Rugby World Cup 2007

[Boksida]

At least the tournament format has been justified with three of the minnows (England, Fiji and Scotland) getting through to the quarters.

[Donnyboy]

At least the tournament format has been justified with three of the minnows (England, Fiji and Scotland) getting through to the quarters.

[chavy]

At least the tournament format has been justified with three of the minnows (England, Fiji and Scotland) getting through to the quarters.

[Donnyboy]

Quarter finals then is confirmed as

6 Oct 20.00 Australia vs England

7 Oct 2.00 NZ vs France

7 Oct 20.00 South Africa vs Fiji

8 Oct 20.00 Argentina vs Scotland

Some crackers in there

Im sure they all will be crackers MB. In sudden death in any sport, its survival so all teams will be playing their best teams available, and playing at 100% commitment.

What Im hoping to see this weekend;

Australia vs England- hopefully England can get up and play their rumbling forward game and bash them into submission with Johnny potting the drop goals every now and again. To beat the aussies, they will need to sharpen up on defense around the ruck area,midfield and out wide as the Aussies have a lethal backline. Keep it in the forwards.

All Blacks vs France; how does a game from 8 years ago keep reoccurring as a focal point for this weekends game? It shouldnt. But again and again, the press, other rugby nations fans, keep harping on about this game as the one that France can have dominance or beat the All Blacks. My reasoning suggests otherwise. That was history, and if any history should be taken into account it should be recent history. For example, since that loss in 1999 between France and NZ, there has been 11 matches between the 2 sides. NZ can boast a proud record of 9 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. And might I add, a clean sweep since 2003. I cannot see any areas in this All Blacks team where France can exploit it. Australia might have the firepower to do so but France no. Hope to see the ABs stamp some authority in this game and erase that game of '99 for good!

South Africa vs Fiji- Im hoping that Fiji can repeat their performance to push for that semis spot. The Tongans nearly did a week ago. The Boks have shown some fragility, in that the depth is not there. If some of their 1st squad not play well or become injured, this may well be a game where we see some holes in this South African side.

Scotland vs Argentina- Scotland really need to lift their game if they want to roll Argentina. I believe Scotland are lucky to be in the quarters, as they were in the easier pool. Argentina could make the mistake and not focus on this game, and instead looking forward to the semis against the Boks.

I think all the games will be crackers!

more later........

[Donnyboy]

News brightens for Carter

2:50PM Monday October 01, 2007

By Daniel Gilhooly

Fears that key All Blacks playmaker Daniel Carter will miss the rugby World Cup quarterfinal against France are dissipating fast.

more here

[Donnyboy]

Springboks suffer as Botha ruled out

South Africa's 64-15 World Cup rugby win over the United States today was overshadowed when the Springboks lost prop BJ Botha for the rest of the tournament with a knee injury.

more here

[Donnyboy]

Wales, Ireland cop flak for early exits

Six Nations sides Wales and Ireland were on the receiving end of a barrage of criticism from the British press following their early exits from the Rugby World Cup.

more here

[Donnyboy]

Jenkins sacked as Wales coach

Gareth Jenkins was sacked as Wales head coach today after his side crashed out of the rugby World Cup at the hands of Fiji.

Jenkins was told of the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) decision by chief executive Roger Lewis at the team's hotel in Pornichet, western France.

more here

[Donnyboy]

Little ruled out of tournament

Fiji first five-eighth icky Little, who played a major part in his team's upset victory over Wales to reach the rugby World Cup quarterfinals, has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament because of a knee injury

more here

[miltonbentley]

Little ruled out of tournament

Fiji first five-eighth icky Little, who played a major part in his team's upset victory over Wales to reach the rugby World Cup quarterfinals, has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament because of a knee injury

more here

This is a great shame. Little was Man of the Match in the Wales game by a country mile.

[miltonbentley]

Australia vs England- hopefully England can get up and play their rumbling forward game and bash them into submission with Johnny potting the drop goals every now and again. To beat the aussies, they will need to sharpen up on defense around the ruck area,midfield and out wide as the Aussies have a lethal backline. Keep it in the forwards.

Australia v England - The World Champions (may not be able to use that tag much longer ) need to put in a massive improvement. They need to play a good old fashioned control game using forward power and mobility. The forwards have to retain possession and Jonny's boot has to keep the Aussies pinned back in their own half all game. Same thing Argentina did with Ireland for long spells and boy it is effective. The England backs will have to be right on their defensive game to stop the Aussies talented runners. Odd massively against England but there is hope so sticking my neck out England by 3

All Blacks vs France; how does a game from 8 years ago keep reoccurring as a focal point for this weekends game? It shouldnt. But again and again, the press, other rugby nations fans, keep harping on about this game as the one that France can have dominance or beat the All Blacks. My reasoning suggests otherwise. That was history, and if any history should be taken into account it should be recent history. For example, since that loss in 1999 between France and NZ, there has been 11 matches between the 2 sides. NZ can boast a proud record of 9 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. And might I add, a clean sweep since 2003. I cannot see any areas in this All Blacks team where France can exploit it. Australia might have the firepower to do so but France no. Hope to see the ABs stamp some authority in this game and erase that game of '99 for good!

New Zealand v France - In answer to your question Donny the semi of 8 years keeps reoccurring because we find ourselves in the same situation as we did then - New Zealand enormous odds on favourites to win the Cup but they can't rid themselves of the chokers tag. No one doubts that this is a fine NZ side even when judged against the many other All Black sides that have consistently ranked at the top of world rugby. However you have been unable to turn that dominance into world cup wins. There is a burden that comes with expectation and your teams have not been able to live with it in the past. Can this side? That is the question that everyone is asking and so we go back to the game 8 years ago and if you win on Saturday the same comparisons will be made with 4 years ago against Australia. (Assuming they beat England) This will be a great game of rugby and I think NZ will just pip France by 8 after a few scares.

South Africa vs Fiji- Im hoping that Fiji can repeat their performance to push for that semis spot. The Tongans nearly did a week ago. The Boks have shown some fragility, in that the depth is not there. If some of their 1st squad not play well or become injured, this may well be a game where we see some holes in this South African side.

Fiji were wonderful on Saturday against Wales but can they upset the Boks? I doubt it especially with Nicky Little out. I think it will be a great first half hour until South Africa turn the screws and their power begins to tell. Soith Africa by 18

Scotland vs Argentina- Scotland really need to lift their game if they want to roll Argentina. I believe Scotland are lucky to be in the quarters, as they were in the easier pool. Argentina could make the mistake and not focus on this game, and instead looking forward to the semis against the Boks.

Scotland have been poor and are in the quarters courtesy of an easy group. Argentina have been awesome. I love their style of play hard and aggressive never letting the opposition settle. They are destined for great things in this tournament and will triunph by 25+ for the biggest win of the weekend

I think all the games will be crackers!

With this Donny I wholeheartedly agree. A great weekend's rugby ahead. Just one word on timing though. The games are too far apart the first games start at 8pm the second at 2am. 4 hours in between. This is appalling scheduling and will leave rugby fans twiddling their thumbs, or more likely drinking copious quantities of beers, for too long. Most will be too pissed to appreciate the second games.

[Donnyboy]

With this Donny I wholeheartedly agree. A great weekend's rugby ahead. Just one word on timing though. The games are too far apart the first games start at 8pm the second at 2am. 4 hours in between. This is appalling scheduling and will leave rugby fans twiddling their thumbs, or more likely drinking copious quantities of beers, for too long. Most will be too pissed to appreciate the second games.

some of us might be having a few drinks to ease the pain after the first game

we could possibly ask McG and L'crowboy to lead a "tour of duty" down Loy Khroy in between games

[miltonbentley]

some of us might be having a few drinks to ease the pain after the first game whistling.gif

we could possibly ask McG and L'crowboy to lead a "tour of duty" down Loy Khroy in between games biggrin.gif

What those two know about rugby could be written on a an emoticon

[kiakaha]

Presuming NZL get into the final, their next 3 games will be at 2am Bangkok time...that bites (bar closing times). I have rugby live on tv at my home, but I prefer to watch it out.

[midasthailand]

What odds Australia V's Argentina in the final?

[Donnyboy]

What odds Australia V's Argentina in the final?

sorry mate- youre in the wrong thread, soccers in the other forum

[Donnyboy]

some of us might be having a few drinks to ease the pain after the first game whistling.gif

we could possibly ask McG and L'crowboy to lead a "tour of duty" down Loy Khroy in between games biggrin.gif

What those two know about rugby could be written on a an emoticon

as much as that?

[Donnyboy]

Laukai banned until final

All Black loose forward Sione Lauaki has been banned for two matches by a World Cup judicial committee.

The ban rubs the burly Waikato player out of Sunday's quarter-final against France in Cardiff and, if they beat the French, the semifinal against either Australia or England at Stade de France in Paris the following weekend.

Lauaki was found to have committed a dangerous tackle on a Romanian opponent in the All Blacks' 85-8 win in Toulouse last Sunday.

It was expected Lauaki would occupy a spot on the All Blacks reserve bench for the quarter-final.

The judicial officer, Christopher Quinlan, found the tackle to be reckless but lacking malice and the opponent had not been hurt, therefore Lauaki's punishment was at the lower end of the scale.

The All Blacks have 48 hours to appeal.

NZ Herald

Edited October 1, 2007 by Donnyboy

[Donnyboy]

the battle off-field has already commenced, arrogant buggers.

Coin toss decides who will lose shirt

New Zealand has been rebuffed repeatedly in its demands for teams to play in their traditional colours at the Rugby World Cup.

The latest appeal by NZRU chief executive Chris Moller during this tournament was met with another refusal by his International Rugby Board counterpart Mike Miller. Instead, the All Blacks overnight faced a coin toss against France to decide what jerseys they will wear for their Cardiff quarter-final.

If the All Blacks lost the toss they would play in their alternate silver strip unless the referee or match commissioner said there was no clash, Mr Moller said yesterday.

"France are not going to want to change their jersey and it seems the IRB are not going to be able to force them."

That decision was due early today when the All Blacks arrived in Cardiff for the start of the playoffs preparation. The NZRU is perplexed about the uniform clashes, aggravated when the All Blacks were told to wear their alternate silver strip against Scotland though that left greater confusion.

Mr Moller said all teams were asked to submit their tournament apparel to World Cup organisers last year and the All Blacks had five pieces of gear returned for modifications.

"I assume France did the same thing ... and I assume they submitted their blue-black jersey and it was approved."

France have regularly played in a lighter blue jersey but in what is seen by many as a cynical marketing ploy by Nike, the manufacturers of the French jersey, to provoke a conflict with the All Blacks' adidas clothing sponsor, they have produced an inky blue-black new kit.

Mr Moller said he first protested to RWC representatives and Miller about six months ago, without success, and then raised the topic again at a meeting of national chief executives in July: "There was no support ... for there to be a process to ensure that the jerseys or traditional values of the jerseys were maintained.

"I have re-raised our concern with Mike Miller again in the last week but there is nothing that can be done at the moment."

If France lose the toss and have to change their strip they will wear a white jersey broken by a blue diagonal slash.

The All Blacks suffered a setback well before they got to Cardiff.

Before the tournament, team managers drew marbles for their choice of hotels at quarter-final venues and the All Blacks earned the last pick.

The quarter-finalists in Cardiff were offered the choice of a city hotel the All Blacks have regularly stayed at or an out-of-town base at the Vale of Glamorgan used by Wales.

France have opted to stay in the city and the All Blacks will spend their week out of the city centre.

France's new dark-blue strip, right, would clash with the All Blacks' traditional strip. Photo / Reuters

[miltonbentley]

Wrong jerseys, having to stay out of town - gosh things are tough for the All Blacks. Still get all those excuses in early.

[Donnyboy]

Wrong jerseys, having to stay out of town - gosh things are tough for the All Blacks. Still get all those excuses in early.

ok MB, you got me buddy. It wont be the big margin the All Blacks will win by after all.

[Donnyboy]

Wrong jerseys, having to stay out of town - gosh things are tough for the All Blacks. Still get all those excuses in early.

what will be Englands excuses then?

[Donnyboy]

bad news for France

Carter jogs through training, likely to be named

The All Blacks are likely to name Daniel Carter in their starting lineup for Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against France in Cardiff after he took part in training overnight NZT.

Daniel Carter arrives at the All Black's hotel near Cardiff. Photo / Reuters

more here

[Donnyboy]

great stuff

Fiji jumps in IRB rankings

Fiji have launched up the International Rugby Board rankings, following their win against Wales.

Prior to their victory, Fiji were languishing outside the top 10 - at number 11.

Fiji players celebrate their win over Wales. Photo / Getty Images

more here

[Pink Mist]

Wrong jerseys, having to stay out of town - gosh things are tough for the All Blacks. Still get all those excuses in early.

what will be Englands excuses then?

their heritage' they are losers

[Donnyboy]

have cracks started to appear in the Wallabies?

Wallabies recall Turinui

Centre Morgan Turinui has been called in to Australia's rugby World Cup squad as a left-field replacement for injured No 8 David Lyons.Turinui's call-up, two years after playing the last of his 20 tests, has been largely prompted by the concern surrounding injured playmaker Stephen Larkham

more here

Edited October 2, 2007 by Donnyboy

[Donnyboy]

Im sure the boys will use this as motivation to win

1999 still fresh in McCaw's memory

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw insists New Zealand will not make the same mistakes they made in 1999 when they resume their rivalry with France in the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

more here

NZ Herald

[Donnyboy]

oh no

Carter still in doubt for ABs' France clash

All Black first five-eighth Daniel Carter will play in Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against France in Cardiff provided his injured calf has fully recovered by the weekend.Carter withdrew from last Saturday's final group match against Romania after straining a muscle in training.

"Daniel trained for 50 per cent of the time with the team this morning and looked fine to me," coach Graham Henry told a news conference. "But he is not 100 per cent fit at the moment.

more here

NZ Herald

[Donnyboy]

nevermind the weather, I think theyre in for a real shock this weekend

Les Bleus have the blues in Cardiff

French players got the blues when they left the comfort of their Marcoussis training camp and the Marseille sunshine to rebase in Cardiff, venue for their quarter-final against New Zealand."We try to adapt but it was a shock when we flew over from Marseille, where we relaxed by 25 degrees on a terrace with a sea view after our last pool game, to the mist of Cardiff," captain Raphael Ibanez told a news conference on today.

The official line in the French camp is that Les Bleus have only themselves and their defeat to Argentina in the opening game to blame for losing top spot in Pool D and being forced to face New Zealand in Cardiff instead of playing Scotland in Paris.

In the cramped and overheated conference room of a Cardiff hotel, Ibanez said "all the French players would have liked to escape such a situation".

"A bill like France v New Zealand deserved to be played in France with the support of our home crowd," he said.

"The most disturbing point for the players is that they know they will lack the atmosphere and the support of the spectators they have enjoyed since the beginning of the tournament."

France captain Raphael Ibanez. Photo / Reuters

[Donnyboy]

and to the other game on friday.....................lets get ready to ruuuuummmmbbbble!!!!!!

Bitter rivalry set for new dramatic chapter

When it comes to ritual sporting humiliation, England have more often than not resembled the bloodied corpse and Australia, the merciless executioner.The 2005 Ashes cricket success and the 2003 rugby World Cup triumph have been rare highlights for England's long-suffering fans who have grown wearily familiar with the power of the Australian juggernaut.

When it comes to the rugby World Cup, the English can at least boast a level playing field with two wins apiece ahead of Sunday's (NZ time) eagerly-awaited quarter-final in Marseille.

more here

England first five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson kicks the drop goal which won the World Cup four years ago. Photo / Getty Images