The Rugby Thread

[Cormack74]

Well Mitchell only ever 'helped', although he was once in the frame for the top job I believe.

But I'd agree with Moore, it can make sense but you need to pick wisely as we've found out to our cost

[Sus]

I'm really looking forward to this World Cup, despite the oddly lopsided nature of the two sides of the draw.

As an Aussie whose team has almost 0% chance of winning the thing, I really hope Ireland go all the way. They may never get a better chance than this.

I haven't watched them since the 6 Nations, but I remember that test series in NZ last year and the France 6 Nations game this year - they were so impressive across just about every facet, even when under extreme pressure.

Think it will come down a lot to how they handle the pressure of being one of the favourites, but I think they will go all the way

[Buzzo]

Yeah it’s going to be an exciting WC. Loads of the tier 2 and SSI team have improved massively. Italy are better than ever, Georgian also.

But the draw is a massive issue. It guarantees some mighty group stage games but possibly lessens the impact later on.

Also just saw that Fiji have lost Caleb Muntz to injury which is a shame as he was immense v England.

No idea what to expect from you Aussies, the only guarantee is that we get to witness the Eddie Jones show and the many insane ways that it manifests.

[Buzzo]

Lots of teams issued today.

Englands team is bizarre. Jonny May on the wing who wasn’t picked for initial squad. Mitchell at scrum half - the same. Loads of untested combos and a reliance on old hands like Cole’s and Marler.

No idea what to expect from England either. Borthwick seems to be winging it.

[Irishnev]

I'm really looking forward to this World Cup, despite the oddly lopsided nature of the two sides of the draw.

As an Aussie whose team has almost 0% chance of winning the thing, I really hope Ireland go all the way. They may never get a better chance than this.

I haven't watched them since the 6 Nations, but I remember that test series in NZ last year and the France 6 Nations game this year - they were so impressive across just about every facet, even when under extreme pressure.

Think it will come down a lot to how they handle the pressure of being one of the favourites, but I think they will go all the way

I hope your hope comes true I’m genuinely worried about getting out of our group tbh - if that happens let’s see. Our form hasn’t been great in the build ups but I hope that’s because we’ve been holding back!

[Buzzo]

Hadn’t thought of the scenario of say, us beating you, you beating South Africa and South Africa beating us. Could come down to points or try’s scored.

And that’s hoping we all beat the Tongans.

I think the fact you have Romania first means you can use that almost as an additional warm up match to fine tune and bring Sexton up to speed.

[Sus]

Yep this draw is such a shame, just glad it's not happening again

I think Romania being first will help a lot with nerves / rust etc

I think the Aussies will help knock someone out but don't have the consistency to put together the back to back performances required to go all the way

Just hope the ABs get knocked out early - so sick of their smug "we win because of our superior culture" attitude

[Zapater]

Think the ABs can recover from this? Definitely could have won tonight but I've never seen a New Zealand team make so many errors and have discipline problems like this.

[Irishnev]

Think the ABs can recover from this? Definitely could have won tonight but I've never seen a New Zealand team make so many errors and have discipline problems like this.

They are an old team with very little youth coming through. It was the sane vs us in so far as if you can match them physically and force them to kick tactically then they make mistakes. The game was v tense (watched in a bar in Prague with some French colleagues) and v tactical. France held their nerve better and won the big moments up front

NZ will get out of the group but if SA, Scotland or Ireland play them then it will be a chance to beat them

[Zapater]

Given this and the last game, I would want them in the quarters (can't believe I'm saying this). If we don't win the group, we don't deserve to be in contention. Ireland and Scotland are decent teams but if we can't put them away handsomely, then you have no right to be champions.

[bacon]

Good quality opening game - ABs outplayed. France managed the game well .. impressive

[Irishnev]

Given this and the last game, I would want them in the quarters (can't believe I'm saying this). If we don't win the group, we don't deserve to be in contention. Ireland and Scotland are decent teams but if we can't put them away handsomely, then you have no right to be champions.

I’m sure you will and Buzzo would most likely agree

[Doc_Piptorious]

Given this and the last game, I would want them in the quarters (can't believe I'm saying this). If we don't win the group, we don't deserve to be in contention. Ireland and Scotland are decent teams but if we can't put them away handsomely, then you have no right to be champions.

If the number one ranked team in the world is only decent, the rest must be a right bunch of muckers

[Zapater]

If the number one ranked team in the world is only decent, the rest must be a right bunch of muckers

Improve your 13.84% win percentage against the All Blacks and 29.63% against us and you may have a leg to stand on.

[Irishnev]

Improve your 13.84% win percentage against the All Blacks and 29.63% against us and you may have a leg to stand on.

For what it’s worth I think ye’ll beat us and it will be a close run game vs Scotland so it’s feasible we may not even get out if the group. Rugby has changed so much over the years that all time win rates are pretty meaningless in my opinion.

Look at the last 10 years - we’ve played NZ 9 times and won 5. We’ve also won 3 of that last 4 vs them. In the past 10 years we’ve beaten ye 4 out of 6 games and 6 in the past 10 games.

It doesn’t count for anything other than knowing we can beat both of ye, we never had that in the past.