The Rugby League World Cup

[StreetCowboy]

Don't forget the Georgia vs Saoma match in just under 9 hours time

Thanks for reminding me. Should be a good game; Samoa might get a bit of a surprise.

Portugal France, Romania Fiji - all great games - but off-topic.

I'm beginning to look forward to the return of summer rugby, in three months' time though (the early rounds of the Challenge Cup will start earlier, but this year it's Aberdeen Eagles carrying the flag for Scotland). First round sees Superleague Champions and Challenge Cup holders Wigan (missing their star fullback Sam Tomkins) take on League Leaders' Shield hodlers Huddersfield, led by Scotland hero Man of Steel Danny Brough.

But that's all off in the future. Now, the eyes of the world are turning towards Wembley's hallowed turf. The first game should be close, and everyone from outside Australia will be hoping the second will be too.

SC

[NumbNut]

Don't forget the Georgia vs Saoma match in just under 9 hours time

Thanks for reminding me. Should be a good game; Samoa might get a bit of a surprise.

Portugal France, Romania Fiji - all great games - but off-topic.

I'm beginning to look forward to the return of summer rugby, in three months' time though (the early rounds of the Challenge Cup will start earlier, but this year it's Aberdeen Eagles carrying the flag for Scotland). First round sees Superleague Champions and Challenge Cup holders Wigan (missing their star fullback Sam Tomkins) take on League Leaders' Shield hodlers Huddersfield, led by Scotland hero Man of Steel Danny Brough.

But that's all off in the future. Now, the eyes of the world are turning towards Wembley's hallowed turf. The first game should be close, and everyone from outside Australia will be hoping the second will be too.

SC

Just a quick one (story of my life so far...), but I just wanted to comment on how great it is to hear the two of you guys (and some others too) freely commenting across the codes and concentrating purely on the good that both codes have to offer. So often you see this turn into a cesspit of union - league or vice versa bashing that brings nothing new to the table and just makes all parties involved look like the idiots and bigots that they are.

Myself, I appreciate union but love league, as I played union for my school but league for my town in NSW when I was a wee whippersnapper, so I have a foot in both camps really.

As you blokes both know and have already demonstrated in your comments, both codes are unique contests in themselves. The two rugby codes are truly 'same same but different' in every sense of the phrase.

Congrats lads, and may the best team win.

Speaking of which, what do you think of the poms promoting Widdop? He is a genuine gamechanger, he has played some great games for Melbourne this year. Could be the difference I reckon.

Edited November 23, 2013 by NumbNut

[StreetCowboy]

Don't forget the Georgia vs Saoma match in just under 9 hours time

Thanks for reminding me. Should be a good game; Samoa might get a bit of a surprise.

Portugal France, Romania Fiji - all great games - but off-topic.

I'm beginning to look forward to the return of summer rugby, in three months' time though (the early rounds of the Challenge Cup will start earlier, but this year it's Aberdeen Eagles carrying the flag for Scotland). First round sees Superleague Champions and Challenge Cup holders Wigan (missing their star fullback Sam Tomkins) take on League Leaders' Shield hodlers Huddersfield, led by Scotland hero Man of Steel Danny Brough.

But that's all off in the future. Now, the eyes of the world are turning towards Wembley's hallowed turf. The first game should be close, and everyone from outside Australia will be hoping the second will be too.

SC

Just a quick one (story of my life so far...), but I just wanted to comment on how great it is to hear the two of you guys (and some others too) freely commenting across the codes and concentrating purely on the good that both codes have to offer. So often you see this turn into a cesspit of union - league or vice versa bashing that brings nothing new to the table and just makes all parties involved look like the idiots and bigots that they are.

Myself, I appreciate union but love league, as I played union for my school but league for my town in NSW when I was a wee whippersnapper, so I have a foot in both camps really.

As you blokes both know and have already demonstrated in your comments, both codes are unique contests in themselves. The two rugby codes are truly 'same same but different' in every sense of the phrase.

Congrats lads, and may the best team win.

Speaking of which, what do you think of the poms promoting Widdop? He is a genuine gamechanger, he has played some great games for Melbourne this year. Could be the difference I reckon.

The guys I used to drink with in Warrington would watch either code. We went to Northwich to watch Winnington Park ship over a hundred points against Wasps in some Cup competition. One of the guys goes to watch Sale very occasionally, I think. He was saying that Sale FC are just "FC" because they date back to before the split when some teams set up the Association...

Rangi Chase is a great player too; he would have shone much brighter had he not had the Castleford team in front of him., It would be difficult for him against his mother county, though, because any less than 200% and scoring the winning try and people would question his commitment to the cause.

I think Widdop is a bit of a gamble on fitness / injury; I've not seen much of him as I don't watch the NRL that much. It doesn't excite my partisan prejudices to the same extent.

SC

Edited November 23, 2013 by StreetCowboy

[David48]

Well ... it's a festival of the Boot Tonight !

On the free to Air TV tonight in Australia we have ...

In just under an hours time first up ...

New Zealand vs England

Followed by Fiji vs Australia

Then ... if the matchsticks hold up in the game that still has 'real scrums' ...

@ 3.30am

Scotland vs Australia

My pre-match warm-up was 3 hours kip this afternoon.

I hope that was enough.

Don't tell bonobo but a wee digression here.

Last week, after celebrating their win over the men from Mars and up for a bit of craic, the Wallabies didn't have their tails tucked firmly enough between their legs and hopped into 1 Bar too many ...

In an unprecedented move by Australia's coach Ewen McKenzie, six players were stood down for one Test match each and nine others were formally cautioned over the late-night outing in Dublin, and their chief executive is confident no player will be game enough to put a foot wrong in future.

SC ... this is the mown paddock where I can watch the men in uniform toss the pig's bladder around.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/rugby/aru-boss-bill-pulver-says-he-expects-the-wallabies-drinking-scandal-will-be-a-oneoff/story-fnibc42r-1226766905248

[StreetCowboy]

8-all at half time, it's a pretty close game so far

[David48]

8-all at half time, it's a pretty close game so far

Must admit, one of the most enjoyable halves of footy I watched for a while.

The Forward Battle has been willing.

That NZ try I applauded audibly ... great skills.

Is it just me ... or is the England commentary team so one eyed they'd make Ulysses bi-ocular?

Still reckon that NZ will prevail ... England had the better of the 50/50 decisions in the first half.

NZ just need to settle their game into a grind.

PS ... SC, you must be in your element ... there are 2, yes two video referees!

Edited November 23, 2013 by David48

[tw25rw]

A bit disappointing. I wanted Aus v Eng in the final.. I still think NZ will win it .

[David48]

I have a confession ... I didn't last ... the matchsticks bent, then broke.

Watched the Poms/Kiwi game ... one of the best seen for a long time.

Got as far as the first 20 mins and 20 nil to Australia in the next game.

Shame that because I would to have seen Petro, the ole' warhorse's

last touch of the Football.

Slept through the Alarm and caught the 2nd half of the boys running round

and scoring tries at MurreyField ... while the Scots relied on toe-poking the

ball through the sticks to keep their end up.

[StreetCowboy]

Hawaythairboys, bytheway.

Ah've binwatchin' thewurldcup, soAh've no'binoan that much but.

But see thon Sunny Bill Williams,bytheway. Its grand that young muslims huv a role model like that tae aspire after, bytheway, soitis.

Nebdy ever characterises Muslims as hivvywait boxers, it's a' Osama Bin Bloodyladen, whit aboot Ali, eh?

RIBB

Edited November 24, 2013 by StreetCowboy

[thedoctor]

Sorry guys,

the final is on saturday Aus v NZ

does anyone know what time of day or night it will be starting on thai TV

i just cant find it on the net or Tv programs

is it an afternoon game or night game >>> in the uk ?

thanks M

[tw25rw]

Sorry guys,

the final is on saturday Aus v NZ

does anyone know what time of day or night it will be starting on thai TV

i just cant find it on the net or Tv programs

is it an afternoon game or night game >>> in the uk ?

thanks M

2.30pm Saturday London time.

[StreetCowboy]

So what's your prediction for the game?

My prediction is that Australia will lose due to uncharacteristic handling errors and poor kicking, New Zealand will retain the title in contentious circumstances, and a streaker will enter the pitch in the 63rd minute.

SC

[wonder6281]

Australia by 16+

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[NumbNut]

I know it's a cop out, but I reckon it's too close to call. I reckon the only weakness in either side is the Kiwi's, in the centre's. In all other positions the Kiwi's have the Kangaroo's covered. There are just too many genuine playmakers in both sides to make this an easy call.

Bit of a blow to the Kiwi's losing Pritchard though.

[David48]

I know it's a cop out, but I reckon it's too close to call. I reckon the only weakness in either side is the Kiwi's, in the centre's. In all other positions the Kiwi's have the Kangaroo's covered. There are just too many genuine playmakers in both sides to make this an easy call.

Bit of a blow to the Kiwi's losing Pritchard though.

Surprisingly, the have the Aussies as firm favourites @ $1.28 on a 8 1/2 point start.

I just hope it's a dry track and the umpire doesn't decide the winner.

I was hoping Billy Slater wasn't fit and left Inglas at Fullback.

[tw25rw]

I would pick NZ. The look too lively and aggressive. Australia are looking long in the tooth.

[tw25rw]

Well that was a better result than I expected. I was watching West Ham and had no 3G so had to wait for the score. Just need to win the 2nd test to make it the perfect week.

[Dancealot]

I missed that game. Just like to share..

I'm looking for a re-run..

[wonder6281]

Australia by 16+

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Too strong, fast and skilful.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app