Rugby World Cup 2007

**Fincave** · **10-05-07, 06:42 AM**

The serious stuff starts today and I have to go to work

. England versus Australia could be a good game even though England have not played well so far, rugby can be a funny game at times and if one team has a bad day which coincides with the other teams good day then upsets can happen, that said I still see Australia going through pretty comfortably. New Zealand take on France and on current form are the team to beat, but France are hosts which does make a difference and on a good day could push the All Blacks, were I to put money on the game I would back New Zealand, even go as far as them winning by fifteen points.

Tomorrow sees SA take on Fiji, a game I really want to see but am working again, just not fair!! Should be a very physical game and I see SA winning a close game. Argentina take on Scotland in the evening and IMO the Scots are going to get thumped, Argentina have been playing good rugby and have a good defense and I just do not see Scotland standing much of a chance.

terry j: I would not go as far as only giving points for conversions but would be in favour of reducing the points scored for penalties and drop goals to one point for each, I think it would 'encourage' some teams to play a more open and running game of rugby.

edit: got home, went online to check the resultts and then realised that the games are played on Saturday and Sunday, not Friday and Saturday

. Will have to wait another day, unfortunately am also working Sunday and so will not get to see the game!!!

**Fincave** · **10-06-07, 12:22 PM**

I am pretty speechless! Were I a betting man I would have lost lots of money today, do not think it was ever on the cards for England to beat Australia. England rely on Jonny Wilkinson, he was the man who scored the drop goal against Australia in the final four years ago that made England champions, today he scored four penalties and thus all the points for England as they again beat the Wallabies. I will say this much, IMO rugby is at it's best when it is a running game, hard, physical, speed and strength are of the utmost importance. England won by kicking all their points, not the way rugby should be played but at the end of the day the winner is the team that scores the most points. The defending champions are not down and out just yet!

**JCD** · **10-06-07, 02:56 PM**

Wow.. even with my limited rugby knowledge, that seems like an unlikely win for England. I guess that makes an easier path for the All Blacks who should meet SA in the finals.. unless of course, France or England pull an even bigger upset.

JCD

**Fincave** · **10-06-07, 03:29 PM**

Currently watching the New Zealand-France game and it does not really look like France will be causing any upsets just yet. After twenty minutes of play the All Blacks are 10-0 up.

I would have no complaints with a SA-NZ final as long as the result is the same as 1995!

**terry j** · **10-06-07, 05:31 PM**

I simply cannot explain how I feel right now.

The local Fox broadcaster continually advertised the games as a 5 am kickoff for France vs NZ, then a 7 am kickoff for Aus vs Eng.

I get up and watch the NZ game, and France did it again.

I then find out Aus have already played, and I missed it totally. The Aus game is STILL listed in the on-screen guide as being on at 7 am.

AND Aus lost, to the 'lowest' method of winning available in the game (evidently) and once again Eng have done it through the boot.

It is most certainly a blight on the game, and an aspect I mentioned in an earlier post.

We can only hope the new rules to be introduced do something to correct this.

I'm so angry at the broadcaster right now, it is simply inexcusable what has happened. It is not some provincial game, it is the quarter final of the world cup and I cannot see that the actual kickoff times were not known in advance.

Sure I can catch a replay, but that is NOT the point.

I feel dazed.

**JCD** · **10-06-07, 06:53 PM**

Holy Cow! New Zealand falls to France!?!?!?

I can't even imagine that result.

Wow.

JCD

**JCD** · **10-06-07, 07:07 PM**

So, I e-mailed my sister, who now lives in New Zealand, asking if the country has gone into a national day of mourning... she calls me back within 9minutes of hitting the send key in a fury about the poor/biased officiating of the game and how it was pretty much stolen by the refs.

Any truth to that assertion by someone less biased?

JCD

**Fincave** · **10-07-07, 12:10 AM**

To echo JCD wow! I went to bed at half time and NZ were 13-3 up and seemed to be in command, I get up this morning to check the final score and well, WOW! France have done it to the All Blacks before but nobody saw this coming. As I did not see the game I can not offer my own comment on the officials, reading a bit online some people seem to be saying that NZ had a player unfairly sin binned and also that France scored a try from a forward pass. Refs do get things wrong every now and again, sometimes you benefit and sometimes you suffer, it is the way rugby and most sports go.

terry j: I feel for you, I would be absolutely furious if a broadcaster got the times wrong like that and they would defintely hear from me in that situation. As to the result of the game, I do not like rugby where all the points are booted, unfortunately points are allocated the way they are and teams need to play to their strengths.

Not to purposely upset anyone but could ego and over-confidence be partly responsible for these two results, maybe not taking the opposition seriously enough and showing them enough respect? Just my opinion but probably Australia and New Zealand were so confident of beating the opposition especially seeing how badly the opposition had played so far, they start believing their own press and come crunch time are just a little blasé and lack that final bit of determination. All of these teams are good and no team can take any game lightly.

I realsie that people are still in shock in regards to these results but, predictions for today's games, SA-FIJI and ARG-SCOT. I think that I am going to keep quite and not predict anything as I may well be jinxing these teams.

**Fincave** · **10-08-07, 02:46 AM**

SOUTH-AFRICA 37-20 FIJI
ARGENTINA 19-13 SCOTLAND

I am happy with the results, not so happy that I was at work and did not get to see any of the games apart from the second half of the Argentina game. I did have my laptop at work and so could kind of follow the score of the SA game, we did start well but Fiji did get themselves right back into the game with two converted tries in quick succession. Seven tries were scored in the match which does make for entertaining rugby. The best news for SA apart from winning is that they made it through without any more players picking up injuries. I enjoyed what I saw of the Argentina game, Scotland dominated for periods and really put some pressure on Argentina, it just was not enough though.

Next weekend sees the semis being played and I am not making any predictions this time around. I think that on the day any of the teams left can go on to win the whole tournament, there is no room for error anymore and every game will be immense.

ENGLAND-FRANCE on Saturday 13 Oct
SOUTH-AFRICA-ARGENTINA on Sunday 14 Oct

**terry j** · **10-08-07, 03:23 AM**

Well, it was certainly an interesting weekend of games.

SA got one whale of a scare, and the second half was very entertaining. The game was a bit closer than the scoreline indicates, but class did prevail at the end of the day. It was probably the best thing to happen for SA, they will benefit from the scare and Argentina will not 'thank' Fiji for most probably making SA a tougher opponent.

Can France pick themselves up from their heroic effort?? I for one most certainly hope so!

It was such a 'crazy' weekend of Rugby really...hmm, what are the odds for a France/Argentina final I wonder.

THAT would be truly bizarre, especially if France were to win it!!

The most promising thing to take away from all these results is the emergence of teams that look like they could be credible threats to the established big guns in world rugby, something that can only enrich the game.

You can rest assured that I will double and triple check all starting times next week ha ha.

**Fincave** · **10-14-07, 04:17 AM**

I do not really know if the result is a surprise or not? I expected France to win especially seeing as though they have home advantage, I have been wrong before though! Did not see any of the game but did follow as much as I could of written commentary using my phone while at work. Wilkinson did it again, granted England did score one try so not all of their points were kicked, all of France's points were kicked.

So, the defending champions are in the final and I for one am pretty surprised as after winning in 2003 England played terrible rugby, losing a lot of games. Even in the run up to this competition England were not playing well, they lost both warm up games to France. At the start of the competition they were still not playing well and I do not know how well they are playing at the moment, however they are in the final, could they become the first team to defend the title? Their opponent for the final will be decided today.

South-Africa take on Argentina which is a huge game, especially for me! On paper I know who should win but rugby does not always work out that way. Both teams have no injury worries so will be able to field the best team as they see fit, how the game will pan out I have no idea, nor will I make a prediction! Fortunately I should finish work in time to get home for the second half, I hope to see some great rugby and not just the trading of penalties.

Comments, predictions anyone?

**terry j** · **10-14-07, 04:39 AM**

Hi Fin

NEVER thought I'd ever say this but go the Boks! ha ha

Just caught the replay Fr v Eng not ten minutes ago. It was a very tight and gripping game, and I don't begrudge england getting through (at least on this game). They certainly played with spirit and gusto and that is all I ask, as opposed to slogging it out in a drudge and relying on Wilkinson.

Well worth catching the reply if you can.

Re the broadcast, I assumed they were all live but they're not (on the pay TV that is), did question the 'odd' kickoff times ha ha.

We get a good picture on pay tv, but will check out the quality of the local broadcaster to see if it's watchable live.

Let's hope the next game is as rivetting as the last, hope SA come home over England.....come to think of it I don't care if Argentina do it!!

What has been good is that the up and comers have done well, is good for rugby in the future.

Gee, it must be rare for Argentina and SA to meet??

Enjoy Fin, see you tomorrow!

**Fincave** · **10-14-07, 04:51 AM**

Quote:

terry j wrote:

Gee, it must be rare for Argentina and SA to meet??

They have met eleven times previously with Argentina yet to win a game. I hope they do not change that statistic just yet. If Argentina win they will have my support for the final.

An Aussie saying 'go Boks', that must hurt!

Argentina have a lot to paly for as they want in on more competitive international rugby, they want to prove that they are good enough to be included in the tri-nations or alternatively the six-nations. It is wonderful for them that they have come this far and played well. Both Argentina and SA are the only two undefeated teams in this RWC, unfortunately one of them has to lose today!

**terry j** · **10-14-07, 06:33 AM**

just checked the reception on the local, and it;s fine.

looks like I'll (finally) see one live ha ha.

Yep, it does hurt. But not as much as seeing england win again I suspect.

Enjoy Fin, I know i will!!

Will be good to see the Argentinians play more competetive rugby, as would somehow the islanders if they could get financing and more playing time. Bring on an expanded tri nations.

The stronger all round the better.

Looks like Jake may have gotten the long term strategy right, the AB's attempt seemed to have failed.

**Fincave** · **10-14-07, 04:59 PM**

YES!!!!!!!!

Whew, tough game but we are in the final. Had to resort to watching online, horrible picture, ok sound through the laptop but a great result. Did not get to see the whole game, came home about 25 mins into the second half. The scoreline flatters SA a bit, Argentina made a few mistakes and were punished everytime, they were in the game but in the end SA just had too much. Having Bryan Habana in your team helps a lot, he is more than quick and reads the game so well, his first try was brilliant even if there was a lucky bounce. His second try was down to him reading the game and using his speed, nobody was going to catch him! I am thrilled to say the least and thus this post may well be very biased, my apologies for that.

Next Saturday is the final, SA take on England, I know who I want to win but am still not making any predictions!

**terry j** · **10-14-07, 09:13 PM**

Argentina looked a side that was very tired. I lost count of the number of times they knocked on, and a LOT of them were completely unforced. That will kill you every time, but to do it against SA???? Argentinas scrum had it over the boks every time, but again I lost count of the number of times they lost their own lineout, which effectively defused so many attacking opportunities they may have had otherwise, either from penalties or kicks in play. On the other hand, the boks could kick for touch with impunity knowing full well they would benefit irregardless of who threw the ball in.

The scoreline was flattering, SA did not play to their standard. One of their tries was an intercept when Arg was hammering the line, and yep a couple of lucky bounces etc for some of the other tries.

That is not nitpicking, it would have been a miracle for Arg to win and class will (usually) out every time.

IF England have anything left SA will not want to play like that next week. Like any champion team though I suspect they will (and have the luxury of) looking at their performance and benefiting from it.

If I see england stumble to a win I think I might just scream.....would give me greater reason to hate both teams if that happens ha ha ha, but I think the boks will come home OK.

**Fincave** · **10-19-07, 04:22 AM**

England rugby practice was delayed for two hours this afternoon after a
player reported finding a white powdery substance on the practice ground.

Head coach Ashton immediately suspended practice while the police were
called to investigate.

After a complete forensic search Scotland Yard determined that the white
stuff which was unknown to the players was in fact the try line.

Practice was continued as police were happy the players were unlikely to
encounter the substance again.

**Fincave** · **10-19-07, 04:48 AM**

Here we are, very nearly the end of RWC 2007. Today sees the Bronze final being played between Argentina and France. The same teams met in the group stage and Argentina triumphed, I am not too sure they will do so again but were they to win it would be a tremendous for rugby. They have played very well, nobody expected them to get as far as they have and I for one hope they get to take a medal home I just do not see it happening. France have to get something out of this competition even if it is only a bronze medal. I use the word only as traditionally nobody really even remembers who came third it is kind of a non event, both the SA and England coach have already said that getting to the final is meaningless if you do not win it, winning the World Cup is the only thing that matters, IMO they can get rid of the Bronze final entirely.

Tomorrow sees the final being played, yet again between two teams who met in the group stage. SA are the only undefeated team left, England are defending champions, no team has won the competition twice in succession. In the four previous meetings between the two teams SA have won all four, scored 176 pts and conceded 46 pts. I do not see a repeat of the group game 36-0 will just not happen again I am afraid. Both teams will have to play their socks off, so to speak and I see quite a close game. England have some great players as do SA and it would be wrong to write either team off. Jason Robinson is class, he is also playing his last game in an England jersey and will want to bow out on a high. Wilkinson, do not really need to say much about him, he can win games. IMO SA should not try and stop Wilko from getting the ball, accept the fact that he is going to score 12-15 pts, make sure that they score more points. Englands game does revolve around Wilko a lot but it would be wrong for SA to focus solely on him. SA have their danger men as well, Habana if given good ball can also turn games around, Matfield is immense in the lineout, Montgomery is kicking well.

SA need to get the scrum going again, put as much pressure on the English forwards as possible and steal as much ball on the lineouts. I reckon that at the moment England have the upper hand in regard to forwards but SA defintely have the uppr hand when it comes to our back line. It should be a great game and I hate to say this, but should SA win it I do not really care how the win comes about, drop goals, penalties whatever. This is the final and winning is all important wether it is an ugly win or great running rugby is irrelevant in the end.

The best news of all is that I have the evening off and so will be able to watch the game, I may have to go to work with a sore head on Sunday, hopefully it is sore from celebrating!!!

**terry j** · **10-19-07, 06:05 AM**

good luck Fin

Bronze?? I can't even remember who it was last time (bit like, who was the second man on the moon ha ha), think the teams themselves agree with you, get rid of it.

SA's scrum was not up to scratch last week, they need to be on top of it this week. I agree, no way it will be a whitewash again, this time it's for real.

**Fincave** · **10-20-07, 05:19 PM**

We did it!!

ar ty:

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