The Rugby Thread

[labourRed]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jap

Seems it can be seen as offensive/derogatory in some contexts. Wasn't sure of that myself. I know some Argentine's find 'Argie' offensive. And the Pakistan one goes without saying, so to stay in the clear, I'd avoid using the term 'Jap' if you're unsure what connotations other people may attribute to it. Not everything is political correctness gone mad.

Yeah.

Obviously, I didn't find it personally offensive not being Japanese or even knowing anyone from there but its a fairly multicultural site so I can't speak for everyone.

It's pretty easy to use the full term for nationalities where offence could be caused. I didn't think Harv was out of line but thought the term should be checked is all.

Anyway now they're out I think we can draw a line under it. A great showing from them, surprised me and hopefully they can be invited into a top tournament to build on this.

[Red_Polo]

Predictions for the semis?

I can't wait, both will be epic battles.

[bacon]

Predictions for the semis?

I can't wait, both will be epic battles.

Would love to see WAL v ENG final but fully expect NZ v ZA ..

[Zapater]

Pretty confident that it'll be an NZ - SA final.

England have all the tools to beat the All Blacks, but it really depends on how they turn up on the day. Some of NZ's key forwards, as good as they are, are getting on a bit and the likes of Underhill and Itoje will fancy themselves. On the other hand, I expect NZ to cruise through.

Both Wales and the Boks were fairly horrendous in these quarters. Think SA should be too good, but hard to say. As effective as it was, I can't believe the gameplan for today, against Japan you'd expect a slightly more expansive game. Everyone knew we'd beat them up with a physical approach and aggressive forward play, but nothing at all, seriously disappointing. I don't see Wales as good as they've been in the previous 10 years and fully expect us to win. Regardless whoever makes it to the final will be worse than the loser on the other side. You know how things work in sports though, sometimes lacking performances and good results get you through. If SA/Wales did manage to win the final, there would be a strong argument for them being the worst winners in WC history.

Tempted to turn off the television the next time I see a South African scrum half needlessly box kick possession into nowhere because they're not sure what to do.

Overall from my pre-tournament prediction, I still maintain that this is for NZ to lose.

[Irishnev]

Pretty confident that it'll be an NZ - SA final.

England have all the tools to beat the All Blacks, but it really depends on how they turn up on the day. Some of NZ's key forwards, as good as they are, are getting on a bit and the likes of Underhill and Itoje will fancy themselves. On the other hand, I expect NZ to cruise through.

Both Wales and the Boks were fairly horrendous in these quarters. Think SA should be too good, but hard to say. As effective as it was, I can't believe the gameplan for today, against Japan you'd expect a slightly more expansive game. Everyone knew we'd beat them up with a physical approach and aggressive forward play, but nothing at all, seriously disappointing. I don't see Wales as good as they've been in the previous 10 years and fully expect us to win. Regardless whoever makes it to the final will be worse than the loser on the other side. You know how things work in sports though, sometimes lacking performances and good results get you through. If SA/Wales did manage to win the final, there would be a strong argument for them being the worst winners in WC history.

Tempted to turn off the television the next time I see a South African scrum half needlessly box kick possession into nowhere because they're not sure what to do.

Overall from my pre-tournament prediction, I still maintain that this is for NZ to lose.

I tipped England pre tournament on the proviso that all their big players remained fit. The side that started vs Aus can beat NZ and it will be one hell of a game.

The thing about the ABs is you need to have a perfect game to beat them because as Irl saw (many times ) they will punish every mistake.

ZA vs Wales will be closer than you think, they are two sides that are similar in the way they play. It wouldn’t surprise me if Wales won but I expect ZA to edge it.

[Cormack74]

Very dangerous to underestimate Wales IMO.

[Zapater]

Not sure about underestimating them, they've beaten us the last couple of times we've met. I don't think they're a particularly good rugby team, nor do I regard the Boks particularly good either. Just think we'll have too much for them, but it should be tight and it's obviously not a forgone conclusion.

Good thing that I'm not part of the playing or coaching staff and my mentality makes zero difference to how they're prepare and I'm sure Rassie will leave no stone unturned as we stick with the rush defence and box kicking gameplan. Just please, drop Willie... I don't care who plays but after the tournament he's had there is no way we can stick with him.

[Buzzo]

Wales seem to be able to see out games that the opposition feel they should win. They always seem to allow teams huge amounts of possession at times but still find a way to win.

Not a bad habit to have.

What’s the news with Jon Davies? He’s a huge player for them. And Navidi our is a big loss.

[Zapater]

Wales seem to be able to see out games that the opposition feel they should win. They always seem to allow teams huge amounts of possession at times but still find a way to win.

Not a bad habit to have.

What’s the news with Jon Davies? He’s a huge player for them. And Navidi our is a big loss.

Have you seen this South African team? Ball in hand is not an option, will be a lot of kicking from both teams.

Looks like Davies will be fit, good boost for them.

[Irishnev]

Have you seen this South African team? Ball in hand is not an option, will be a lot of kicking from both teams.

Looks like Davies will be fit, good boost for them.

You need to match them at the breakdown, that is where Wales excel and their backrow are tackle merchants which set them up to steal. Navidi is a loss and I expect a battle up front.

This game will be a grind

[RichC]

Wales for me are the better team in terms of being able to grind out a result.

The welsh strengths seem more than that of SA however it’ll be a tight game

[Irishnev]

Big loss

[ame="https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella/status/1187247902575316992"]https://twitter.com/murray_kinsella/status/1187247902575316992[/ame]

[RichC]

Evens it up a bit with the Welsh losing Navidi who they’ll miss massively.

Should be two good games this weekend. Not sure we’ll have enough for the ABs and the other game you could call either way, leaning towards the Welsh tbh

[Chazza]

Ford back in for England.

Slade dropped.

[Buzzo]

Liam Williams ruled out.

1/2p in.