The Webb Ellis Rugby Union World Cup 2019

So Ireland are in the tougher half of the draw with Oz, NZ and England. I have a funny feeling about Oz having done next to nothing for the past three years except getting stuffed by NZ and England. But this is a World Cup and they tend to perform. As for the other half, just as unpredictable. France to get through. This is at odds with my preference for a NZ v Wales final.

 

Think Japan should be invited to join the Rugby Championship with NZ, Australia, South Africa and Argentina. This would mean they can only improve ......

 

That would be the best move I think.

 

They do have a franchise team in the Súper 14 so it is a natural step. Mind you, the logistics are the enormous distances to cover between the competing nations, and as those involved play double headers as it is, this would involve 8 matches. Compare that with the 6 Nations five per season.

 

Probably have to go to the same format as 6 nations due to logistics!

 

I'm all for it, don't make rugby (and cricket) such a closed shop

 

I think we’re both on the same side on this Laps, but you have to understand that playing top level rugby isn’t the same as football or cricket. For a start, the physical conditioning of the forwards, especially the front row, has to be on a similar level in both packs, or serious injury or even death can happen. The up-to-date knowledge of the laws of the game is another issue, and everyone on the pitch, that’s the 15 starters and 7 substitutes on both sides, and especially the referee and touch judges, have to be fully acquainted. It’s no coincidence, for example, that the opening game in the qualifying tournaments for the 2019 World Cup, where Jamaica beat St Vincent and the Grenadines 48-0, was refereed by Nigel Owens, who had refereed the 2015 World Cup Final just 5 months earlier. You will have seen in this World Cup how referees act almost as coaches to both teams, explaining what is required in scrums and broken play, and even shouting encouragement when both teams get things right.

My point is that you cannot throw a third tier side into a match against a New Zealand or a France, as they will be destroyed both mentally and physically. They have to work their way up the ladder to earn that right. Sadly, professional status is a necessity, which is why many of the players from the emerging nations at this World Cup play for professional clubs in Europe or Australia or New Zealand. Japan as a nation have fully embraced professionalism: the national squad have been training together for 240 days before the tournament began, which has cost the national Rugby Union a fortune.

As Dave pointed out earlier, Rugby 7’s is a fantastic game where skills can be shown off in the same way as 15 a side, but the much shorter format and the absence of scrums means there is far less impact on the players’ bodies. There are many international tournaments where lower tier countries, especially the Pacific Island nations, have shone, and this has, over time, translated into the full 15 a side game, where teams like Fiji and Samoa are now well-established Tier 2 nations.

 

Interesting:

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/50026631

 

I can see why Eddie Jones has dropped George Ford, but it does seem very unfair. He has a much better rugby brain than Farrell, so if you are going to bring Henry Slade in, why not drop Farrell? Still plenty of reliable kickers in the side.

 

Owing to the timing of the games, I have always been at work when they have been played.
Having just been signed off for a week, chest infection that won’t go away, I will be able to watch the England v Australia QF on Saturday. Silver lining and all that.
So, if we have a bad day, it’s my fault.

 

Yep, Scotland aren`t very good at rugby just now. But, hang on ! …England couldn`t beat Scotland at home a few months ago, so maybe they`re not so hot either. Couldn`t beat us at football last time out either ! Nor cricket ! OK, you`ve got me with tennis - since Murray`s injury, plucky Rupert from Guilford is dominating the world.
Actually, I think the Scottish rugby team is just like Saints - some very good players, some others not so. Play well for half the match, then give it away with errors and lapses in concentration.

 

I get the feeling the winners will come from this half of the draw. NZ, Oz and England are very strong. NZ should have too much speed for Ireland to cope with, but I'm nervous

 

Are you playing for Ireland?

 

Why would I support a team playing dishwater rugby? I am a purist hence why I like NZ. After all a rugby ball is meant to be handled and chances created by the sleight of hand, the quick pass, the reverse pass, not the up and under stuff that Irealnd serve up far too often.

 

World Cup begins today!

 

Eng 0-3 Australia

High tackle penalised.

Stop. That. Now.

 

Try for May!

 

Great conversion from Farrell.

 

7-3

Farrell seems to have brought his kicking boots! Great conversion.