Rugby World Cup Up & Running

The first match in this years' World Cup is now behind us and it reminded me of the others that have gone before it :

Clanspeople appear to be divided into two groups : Those who think NZ cannot possibly NOT win the World Cup and those who feel they won't. This morning's match against Tonga confirmed a number of things :

So-called 'minnow' sides definitely raise their games for the World Cup. As is the case in many sports - the #1 team is always targeted and usually brings out the strongest performance from the underdog.

Beware of backing the favourites on the handicap when the outsider has a large start. Although they often reach the handicap mark the killer is always - 'How many points will the weaker side score?' Well done if you backed Tongs with the +. You could sit back and enjoy the last 20 minutes virtually safe in the knowledge that they were not going to be reeled in. Particularly as they were camped on the NZ line with time ticking away for much of that period. Lol.

Now let's study some form and try and unpick the All Blacks :

I have a growing concern about this side's ability to front up successfully against stronger packs. Inasmuch as SA fans are particularly critical of the supposed 'old age' of certain Springboks so also could they be of some of the All Blacks. I think they are vulnerable at lock and at hooker. I also think that Keino is their best loose forward and that McCaw, brilliant as he once was, is a few points short of the player he used to be. The role played by Kieran Read is likely to be pivotal if and when he returns from injury.

Much the same could be said of Carter who has NEVER again reached the heights he scaled against the 2005 British & Irish Lions. Give or take a tweak or two the NZ backs are leagues better than their forwards and most of the opponents they are likely to face with the possible exception of Australia's backs. Unfortunately - great running backs don't matter much beyond the pool stages.

Whatever cracks are being exposed in the All Blacks - they will be reviewed and debated in the weeks ahead. And analysed by their opponents! Unfortunately their remaining games - France aside - may not provide many answers. So, as usual, the really searching tests may only come from the quarterfinal onwards. At which point the smallest series of mistakes could consign them to another 4 year wait.

they actually have a world cup for rugby. Amazing

Sylvester,I assume you find the weather in your area particilarly hazy.......lol

Another great read Garrick

England are a bit under pressure at this stage Argentina just need a kicker

scotia Wrote:

---

> England are a bit under pressure at this stage
> Argentina just need a kicker

Maybe they needed messi <

Lucky Bokke... won't make the semi's if they play like that...

Cracking game to watch,coaches going to have to bang their heads together

Did anyone think that second penalty of the walsh was through the posts.... I did...

gregbucks Wrote:

---

> Did anyone think that second penalty of the walsh
> was through the posts.... I did...

From my pocket, yes that ball went through between the posts GB

gregbucks Wrote:

---

> Lucky Bokke... won't make the semi's if they play
> like that...


your & CM's money hence safe when it comes to your Bokke compo

I didn't think it was that bad - we just started with a passenger as hooker - after Bismarck came on it was like chalk and cheese and Hougaardt also made a difference imo - Habana will be lucky to remain first choice. We may have a slight concern at lock though.

Imo Wales really are a good side this year (as they showed when they beat England) and could be a nice bet to surprise and make the semi's.