Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [General] >> General Discussion >> Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread

Page: [1] 2 3 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/14/2007 10:02:08 PM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

MEANT TO SAY - POSSIBLE SPOILERS, SO IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE SCORE OF A GAME, THEN DON'T LOOK HERE...JUST IN CASE (PEOPLE LIKE ME) GIVE A RUNNING COMMENTARY

Official by me.

I started one saying well done Argentine, but that was Argentine specific and just went by the wayside talking about other things.

So this thread is your official "post what you like" about the Rugby World Cup...any team, any topic about the games...bring it on

And my first comment tonight is about the South African strips...they look like bloody wetsuits!

Anyway...cruncher match, for both teams but mostly England and, I never thought I would hear myself say this, but good luck England (and if word gets out that I said that and anyone asks, I'll just deny saying it!)

< Message edited by JudgeDredd -- 9/14/2007 10:55:41 PM >

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

Post #: 1

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/15/2007 9:48:15 AM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

omg...did England just get humped 33-0 by the boks?

I knew they were good, but I didn't know they were that good. I can't ever remember a single game where England didn't score any points!

Nothing went their way...not finding touch, bad scrums, lack of drive, kicking game was woefully bad meaning every inch had to be fought for...and against a heavy mob like the boks, that's bad news! AND Jason Robinson looks like he could be out...

Well, on the basis of that performance, England will be hard pushed to even make it to the next round...and surprisingly, the commentators are still talking about them doing so....but I reckon the Tonga boyz have to be walking into the next match with great big smiles on their faces.

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 2

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/15/2007 11:11:50 AM

MikeBrough

Posts: 260
Joined: 1/30/2005
From: Scotland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

omg...did England just get humped 33-0 by the boks?

Even better (

) - 36-0.

I really do fear for Scotland though when they take on the Kiwis next weekend. 36-0 might seem like a moral victory by then.

_____________________________

Mike Brough
Proud to be an Arab

Be sceptical of the things you believe are false; be very sceptical of the things you believe are true.

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 3

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/15/2007 11:47:39 AM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: MikeBrough

quote:

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

omg...did England just get humped 33-0 by the boks?

Even better () - 36-0.

I really do fear for Scotland though when they take on the Kiwis next weekend. 36-0 might seem like a moral victory by then.

agreed!

But most people thought there would at least be a fight...England didn't even look like scoring a try...can't wait to see the stats, 'cos I'm pretty sure they had very little of the ball (was on my 6th tin of Stella at half time, so my memory may be loose!)

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to MikeBrough)

Post #: 4

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/15/2007 1:57:31 PM

Raverdave

Posts: 6520
Joined: 2/8/2002
From: Melb. Australia
Status: offline

36-0

_____________________________

Never argue with an idiot, he will only drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 5

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/15/2007 6:06:49 PM

Neilster

Posts: 2890
Joined: 10/27/2003
From: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Status: offline

A fairly good win by the Aussies against a gallant Wales. There's still plenty of room for improvement though but the good thing is I think we'll play England in the next round and not South Africa.

Australia had too much class despite a lot of handling errors. Wales looked better in the second half when they were more expansive. All in all a good game under the roof at Millennium Stadium in front of a big vocal, parochial crowd. How on earth Wales got a home game in a Rugby World Cup supposedly held in France is beyond me.

Cheers, Neilster

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 6

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/15/2007 9:40:05 PM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

Reasonable win for the Aussies...some dirty play on both sides there...and I noticed the ref let it go. I remember the day when the yellow card was used

Southern hemisphere refs are more tolerant of the hard stuff...but I don't think they should be...the game is hard enough on the body without blatant professional fouling to be allowed to go on.

Latham and Alfie should've both walked for 10 minutes

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to Neilster)

Post #: 7

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/15/2007 9:45:17 PM

Neilster

Posts: 2890
Joined: 10/27/2003
From: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

Reasonable win for the Aussies...some dirty play on both sides there...and I noticed the ref let it go. I remember the day when the yellow card was used Southern hemisphere refs are more tolerant of the hard stuff...but I don't think they should be...the game is hard enough on the body without blatant professional fouling to be allowed to go on.

Latham and Alfie should've both walked for 10 minutes

If anything the Welsh got the better of the decisions. And the game can do without overly officious Northern Hemisphere referees slowing it down with endless niggardly decisions, turning it into a kick-fest. Running rugby is what we're after brother!

Cheers, Neilster

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 8

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/16/2007 1:18:20 AM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

I'm not on about slowing the game down, I'm talking about two specific tackles and "the general consensus" being that southern hemisphere refs being more lenient in general...sometimes that's a good thing, as you say, to keep the ball moving. I was specifically talking about unruly play hence the comments "hard stuff" and "professional fouling". Both of these instances should be dealt with, by warning or, if severe enough, a card.

But in this particular game, both players should have seen the yellow card and been off for ten minutes to cool down.

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to Neilster)

Post #: 9

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/16/2007 6:06:15 AM

Neilster

Posts: 2890
Joined: 10/27/2003
From: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

I'm not on about slowing the game down, I'm talking about two specific tackles and "the general consensus" being that southern hemisphere refs being more lenient in general...sometimes that's a good thing, as you say, to keep the ball moving. I was specifically talking about unruly play hence the comments "hard stuff" and "professional fouling". Both of these instances should be dealt with, by warning or, if severe enough, a card.

But in this particular game, both players should have seen the yellow card and been off for ten minutes to cool down.

We'll have to agree to disagree

Cheers, Neilster

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 10

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/18/2007 8:35:54 PM

7th Somersets

Posts: 282
Joined: 5/25/2006
Status: offline

So who is going to win?

(in reply to Neilster)

Post #: 11

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/18/2007 11:04:30 PM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Neilster

quote:

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

I'm not on about slowing the game down, I'm talking about two specific tackles and "the general consensus" being that southern hemisphere refs being more lenient in general...sometimes that's a good thing, as you say, to keep the ball moving. I was specifically talking about unruly play hence the comments "hard stuff" and "professional fouling". Both of these instances should be dealt with, by warning or, if severe enough, a card.

But in this particular game, both players should have seen the yellow card and been off for ten minutes to cool down.

We'll have to agree to disagree

Cheers, Neilster

You say that, but I would say you are correct in that the northern hem refs seem alot more stringent, picky and defiant in slowing the game down...so we agree there. I'm currently watching the Scotland Romania match and I'm screaming at the ref to let the ball come before calling time on advantage!

But those two players should've been booked. That we will disagree on.

I'm all for open, free flowing play, but were absolutely necessary, discipline has to be maintained, and I think knocking a player to the ground with a blatant and dangerous shoulder charge should be sin binned. One of the major strengths discipline-wise rugby has over footie is the respect shown to the referees and the availability of the sin bin. I personally think it's a strength and should be used more for dangerous tackles deliberate and repeated slowing down of play.

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to Neilster)

Post #: 12

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/19/2007 2:25:28 AM

Neilster

Posts: 2890
Joined: 10/27/2003
From: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

quote:

ORIGINAL: Neilster

quote:

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

I'm not on about slowing the game down, I'm talking about two specific tackles and "the general consensus" being that southern hemisphere refs being more lenient in general...sometimes that's a good thing, as you say, to keep the ball moving. I was specifically talking about unruly play hence the comments "hard stuff" and "professional fouling". Both of these instances should be dealt with, by warning or, if severe enough, a card.

But in this particular game, both players should have seen the yellow card and been off for ten minutes to cool down.

We'll have to agree to disagree

Cheers, Neilster

You say that, but I would say you are correct in that the northern hem refs seem alot more stringent, picky and defiant in slowing the game down...so we agree there. I'm currently watching the Scotland Romania match and I'm screaming at the ref to let the ball come before calling time on advantage!

But those two players should've been booked. That we will disagree on.

I'm all for open, free flowing play, but were absolutely necessary, discipline has to be maintained, and I think knocking a player to the ground with a blatant and dangerous shoulder charge should be sin binned. One of the major strengths discipline-wise rugby has over footie is the respect shown to the referees and the availability of the sin bin. I personally think it's a strength and should be used more for dangerous tackles deliberate and repeated slowing down of play.

Yes, you're right. I didn't realise you were referring to those two incidents and I was a bit "tired and emotional"

when watching the game and couldn't remember them very well. The first was a pretty cowardly, late, "Venus de Milo" (no arms) tackle by the Welsh captain on a young player as revenge for his good play that set up a try. The second was payback by Mortlock. That's never a good thing, although in this case the original perpetrator was too concussed to continue, so justice was served.

Cheers, Neilster

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 13

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/19/2007 12:07:35 PM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

Well, erm...I was actually talking about the other challenge (Mortlocks against Gareth Thomas was a bit late, but at least looked like an attempt at a tackle)...I meant the later very late challenge (not sure if it was Mortlock) on the Welsh kicker Shane Williams

Either way...we agree about open play and fast ball.

I would like to see the yellow card more though. I think there have been a few times in the tournament when it should've been shown...even if the ref allows play to go on to the breakdown and then deals with it...

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to Neilster)

Post #: 14

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/19/2007 12:08:52 PM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

Good win for Scotland last night and a nice clean sheet to.

Who are these kiwi people? Where are they?

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 15

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/19/2007 4:05:32 PM

Plodder

Posts: 1001
Joined: 7/28/2003
From: New Zealand
Status: offline

Right here...............................................waiting.

_____________________________

Gen. Montgomery: "Your men don't salute much."
Gen. Freyberg: "Well, if you wave at them they'll usually wave back."

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 16

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/24/2007 9:38:01 AM

Plodder

Posts: 1001
Joined: 7/28/2003
From: New Zealand
Status: offline

What a crap game of rugger that was.The AB's ball handling was the worst I've seen all year, Carter's kicking was pretty woeful and whoever made the decision that the AB's should wear their alternate strip should have compared it to the Scottish strip, It was bloody hard to tell who was who.The fowards were awesome though but how Chris Masoe got man of the match, I don't know.He pretty much knocked-on every touch of the ball. Scotland were terrible, even Portugal got points against us.

_____________________________

Gen. Montgomery: "Your men don't salute much."
Gen. Freyberg: "Well, if you wave at them they'll usually wave back."

(in reply to Plodder)

Post #: 17

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/24/2007 10:03:42 AM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

I agree on all points Plodder.

Worst game this tournament I think.

Scotland should've got a yellow for the scrum problems. Where the hell was Paterson trying to kick? NZ had horrendous handling issues. Scotland were slowing the ball up everywhere because that's all they could do and when the hell is someone going to tell these bloody kickers that if you're going to kick to touch...get the bloody thing in touch...in touch before distance is the priority...especially against the ABs. They run and they know they can...touch IS a requirement when kicking against the ABs.

Just looking at the stats...woefully bad from the Scots....less than 4 minutes in the opponents 22! Reserve team, but still....

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/fixtures/round=100/match=10100/index.html

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to Plodder)

Post #: 18

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/24/2007 1:02:47 PM

SMK-at-work

Posts: 3396
Joined: 8/28/2000
From: New Zealand
Status: offline

It was hte AB's 2nd team and it still had zero scored against it...I wouldn't be taking any comfort from any aparent problems if I was France or Argentina.....

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 19

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/24/2007 1:10:58 PM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

New Zealand team:

1 Tony Woodcock
2 Anton Oliver
3 Carl Hayman
4 Reuben Thorne
5 Ali Williams
6 Chris Masoe
7 Richie McCaw (c)
8 Rodney So'oialo
9 Byron Kelleher
10 Dan Carter
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
12 Luke McAlister
13 Conrad Smith
14 Doug Howlett
15 Leon MacDonald

Erm...SMK, that wasn't the AB second team, m8.

The two players in bold are the only two new players to this lineup from your Italian game...the rest were either on the Replacement bench (Oliver and Masoe) or in the first team.

< Message edited by JudgeDredd -- 9/24/2007 1:27:54 PM >

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to SMK-at-work)

Post #: 20

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/24/2007 3:11:04 PM

Andy Mac

Posts: 15222
Joined: 5/12/2004
From: Alexandria, Scotland
Status: offline

I do think it was quite cunning of Hadden to keep his best players out of a game he figured he couldnt win.

Its all about Italy for Scotland we know the AB will choke somewhere along the way but they were always going to hammer us.

If Scotland beat Italy then its a quarter final against France or Argentina both are hard games but winnable.

So actually keeping his best players, few as they are, away from the AB's and potential injuries is probably a good thing if a tad cynical roll on Italy !!!!

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 21

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/24/2007 3:49:29 PM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

Absolutely.

He's being slated for it here, but the AB game wasn't ever winnable for Scotland, whereas the Italy game is - and that isn't saying it's a done thing...as we've already seen first hand, Italy have more than the ability to beat Scotland (6 Nations, 2007 anyone?)

I don't know what the commentary about it up north is like, but he's being slated by the English commentators for it. I say good on him.

I, like every other Scot, would like to see how the 1st Scotland team could do holding off the ABs...but that's all it would be...a holding action. And what about any injuries going into the Italian game.

We wouldn't beat the ABs. They've beaten us in 20 meetings, with teams much worse than they have now....so I say it's a good call. Keep your squad and rest them for the match that counts to the quarters.

< Message edited by JudgeDredd -- 9/24/2007 3:52:41 PM >

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to Andy Mac)

Post #: 22

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/24/2007 4:18:14 PM

7th Somersets

Posts: 282
Joined: 5/25/2006
Status: offline

If I were one of the Scots first team I would be disappointed at having missed playing one of the finalists (if not the winner of) the 2007 world cup.

Let's face it - Scotland getting through to the next round is the most that they will achieve this year - so the 'cynical' approach will hardly get them very much further.

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 23

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/24/2007 4:43:56 PM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

It's not a cynical view. You of all people (being a wargamer, I presume) should understand the strategy involved.

If Frank Hadden had played his first team and suffered injuries and/or the team ended up being beaten by Italy, he would be lambasted for it, and rightly so.

If, on the other hand, he loses to Italy for the choice he made on Sunday, then he will be lambasted for that! The point is, strategically, he stands a better chance getting his squad to the quarter finals with an intact and rested first squad.

You're damn right the players will be pissed about it, but they would rather progress than go home in the group stage. As I was. I was wanting to see Scotland play the ABs...but we can take them later

As for not progressing past the quarters, you've been watching a different Rugby World Cup. Scotland and Wales have been the most impressive northern hemisphere teams so far. If Scotland beat Italy, they play either France, Argentina or Ireland...and all three of those games Scotland stand as good a chance as the opposing side of winning.

Scotland, going into the World Cup were offered odds of 300-1...it's now 150-1 to win. Now you and I know that aint gonna happen, but at 6-1 odds for Scotland being eliminated at the Semi Final stage, it's more than worth a punt. England and France have only got 5-1 and 4-1 respectively

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to 7th Somersets)

Post #: 24

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/24/2007 4:45:01 PM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

By the way, even Ireland are only at 66-1 to get eliminated at the semi final stage!!

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 25

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/25/2007 2:27:04 AM

SMK-at-work

Posts: 3396
Joined: 8/28/2000
From: New Zealand
Status: offline

Dread you've identified 4 players out of the starting 15 who you admit are not in the "top" starting 15.

Add MacDonald - he's good, but he's not the first fullback...so that's 5.....1/3rd of the team starting 15 were not the top players for their position.

It's still probably a good enough team to win the cup, but it's not the top team by any means.

(in reply to JudgeDredd)

Post #: 26

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/25/2007 10:08:34 AM

JudgeDredd

Posts: 8573
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline

Well, fine...1/3 of the team are not the top players...so if you are correct (and I assume you would know more than I, being as you are actually from NZ), then it's still not your second team...and besides, NZ second team would beat just about any rugby team bar SA and the Aussies!

_____________________________

Alba gu' brath

(in reply to SMK-at-work)

Post #: 27

RE: Official Rugby World Cup 2007 Thread - 9/25/2007 10:23:42 AM

7th Somersets

Posts: 282
Joined: 5/25/2006
Status: offline