The Rugby Thread

[Irishnev]

My mate reckons Rassie is trying to bait Ireland into a 6/2 split and then one of the lads will get injured in the warm up and Pollard will be on the bench!

[Buzzo]

It has to be playing into Farrells mind a bit. I don’t think any other country in the world can go 7-1. And I doubt many others would go 6-2.

[Irishnev]

It has to be playing into Farrells mind a bit. I don’t think any other country in the world can go 7-1. And I doubt many others would go 6-2.

We need to play our game and trust in that. You don’t beat SA in a wrestling match, you beat them with speed and accuracy. They are going to try to strangle the life out of us and keep the pressure high all game.

It adds to the intrigue

[Doc_Piptorious]

It has to be playing into Farrells mind a bit. I don’t think any other country in the world can go 7-1. And I doubt many others would go 6-2.

An attempt at mind games is all it is imo.

Classic case of highlighting strengths to get you to not focus on their weaknesses.

As Nev rightly said, Ireland just need to focus on what Ireland do well, play their own game and let SA adapt to us rather than the other way around.


Play it system vs system and don't make changes to a set up that already works.

[Zapater]

It has to be playing into Farrells mind a bit. I don’t think any other country in the world can go 7-1. And I doubt many others would go 6-2.

I still can't believe these are the centres they're going for. Although, I've questioned Rassie before and his gambles work more often than not. I think they're banking on the versatility of players selected and wouldn't hesitate to use Smith as a utility back should there be issues. He's got a sevens background and would manage fine.

The others involved:

• Faf - can play flyhalf
• Kolbe - can play fullback or flyhalf
• Libbok - has played inside centre and wing before
• Arendse - obviously fullback
• Willemse - plays them all
• de Allende - has played outside centre a couple of times (I actually think he'd play better there if given a consistent run)
• Kriel - has played wing

Seems stupid not to have found a place for Moodie though, especially when it comes to Kriel. For all of the talk of us going for the massacre with the forwards, that's one hell of a backline all in all. Although, that doesn't feed the media narrative so everything they do is irrelevant. I don't think the oppositions management are as stupid though, unfortunately.

All eyes on Jean Kleyn, can't wait to see him in the bomb squad with a point to prove.

[Buzzo]

I suppose when you look at it like that there is decent cover throughout. To my mind the opposition, or Ireland in this instance, pick the squad they want to back the game they want to play. However knowing the battle that awaits and the potential of a tight match it is difficult to not get drawn into countering.

It feels like it could be an absolute war.

I’m going to miss it as we are out Saturday night but will record. With all the sport on it is properly difficult to plan any social life at all.

[Irishnev]

[ame="https://twitter.com/bencoles_/status/1704956836355404025"]https://twitter.com/bencoles_/status/1704956836355404025[/ame]

[Buzzo]

No way.

That would be a real shame. DuPont and Ntamack 2 absolutely amazing players.

For me you want to see and beat the best at the WC. France without those 2 changes things big time.

[Buzzo]

Looks bad. Suspected broken jaw.

Why the **** is he still playing at 50-0 up vs Namibia???

[RichC]

Confirmed it's a fractured cheekbone.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66887936

[Irishnev]

Just back to the hotel after a day in Liverpool….. nervous tension. We might get thumped, we might win…… I’m really intrigued as to where we are vs what are for me the best dude in the world

Come on Ireland

[Cormack74]

Looking forward to this far more than any of England's games, especially if Ireland win, because Zapater's rants about the ref etc will be hilarious

[Zapater]

Looking forward to this far more than any of England's games, especially if Ireland win, because Zapater's rants about the ref etc will be hilarious

I've already mentally prepped. The media framing going on about the bench split. "Only team with huge forwards" etc. Already been primed to **** us over as we're the villains.

Think we should play to **** Ireland up physically though. May be more important than the actual result moving forward in the tournament. Quite nervous without Marx though.

[Irishnev]

I've already mentally prepped. The media framing going on about the bench split. "Only team with huge forwards" etc. Already been primed to **** us over as we're the villains.

Think we should play to **** Ireland up physically though. May be more important than the actual result moving forward in the tournament. Quite nervous without Marx though.

To **** us up you need to catch us - v tight but we are matching ye so far. Both 12s playing v well. Finely balanced

[Zapater]

To **** us up you need to catch us - v tight but we are matching ye so far. Both 12s playing v well. Finely balanced

Good game thus far. Think we need to be a bit more patient in attack, we're playing a bit like you guys. Probably should have scored one tbh. Need to improve though because can't see Ireland giving up four consecutive lineouts again.