The Official RWC Thread.

[Finnegan]

Er, I don't really want to be rude here, but you're talking out of your arse, son. For a start, I'm delighted for the Scots and I hope they beat the Argies. Would love to see as many of the Six Nations sides in the semis as possible (yes, even England), especially after the woeful start the Northern Hemisphere made to the tournament - and how much Fitzy and that smug git Lynagh were loving it.

Now you're right, the Aussies never really got going, and that's exactly what I'm saying about the English game. You slow the ball down well, make it physical, rough and all about the forwards game. The Australians do have clearly superior backs, I'm not quite sure what you're "What?"ing at, really. As for improving greatly as a unit, don't be a plank. The Frogs had your number majorly in the pre-tournament warm up games, the Americans nearly embarrassed you, you laboured past Tonga, were absolutely annihilated by the Boks and ground out a very ugly win against an underperforming Australia. It's hardly been the route into the semis that France had to go through, and - while I risk another round of egg served up on the ol'face - I'm pretty confident that, unless they bottle again, they'll get to their own final.

I really, REALLY wish there were other non-English rugby fans on here to back me up because I fully, fully appreciate that to a World Cup rugby rent-a-fan it sounds like I'm being awfully bias and bitter, here. But it's just not the case. Yes, fact, you're in a World Cup semi final - but it's been a poor tournament for standards of rugby.

If you play "like you did against the Wallabies", the French and Boks should both - form and confidence dependent - eat you for dinner. You'll need to find another two, maybe three, gears to tick through if you're going to retain the cup.

[Kent Fox]

Er, I don't really want to be rude here, but you're talking out of your arse, son. For a start, I'm delighted for the Scots and I hope they beat the Argies. Would love to see as many of the Six Nations sides in the semis as possible (yes, even England), especially after the woeful start the Northern Hemisphere made to the tournament - and how much Fitzy and that smug git Lynagh were loving it.

Now you're right, the Aussies never really got going, and that's exactly what I'm saying about the English game. You slow the ball down well, make it physical, rough and all about the forwards game. The Australians do have clearly superior backs, I'm not quite sure what you're "What?"ing at, really. As for improving greatly as a unit, don't be a plank. The Frogs had your number majorly in the pre-tournament warm up games, the Americans nearly embarrassed you, you laboured past Tonga, were absolutely annihilated by the Boks and ground out a very ugly win against an underperforming Australia. It's hardly been the route into the semis that France had to go through, and - while I risk another round of egg served up on the ol'face - I'm pretty confident that, unless they bottle again, they'll get to their own final.

I really, REALLY wish there were other non-English rugby fans on here to back me up because I fully, fully appreciate that to a World Cup rugby rent-a-fan it sounds like I'm being awfully bias and bitter, here. But it's just not the case. Yes, fact, you're in a World Cup semi final - but it's been a poor tournament for standards of rugby.

If you play "like you did against the Wallabies", the French and Boks should both - form and confidence dependent - eat you for dinner. You'll need to find another two, maybe three, gears to tick through if you're going to retain the cup.

Err..I don't want to be rude, but that is mostly crap!! And I object to the rent-a-fan bit. Very un-called for and argumentativly arrogant!

You have still missed the point about how long this team has been together. I will admit that we haven't played well, but to say we have had an easier run in is BS of the highest order. World Cup Rugby is a COMPLETELY different game. It is harder, it is tougher, it is (generally) less pretty as the games become must-win matches. Oh, I forgot! The Welsh wouldn't really know how to play that type of game, would they?

The Americans nearly emabarassed us - but didn't.

Laboured past Tonga - still won.

Annihilated by the Boks - *cough* Ok.

Underperforming Aussies? More BS! England stopped them playing. I won't have that at all after the shite they were coming out with all week. If you cannot see that England in it's current format haven't improved over the past months, then you really, REALLY know jack shite about the game. England are under-dogs but that was always expected. However, they are performing when it's necessary.

I wish there were more non-English Rugby fans on here and I doubt they would back you up. I suggest that you shut up and wait your four years. You are clearly bias and bitter - but then so would I if we lost to Fiji.

Stick to Footy, mate - you won't make yourself look more ignorant of the game than you are doing.

Love

Rent-A-Fan

[Milky]

Fiji were immense today by the way. Scoring two brilliant tries with 14 men to level at 20-20 with 60 gone. Superb effort, and almost yet another amazing upset.

[Sparky]

to be honest guys from my experiences chatting rugby with finners is that he has forgot more about rugby than a lot of people know , he knows his stuff and obviously as the only welshman on the board will have some bias . he is spot on about england being forward orientated and killing a lot of ball . i personally thought we had chances to score yesterday and the aussies also killed a lot of ball . But if fairness as an englishman i am delighted to be in the semi finals and never in a million years did i think we would get there , our side is a mere patch on 2003 and anything else from this tournament will make me a very happy man.

looking forward to a fantastic saturday night next week

[Milky]

He seems to think we're all under the impression that England are now an amazing side again after this win. We aren't that stupid! Of course this team is still very limited.

Are we not allowed though to say well done and congratulations to the lads after casuing an upset, and putting in a performance, that although was lacking in some flair and ability, was not short of passion, desire and commitment to the shirt. You couldn't ask much more of the lads after what has gone before. The nation should be proud of them for that.

[Sparky]

He seems to think we're all under the impression that England are now an amazing side again after this win. We aren't that stupid! Of course this team is still very limited.

Are we not allowed though to say well done and congratulations to the lads after casuing an upset, and putting in a performance, that although was lacking in some flair and ability, was not short of passion, desire and commitment to the shirt. You couldn't ask much more of the lads after what has gone before. The nation should be proud of them for that.

absolutley mate , the determination and fight was awesome .

the only thing id blame england for is my hangover whilst trying to play football this morning

[Finnegan]

Kent Fox - the Ultra of rugby?

to say we have had an easier run in is BS of the highest order

Uhm. Let's see, France had the fourth ranked team in the world and the tripple-crown holders in their group, in the form of fellow semi finalists Argentina and an admittedly sub-par Ireland. You had, er, the weaker pair of Pacific Island states and the Yanks? You had a quarter final (that you, admittedly, impressively won) against a (yes) under performing Australia and France had a quater final against, oh, who? The odds-on, run-away favourites and number one ranked rugby playing nation on the planet? Yup, ok.

You're right. Total BS.

The Welsh wouldn't really know how to play that type of game, would they?

Uhm, oh. Sorry. When was the last time you won a major tournament, and when was the last time we did? Completed a Grand Slam? Even a Tripple Crown?

Underperforming Aussies? More BS! England stopped them playing.

I've already taken my hat off to a good display of traditional, English rygbi (even if I have bemoaned it's boredom), but this is the part of the argument that I really, really have a problem with. If you really think that was Australian rugby players playing at their peak then you clearly don't watch much Super 14 or Tri Nations games. It was some pretty disappointing form, and I imagine Knuckles was massively disappointed with their showing.

Fair play, this is sport, you're only ever as good as your last performance, the best team on the day wins, the table doesn't lie, et cetera, et cetera - but I'm not sure what it is exactly you're arguing with me for. All I'm doing is trying to calm your excitement and point out the magnitude of the task at hand compared to the fairly easy ride you've struggled with and hiccuped your way through so far. I take my hat off to Milky Joe who seems to have his feet firmly planted on the ground, but you, Kent Fox, seem to have your knickers all in a twiddle simply because I've pointed out what is - really - obvious. There's a big lack of quality in the England side compared to that of France and the Boks and you'll likely have to go through both if you think you've any chance of winning the cup. And you've already proven you're not even capable of coming CLOSE to the latter.

What in what I've just said is so difficult to agree with or believe? What exactly am I saying that's particularly sensationalist? And I certainly don't see what, if you look into your heart of hearts, is especially bitter or cynical in the above? It's YOU that keeps pulling up the Wales results to try and make some sort of nationalistic pot-shot, here.

You've got to be pretty fooking blinkered by patriotism to see through fact. Milky Joe knows.

[Bert]

Frankly I thought you were diabolically boring. But that's English rugby for you.

It was Australia's game to lose and that's exactly what they did, throw it away. No doubt the ABs will put a stop to this little daydream, anyway, and set up the always-likely final. Apologies for sounding so cynical, I'd have been far more congratulatory if you'd won in some sort of blazingly glorious manner - but I thought today's game typified the world cup as a whole so far. Lackluster.

If i ever see you in a pub, im gonna buy you a pint of bittter mate.

[Finnegan]

Whatever. We'll see who's right in the next few weeks. If France really turn up, turn on the style and still can't beat a triumphant England who cruise to a confident victory - I will absolutely, hands up, come up to Leicester (or Kent?) and buy a round for you smug lot. I'll even wear a t-shirt with "I Love Mike Catt" on it.

It will take an effort of absolutely monumental magnitude to see this England side past an awake France or an even over-confident Springboks and I think you all know that. That's all I'm saying.

[Bert]

I don't really like rugby. But i'm glad we've got this far because no one expected it, others are throwing their toys out of the pram 'cos England have progressed and that makes me smile.

Shame to say, i think it's gonna be a South Africa - France final.

[Milky]

Of course France are huge favourites to win. Everyone surely knows that.

I have to say Finners, i think you may just be doing the English pack a bit of a diservice. In sport you play to your strengths in order to win, and the pack absolutely battered their Aussie opponents. That surely isn't down to the Aussie pack under performing, our lot were just simply too good for them in that department.

[Finnegan]

I agree and disagree. The Welshman in me obviously hates to see a game die out to grungey forwards play, that much IS bias.

But I think the Australians had a bit more ball than we're making out, and I think they were a little uninspired with the ball in hand. England are a better defensive side than Wales by a way, but the flare and dynamics that ripped us to shreds in the first half against them was sorely missing when the likes of Latham got the ball against England. But certainly, aye, the English tight five were on true form. Hopefully they'll retain that, if you're to beat Le Bleu.

[Geo V]

Good old Scotland bow out too. I was hoping they would join England in the last 4 but it wasnt to be.

BTW the Favourites tag at this stage means nothing. Its knock-out and all about who wants it the most and experience does count for something and thats where England can use their previous experiences to good use. I think if they get past France and if South Africa get into the final that Engerland will have all the motivation from the first game to turn them over.

We can actually win this again which is amazing to say when you consider how shite we have been playing in recent months.

[SOCCERROO FOX]

Whay hasn't this thread been deleted yet

[Lord Nibblington]

Yay. Mass over reaction to England's performance. Who would have expected that?

Frankly, whilst our forwardss were outstanding on Saturday, there have got to be serious question marks over our backs. Fine, we squeaked passed the Aussies off Wilko's boot, but at some point the backs actually need to show up if we're serious in our talk winning the competition again.

[Kent Fox]

Kent Fox - the Ultra of rugby?

Uhm. Let's see, France had the fourth ranked team in the world and the tripple-crown holders in their group, in the form of fellow semi finalists Argentina and an admittedly sub-par Ireland. You had, er, the weaker pair of Pacific Island states and the Yanks? You had a quarter final (that you, admittedly, impressively won) against a (yes) under performing Australia and France had a quater final against, oh, who? The odds-on, run-away favourites and number one ranked rugby playing nation on the planet? Yup, ok.

You're right. Total BS.

Uhm, oh. Sorry. When was the last time you won a major tournament, and when was the last time we did? Completed a Grand Slam? Even a Tripple Crown?

I've already taken my hat off to a good display of traditional, English rygbi (even if I have bemoaned it's boredom), but this is the part of the argument that I really, really have a problem with. If you really think that was Australian rugby players playing at their peak then you clearly don't watch much Super 14 or Tri Nations games. It was some pretty disappointing form, and I imagine Knuckles was massively disappointed with their showing.

Fair play, this is sport, you're only ever as good as your last performance, the best team on the day wins, the table doesn't lie, et cetera, et cetera - but I'm not sure what it is exactly you're arguing with me for. All I'm doing is trying to calm your excitement and point out the magnitude of the task at hand compared to the fairly easy ride you've struggled with and hiccuped your way through so far. I take my hat off to Milky Joe who seems to have his feet firmly planted on the ground, but you, Kent Fox, seem to have your knickers all in a twiddle simply because I've pointed out what is - really - obvious. There's a big lack of quality in the England side compared to that of France and the Boks and you'll likely have to go through both if you think you've any chance of winning the cup. And you've already proven you're not even capable of coming CLOSE to the latter.

What in what I've just said is so difficult to agree with or believe? What exactly am I saying that's particularly sensationalist? And I certainly don't see what, if you look into your heart of hearts, is especially bitter or cynical in the above? It's YOU that keeps pulling up the Wales results to try and make some sort of nationalistic pot-shot, here.

You've got to be pretty fooking blinkered by patriotism to see through fact. Milky Joe knows.

I don't disagree with that, Finners. There are a few good individuals but this side is nothing compared to 4 years ago. Even Ultra would concede that.

I also agree that Les Bleus and the Boks are both better sides, both on paper and on current form. We are the same odds to win this as the Argies, for God's sake! What I am saying - again - is that, as a unit, we are a much improved side (Boks game aside, of course). Please don't make me say it again but that has been my point all along.

The Boks are faves to win this in my eyes, always have been. If you'd have asked me a year ago about the Wallabies, I'd have said, no chance with Gregan in the side. The Boks and the French are quicker and more imaginative that we are going forward and that might be our undoing. We haven't scored a bloody try yet, I don't think.

However, any team in the last 4 of a World Cup has a chance. We have turned the French over before, but with a better team. It really all depends on who and how they turn out. I believe, patriotism aside, that we can do the French if we get at them and bully them out of the game in the first 20 minutes. But we need Robbo to be on top form and we will need tries.

And I have only mentioned the Welsh result once. I think you have me confused with someone else.

Going into this semi, we are underdogs and in true English spirit I believe the lads will outperform. The first 20 is key to this. It will be a cracking game though.

See you in Kent for my beer, Finners

Love

Ultra

[Manwell Pablo]

Great reasult last weekend. Have to say I can't see us getting close to matching the French espeically on their own turf, but looking forward to another decent weekend of sport next weekend.

If we do go out, I'll be happy with a semi final apperance and sending those arrogant Aussie knobs back down under. (no offence lads )

EDIT: Finners what channel is the Super XIV's on over here? I watched it quite alot in New Zealand didn't relise you could watch it at all over here.

[Finnegan]

Super 14 doesn't start 'til about February, the jammy Southerners hence don't get the world cup screwing up their domestic season. But the coverage is usually on Sky quite late. Or has been in the past, I don't have anything abut FreeView in the ol' student pad so I wasn't able to watch the '07 season so I couldn't tell you for sure.

I'm 99% sure Sky have the rights again this year though.

And I'm still not convinced by this improvement lark, Kent Fox. You're so inconsistent it's so hard to gauge. The Australia game was a great improvement on, say, Ireland at Croke Park in Feb. But just about all of your group-stage games were a step backwards from the beating you gave the French in Twickers a few weeks after that Irish battering. The confident mauling you gave the Scots in the Calcutta was a long, long way from the showing you put on against the Springboks a couple of weeks ago - but at the same time, running in a record score against (an admittedly, like, eight-string ) Wales showed you'd learned from the 28 - 17 defeat you took in Cardiff.

The games your tight five can dominate, are the games you can grind out wins. But you haven't established any great consistency and as a result I'm not sure you can really claim you're making that notable improvements? We don't have a sort of mid-way World Cup to measure your progress in since the last one, The 6N is the only yard-stick we have to gauge your achievements and it isn't a knock-out, but the evidence really doesn't point at a big, final, coming-together.

I know completely how you feel. Welsh rugby totally fell to pieces in the eighties and nineties. It took us years and years to re-build an entire generation or two of the game and where we were in the '03 world cup, '04 6N and then running into the Grand Slam year took a lot of rebuilding. Every team has it's natural cycle and England are still in recession. It'll come, but these things can't be rushed. You just have to hope that when it does, it isn't a false dawn. 'Cos that REALLY sucks.

[Bert]

Come on!! Try in the first minute!!!

[Head Honcho]

Come on!! Try in the first minute!!!

Get in there 1-0 Who scored?

[Bert]

Get in there 1-0 Who scored?

HAHA

It's 5-3.

[Brainy]

5-6

[Thracian]

I know very little about rugby but it strikes me that you give yourself a big handicap if you don't win any ball from the lineouts. And if you don't throw the ball along the line accurately.

[Nath]

It's a crap sport.

[James.]

It's a crap sport.

Be quiet.