Forum:Rugby World Cup 2011

Think Richie's a cheat? Bakkies is dirty? The Poms are boring? Then this is the page to get talk about the rugby.

We have a few Kiwis, Aussies, Saffers and Poms on here so hopefully we can get a bit of banter going.

I have predicted All Black victories for the last 5 world cups and that hasn't gone so well, so perhaps I'll keep my predictions to myself this year.

Japan
Looking bloody good against a pretty good French team. As did Romania against Scotland earlier. What a magnificent start to the world cup. its 25-18 to France 12 mins into the second half. --DamoHi 07:13, 10 September 2011 (UTC)
 * Not that the minnows will ever win, but it's good to see the gap closing. Gone are the days of the All Blacks putting 150 points past Japan. Wales played their hearts out and were unlucky Hook left his kicking boots at home. Any bets on an All Black - Wallaby final? (Sad to say, but the Boks won't get past the semis, if that far) -- PsyGremlin  14:33, 13 September 2011 (UTC)
 * On current form you should beat the Aussies in the quarters. Might be tough against us in the semis but you never know.  --DamoHi 22:35, 22 September 2011 (UTC)

England
Sadly I doubt they'll get very far this world cup. Very scrappy play, giving away too many penalties, and Johnny seems to have lost his ability to kick. They're also still relying too much on pick up and drive rather than having a player hitting the ball at pace while going down the line, which is odd considering that on the rare occasions they do actually do this they either make loads of ground or get a try. Crundy Talk nerdy to me 12:51, 20 September 2011 (UTC)

Do you know...
It's fucking awesome to have a wife who loves rugby as much (if not more) than you :) Crundy Talk nerdy to me 21:33, 2 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Awww~ That's awesome. :D --Dumpling (talk) 21:37, 2 October 2011 (UTC)
 * It fucking would be. How would I meet such a wife?  Mine is Ok though, she understands my needs for the sole possession of the TV at certain key times and my need to occasionally make away trips (and the necessity of the "what goes on tour" rule.  --DamoHi 02:54, 5 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Mine sits ariound drinking in her Springboks shirt whenever they play (she is a saffa) and we watch every game the SA's or AB's play. She loves it. Aceace 02:59, 5 October 2011 (UTC)
 * 16th October should for interesting for you two if the boks beat the auzzies then. I can't imagine the kiwis losing to the argies (did I use enough country nicknames there?) Crundy Talk nerdy to me 08:23, 5 October 2011 (UTC)

Quarter Finals
3 of the 4 QF's are too close to call. So I'll call them anyway.
 * Springboks to beat Wallabies
 * Poms to beat Frogs
 * Dragons to beat Shamrocks
 * All Blacks to beat Pumas

Wouldn't put any substantial money on any of these aside from the AB's, but at $1.03 why would you? DamoHi 08:30, 5 October 2011 (UTC)
 * The England France game will be close I think. England really need to sort their kicking out. Crundy Talk nerdy to me 15:54, 5 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Given that the Aussies' loss to the Irish means you've got the Boks, ABs and Wallabies in one half, I'm going to put my head on the block and say that the other finalist will come from the winner of the Wales v Ireland game. That either England or France will make the semis is a travesty - they have both played absolutely awful rugby. SA v Wales final would make me happy, but it's not going to happen. -- PsyGremlin  15:59, 5 October 2011 (UTC)
 * If England don't get through, I'd love to see another home nation lift the trophy. Ajkgordon (talk) 16:00, 7 October 2011 (UTC)

My worst nightmare
(Moved from SB)

That's three world cups in a row England and France have clashed in the knock-out stages and the two previous times I've had to celebrate victory while consoling my wife. Come on lads, you can do it! Ajkgordon (talk) 13:02, 7 October 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm Welsh, so I'm busy working myself into a frenzy of worry about our game against the Irish tomorrow morning. That's going to be a good one I hope, but I'm buggered if I can predict who's going to win it. Wales I hope! As to the England-France match I'm still wondering what happened to the French team, who appear to have fallen apart like one of BillO's Faux News flunkies when confronted with an articulate and educated person. Why are the French being so unpredictable dammmit???? Darkmind1970 (talk) 13:09, 7 October 2011 (UTC)
 * French are unpredictable shock. They're at their most dangerous now. They could sweep England aside knowing them like they did to the ABs last time. But I don't think they will. England by 6 points. I'll miss most of the Wales-Ireland match as I'm having to drive the Olds to the airport but it looks like potentially the best match in the quarters. Ajkgordon (talk) 13:52, 7 October 2011 (UTC)

Goddamnit!
I thought this was going to be close. England soon going home I fear.Crundy Talk nerdy to me 08:45, 8 October 2011 (UTC)
 * And just as I say that England score a try :) Crundy Talk nerdy to me 08:49, 8 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Watching it......sorry Crundy....Aceace 08:52, 8 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Typical - France decide this is the day they'll play rugby. Still, I'm happy - Wales were very, very good this morning. Altho Ireland's tackling left much to be desired. -- PsyGremlin  08:58, 8 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Ireland just kept fumbling the ball. Wales defense was spot on though. Aceace 09:01, 8 October 2011 (UTC)
 * God, I was convinced that the Wales-Ireland match was in squeaky bum time after the break - and then the boys came right back and scored those tries! Great way to start the day! As for the England-France match, you're right Psygremlin, it was very typical of the sodding French. All the same, the English didn't do themselves any favours playing like that. I can't understand Johnson's thinking at all - Flood and Wilkinson hadn't played together in those positions for 18 months, no wonder they barely knew what to do. What price Johnson's position now? Darkmind1970 (talk) 13:19, 8 October 2011 (UTC)
 * I guess it shows that great players cannot instantly become great coaches. England looked awful all tournament.  They were a bit lucky to squeak past Argentina and Scotland.  Today they came up against a team that turned the early pressure into points and England got too far behind to come back.  Sorry Crundy, but England were very average for large periods tonight, they played well below their abilities given their talent.  I blame Johnson.   The Welsh on the other hand looked bloody good.  DamoHi 19:02, 8 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Yeah I'm not surprised England went out. Even the most basic skills (esp passing) seemed to escape them. Well, I think I'll support Wales now. Go the taffies! Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 16:06, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Yeah, go Taffs! My lad was devastated by England's loss though - Wilco is his hero. I'm not sure he'll be able to support France in the semis even though he's half French. He had a great tour to Wales a couple of years ago and took a shine to them. I think that the quarters was France's One Big Game and they'll fold in the semis. With the way Wales are playing at the moment, it could be a fascinating final against the ABs. Ajkgordon (talk) 09:42, 10 October 2011 (UTC)

Anyone............
.....................watching Australia v Sth Africa? Oz leads 8-3 at the break. A scrappy game. <font color="blue" face = "Comic Sans MS">RagTop <font color="teal" face = "Comic Sans MS>Gone sailing 05:51, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * AUSTRALIA!!! --Horace (talk) 06:49, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Indeed. I think they're going to get beat next game though :) Peter talk, or type, or whatever... 06:52, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Quite frankly, that has to be the worst refereeing I have ever seen in my life. Hands in ruck, front row popping up, disallowed try for a legal pass. If I didn't know better, I'd say that ref had been paid to fix the match. Fucking disgusting effort. I hope (and this is the only time in my life I'll cheer for the All Blacks) the ABs grind those cheating sheep-shagging sons of convicts into dust. Well played, Argentina, who had the heart, but not the stamina. --<font face="Wild Words"> PsyGremlin  09:27, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Your team sucked. But your other team won against Ireland. Aceace 09:36, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Just as long as your blokes don't choke against those bastards. --<font face="Wild Words"> PsyGremlin  10:23, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Well, the Pumas showed that the ABs aren't as unstoppable as everyone might have thought - that final score of 31-10 flattered the ABs quite a bit. ABs - Wallabies should be interesting. I'm busy wondering which French team will turn up against us. Will it be the majestic runners or the shambling fuckwits? Jesus - there's a chance that Wales could make the final. When did I slip into an alternate reality? I'm bloody delighted but a tad bemused. Darkmind1970 (talk) 10:48, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm glad I'm not the only one who spotted all those hands in the rucks and thought "WTF?". I did think the pass was forward for the disallowed try though. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 16:08, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * And to add to the general "what the fuck is going on with the English", Tuilagi has been nicked by the Kiwi rozzers for jumping off a ferry and swimming to a nearby pier. Well that's... bizarre.Darkmind1970 (talk) 23:07, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Oh yeah, bizzare. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 09:15, 10 October 2011 (UTC)

All Blacks Downfall
Here <font color="blue" face = "Comic Sans MS">RagTop <font color="teal" face = "Comic Sans MS>Gone sailing 01:30, 14 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Well, I wonder if the ABs will make it, or if they'll choke yet again? They should make it, but with their third choice flyhalf and McCaw's dodgy foot... I've got a funny feeling about Sunday's match. Mind you it might just be gas - I'm feckin' terrified ahead of our match with the Frogs. Darkmind1970 (talk) 12:56, 14 October 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm really hoping for a Wales v NZ final. Would be epic. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 22:26, 14 October 2011 (UTC)
 * That'd be awesome though I am predicting an All Blacks vs. France final. Aceace 22:42, 14 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Don't forget that the Wallabies beat the All Blacks twice (home & away) in August to take the Bledisloe Cup & the Tri-nations. I wouldn't write them off so lightly. Wallabies v France in the final. <font color="blue" face = "Comic Sans MS">RagTop <font color="teal" face = "Comic Sans MS>Gone sailing 01:07, 15 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Um, what? The Wallabies beat us ONCE in August and the Bledisloe cup is safe at home at NZRU headquarters for another year.  DamoHi 08:31, 17 October 2011 (UTC)

Wales v France
Woah! Captain red carded! <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 08:41, 15 October 2011 (UTC)
 * fuckfuckfuck Warburton fuckfuckfuck Hook. Red card was a bit harsh, wasn't an intentional spear, should have been a yellow. Another game fucked up by the ref. For gawd's sake, take that fucking Hook off the field and get Jones on. --<font face="Wild Words"> PsyGremlin  08:49, 15 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Yeah man, red card was way harsh eh. Aceace 08:54, 15 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Very harsh. Defo should have been yellow. Doesn't seem to have affected Wales thus far though. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 08:58, 15 October 2011 (UTC)

W00t! go the taffies! <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 09:25, 15 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Shit man, they really want it... Aceace 09:27, 15 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Bah, such a close kick. Aceace 09:39, 15 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Fucks sake. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 09:47, 15 October 2011 (UTC)
 * All Blacks vs France final? Aceace 09:49, 15 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Ah well, Wales threw that away - 11 missed points with the boot. But for France to remain scoreless in the 2nd half against 14 men - I've never seen a team so undeserving to be in a world cup final. They look awful. Whoever wins tomorrow wins the cup. (Ironcially AB v F were the teams for the 1st WC final, that the AB won) --<font face="Wild Words"> PsyGremlin  09:55, 15 October 2011 (UTC)

Red card
I am a referee and that red card was an obvious one. Not even an issue. If you lift a player up so his legs go beyond the horizontal you need to be absolutely sure he is let down gently. If you drop him you should be sent off every time. The guidelines surrounding tip tackles have been around for 2 years now. The ref knew it and Warburton should have known it to. No issues at all with the RC, probably he is lucky to only get a 3 week ban. If you get tackles like that even slightly wrong people can spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair. DamoHi 05:38, 17 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Do you still think it would have been a red if he asked the video ref? <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 08:37, 17 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Well I'm not sure what he would ask the TMO about, given that the TMO can't rule on foul play (except in the in-goal - and even then only to make a ruling on try/no try/penalty try. There is a myth going around that he could have asked the video ref, dunno who started it, but it is totally bogus.  He could have spoken to his AR's (touchies) but he looked pretty certain in his mind that it was a RC.
 * One of the things you learn as a ref is that you feel a red card in your gut. You see it and you know instinctively whether its a red or just a yellow.  Rolland obviously felt it.  Watching it live I felt it too and screamed "Red card" at the screen in the pub I was in.  To be honest if it wasn't a semi final of a WC there would be no discussion.  If you don't believe me I could drag up plenty of similar cases at provincial level where a RC was given.  DamoHi 08:51, 17 October 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm just not convinced that there was any malice in his action. If it was an accident and he didn't think in time to put him down safely then it should have been a sin bin. If he picked him up and deliberately slammed him into the ground then it should have been a red card. I don't doubt that the action was dangerous, I just doubt that in the circumstances and in a semi final he should have been sent off. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 08:57, 17 October 2011 (UTC)
 * It may be that the IRB will look into the issue of red cards, perhaps something like 20 minutes with 14 players and then he can be replaced might be a good compromise. Whilst I agree that there probably was no malice, he chose to lift him up, and once you make that call you are on very thin ice.  When you think about it, many people scream for a red card for say a stomp to the head or a sucker punch from behind.  Whilst those actions look ugly, they are unlikely to actually kill or paralyse a person.  In NZ alone on average one person is paralysed every year from a tackle just like that.  I imagine the stats in other countries would be similar.  DamoHi 09:05, 17 October 2011 (UTC)

NZ v Oz
Bit of a fuck up from australia before they even got started.<font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 08:18, 16 October 2011 (UTC)
 * fuck me. All blacks really need to sort their kicking out. They should be 38 - 6 up at the moment. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 09:32, 16 October 2011 (UTC)
 * What happened? Missed the start. Nice to see the Aussies finally getting penalised for cheating at the ruck. NZ def need a decent kicker. Ironically, we have exactly the same games as in 1987 - NZ v F final, Aus v Wales 3rd place. --<font face="Wild Words"> PsyGremlin  09:45, 16 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Australia did the first kick off, but their kicker punted it straight into touch, so from their kick off the game started with nz having a scrum on the half way line. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 09:48, 16 October 2011 (UTC)
 * I was there. It was awesome!  Crowd started chanting "4 more years, 4 more years" towards the end.  Take that Georgie boy!  DamoHi 05:39, 17 October 2011 (UTC)
 * I liked the following chant: Your next queen is Camilla Parker Bowles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Camilla Parker Bowles... 06:08, 17 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Not quite as worrying as the fact our next king will be Charles *shudder* <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 07:45, 17 October 2011 (UTC)

Aus v Wales
Fuck fuck fuckity fuck. If only Wales had taken a fucking kicker to the world cup. Fuck. All 3 games they lost was because they couldn't kick for shit. Fuck. --<font face="Wild Words"> PsyGremlin  16:52, 21 October 2011 (UTC)
 * You support Wales, or just anyone playing Australia? Agree about the kicking though.  Terrible all throughout the cup.  I reckon Halfpenny should have been given more of a go, he was given all the hard long ones and did ok all things considered. --DamoHi 21:45, 21 October 2011 (UTC)

Final
Bit dull so far. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 09:07, 23 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Not any more :O -- Peter talk, or type, or whatever... 09:12, 23 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Yeah true. France have really upped their game today. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 09:34, 23 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Phew! Close but I'm glad nz won. <font color="#777777">Crundy <font color="#00F0A20">Talk nerdy to me 09:46, 23 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Phew. French played bloody well.  Good on them.  Not quite enough though this time.  Fancy winning a world cup with your 4th string first V?  (And a guy who was fishing for whitebait 10 days ago).  --DamoHi 10:36, 23 October 2011 (UTC)