparatively. Habana also broke Jonah Lomu's record for tries in a single world cup. On that note, did anyone else notice Jonah Lomu in the crowd; he gave a big dorky smile and wave to the camera.

Burger played well, although typical loose-forward 'dirty behind play' style. Got a yellow in the end. Percy Montgomery played like he always seems to; very effectively. Not a bad kicking percentage if I do say so myself. Os Du Randt did well, especially considering he played in the 95 team...



RSA 37 - Argentina 13

Burger didn't get the yellow. Juan Smith did (for his high tackle). But Burger and Contemponi were having a little discussion after the fact, and Walsh warned Contemponi that he would be following Smith if he didn't keep his temper in check. And two minutes later he lashes out at Butch James - smacks him in the face right in front of the ref. Very silly.

I think the Boks played the perfect game in the situation. Didn't try and run all the long kicks back. Just sent the ball back into the Argies' half and ran it from closer positions. Also tackled very hard - often gang-tackling - and pouncing on the spilt ball. Try time.

I reckon the Argies were way too emotional. Right from the start when they were balling out their anthem. You need a clear head to win a World Cup semi and theirs were everything but clear. But well done to them. They were a revelation and deserve to be taken seriously going forward. Not just the odd tour to SA and Europe. Perhaps joining the Tri-Nations or Super14?

As for next week, I don't want to jinx it but I think we have England's number. It won't be another 36-0, but I have a feeling the cup is coming home.

Oh, and then Ernie clobbered Angel Cabrera to win the World Golf Matchplay Champs at Wentworth for a record 7th time. So that's Argentina 0, South Africa 2 this weekend.

[NUTHA JASON]

Os Du Randt did well, especially considering he played in the 95 team...


isn't he great.


Jacobus Petrus du Randt, better known as Os du Randt (born 8 September (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_8) 1972 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972) in Elliot,South Africa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa)), is a South African (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African) rugby union (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union) player who plays as a loosehead prop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union_positions#1._Loosehead_prop_.26_3._Tig hthead_prop) for the Springboks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_national_rugby_union_team), Central Cheetahs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Cheetahs) (Super 14 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_14)), and Free State Cheetahs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_State_Cheetahs) (Currie Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currie_Cup)). Du Randt played for the Cats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats_%28rugby_club%29) in Super 12, but moved to the new Central Cheetahs Super 14 franchise (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_sports_league_organization) after the Free State Cheetahs were moved from the Cats franchise area. He is one of the few remaining international-level players from the amateur era of the sport.
Os (his Afrikaans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrikaans_language) nickname meaning "Ox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ox)" due to his big, muscular build) made his first appearance for the Springboks in 1994 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994), and played on the 1995 World Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Rugby_Union_World_Cup) champions. Du Randt continued to be a key member of the Boks in the following years, and was named by Rugby World magazine as the second-best loosehead of all time in 1999 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999).
However, in 2000 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000), he suffered injuries that kept him out of rugby for nearly two years. He finally returned to play in 2002 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002), but initially struggled to regain his form. In 2004 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004), after an age-defying return to form in domestic play, du Randt was recalled to the Boks by new coach Jake White (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_White). He proved to be a key player in the Boks' 2004 renaissance, which saw them win the Tri Nations (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri_Nations_Series) and be named as the IRB (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Rugby_Board) World Team of the Year.
The 190 cm and 125 kg (6 ft 3 in, 275 lb) du Randt is the last member of the 1995 World Cup champions still playing professionally.


loved the game katman. i think we played strategically brilliantly in terms of solving the argentina maul, even though we didn't take as much intiative as the pumas. the third quarter of the game was a bit slow for us but it was an exciting finish. i think that many tries in a world cup semi final, particularly against a team as strong as the pumas are is something to be proud of.

this is the last year that the boks will be called the boks. a shame really. political bull. as for me, i will always call them the bokke and so will most other fans, to hell with the south african government.

j

[TitanSound]

Game on England v SA. Should be a good one!!!!!

[katman]

this is the last year that the boks will be called the boks. a shame really. political bull. as for me, i will always call them the bokke and so will most other fans, to hell with the south african government.


This hasn't been rubber-stamped yet. I'm hoping that sanity will prevail. No amount of twisted logic will convince me that the Bok name and emblem are an evil reminder of our dark past. And I can guarantee you that 99% of South Africans would agree, irrespective of colour. Most people have come to accept and even embrace the necessary transformation efforts in the game. But messing with the Springbok? Dis mos k*k soek.

[Ozzy Biz]

Burger didn't get the yellow. Juan Smith did (for his high tackle). But Burger and Contemponi were having a little discussion after the fact, and Walsh warned Contemponi that he would be following Smith if he didn't keep his temper in check. And two minutes later he lashes out at Butch James - smacks him in the face right in front of the ref. Very silly.

I think the Boks played the perfect game in the situation. Didn't try and run all the long kicks back. Just sent the ball back into the Argies' half and ran it from closer positions. Also tackled very hard - often gang-tackling - and pouncing on the spilt ball. Try time.

I reckon the Argies were way too emotional. Right from the start when they were balling out their anthem. You need a clear head to win a World Cup semi and theirs were everything but clear. But well done to them. They were a revelation and deserve to be taken seriously going forward. Not just the odd tour to SA and Europe. Perhaps joining the Tri-Nations or Super14?

As for next week, I don't want to jinx it but I think we have England's number. It won't be another 36-0, but I have a feeling the cup is coming home.

Oh, and then Ernie clobbered Angel Cabrera to win the World Golf Matchplay Champs at Wentworth for a record 7th time. So that's Argentina 0, South Africa 2 this weekend.

My bad, I just remember that Burger was involved in some way.

There has been talk in SANZAR of a Pacific Islands rep team and an Argentinian team join the tri-nations and some sort of inclusion into the super-14. Maybe making it 18 or 20 teams to accomadate this.

Just for the record, my money is on the Boks. I want them to win soooooo bad.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

To be honest, I'll say that it is most likely that the Boks will win. I'm saying this as an avid England fan and as a realist. It'll come down to the best team on the day, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the match.

Annoyingly, I've got a gig that night. As I also had this week. So I'll manage to miss the bloody match!

[NUTHA JASON]

i've also got a gig but mine starts at 11:30. its going to be a crazy weekend. friday go to excel and meet people, dinner with bernhard, drummerlive all saturday, dinner with my dad (flying in from south africa), THE GAME, set up and sound check, gig, rush home, snatch 4 hours sleep, back to excel for drummerlive, sunday night gig, monday morning early off to cornwall for three days.

j

[katman]

Looking forward to some more of this stuff on Saturday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k4s_lBThO0

[Ozzy Biz]

Looking forward to some more of this stuff on Saturday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k4s_lBThO0

At least give us a video where he's challenged a little bit, not just a walk in the park. Interceo tries are always good....

how about this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huL_AGEmisg)?!

[Ozzy Biz]

Remember those rule changes in the local Australian comp (The Mazda Australian Rugby Championship)?
Well, they've gone international. SANZAR has chosen to use the Stellenbosch Laws for next years Tri-Nations and Super-14 competitions, also declaring that any international teams playing in SA, NZ or Aus will also play under these rules. IRB referees boss Paddy O'Brien says the new rules 'produce a far better product' and are making rugby easier to follow.
The rules promote attacking and expansive rugby (as opposed to the English anti-rugby style), making the game faster and providing the backline with a little more room to work with. Also, most games at our national comp averaged around 100 more tackles than current international tests (about 250 instead of 150).

[nosuggestion]

“…English anti-rugby style…” Ozzy Biz.

Sir, I feel compelled to interject as your use of the above phase is nonsensical. It is a recognised truth, I think you will find, that if one wishes to know the correct way of doing anything, one only has to observe how an Englishman would go about the task. This is just one of the gifts that we English have, in our infinite modest and charity, selflessly bestowed upon all those misfortunate enough to be born without our shores. As I hardly think anyone with a right mind would wish to contend such an irrefutable fact, I hope you can now see the elementary error of your statement?

Also, I must say, from the tone of some of the posts in this thread, one might infer that England would not be the most popular champion throughout all of the free-thinking nations (South Africa graciously excepted). - Utterly Preposterous!

Next I suppose you will be saying that consistent, aggressive bowling directed to the line of the batsman’s body might somehow be ‘unsportsmanlike’!!

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Congratulations are due to South Africa, who proved to be the better team of the night.

[Ozzy Biz]

“…English anti-rugby style…” Ozzy Biz.

Sir, I feel compelled to interject as your use of the above phase is nonsensical. It is a recognised truth, I think you will find, that if one wishes to know the correct way of doing anything, one only has to observe how an Englishman would go about the task. This is just one of the gifts that we English have, in our infinite modest and charity, selflessly bestowed upon all those misfortunate enough to be born without our shores. As I hardly think anyone with a right mind would wish to contend such an irrefutable fact, I hope you can now see the elementary error of your statement?

Also, I must say, from the tone of some of the posts in this thread, one might infer that England would not be the most popular champion throughout all of the free-thinking nations (South Africa graciously excepted). - Utterly Preposterous!

Next I suppose you will be saying that consistent, aggressive bowling directed to the line of the batsman’s body might somehow be ‘unsportsmanlike’!!

Firstly, I am eternally thankful that I am "misfortunate enough to be born without our shores". Why would I rather live in the nation of (to quote Dennis Farina) "bad food, worse weather" than Australia? I don't know about you, but I'm sitting in my room, sun shining in the window, its about 30 degrees celcius outside doing some study for my exams at uni that are coming up. The only thing I'd like to change is that my exams were over. This "irrefutable fact" you speak of is a certain as the likelyhood of us losing The Ashes any time soon.

The some of you post seems to alie with the phrase "don't hat the player, hate the game". Well, I'm not hating either. But to deny that the world cup from the semis onwards became boring rugby to watch (even though this has been the most profitable cup with $200 million in profit and an average crowd for EVERY game of 37000) is just silly. I watched every game from the quarters onwards and about most of the televised pool matches. Without a doubt, the most exciting games to watch involved Tonga, Fiji and Samoa, plus the France vs NZ match. Why? Because they don't play boring ten-man rugby with 20 phases of pick-and-drive slow-ball followed by a drop goal or penalty kick for goal. When a teams score is divisable by three, if often is lacking in excitement so say the least.

The use of the term "anti-rugby" has been around for a few years now. It is not strictly to do with the English, but rather the style of game they are currently playing. Now, this isn't an attack on the English; they've done quite spectacularly this world cup with a team that was predicted to scrape into the semis and then bow out. England did exactly what they had to do to get as far as they did. I salute Brian Ashton for working to the English strengths (a monster scrum and great counter rucking with JW at fly) as well as they did.
However the fact of the matter was that it is boring rugby to watch. "Anti-rugby" is the non-expansive style which is essentially the game style that Argentina, South Africa, France, and England all use. England seems to be the most extreme of these cases, as Les Bleaus, the Pumas and the Boks all had exciting backline moves (including an Australian move that south africa used; thanks eddie!).

Again, well done the South Africa. Allez Les Boks!

[jonescrusher]

Ah, roll on the Ashes!!

[katman]

What a weekend that was. And to think all but two or three of this squad will be around for the next World Cup. Now the Lions just need to clinch the Currie Cup on Saturday and my rugby year will be complete.

[nosuggestion]

Congratulations to the Bokke. The right result without question, although still proud of the spirit shown by the England side.

To clarify, Ozzy Biz, my earlier post was an attempt at humour - had hoped the tone was too outrageous to be taken seriously - and if it was taken any other way then a) I apologise, and b) the balance and intelligence of your responses is even more appreciated and respected.

In seriousness, I do agree with you (although our food isn’t actually that bad, honest) and think the Stellenbosch laws would on the whole be better for rugby, particularly in regard to the restrictions on kicking, although obviously not for us in the short term. Has anyone actually managed to see any of the games in which the laws were employed?

[Ozzy Biz]

Congratulations to the Bokke. The right result without question, although still proud of the spirit shown by the England side.

To clarify, Ozzy Biz, my earlier post was an attempt at humour - had hoped the tone was too outrageous to be taken seriously - and if it was taken any other way then a) I apologise, and b) the balance and intelligence of your responses is even more appreciated and respected.

In seriousness, I do agree with you (although our food isn’t actually that bad, honest) and think the Stellenbosch laws would on the whole be better for rugby, particularly in regard to the restrictions on kicking, although obviously not for us in the short term. Has anyone actually managed to see any of the games in which the laws were employed?

Ok, my bad then... I'm a bit stressed out because of my exams (starting tomorrow) and I have a bad feeling I'll be doing one subject again next year...

I watched several of the Mazda Australian Rugby Championship games where the Stellenbosch laws where implemented. I think it does wonders for the game, really opens things up creating exciting, expansive rugby that is great to watch and a little easier to follow for the general public. The rucks and mauls are incredibly fierce as its basically open slather for any player on their feet who enters 'through the gate'. Its the sort of stuff Schaulk Burger and George Smith would just eat up for breakfast. I am seriously looking forward to it being implemented at Super-14, Tri-Nations and then worldwide. I'm not sure, but you may be able to watch some highlights from the season on youtube or somewhere on the abc.com.au site (they stremed all the games on their site as well as pled on normal free-to air tv)

[katman]

Ozzy, completely off topic here, but what is that snare in your avatar? Can you post a bigger pic?

[katman]

You got to love Chabal...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRNKWjk86es

Or perhaps not.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

You got to love Chabal...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRNKWjk86es

Or perhaps not.

That's hilarious. All the British commentators were referring to him as 'Asterix' throughout the England-France match. Genius.

[Ozzy Biz]

You got to love Chabal...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRNKWjk86es

Or perhaps not.

I think he's great for the game. An exciting player with character; a real 'what you see is what you get' sort of guy.

[katman]

Damn, my team (Lions) fell just short in the Currie Cup final.

We were leading 18-6 with just over 20 minutes to go, and then we conceded a converted try. 18-13 and we were in for a very tense final quarter. In the second-last minute, the Cheetahs' replacement fullback manages to dot the ball down milliseconds before being bundled into touch - it took loads ot TMO replays to determine. So their flyhalf steps up to convert from the left touchline. And it looks for all the money to be heading wide. But it bends in just enough to bounce in off the left upright. 20-18. Broke my heart.

There's always next year. Watch the Lions in the Super14.

[Ozzy Biz]

OK, rather than start a new thread I thought we'd just continue on the RWC one. Super-14 2008 is already upon us, with the first game starting in 4 hours, that being the Brumbies vs The Crusaders.

First of all, '08 will be the best year yet as the Stellenbosh laws are being used. You are going to see fast, agressive, and flowing rugby, probably an extra 100 odd tackles per game and some seriously big hits. I'm really looking forward to seeing the now 94kg and just turned 19 year old Kurltey Beale in his second year of S14, after winning player of the tournement in the (late) Mazda Australian Rugby Championships. Big things to come, me thinks.

Secondly, Katman, are you a Sharks or a Bulls man? I say this because I saw that Frederick Michalak will make his S14 debut for the Sharks against the Force tomorrow. That's a nice pickup there.

Hopefully the Reds will do Ok this season and see at least half of their senior players fit at any given time; a luxery they certainly didn't get to enjoy last year. I'd really like to see them get over the Highlanders tonight.

Anyways, let the games begin!

[katman]

OK, rather than start a new thread I thought we'd just continue on the RWC one. Super-14 2008 is already upon us, with the first game starting in 4 hours, that being the Brumbies vs The Crusaders.

First of all, '08 will be the best year yet as the Stellenbosh laws are being used. You are going to see fast, agressive, and flowing rugby, probably an extra 100 odd tackles per game and some seriously big hits. I'm really looking forward to seeing the now 94kg and just turned 19 year old Kurltey Beale in his second year of S14, after winning player of the tournement in the (late) Mazda Australian Rugby Championships. Big things to come, me thinks.

Secondly, Katman, are you a Sharks or a Bulls man? I say this because I saw that Frederick Michalak will make his S14 debut for the Sharks against the Force tomorrow. That's a nice pickup there.

Hopefully the Reds will do Ok this season and see at least half of their senior players fit at any given time; a luxery they certainly didn't get to enjoy last year. I'd really like to see them get over the Highlanders tonight.

Anyways, let the games begin!

Hey, what a good idea to revive this thread.

I'm neither a Sharks or a Bulls man. I'm a Lions man. and it looks like we're in for a LONG season. Injuries and transfers have cost us all our Springboks and we have very little depth to fall back on. I'm praying for some kind of miracle.

I'm looking forward to see Michalak run out for the Sharks. There is concern over an injury though and he is bracketed in together with Francois Steyn at flyhalf. If he plays, Steyn will probably shift to fullback. Either way, both are fantastic players. In fact, the Sharks are our best bet this year with an almost all-Springbok backline and a monster pack.

I'm heading down to Newlands tomorrow to watch the Stormers play the Bulls. For over a hundred years this North-South fixture has been our local rugby's biggest rivalry and I have never seen a bigger build-up than this one. It's going to be war. I'm not a Stormers fan, but on Saturday I will be. Anything but those arrogant Bulls. Scenes from Gangs of New York in Cape Town's southern suburbs tomorrow :)

And I'm also keen to see if Beale can live up to all the hype. He's certainly got his fair share of discussion over here. I must admit, I fear for your Reds as much as I fear for my Lions. Can't see either of them going all the way. Ditto for the Highlanders and the Cheetahs. Teams to watch, in my opinion, are the Blues, Crusaders, Force and Sharks.

[katman]

Well done to the Reds - certainly surprised me.

[rendezvous_drummer]

IRELAND FOR THE 6TH NATIONS!!!

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I knew that was coming somewhere...

Off to the pub tomorrow to watch England. There's nothing like an English pub with English Rugby fans.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I knew that was coming somewhere...

Off to the pub tomorrow to watch England. There's nothing like an English pub with English Rugby fans.

Haven't experienced it before myself, but I know if I was in there with my irish rugby shirt on, I wouldn't be too accepted. Then again, if Ireland played England....why would I be in an English pub? OH MICHAEL!!

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Actually, you'd be happily accepted. That's my point. I remember going to see England vs. Ireland in Twickenham in 1997 with my Dad; I would've been about nine or so. Sat bang in the middle of about two hundred drunken Irish supporters with our little England shirts on and I've never felt more welcomed or accepted since. Fantastic guys and just a good atmosphere and a good time had by all. Of course you'd get a gentle ribbing for wearing the wrong shirt, but it's all in good fun.

And that sir, is what makes a Rugby supporter different from almost any other supporter in the World.

[TopCat]

*cough*........................................... ..

[rendezvous_drummer]

Actually, you'd be happily accepted. That's my point. I remember going to see England vs. Ireland in Twickenham in 1997 with my Dad; I would've been about nine or so. Sat bang in the middle of about two hundred drunken Irish supporters with our little England shirts on and I've never felt more welcomed or accepted since. Fantastic guys and just a good atmosphere and a good time had by all. Of course you'd get a gentle ribbing for wearing the wrong shirt, but it's all in good fun.

And that sir, is what makes a Rugby supporter different from almost any other supporter in the World.

Hahaha really? That's good to hear though. I don't mind rubbing shoulders a bit with the opposition, except for when Celtic is playing the scum (Rangers). Not too friendly there. But yes, rugby is a gentlemens sport.

[rendezvous_drummer]

*cough*........................................... ..

Robatusin..................

[Ozzy Biz]

*cough*........................................... ..
sore throat?

And that sir, is what makes a Rugby supporter different from almost any other supporter in the World.

Yeah, and I think the respect for the reff is one of the other great things about rugby. "Sir, knocked forward, Sir!". Not like the AFL over here, were players frequently mouth off to the umpires, calling them "white maggots" and the like (although they don't wear white anymore). You get sent off for doing that in Union.

As for the Six Nations, it's a second rate comp. Tri-Nations is where it's at.

Did anyone see the Brumbies vs Crusaders game? Brumbies played pretty damn sh*t, but the conditions were horrid; the top right corner on the try-line was a swimming pool. The ball literally would not bounce, even when bombed in, rather just splash and stop where it landed. And they lost their 2nd centre in Adam Ashley-Cooper, who joined Stirling Mortlock on the injury list.

Good on the Reds for being able to hold on against the mullet-equipped Highlanders. Seriously, half their players had a mullet or rat-tail, they were pretty foul looking blokes. MacIntosh, the 130kg prop had a bleached dreadlock mullet. Not a good look. The first 20 mins of that game were electric; Digby Ione, Clinton Schifcofske and Chris Latham were busting takles and making breaks left right and center. Great stuff to watch.

The other interesting thing worth noting is that in both games, each team used every player on their bench; which illustrates the extra physicality imposed by the new laws. Awesome, awesome stuff. Can't wait for the 'Tahs game tonight!

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Second rate because we knocked Australia out of the World Cup?

Oh the low blow! (High tackle, Sir!)

[Ozzy Biz]

Second rate because we knocked Australia out of the World Cup?

Oh the low blow! (High tackle, Sir!)

Yeah, but 1/3 of the teams of our competion still kicked your arse! While 1/2 of your comp didn't even make the finals!

haha. Hey, at least we're the one's trying to advance the game, rather then throw it into the boring and murky depths of a defensive game. I enjoyed last nights S14 games more than all the games after the quarters in the RWC. I'd love to see the English and All Black sides of last world cup play under the Stellenbosch laws.

No hard feelings though MFB, just because the northern hemisphere doesn't want to face the music and take a positive step forward... haha

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

See, this is what it's all about. The gentle ribbing.

Actually, England have started playing the expansive game recently. Unfortunately as usual the steel has dulled and we don't quite have the neatness in the backs that we need (especially defensively) to have the killer blow. Sackey is an awesome attacking player, for instance, but sometimes lacks the defensive mindset. But another three years and nine months or so to go.

I heard vaguely about these new rules a few months ago and did some reading yesterday. Not so sure I like the idea of collapsing mauls (having been in a few, it doesn't exactly feel safe if you know what I mean) but generally I'm in favour. They'd make it more interesting certainly and I'd like to see some of the Super 14 games with these rules; let's see how it goes.

[Ozzy Biz]

See, this is what it's all about. The gentle ribbing.

Actually, England have started playing the expansive game recently. Unfortunately as usual the steel has dulled and we don't quite have the neatness in the backs that we need (especially defensively) to have the killer blow. Sackey is an awesome attacking player, for instance, but sometimes lacks the defensive mindset. But another three years and nine months or so to go.

I heard vaguely about these new rules a few months ago and did some reading yesterday. Not so sure I like the idea of collapsing mauls (having been in a few, it doesn't exactly feel safe if you know what I mean) but generally I'm in favour. They'd make it more interesting certainly and I'd like to see some of the Super 14 games with these rules; let's see how it goes.

After last night's Warratahs vs Hurricanes game, I'm loving it even more. There are lots of stolen ball and some huge hits. Even the Hurricane's, regarded as S14s fittest team, were slowing down by the end of the game. Jerry Collins, who slimmed down to 105kg for the new laws, was battling with the sheer physicality of the game.

The maul law is good I think. It was getting too ridiculous; a team would start a maul and there's nothing the other team can really do to stop it. There was no injuries that I know of caused by it in the local comp here last year, so I think it'll be ok.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Well the IRB and local Rugby authorities are sensible. If there are any injuries caused as a direct result then they will just be stopped. I think a lot more needs to be done on collapsing scrums actually, there's a minefield. I'm going to see if I can catch the highlights after I've recovered from this very slight hangover.

[katman]

A couple of big games coming up this weekend (ignore the kick-off times - they're South African):

Friday 22 February Hurricanes v Reds Wellington 19:35
Friday 22 February Cheetahs v W Force Bloemfontein 18:00
Friday 22 February Bulls v Crusaders Pretoria 20:05
Saturday 23 February Chiefs v Waratahs Hamilton 19:35
Saturday 23 February Brumbies v Highlanders Canberra 19:40
Saturday 23 February Sharks v Stormers Durban 17:00
Saturday 23 February Lions v Blues Johannesburg 19:05

A really tough ask for all the Ozzy teams, if you ask me. Considering they're playing at home against the Highlanders, you''d expect the Brumbies to walk this one. But I've never seen such a depleted/inexperienced Brumbies side.

The two favourites, Blues and Crusaders, both travel to the highveld to play the Lions and Bulls respectively. Should theoretically be wins for both NZ teams, but Ellis Park and Loftus Versfeld are notoriously hostile environments for traveling teams. Plus the thin air up on the highveld really bites the lungs in the second half. Could just be an upset or two on the cards. Go Lions.

Sorry, Ozzy, but I think the 'Canes will have too much gas in the tank for the Reds in Wellington. Cheetahs and Force could go down to the wire. I'm going with Cheetahs, but that's just my patriotism speaking. Chiefs Waratahs is a really tough one to call. Hamilton is never kind to visitors, but I'm going with the Sydney boys on this one. And finally, the Sharks (our best bet for another title) should ease past the Stormers in Durban. Going to be very hot and humid there - not sure we'll see the best display of running rugby.

[Ozzy Biz]

A couple of big games coming up this weekend (ignore the kick-off times - they're South African):

Friday 22 February Hurricanes v Reds Wellington 19:35
Friday 22 February Cheetahs v W Force Bloemfontein 18:00
Friday 22 February Bulls v Crusaders Pretoria 20:05
Saturday 23 February Chiefs v Waratahs Hamilton 19:35
Saturday 23 February Brumbies v Highlanders Canberra 19:40
Saturday 23 February Sharks v Stormers Durban 17:00
Saturday 23 February Lions v Blues Johannesburg 19:05

A really tough ask for all the Ozzy teams, if you ask me. Considering they're playing at home against the Highlanders, you''d expect the Brumbies to walk this one. But I've never seen such a depleted/inexperienced Brumbies side.

The two favourites, Blues and Crusaders, both travel to the highveld to play the Lions and Bulls respectively. Should theoretically be wins for both NZ teams, but Ellis Park and Loftus Versfeld are notoriously hostile environments for traveling teams. Plus the thin air up on the highveld really bites the lungs in the second half. Could just be an upset or two on the cards. Go Lions.

Sorry, Ozzy, but I think the 'Canes will have too much gas in the tank for the Reds in Wellington. Cheetahs and Force could go down to the wire. I'm going with Cheetahs, but that's just my patriotism speaking. Chiefs Waratahs is a really tough one to call. Hamilton is never kind to visitors, but I'm going with the Sydney boys on this one. And finally, the Sharks (our best bet for another title) should ease past the Stormers in Durban. Going to be very hot and humid there - not sure we'll see the best display of running rugby.

I'm a 'Tah's man, so the Reds sucess isn't paramount to me. I'd just like to see them have a good year. The 'Tahs have an amazing forward pack; 1. Matt Dunning, 2. Adam Freier, 3. Al Baxter, 4. Dean Mumm, 5. Dan Vickerman, 6. Rocky Elsom, 7. Phil Waugh (c), 8. Wycliff Palu, with Mumm being the only non-starting Wallaby. Add some young talent in the backs; Kurtley Beale, Lachlan Turner, Luke Burgess as well as Lote Tuquiri and league convert Timana Tahu. It's a seriously strong base for the young backs to feed off, and the reserve bench is strong too. Wallaby Benn Robinson, Luke Burgess and Beau Robinson are my favourites. Beau is a seriously hard hitter, he put Jerry Collins down for a few minutes with a massive tackle.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Just for any of you naysayers of English Rugby, check out highlights from last week's Bath vs. London Wasp's match. Flowing, beautiful Rugby that was exciting to watch and very high scoring. Over seventy points in the match; just a great one to watch. We can play the sort of entertaining Rugby over here as well.

[katman]

Just for any of you naysayers of English Rugby, check out highlights from last week's Bath vs. London Wasp's match. Flowing, beautiful Rugby that was exciting to watch and very high scoring. Over seventy points in the match; just a great one to watch. We can play the sort of entertaining Rugby over here as well.

Isn't Bath half South African? :)

[katman]

I'm a 'Tah's man, so the Reds sucess isn't paramount to me.

My most humble apologies. Don't know why I had you down as a Reds man.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Isn't Bath half South African? :)

Not quite, but Wasps won anyway!

Will be watching the Super 14's in eight minutes.

[rendezvous_drummer]

A great performance by the Irish side, played like their old form against the Scottish side.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

An even better defensive performance by the Harlequins side against Saracens this evening. Although I doubt any of you will know what I mean by that! Heh.

Here's one from the archives, 'little' fifteen year old me. 6'2, 210Ibs:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/mediocrefunkybeat/aftermatch.jpg

[rendezvous_drummer]

An even better defensive performance by the Harlequins side against Saracens this evening. Although I doubt any of you will know what I mean by that! Heh.


....................TAXI

[Ozzy Biz]

...just can't let this thread die. Crusaders and Sharks still both undefeated (although Sharks have drawn once). Hurricanes, Waratahs, Blues, Force, Stormers, Cheifs make out the top half of the ladder.

Last years premiers, the Bulls, sit in second last place, below fellow South Affricans the Cheetahs and above the (also South African) Lions, Katman's beloved team.


Waratahs put out a fantastic performance to beat the Force last sat, as they did the week before against the Blues.

Go 'Tahs! A nice little shot of Ben Jacobs here too...
http://rugby.com.au/verve/_resources/Ben_Jacobs_large_image_6_1.jpg

[katman]

Last years premiers, the Bulls, sit in second last place, below fellow South Affricans the Cheetahs and above the (also South African) Lions, Katman's beloved team.

Jeez mate, why don't you rub it in?

The Waratahs are looking pretty solid right now. As are the Stormers. I reckon the Sharks and Crusaders are in the semis. The other two spots will be a tough call. Any two of the Waratahs, Stormerrs, Force, Blues and Hurricanes. I can't see the Brumbies or the Chiefs still scraping in.

For my poor Lions, it looks like the wooden spoon. Again.

[katman]

Two games so far this weekend, and two upsets. And comprehensively so. Would never have called a Chiefs win over the 'Saders. And then the Reds go and dismantle the Force. If it carries on like this on Saturday it could wreak havoc at the bookies.

[Ozzy Biz]

Two games so far this weekend, and two upsets. And comprehensively so. Would never have called a Chiefs win over the 'Saders. And then the Reds go and dismantle the Force. If it carries on like this on Saturday it could wreak havoc at the bookies.

Looked like there could have been a third in a row... 0-0 at half time in the 'Tahs vs Lions. Final score: 26-3 'Tahs way. Sorry Katman...
Kurtley Beale had another good game and is visibly improving and maturing with each game.

Then the third came; the 'Baby' Brumbies hold of the previously unbeaten Sharks 27-21.

I'm very happy with all these outcomes. Go NSW!

http://rugby.com.au/verve/_resources/Kurtley_Beale_large_image_5.jpg

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I caught the last twenty minutes of the Brumbies/Sharks match. Some really good play by the Brumbies to come back from being so far down; but I was most of all impressed by the refereeing. Strong decision sending the lock off to the sinbin and it's nice to see it actually make a difference.

[katman]

Yep, Kurtley Beale is quite a talent. Hope he gets game time with the Wallabies this year. as for my poor Lions, I've written the season off. In the last 2 years we lost most of our Springboks (Jantjes, Habana, Januarie and van Heerden) to richer unions. And our two remaining Boks (Andre Pretorius and Jaque Fourie) have been out injured since the end of last year. So we've been trying to compete with a seriously undercooked side and it has shown.

The race for the semis is really hotting up now. Waratahs, Stormers, Chiefs and Hurricanes all looking good towards the end of the competition, but there's only space for two of them in the semis. And the Force, Blues and Brumbies aren't out of contention yet either. My (educated) guess would put the top four at the end of the competition like this:

1. Crusaders
2. Sharks
3. Waratahs
4. Stormers

If I'm not mistaken, this is how they currently stand. This would mean the Stormers travel to Christchurch for their semi while the 'Tahs travel to Durban. Could we possible have another all-SA final?

[Ozzy Biz]

'Tahs convincingly beat the Sharks 25-10. Lions nearly get over the Brumbies but fall short at 28-21.

Current standings:

____________W____D___L____Pts
Crusaders____9____0____1____43
Waratahs____8_____0___2____36
Sharks______7_____1___2____32
Chiefs_______7_____0___3____32
Hurricanes___6_____1___3____31
Stormers_____6____0___4_____31
Brumbies____6_____0___4____28
Blues_______5_____0___5____26
Force_______5_____0___5_____24
Reds_______3_____1____6____16
Bulls_______3_____0____7_____15
Highlanders_1______0___9_____11
Cheetahs___1_____0____9_____11
Lions_______1_____1___8______8

'Tahs have just about become the team to beat; and are certainly the team with momentum at the moment. Without a doubt the strongest Aussie team, and may have the drive to go all the way. Palu certainly has the drive...

http://rugby.com.au/verve/_resources/Wycliff_Palu_large_image_9.jpg

[katman]

Great photo. And the 'Tahs are in good form. But remember, they have to play 2 of their last 3 games on tour, which is never easy. So don't pack away the toolbox just yet.

The Sharks have certainly come unstuck and might not even make the semis if this slide continues. Stormers are looking good but now they've lost Schalk Burger for the rest of the competition as well as Chavanga (the wing) and Moller (the tighthead prop) and possibly Tony Brown.

It really is going to go down to the wire. Except for the Crusaders of course.

[Ozzy Biz]

Great photo. And the 'Tahs are in good form. But remember, they have to play 2 of their last 3 games on tour, which is never easy. So don't pack away the toolbox just yet.

The Sharks have certainly come unstuck and might not even make the semis if this slide continues. Stormers are looking good but now they've lost Schalk Burger for the rest of the competition as well as Chavanga (the wing) and Moller (the tighthead prop) and possibly Tony Brown.

It really is going to go down to the wire. Except for the Crusaders of course.

the top four sides at the end of the comp:

Crusaders - 52 pts
Waratahs - 43 pts
Sharks - 42 pts
Hurricanes 41 pts

this weekend, Waratahs vs Sharks and Crusaders vs Hurricanes. I'm hoping the 'Tahs and the 'Canes both get up, although common sense says the Crusaders will win. However, they lost to the Highlanders last week, so maybe another upset is in the works.

I'm looking forward to both games.

On a side note, one of the most fiercely contested Rugby League matches, State of Origin 1, finished less than an our ago. I'm proud to say that NSW got up there too.

Go NSW!

[Ozzy Biz]

I don't know if Katman is still following this thread, but...

semi final results:

Hurricanes 22 - Crusaders 33
Sharks 13 - Waratahs 28

Final will be in Christchurch, Crusaders vs Waratahs. Looking forward to it; the best offensive side vs the best defensive side in the comp.

[nhzoso]

Congrats on the longest thread by the least amount of participants. Hope I did'nt just kill the record by posting this, whats that make it 6 people now? : )

[katman]

I don't know if Katman is still following this thread, but...

semi final results:

Hurricanes 22 - Crusaders 33
Sharks 13 - Waratahs 28

Final will be in Christchurch, Crusaders vs Waratahs. Looking forward to it; the best offensive side vs the best defensive side in the comp.

Well done to the Tahs and the Saders. I was really hoping for a SA finalist, but I'll be honest when I say the best two teams over the 14 weeks made it. Should be a great game - Tahs will really have to be on their toes to take it in Christchurch.

[katman]

Can you believe it's almost Tri-Nations time again?

This one is going to be great: a few AB's retired, some new faces in the Bok squad, Aussies with arguably the best coach in the world. Anything can happen.

Wouldn't read too much into the current tests though. The northern hemisphere teams on tour are seriously below par. Wales copped a beating last week against the Boks and this weekend it could (and probably will) get worse. The Irish hung in for a while against the AB's, but you can't stop the inevitable. But I really fear for the depleted England side about to play them - could see a big, big score.

[rendezvous_drummer]

MUNSTER


.................................................. .....

[katman]

So the Boks did the unthinkable and beat the All Blacks. In Dunedin. That was the most tension I have felt watching a game of rugby in a very long time. I was exhausted by the end. Well done to the AB's too - they played a fantastic game. If this is an indication of the rest of the Tri-Nations, it will be one of the best ever. Now bring on the Aussies.