Rugby world cup

[megager]

Pool A
England
South Africa
Samoa
USA
Tonga

Pool B
Australia
Wales
Fiji
Canada
Japan

Pool C
New Zealand
Scotland
Italy
Romania
Portugal

Pool D
France
Ireland
Argentina
Georgia
Namibia

I wonder if people are getting excited about this. I gotta say I am very nervous. I think we will find it very difficult to advance from this group. I hope/think we will.

I fancy RSA, england, Oz, Wales ( who are so bad right now, they are in the only group id be confident they will get through, New Zealand, Italy, France and Ireland will get through. I fear for poor scotland.

1/4 final i think will be

RSA V Wales easy win for South africa
Oz V England Tough to call, maybe oz, but itll be close
France V Italy Easy for hosts
NZ V Irealnd.. the end of the line for eddies boys, if they managed to make it this far

semis

Oz V all blacks...all blacks too strong
Fra v RSA...THe south africans win a dour contest

Final


RSA V New Zealand

I'm coloured by my year old bet fair 10/1 bet on the south africans, but, I fancy if these two meet in the final, the south africans will keep it tight, limit the all blacks to penalties. Carter is usually reliable, but Ive attended a few games in telstra stadium where he has had a mare. He may crumble here (fingers crossed) Montgomery is usually good for 15-18 points and that maybe enough to clinch it for the south africans.

[yodabenitez]

Yes this is starting to build up a head of steam now & I'm really looking forward to watching at least some of the matches.

I think I said on the old site that your 10/1 about the boks looked fair good value given their improvement & I still think that you may just have the right answer there. A jedi at last....:)

I'm feeling a nice buzz of quiet determination and confidence out of the Irish camp mostly through the reports of seasoned followers like Gerry Thornley and Brendan Fanning. I know we would need a lot of luck in running with injuries and the bounce of every ball in our favour but this is a good a collective as we've had and includes some exceptional talent also. I'm having us each way despite the likelihood a Q/F against the all blacks.

I wonder what price O'Gara as an outsider in leading points scorer?

[Fowler's God]

Ireland might not play New Zealand, i think the team will be out to beat france and gain revenge for that six nations defeat, remember we were missing 2 of our key players that day and ran them very close

[megager]

Yes, but I think the french team that day changed 5-6 players from the team that beat italy. France are way better than us, we havent beaten them since 2003, cant see it happening now.

ROG would be a decent beat, if he plays against the minnows. Ill check that out....another ralph keys maybe

[Badman]

well megager, if ure previous 137 consecutive predicitions are anything to go by i'll keep my money in my pocket...for now. RSA r a good bet even now to win it outright, but ive a sneaky feeling that oz'll do it. Playing crap 4 the past 2-3 years, even losin to us twice sounds like they'll b way off the pace. But they're akin to Germany in football when it comes to crap pretournament form and peaking at the right time - they've substantially improved the front 5 and with mortlock and tuiquiri in the 3/4 line they can still b devastating. They'll comfortably get to semis i reckon and from there they wont implode like their more illustrious neighbours r wont. Pressure on kiwis might just get to 'em - plus an unfancied or angry oz side (in any sport) is very dangerous.
Strangely i fancy ireland to top our group - but being a staunch munster fan and regular thomond park goer that may be just blind optimism. Oz 4 the Webb Ellis i reckon.

[Yoko]

Can't freakin' wait for this - going to three of the pool games.

[sean]

I believe we have to beat the French (hence avoiding the all blacks) if we are to make any serious inroads at this tournament. Could happen but its going to have to be a really special one off performance that does it. Anything less than a semi final appearance for Ireland will have to go down as a failure.

[Yoko]

well if its a choice between New Zealand and Scotland in the Quarters, that's a bit of a no brainer lol!

I think we could beat NZ though,they don't travel well!!

[megager]

Dont know about that Yoko, they did pretty well on their travels up here, just ask france whove been hammered the last 3 times the all blacks visited their shores

[Yoko]

France are different - they're not that good at home :)

Was in Stade de France last time in the 6 Nations - and you wouldn't believe the abuse that the home crowd was giving their team even when they were winning by 20 points. Hope they keep that attitude up.

The only thing we can rely on is that New Zealand are notorious chokers, and here's hoping they do it again!!

[sean]

Fair enough NZ can be chokers on the big stage, but I think they are just too good to buckle at this stage. Remember last year when they played those two test games in France, they played two completely different teams in both games and still walked away with it!

[Yoko]

Oh no doubting they should win it they have by far the best team and as you say two or three back up teams, I just can see a packed Millenium stadium full of Irish getting to them.

Of course we could be on the plane home by then!! :)

[megager]

Thats the worry. I have a ticket for cardiff and ill be gutted if its the argies v all blacks. The more I look at our group, the more nervous I get. I mean Wales, England, and arguebly Scotland ( tough I'm not convinced theyll do it) have almost certain passages to the 1/4s. Why do we end up with the argies every time. At the moment I would fancy them to beat Wales, England, Italy and Scotland. They only lost by a point to france recently, beat us twice ( with their 2nd team, our third) and ran the all blacks close. With world rankings, I fail to see why they are seeded so low. I realise it has to do with previous world cups, but still

[Yoko]

catch - 22, Argentina and us can't seem to escape each other!

The only good thing is that with bonus points we should have two maximum scores going into the french game and even losing by a bonus (or two) would be a decent result. Provided of course Argentina don't.

Will be very nervewracking anyway.


Where are you staying in Cardiff, we had the chance of tickets but looking at flights and accommodation (Bristol) it was over a grand. And with going to the pool games and trying to get over to Anfield a few times this season that was a no-go

[Dub13]

Looks like O'Driscoll could be out of the world cup....he was taken to hospital with a reported fractured cheekbone, after he was punched in the face during a warm up game in France.

[sean]

If it turns out to be a fractured cheekbone then thats a huge blow for our chances. While I never expected Ireland to win the RWC, a semi final appearance was a very reachable goal. Without O'Driscoll it looks a rather more ambitious goal to get to the semi's now. Denis Leamy also picked up a shoulder injury - a very costly friendly it was tonight.

[foofan]

O'Driscoll received a fractured sinus and is out of the first game and also the friendly against Italy. So he should be fit for the big games of the group.

Seems to be a policy of targeting the better players, remember a certain incident against O'Driscoll in the Lions tour. Is this over competitive or a result of the professional age? The equivalent to football players diving and trying to get others sent off? Not nice to see.

Ireland should get 2 goes to get to the semi finals this year, by beating France or beating the All Blacks. I just think they will be too good for Argentina. However, they do play France before Argentina so lets hope for no injuries.

All very strong teams in there this year. I'd only be excluding England leaving a group of 5 that could win it (NZ, Oz, SA, France and Ireland). I'll be keeping my money in my pocket.

I think all teams could suffer from injuries. NZ are probably in the best boat as their replacements are just better than most other team's replacements.

[Yoko]

hardly slept last night!! Feel a bit better now - still really annoyed about this though

[Dub13]

The French Rugby Federation (FRF) are to open an inquiry following the incidents in Ireland’s World Cup warm-up match in Bayonne which saw Brian O’Driscoll sustain a fracture to his sinus.

Ireland captain O’Driscoll was taken to hospital with what first appeared to be a fractured cheekbone, after he was punched midway through the second half.

Full Story Here (http://www.rugby.ie/news/story/?jp=MHCWMHSNGBSN&d=new)

[megager]

Bloody targetted him. Disgraceful. O driscoll was a big loss in dublin this year and paris last year. He always manages to breacg the french line, and they know it. That fella was a mercenary. Good job france havent decided to play a province in ireland. Id be there with my machine gun...its like the untouchables...they sent one of ours to the hospital, we send one of theirs to the morgue.

Ok settle down, the blue tablets usually do it...ah thats better

[corkkopite]

What was he still doing on the pitch though? Game well in the bag and starting to get a bit nasty. Surely time to protect your best player!

[Badman]

well megager, b 4 u OD on valium i think we better take stock - yes BOD would b a huge loss 4 the world cup but he's only going to miss the 1st game and we'll win that handy enough - he'll b back then with some serious fire in the belly - and he's lethal when pissed.
Its obvious he was targeted 4 it, but u wonder about the logic of playing a french club side this close to the WC - eddie shouldve seen it comin. I see nobody targeted O'Connell- there's nobody that thick!!
The poor form coming upto this WC doesnt concern me too much - o'sullivan is a consummate professional and usually has his team in peak physicval condition when needed. The french only barely fell over the line against england last weekend and this weekend's game will b a good barometer of both sides - they hate each other so there'll b no holds barred. The argies on the other hand would b a worry, esp if we lost someone like hayes - their front 5 would scrummage a herd of rhinos and bt 'em. I'm looking forward to this RWC more than any previously - i think it'll b a cracker.....and if we bt the french i recon we'll get to the semis.
Oh yeah - and as proud limerick man exiled in Rebelland - i hope liam mccarthy will be back in o'connell st limk 4 the first time in 34 years. Bring it home lads!!

[redchariot]

I know we had an absolutely crap game last night; but I think it will give the team a good kick up the a*se.

I really think we have a good chance of beating France and topping the group. This way we would probably have Italy or Scotland in the quarter final who we should beat and then meet probably South Africa in the semis which we could win.

And a one match against New Zealand in the final, you would never know, but I don't think we could beat them

Basically if we beat France & Argentina, we will almost definitely reach the semis and have a pretty good chance of getting to the final.

Just hope the team from the 6 nations and last year's November internationals turn up.

[yodabenitez]

Listening to Neil Francis interview during the week, his view was we wouldn't get out of the group.

I think that's overly pessimistic, we should beat Argentina but I don't fancy us against France which would leave us up against it trying to turn over the All Blacks.

Not too bothered about the results / performances in the friendly series but I do have a concern about short match time for a number of key players, in particular Shane Horgan. We're going to need to be lucky with injuries and competing at this level without match miles on the clock increases the possibility of injury.

[sameold]

I really think we have a good chance of beating France and topping the group. This way we would probably have Italy or Scotland in the quarter final who we should beat and then meet probably South Africa in the semis which we could win.

And a one match against New Zealand in the final, you would never know, but I don't think we could beat them

Basically if we beat France & Argentina, we will almost definitely reach the semis and have a pretty good chance of getting to the final.


Holy flip. Can you share your pills with the rest of the group!:eek:

[megager]

I am not sure the form has been impressive at all this year. We were very flat in Cardiff, Murrayfield (twice) and obviously while the defeats to the argies mean nothing, it still leaves them with a psychological edge. Many people point to the game against england as proof of this teams ability, but people forget the damage was done when greecock was sinbinned. They are a much better side now, they would kill us up front. Finally the italian victory in the six nations was a bit of a joke as they stopped playing in the second half ( as they always do for some reason in their last 6 nations game, remember against france some years ago), so you cannot read alot into it.

I fear a malaise crept into this team. They will have to shake it off to have a chance.

Ireland have never seemed to get it together for a world cup (gordon Hamiltons try apart), and they wont for this. I think the world cup has come one year too late for them.
A 15 point defeat by France and a 1 point loss to argentina will bring the curtain down on our greatest rugby team.

[Dub13]

Getting close now....

[sean]

Getting close now....

Really going to be making use of the Setanta package over the next couple of weeks. Plenty live football, LFC channel being launched, and every single world cup game being shown. Can't wait for Namibia v Georgia ;)

Wonder how long it will be before rugby fever hits the country

[yodabenitez]

Do not miss Argentina v France tomorrow, no idea what odds the bookies are offering but Argentina +7 has to be some sort of value.

[Yoko]

I put €20 on Hickie to be top try scorer. Think he'll go out with a bang! 40-1 they're offering!

Flying to Bordeaux in the morning!! Can't blimmin' wait now!

[Fowler's God]

It's upon us, cracker of a game it will be 2nite i hope they hammer the shite out of each other. Wouldn't be suprised if Argentina pull off a win

[sean]

Does anyone know if TV3 are showing tonights game? Stuck at work and hoping to pass some time by watching it on the box.

[Aido82]

on tv3 tonight at 8

just did a draw at work, put 20 teams into a two pools (seeds and not seeds) a pot of 50 quid, every one gets two teams i got portuagal _ didnt even konw they played rugby and New Zealand :D :D :D give me that pot of money

[sean]

Some performance from the Argies, worst possible result for us, especially with France getting the bonus point. Argentina will be on max points by the time we play them, meaning the France game is now huge, and one we'll probably have to win!

[yodabenitez]

We're fu***d

[JOE]

This is worse case scenario...i don't know why everyone wanted the Argies to win, as it's obvious France are desperate now for a win against us...I can see us beating the Argies and losing to France, but hopefully it doesn't come to that...

[megager]

France always blow one game in a group ( look at the last 4 sixnations), but they dont lose twice. I had hoped that they would be flat against us. Unfortunately for us, they have had their bad game.
They are an excellent side who steamrolled england twice before the tournament and are physically ready. I fancy them to still make the final.

We will be battered by them. I would be delighted if we lost by less than 7 points, but I think they will put 40 on us....So we are doomed...or are we??

Well The only glimmer of hope last night was France getting a bonus point...That means they can still top the group.

Argentina will probablt struggle to get bonus points (4 tries) against Georgia and Namibia, wheras I think we will.

France will hammer us, but hopefully our bonus points will put us in a good position if we beat argetnina.

I see it as follows...by the time we play argentina they will have 12 points (3 wins, no bonus) we will have 10 points (if we are lucky 11, if we lose by less than 7 to france). Either way we will only have to beat them, the margin will not matter... If they have bonus points though (so play us on 14 points, then we need to score 4 tries and beat them by more than 7 to qualify

Its a tall order.....It would simplify things if we just beat france, but no chance.

Aside from the personal upset at how the pumas win affects our chances, I have to say I was delighted to see them take a major scalp at last at a world cup ( if you dont count us in Lens). They usually run out of steam at the end. They deserve to play in the trinations, and if they dont, we should welcome them into the 6 nations.

[SUPERFAN]

forgive my ignorance but how did France get a Bonus Point?
i thought you only got One if you Scored 4 Tries......?

[yodabenitez]

If you lose by less than 7 I think is the way that works.

[JOE]

Yep, sin é...

[SUPERFAN]

If you lose by less than 7 I think is the way that works.

fair enough,didn't know that.

[megager]

So is everyone still pessamistic?

Before this tournament I was,but now....

I do not think argentina will beat both france and us, ergo, we will beat them. I know the form has been terrible leading up to the world cup, but this is a great side we have. The big question is can we keep it tight v france. I suspect that the top 3 in this group will have 3 wins and 1 defeat...it will come down to bonus points I think...

[sean]

it will come down to bonus points I think...

You might be onto something with that, but if thats the case I'd be worried for our cause. I think France will beat us by more than 7 points, and although I think we will beat the Argies I have a horrible feeling it won't be by more than 7 points meaning we could be fecked!

Will be delighted to be proved wrong though :)

[megager]

Ok,now were are in trouble. Worst performanace iv seen by an irish team in about 6 years. Terrible. Looked liked they hadnt handled a abll in a year.

France will cream them. Still think we will beat argies but it will be in vain

[Aido82]

i had a bet on for us to beat them by 70 points, what the hell happened yesterday, this group looks very tough at the minute although we are top, france will not play as bad as they did on friday. need to beat france and the argies to avoid new zealand in the next round

[sameold]

france will not play as bad as they did on friday.


But going on Ireland's performance last night, France could still take thier own performance down a gear or two and still be able to beat us! Absolutly shocking state of affairs. There's no way we can avoid defeat in the last two games.

[Aido82]

true but we should be able for the argies, we never seem to beat the french, lets hope for a miracle

[paddyb]

we will probably have to beat argentina and get a bonus point to get through

[megager]

One big worry for me is our bench. Look at wales yesterday, there were being destroyed, but they were able to bring on match-turning players (Jones and Thomas) who turned the game around. They are terrible, but they atleast have options. If Plan A doesn't work for us, then there is no plan B. I'm worried

[sean]

Would Jones and Thomas not be in their starting line-up normally though - I assumed they were just resting them on the assumption they were going to coast it against Canada. Main worry for us was that we had our strongest line-up out on the field and played rubbish. Only consolation is that England played terrible at the start of the last world cup, but thats being really optimistic, and I'm afraid I'm after using up all my optimism coupons on the Irish footballers :p

[megager]

THey probably will be now. Hook is seen as the star of welsh rugby, so I was not surprised to see him start. I think They should play hook in centre and Jones outhalf.

[callyno3]

One big worry for me is our bench. Look at wales yesterday, there were being destroyed, but they were able to bring on match-turning players (Jones and Thomas) who turned the game around. They are terrible, but they atleast have options. If Plan A doesn't work for us, then there is no plan B. I'm worried

Irish bench = geordan murphy great player
Brian carney great impact player
if horgan is fit trimble will be on the bench
bench isn't that bad !! it should have been used more on sun

[sameold]

Ireland team for IRE v GEO
PARIS, 11 September - Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan on Tuesday announced his team to play Georgia in the IRB Rugby World Cup Pool D match at Chaban-Delmas Stadium in Bordeaux on Saturday.

Ireland team:

1 Marcus Horan
2 Rory Best
3 John Hayes
4 Donnacha O'Callaghan
5 Paul O'Connell
6 Simon Easterby
7 David Wallace
8 Denis Leamy
9 Peter Stringer
10 Ronan O'Gara
11 Denis Hickie
12 Gordon D'Arcy
13 Brian O'Driscoll
14 Shane Horgan
15 Girvan Dempsey

Replacements:

16 Jerry Flannery
17 Simon Best
18 Malcolm O'Kelly
19 Neil Best
20 Isaac Boss
21 Paddy Wallace
22 Geordan Murphy

[megager]

Irish bench = geordan murphy great player
Brian carney great impact player
if horgan is fit trimble will be on the bench
bench isn't that bad !! it should have been used more on sun

Good point. But will Eddie use them? The other issue is none of these is going to change the game. If ROG misfires, in the past we had Humphries(who at times was an adequate replacement) but Paddy Wallace in not in the same league.

I would have loved to see what Carney would have done, but the problem was the backs werent getting any good ball.

[callyno3]

Good point. But will Eddie use them? The other issue is none of these is going to change the game. If ROG misfires, in the past we had Humphries(who at times was an adequate replacement) but Paddy Wallace in not in the same league.

I would have loved to see what Carney would have done, but the problem was the backs werent getting any good ball.

Agreed. I thought flannery might have got a start. The panel were talking about Quinlan after the game the last day, he is def good enough for a spot on the bench at least

[Dub13]

What do you all think of the coverage on TV3....?I think its very bad,the set looks like something out of the mid 90s.

[callyno3]

What do you all think of the coverage on TV3....?I think its very bad,the set looks like something out of the mid 90s.

Yeah its not great I must check ITV for the next match

[megager]

Hi, IM living in Engerland so cant comment on the tv3 coverage but the itv coverage isnt so crash hot. Having said that anything has to be better than listening to that idiot george hook moan and groan.

[Dub13]

Hook Is not on TV3,he is working for NewsTalk.I was in the hospital with one of the kids on Sunday night so I had to listen to the radio while looking at the match on a broken TV (no sound).Thank good for phones with a radio.

I don't mind Hook,I listen to his show a lot on NewsTalk.

[James]

What do you all think of the coverage on TV3....?I think its very bad,the set looks like something out of the mid 90s.

I recommend watching the games on Setanta. Just like the F1 the coverage is quality.

I'm still optimistic about our chances. Horgans return should make a difference and if we can show more patience and better handling we'll be a tough team to beat.

[Yoko]

I think that we need a good if not cricket score against Georgia on sat (i'm not there so they'll probably play great!!) It could all come down to points and tries at the end of this supposing we lose to France and beat Arg

[Aido82]

Need to win by about 60 points i think myself.

The nambia match really set us back points wise.

Notch up a nice score tomorrow then if we beat france we are through

[Dub13]

South Africa destroyed england last night,they are looking good.

[megager]

The worrying thing is that I think they had another gear to go into if needed.

The southern hemisphere teams are on a different level. I often wonder if we should hold the world cup during spring, instead of the 6 nations every 4 years. Then I think we would see the southern hemisphere team struggle. The timing has definately not been good for the 6 nations teams.

[sean]

I often wonder if we should hold the world cup during spring, instead of the 6 nations every 4 years. Then I think we would see the southern hemisphere team struggle. The timing has definately not been good for the 6 nations teams.

I can see where your coming from mate, but with all the sponsorship money involved I couldn't see any of the 6 nations participants agreeing to it. Another thing is if you brought in Spring games you'd be looking at a rather sluggish Northern Hemisphere performance with the last bit of competitive rugby being played over a year previous to the world cup.

[sean]

14-10 against Georgia, the French must be licking their lips.

[megager]

That was brutal. Absolutely disgraceful. Not only will France beat us (by at leat 30 points), Id fancy the pumas to put a big score on us.

[Dub13]

We are lucky that the top 3 from each pool get automatic qualification for the next world cup....they changed the rules this time as it used to the the last 16 only who got automatic qualification.

[yodabenitez]

Dear oh dear...well played Georgia - probably deserved to win that match, if they had any cut in the back line they would have.

Novenas, candles, sacred relics and jedi powers from across the ages cannot save us now...we have succumbed to the darkside.

Thought RSA were absolutely awesome against England...hold on to that docket Ger!!!

[Dub13]

I still cant get my hear around what is happening to this Ireland team.One thing to remember is it's was only four days since Georgia played Argentina.In rugby that is nearly unheard of.

[megager]

I think it is a case of

1. poor conditioning. At the end ireland seemed out on their feet, with georgia on the front foot. By comparison, the georgians seemed out on their feet at the end against argentina, who were on a different fitness level to them.

2. Psychology. The players are now sloppy and showing the opposition no respect. BODs comments before the namibia game sum this up. Look at the all blacks, south africa and oz, they kick early penalties, put the opposition out of sight and then when they throw the football around, its not high risk stuff. Ireland are throwing loose, 7s style passes at 7-3 up and get intercepted. Its "givin a sucker an even break" doing that kind of thing. Its like bull fighting, you wear the bull out, drain the blood and life out of him before waving the red blanket at him. No respecting matador would taunt the bull early on. This inspires me to throw a couple of the irish players in a pin with a rapid bull

3. Maybe O sullivan is complacent given he knows he has a high paid job for 4 years irrespective of the performances

4. Ball control has suffered. All the players are well built, but look like they havent handled a ball in years.

These are not factors that will be ironed out in the course of a tournament.

[Dub13]

If Georgia had a half decent kicker we would have been well beat last night,they missed a few fairly straight forward kicks.

[YNWA]

If Georgia had a half decent kicker we would have been well beat last night,they missed a few fairly straight forward kicks.

Yeah, or if they were half decent in general, because they really weren't that good, we just made them look good, they could have put a few past us. It really is astonishing, where is this coming from? We are well and truly bottling it...:confused:

[yodabenitez]

Now is a good time to back Ireland to beat France....Jesus...have I got the balls to write this docket...Yes, God, yes....

[Dub13]

Now is a good time to back Ireland to beat France....Jesus...have I got the balls to write this docket...Yes, God, yes....


I was just thinking that yesterday,we all know all Irish teams are much more comfortable been the underdog.What price are we for this game...?

[Dub13]

I just had a look on Paddy Power and we are 7/2 which is not great considering what happened in the last two games.

[fitzpatrickgary]

if for some reason we do make it to da quarters we most probably meet the all blacks they would put 100 past us

[sean]

if for some reason we do make it to da quarters we most probably meet the all blacks they would put 100 past us

I think if we do make the quaters we'll be there as group winners at this stage and avoid New Zealand. If (and what an if) we beat France we'll be primed to take on Argentina and top the group. If we lose to France we're out of it.

[Yoko]

Off to Paris this weekend - really hoping I can keep my head up. Really worried about this team

[Paul]

ireland have no chance and just as well, they'd be made a show of in the next round.

[sean]

ireland have no chance and just as well, they'd be made a show of in the next round.

To be fair, if we fail to make the next round then we'll have been made an even bigger show of.

[megager]

Ireland RWC 2007: Orbituary


Whether we make the next round or not, I think people should remember this team for its achievements. A lot of people dont think the triple crown means much, well to me it does and I remember a time when greater prestige was achieved by beating the home nations and the 5 nations was merely an after thought. Ok I do appreciate the 6 nations means more now than it did in the 80s, but I still think a triple crown is an achievement.

This team is in a run of terrible form and will not get out of this group. So what, they were never going to win the world cup. But I wouldnt write off this team entirely. I still think there is a 6 nations in them. I wrote them off after the wales hammering a few years ago and Ill be slow to do it again.

[Yoko]

and remember - this coach was rewarded with a new contract BEFORE the World Cup! A joke

[yodabenitez]

I'll tell you what's a joke yoko, people who purport to support teams and as soon as there's a whiff of things not going so well those 'supporters' exiting stage left and joining the baying bunch.

In the not too recent past there were very few who didn't allow themselves to be caught up in the euphoria of wins against RSA, Australia & a proper stuffing of England - oh how we were going to take on the world then. Now the same group of players, same management and coaching staff are a bunch of worthless imbeciles according to the mob.

I'm as disappointed as anyone with the two performances so far, indeed I'm pretty shocked but I wish them well & although it's hard to see I have a feeling thay may surprise us yet.

It's a bit like half time in Athens really, they can fold or get off the floor, I'll be rooting for them.

[megager]

Fair Play Yoda,

Im sure, like myself, you remember consecutive wooden spoons, and despite that we supported the team and were proud of them. We should support them through this. I am as guilty as anyone, probably more so for criticising the team here, so I want to apologise for that.

I reckon, as Ive said elsewhere, Eddie deserves the new contract. If we were all fired when our performances were occassionally sub-par, no one would keep a job in the work place.

Yesterday I had a gut feeling when I woke up, it was liverpool would draw 1-1 in porto and ireland would win by 5 points on friday. As the gut instinct was akin to nausea, initially i put it down to a dodgy curry I had the previos night, but as stanard rememdies didnt lift the feeling, and as last nights events unfolded, I am tempted to write a docket myself...

If they do fail, I would definately back them for the 6 nations next year. A bunch of talent players, wounded, bruised egos, with a point to prove....they may do it friday

[yodabenitez]

I don't have a problem with criticism, I do it myself and am happy to argue the toss with anyone but when the whistle blows they're my team.

What I have a serious problem with is desertion and those who wouldn't know one end of a rugby ball from the other morphing into experts.

Funny enough this is one of our more despiciable national traits, anyone remember being 0 - 3 against Spain after 20 minutes and the rats scurrying from Landsdowne?

[James]

What really annoys me is these stupid emails going around about petty fighting in the camp and players sleeping with teammates wives. I haven't seen the emails in question but my friends have and they are just ridiculous. It's the kind of thing someone would come up with to undermine the opposition but to do it to your own (unbeaten) country is just wrong.

The modern day Irish sporting fan and journalist is every bit as bad as their English counterparts. To think it was only a short time ago that we were taking pride in the fact that we we're nothing like them :(

[paddypower111]

do or die 4 friday i really hope they concentrate better friday and give a good profforence and win. if they lose but gave 100% ill forgive them but ill be very dissapointed if the continue the way there going at the mo and thats back 2 ireland 4 bacon and cabbage and REAL butter watered down with POWERAID . lol poweraids been a great help to them so far

[yodabenitez]

To be fair to the (serious) Irish rugby correspondents they haven't engaged in the kind of claptrap that James refers to.

I was listening to Brendan Fanning being interviewed on the box with no pictures yesterday and he flat refused to engage in the kind of tripe that's being going around.

It would seem that this stuff is rumour generated by 'supporters' who know somebody living in Alaska that once ate an egg thus qualifying them to comment.

It's a lot of bloody nonsense and the more I hear it the more annoyed I get. PaddyP is right above, c'mon lads bacon, cabbage, boiled spud with lashings of mustard......

[Paul]

To be fair, if we fail to make the next round then we'll have been made an even bigger show of.

It wouldn't be the first time (1999) and it won't be the last.

[megager]

I thought it was a poor display last night. for the past 3 weeks it just hasnt been like watching ireland. Clearly there is something a miss, but I suspect it is nothing like the rubbish that has been printed. I suspect the players are just over trained, and maybe were psychologically too wound up, and they clearly are not enjoying it. This is in strong contrast to the six nations, where, though there was a huge amount of pressure, the players had smiles on their faces. They seemed to thrive in adversity (when they couldnt get any ball v wales, or when 5 points down with minutes to go at murrayfield). I dont think they is a single factor and this happens to teams (france 2002).

A lot has been written about O' Sullivan not being the man. I think he has done well over the past few years ans his wins ratio cannot be discounted as immaterial. But it has also to be acknowledged that this has been at a time when scotland have been pathetic, England in a n alarming decline and wales only managed to get it together one year. If one is to judge a coach on his performances against the best team in the northern hemisphers, the bench mark as it were, it makes horrible reading. O sullivan 1st faced france in 2002, where we lost 44-5 in paris (if memory serves). We beat them at lansdowne in 2003, for the only time in his tenure. So in 8 meetings, one win. A win ratio of 1/8 or 12.5%. Scotland, england and wales can boost better stats. I accept a good wins ratio is at least comforting, it doesnt tell the full story. I fully we believe we will be will beat argentina, leaving a win ratio of 75%, but still out. Therefore it is too easy for O sullivan and the IRFU to hide behind percentages.

But it is also too easy to call for the coaches head when the goinggets a little tough. It is at times like this that true fans will stand by their team. O sullivan and ireland have brought us great memories, had us celebrating unlikely victories (never has such a streak been achieved over the oul enemy across the water), and in essence restored the pride in the irish shirt. They deserved all the praise. By standing by the team and still supporting them, they can come back from this and sign out as we know they should, with the six nations trophy. O sullivan deserves the chance to put it right, rthe players deserve it, they have earned it. But O sullivan must learn to be more flexible, pick form players, bury the murphy hatchet and reinstate the enigmatic, but undeniably brilliant prodical son.

If the dream is over, then so be it for france 2007.

I now must repent for my terrible treatment of Stan.

[sean]

You make some very good points megager. To go into this tournament with genuine hopes of winning came as a result of some great performances over the past 3 years, and a huge amount of that credit must go to O'Sullivan. I think we'll be Argentina too, so ultimately what will have cost us a place in the next round was a defeat to France in their own back yard - by no means a disgrace.

The dream looks well and truly over, but I'm not going to start criticising the coaching staff now, cos it seemed to work pretty well before the world cup. Then again, people might know that I'm still backing Stan, so may only take my comments with a pinch of salt :p

[JOE]

I was so depressed I went to bed at 9:30, ten minutes before it was over...I just can't understand what happened...all the coaching and money invested in this team...

[sean]

The last time we lost to France we then came out and absolutely stuffed England in the next game. Need history to repeat itself here somewhat. All along I though the points difference was going to be a factor, but just realised that its head to head counts first over the points diffence. Sure all we have to do is score the four tries and beat the Argies by more than 7, easy...

[scousedub]

Its not the defeat to France which will cost us, its not getting the bonus point against Georgia. We were always likely to lose against France but if we had the bonus point from Georgia we would have probably just had to beat Argentina by more than 7 points rather than having to get four tries against them.

[fitzpatrickgary]

7 points and four tries against the best defence in the tournament cant see it happening

[Naas 26]

Argentina are the only team not to concede a try to date and we need to score 4.

I actually hope we don't beat the Argies by the required amount because we will be humiliated by the all blacks. I think the results so far have shown how poor the quality of six nations rugby is against the rest of the world

[LOU2]

cant see us baeting the pumas they are too strong in defence and we havnt play well all tournament

[yodabenitez]

I think we have a better than good chance of beating them, it's the four tries that we are going to have difficulty with. As was said above the no bonus point against Georgia is one smelly chicken that could yet come home to roost.

But hope springs eternal...Munster v Gloucester anyone?? The plans & taxis drama??

I don't think the potential for 'humiliation' by the All Blacks is any reason not to want to get out of the group. At our best we ran them pretty close a couple of times on their own turf in recent times and I would love to see us have a go at them

[sean]

But hope springs eternal...Munster v Gloucester anyone??

Thats true yoda, the only problem this time is the Munster lads have to put up with their inferior Leinster comrades... ;)

[yodabenitez]

Ouch :rolleyes:

[Fowler's God]

We're screwed no hope of going thru to the quarters. The fault lies with the players and the coaches tactics. Eddie O Sullivan is a one dimensional coach. He has plan A but no Plan B and we have been shown up in the World Cup because of it.

[Yoko]

I'll tell you what's a joke yoko, people who purport to support teams and as soon as there's a whiff of things not going so well those 'supporters' exiting stage left and joining the baying bunch.

No need to be so insulting. You don't know the 1st thing about me and I'm entitled to an opinion about a man who I happen to pay a part of his wages.

I just got back from a trip I planned 2 years ago spending thousands. I'm off saturday again. And you know what I'm going to Paris for the 6 nations again this spring as I did 2 years ago and 2 years before that.

I am entitled to my opinion, and this is it - you should never reward a coach for underachievement. I don't care that in the days of amateur rugby we would have been happy with merely winning against England blah, blah

Gatland was fired for achieving 2nd place in the 6 nations - Eddie is rewarded. And what makes me sick is it was clear as day this was coming from the minute he picked that squad

[megager]

I dont think yoda was having a go at you specifically. I think in earlier posts I was as critical if not more than you about the irish performance.

But I think we should support our team as they clearly are not themselves now and are clearly off form. A lot of they guys have trained 4 years for this and wont get another chamce. They have enough problems dealing with wasting their opportuinity to perform in a once in a life time tournament and will have to live with their failure to live up to their reputations.

As for Eddie, he has done a good job. I dont think anyone would have brought us so near a 6 nations as he. Gatland laid the foundations and I have to say was treated very harshly. I think he is a future all black coach ( I lived there for a while and he is very highly regarded). But we would not be in a better state now if he were still at the helm, and might not have 3 triple crowns to our credit (yes, I am an antique, I still value the triple crown) We have 9 great players, but not 15, or 20 like france, so to be up there for 5 -6 years is a consistency I certainly cant remember in my life time. One bad tournament is not sufficient reason to sack him. As ive said, He deserves a chance to "put it right". But I must say a 4 year contract before a tournament is a bit silly, but that is the IRFU, not eddies fault. Of course he will agree to it. I think they were worries that eddie would do the lions job, and with good reason, because I think he has earned it. I would have thought this should have been looked at after the next 6 nations. If the players do lose faith in him, then 3 more years is a long empass.

[Yoko]

Let's be clear on something, if I haven't been already. I have never said sack Eddie. I said he shouldn't have ben rewarded before he could have been measured. The IRFU set targets and a World Cup semi was one. This is now unlikely to be achieved (however at 3:45 on Sunday I'll be confident of the bonus point win I'm optimistic like that). A championship win was another. Not achieved either.

You are right the IRFU blinked, simple as - i.e. they were afraid that EOS would leave for the Lions so they tied him down. Not the way I would like the union to do business.

The players look quite simply physically exhausted and not match sharp. Simply put we put too much emphasis on bulk and conditioning and trips to Spala, and have become a shadow of ourselves.

We need a performance like we had in Rome and for that at least I'm glad Hickie is back in, he is capable of running one in from his own 22

[megager]

Your comment on the players physicality is spot on. They are built like the all blcaks, but not playing like we know they can. I also 100% agree that such a lucrative contract should have been awarded based on world cup performance, not potential. I wonder would eddie still be given a 4 year deal now?

I dunno if another rome is on here, I think it will be another paris. Take your pick of which one over the past 6 years...they all end in tears.

[yodabenitez]

Yoko...sorry if it came over like that, absolutely not intended as an attack on you personally. It was a general broadside at the nonsense one has to listen too spoken from high stools and on the airwaves.

I would say that as a people, in my experience anyway, we do have a tendency to round on the prophet in his own land when things don't fall just like we want them too.Our political, sporting, religious and cultural history is littered with examples, a couple of random choices, Parnell,Dr. Noel Browne & perhaps Alan Dukes. Anyway that's a all a bit of a sidetrack.

Irish rugby, certainly internationally and at provincial level has had a recent history of unparalleled, (4 l's or 3??),success. We have all enjoyed it and been enriched by it, now at a time of dreadful unfullfillment, (ditto??), for the players and coaching staff so many who would call themselves supporters in good times turn on those who gave them cause to support in the first place. That's what raises my temperature.

[yodabenitez]

Now that I've got my apologies and clarifications out of the way:rolleyes:

Gatland was fired for achieving 2nd place in the 6 nations - Eddie is rewarded. And what makes me sick is it was clear as day this was coming from the minute he picked that squad
(Ah I made an a**e of the quote thing again!!)

I don't think you can argue the second part of that, (or the first for that matter but that's a non rugby issue). How was it clear that the squad originally selected would reach this point? What changes, and I mean clear cut changes not marginal calls, could / should have been made that would arrest the current position?

I can't really think of any, obviously I would have included DH and I'm pretty sure they tried to convince him but it was not to be. Our key difficulties have been the lack of abrasiveness and accuracy in our forwards, lineouts, rucks & mauls in particular. The scrum has been generally solid. Who else could we have brought that would have turned this?

[Yoko]

Yoda - fair enough mate.

I am bumfuddles as to why he brought Brian Carney. Expensively brought over from League at EOS request and brought to the world cup too hold tackle bags.

People like Carney and Quinlan and O'Kelly will not see another World cup, and if they were not going to get game time then I would have preferred that we included the like of Trevor Hogan or Fitzgerald. Also the lunacy of picking 4 No. 6s is beyond me. We have clearly needed another openside. Wallace is a fine player but has had no game time since March. To expect him to play a minimum of 4 matches is mad, there is no cover for him nor Leamy, despite ptotestations that Ferris or Best could play there.

What gets my blood boiling is that I know the potential of this squad and we are nowhere near it and IMO never will be with conservative tactics that Eddie is insistant on employing.

[megager]

Yeah, Id love to have seen Carney against namibia. He has amazing pace and is a great finisher, but I never rated him in the tackle and I saw him drop a lot of "bombs" in league. I suspect Eddie saw the attacking potential was negated by a very palpable weakness under garryowens that France and the argies would exploit. Still I cant understand why he was brought if he wasnt going to play a part.

My prediction for this one is Ireland 25-18 Argentina. A spirited win, but not enough.

[Yoko]

Bad news from the camp, hopefully not serious for the guy


Irish ace Best admitted to hospital
Wednesday, 26 September 2007 22:06
Ireland prop Simon Best has been admitted to hospital in Bordeaux for tests following complaints of feeling unwell and a loss of feeling down his right side.

Best, who was named in the Ireland squad to play Argentina this weekend, was immediately transferred to hospital accompanied by the Ireland Team doctor where further tests are currently being carried out to determine the cause of these symptoms.

The Ulster front row has been named on the bench for Sunday's World Cup clash with Argentina in Paris.

[yodabenitez]

I'm glad we're back on rugby, and as we are...

Anyone read the excerpt from Trevor Brennan's biog in the paper today? Now he was an 'impact' player...

All remarks about a tweak here and and a nudge there are valid.My own difficulty with the team as standing is that Malcolm O'Kelly isn't getting a shot but that's just my opinion. EOS picks the team, he's a self confessed conservative, we didn't mind when he was right, he's entitled to trust what he knows. No manager could legislate for the poverty of performance we've seen.

I'm backing Ireland to score 4 tries on Sunday, just that, I think we're going to die gloriously...Keano would be seriously pissed off:)

[megager]

It sounds to me like Best had a stroke/ministroke. I suspect it may be a dissection ( I think Gareth Thomas has the same). This is where one of the carotid (or vertebral arteries) in the neck is damaged/ torn. It is usually due to trauma (so rugby players who are tugged at the neck and wrestlers can be vulnerable) and is the most common cause of strokes in people aged 20-50. It can be devastating. A famous american football player was left paralysed after such an event

I hope its a false alarm, but it doesnt sound good. The poor fellow. Hope he makes a very speedy recovery.

[Dub13]

I am just reading the Independent now and Tana Umaga has called O Driscoll a cry baby over that Spear tackle.What a strange time to bring that back up it was over 2 years ago.

[Yoko]

Obviously took his ghost writer that long to get the "auto"biography done!

[Dub13]

New Jersey for Argentina game

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/826/jerseyaf6.jpg

[Aido82]

ha ha :)

[sean]

Thats a classic! :D

[Dub13]

Minnows facing cull for 2011 Cup

The current Rugby World Cup is likely to be the last featuring 20 countries, BBC Wales Sport can reveal.


An investigation for the Sport Wales TV show has learnt of plans to cut the tournament to 16 teams, with a second level tournament for so-called minnows.
The change is set to be discussed at a meeting of the International Rugby Board in Dublin in November.
The new format could be in place in time for the World Cup finals in New Zealand in 2011.

Full Story Here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7015321.stm)

[Yoko]

Shame if it happens - the smaller teams have been great

[JOE]

I'm embarassed...

[sean]

I'm embarassed...

To be fair it was all over before today. Argentina showed they are a quality side and will be odds on to make the semi-finals. I wouldn't be surprised to even see them in the final at this stage.

[JOE]

A quality side maybe, but better quality than Ireland (not form)...I don't think so...what annoys me is when I take a look at the team and I know the quality is there, and they'll have no problem doing it again in the Celtic League...

[megager]

Very disapponiting. However I think people knew this was a very tough group.

But a 15 point defeat to the pumas is unacceptable. Before the world cup I commented in a malaise that crept in even during the 6 nations. That has festered. The players believed their own hype, and to a degree eddie did too.

It is easy blame the coach ( as he must shoulder some responsibility) but when key players performs as badly as ROG has in this tournament then you have no chance. I hope Ireland can find another out half because I have never seen a number 10 play as badly as he did ever. He was hopeless.

The guys deserve one more go to make it right, but if they cant then heads must roll. Hickey is already gone and going by his performances in 2007 is a small loss. O kelly and Horan will follow. Hopefully hayes will keep going (he was the only forward to perform on any level in all games) but he is pushing on.

I still think they will win a 6 nations, but they only have next year.

[Naas 26]

The six nations game against Scotland in Murrayfield was the start of the rot. They were very poor that day and just about got the win to win a triple crown. ROG has been terrible since then. Part of the problem is we have nobody to replace him or fight him for his place. We should have tried to get Humphreys to come out of retirement

[Pimboli]

This team peaked 18 months ago.

But put things in perspective...we could be Wales!

[Dub13]

I think 18 months ago the management decided to give the world cup a go with this group of players,big mistake IMO as they have not blooded any new players.Was it two years ago we won the under 20 6 nations...?not many of these lads are in the team now.

[Pimboli]

O'Driscoll should retire now and just go back to playing Prince Charming in the Shrek movies (him of the waivey hair).

Its a serious clear the decks time, but how many will voluntarily hand up their boots cause O'Sullivan doesnt have the bottle to get rid them.

[fitzpatrickgary]

o gara is finished had a hugly diappointing tournament kicking yesterday like the whole tournament was awful

[Fowler's God]

O'Driscoll has come out and blamed the players this morning, the whole squad including management need to take a look at theirselves. There was definitely a split in the camp after what happened to Stringer shows O' Driscoll has a lot of say over the picking of the 15 players.

[LOU2]

very poor tournament for the irish over all, there line outs were disgracefull and the majority of the passes were knocked on. hickey caught very few high balls yesterday but i cant just give out bout one or two players the whole team has gone down hill badly.

[Dub13]

I blame the Licensed Vintners Association,did your here their adds on the radio....'its great to watch an Irish team not suck at an International sport.."

They jinxed us,cnuts.

[LOU2]

theres plenty of things that jinxed us, things like posters in elveries(so cant spell) saying if u buy the jersey and we win the world cup u get ur money back come on it was never likely that we were going to anyway

[Dub13]

Wasn't there a tile shop on the southside who and a smiler offer about Italy winning the football world cup...?I wounder how much that cost them.

[Aido82]

desperate times alright.

It makes me ask the question, is the standard of the 6 nations that poor

England and Scotland scrapped through,
ireland, wales and italy out

[Yoko]

O'Sullivan needs to ask himself why he allowed O'Gara to completely self destruct on the pitch on Sunday, I'd have improved on his performance. How does Paddy Wallace feel. How could he have been worse

persistently kicking away the ball and strolling up in pursuit does not win you a rugby match unless its a tag rugby match.

5 losses in Paris for me now - here's hoping next yrs 6N breaks my duck!!!

[yodabenitez]

Pity it happed like this, a blaze of glory would at least have been more fun...

We got stuffed, I don't expect sacking, retiring, jumping up and down on or otherwise abusing will make anyone feel any better about it.

[James]

Hope England win it now. Would be hilarious after all the abuse they have taken over the last 2 years.

[harrybosch]

iid really like to see the argintinians play, the passion they show is second to none, and its a strong possibility with New Zealand and the Wallabies gone..............This could have been our world cup the way its shaping up, pity about out total breakdown when it mattered!!

[Aido82]

As long as the french dont win it, i ha 40 quid of the all blacks :(

[redeagle]

fiji doing well with S.A.

[YNWA]

Looks out of their reach now though...

[redeagle]

yea haha..back to normal.

[megager]

Was at the millinium stadium last night. It has to have been the best game of rugby I have ever attended. I have to say I was quitely confident of a french win as I am a bit of jinx on the all blacks. I have seen them live 4 times now and they have only won once (scotland). So you see it wasnt the tactical master stroke of La Porte to play 3 guys with big boots to pin NZ back in the first half or to introduce his mercurial but flawed genius michelak that won the game for france. It was the curse of Ger.

I think that bet on S Africa is looking safe now. Argentina are rapidly running out of steam. The spingboks will pummel them. France should take england (I hope!!).

[yodabenitez]

My dear friend Ger,

It is my ferverent hope that your 'ticket' comes through.

Nothing is certain in this competition. God forbid England defend...it's just the commentators I can't stand.

South Africa should win now & failing them, France...but these Argentinians are pumped so now I'm backing against you...

Argentina will win the Rugby World Cup...they are just about crazy enough...and they are bloody good as well...

BTW, now that he's yesterday's man and his ability is forgotten...three cheers for ROG, my money rides on you being leading scorer in the next World Cup...now you can all get down off your high stools and 'fight like [a] man'...

Cheers

Cheers

[stephenocall]

argentina were exposed last nite!
scotland really handled them well!
they play boring but effective rugby,garryowen after garryowen!!
south africa should teach them a big lesson next sunday!!

[pam]

dont underestimate johnny wilkinson, England once again can cause a major upset

[Yoko]

England V France
South Africa V Argentina.


I'm backing the last game to mirror the first game in every way.

[LOU2]

agree totally with yoko but think france would win overall

[James]

Why wouldn't we want England to win the competition?? They didn't rub our noses in it in 2003 and if anything they've been a laughing stock since then. In Wilkinson they also have one of the greatest sportsmen of his generation and is a great role model for young children. Theres no players on that team that get up my nose so I'll definitely be cheering for them on Saturday.

[paddyb]

i thought scotland might have got a try at the end last night - what was parks thinking with that kick - they were only a few yards away

i think south africa will win it now, i dont think any pack left in tournament can match up to south africa's
i think england will beat france

[sean]

dont underestimate johnny wilkinson, England once again can cause a major upset

I was thinking the same to myself last night. All four teams will fancy their chances of winning it out now.

[Kopite]

England wont beat France in Paris just the same as France had no chance of beating NZ...Im worried cant listen to them for another 4 years :)

[sean]

Im worried cant listen to them for another 4 years :)

In fairness I don't think they went on about it too much, not as much as we would have gone on about it anyway! I remember when they won the Ashes two years ago, and a Sky News poll voted the Ashes victory as being better than the RWC 03 win!!

[megager]

I dont want to see England win this world cup for no reason other than there are better teams. In 2003, I watched their semi and final after working the night shifts and supported them. But that was a team, who though limited had legends deserving of world cup victory (Johnson, Back,Dawson,Dallaglio). I am delighted for the current team but the world cup needs a classy, aristocratic cahampion and not a team who's emphasis is on stopping the opposition playing.

Unfortunately the world cup favours defensive sides, history shows that defences rather than attacks ultimately win out (England 2003, South Africa 95, Australia 1991). I think it would be good for the competition if the French win as they play an exciting expansile style of rugby. If Soth africa win it will be ok, but it will be my wallet, not my heart cheering them.

But I will not be supporting the Argies and I hope they get stuffed if not by South Africa then by england or France. Sure I am petty, but the behaviour of Contempoli during the irish match where he mocked the crowd and the irish players was disgraceful and makes me hate them all as a team!. Ireland gave him the opportuinity to qualify and work as a doctor while paying his lofty rugby salary and helping him to develope into the player he is. But his behavior was that of a spoilt ungrateful brat and while he may harbour resentment from the way he was treated by Leamy during a heineken cup semi final, I think to rub salt in the wounds (when he taunted ROG and rustled his hair after a missed penalty) and mocking supporters who cheer him on in donnybrook and Lansdwon road on Heineken cup games and celtic league games was bang out of line

In summary while I would prefer not see england win on rugby grounds only, if they are playin the argies, Ill root out a white tee shirt, draw a rose on it, get out my contempoli voodoo doll, pray to the rugby goods and do whatever is necessary to maximise their chances of winning

[Aido82]

ireland have a representative in the world cup final,

its not the team but the ref.

[Yoko]

and mocking supporters who cheer him on in donnybrook and Lansdwon road on Heineken cup games and celtic league games was bang out of line


Megager can you clarify this for me?

[megager]

Yeah after scoring a penalty that put them either 9 or 12 points clear he put his hands to his ears as if to signify where are all the cheers. He had a go at Leamy, O Connell and he pushed and laughed at O Gara after the latter kicked a ball to touch on the full...

I'm very petty amn't I

[yodabenitez]

I don't like this 'sledging' business but I suppose it has gone on in one form or another in all sports for ever.

I don't think it's fair to single out Contemponi just because he did it in the Irish game.

[Yoko]

I was there and Conters like all the Argies came up to our end where it was only Irish. We warmly applauded each other. Conters stayed to applaud us long ater the other Argies had gone. I for one am thrilled that teh Arentines have done so well. Not allowing them an annual tournament is a disgrace, when Scotland, Wales (and ourselves at times) serve up some dirge. I would not begrudge them their success.


The O'Gara thing I saw and if every time we disliked a player for winding up in Interpros we'd run out of lads!!

[megager]

Maybe, but my mind id made up on this. Ive displaced all my anger and disappointment from ireland to argentina.

They are my bad guys now.

[Fowler's God]

Can't believe England are in the Final.

[JOE]

Unbelievable...there's no logic that can actually explain that result...

[James]

Can't believe England are in the Final.

Yeah its surprising but you can't deny them their place. Once it hit 70 mins and Dallaglio came on you knew what going to happen.

PS - How bitter are the lads on Setanta??

[Fowler's God]

thats setanta's bad punditry selection. they should of got George Hook for there panel

[sean]

thats setanta's bad punditry selection. they should of got George Hook for there panel

I think they wanted to get George Hook, but RTE wouldn't allow him be released from his contract to take his place on Setanta.

Some result from England btw.

[Dub13]

What price were England at the start...?

[sean]

What price were England at the start...?

I don't know what they were at the start of the tournament, but only yesterday morning they were available at 8/1 which seems crazy odds to offer in hindsight.

[Dub13]

Fcuk,I would have taken them @ 8/1 yesterday.They must have been around 20/1 at the start.

[sean]

Fcuk,I would have taken them @ 8/1 yesterday.They must have been around 20/1 at the start.

This says they were available at 66/1 at the start :eek:

Link (http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Other-sports/2007/09/30/Rugby-Wilkinson/?facets/sport-space/rugby/north-america-locale/)

[Dub13]

This says they were available at 66/1 at the start :eek:

Link (http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Other-sports/2007/09/30/Rugby-Wilkinson/?facets/sport-space/rugby/north-america-locale/)


Thats crazy odds...but then again I don't think many people would have taken it even at that price,its easy to sit here now and say well we could see it coming the fact is nobody could and that price justify it.

If Argentina don't get to the final I hope England win it.

[megager]

I was hoping france would win basesd on the potential quality of rugby they can play, but based on last night, england really deserved it. They were ferocious at the breakdown, wilkinson was fantastic, (to go for a dropped goal after missing 2 others took guts, but didnt we see that somewhere before...telstra stadium 2003) and Jason Robinson was the best player on the pitch.

France shot themselves in the foot. The kicking tactic that worked so well against new zealand was not going to exploit englands weaknesses. They should have held ball in hand and ran continuouly.

I still fancy south africa, but my heart really wants england to do it. Living here the fans are genuinly surprised. This is a team that has been written off as the worst english team in living memory by its media. Now that they are on the brink of success the media cant get enough of them.

All credit to Brian Ashton. Personally I dont rate him as a coach, but hes got it right. Back to basics. Lets hope the chariot marches on in one week.

[Yoko]

Argies looked wrecked tonight

[yodabenitez]

Wrecked alright, wrecked by a better team.

England deserved the win last night but, & I'm hesitatiing, I think SA are better & will win.

Anyone else think the whole idea of 3rd v 4rth, in any tournament, is nonsense?

C'mon Ger!!!

[megager]

3rd/4th place playoff :Its like being told "you are a nice guy, Its not you its us.....we can still be friends". Waste of time IMO. Both teams are psychologically wrecked, the last thing they need is this.


My wife actually told me to back south africa 2 years ago. We saw them play pacific islanders in gosford and she said they would win the next world cup. Odds were better after they lost to ireland though!

[sean]

Anyone else think the whole idea of 3rd v 4rth, in any tournament, is nonsense?

Absolutely - when you think back to past tournaments, how many teams could you instantly pick out who finished 3rd?

As for this one, I think Argentina will take this one. Getting to the semi's will be seen as a major success, and they'll be more up for this game than a very downbeat France will.

[harrybosch]

Can anybody honestly see england winning this?...... Personally i fancied Siuth Africa before the tournament and i still do. I cant see englands forwards causing SA as much hasstle... But hey, stranger things have happened....

[stephenocall]

seeminly after the south africa result in the group stages england were priced at 80/1 to win!!
im prayin they wont,we will never hear the end if they do!!
hopefully south africa will destroy them!
give your fingers crossed!!

[Dub13]

What a player Bryan Habana is...lightning,great control the lad has everything he is so explosive.

[megager]

Hes lightening fast, but has added real steel in the last 2 years. Saw him playing for the bulls 2 years ago and was really impressed.

It difficult. I would like to see england do it, but....

[sameold]

This says they were available at 66/1 at the start :eek:

Link (http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Other-sports/2007/09/30/Rugby-Wilkinson/?facets/sport-space/rugby/north-america-locale/)

Before the start of the World Cup, they were about 20's, 22's. They went out to 66's after the Boks whitewashed them 36 - 0.

[Yoko]

England are going to win..... :(

[sean]

England are going to win..... :(

Seeing as England have changed their approach since the 36-0 defeat to South Africa it sure will be interesting to see how this game goes. I think SA have too much in the tank and will win by a margin of 15 odd points.

[Paul]

thats setanta's bad punditry selection. they should of got George Hook for there panel

Heard Hook on Newstalk and he was an absolute disgrace also. Punditry is gone downhill just like the soccer. I hope England win the final just to piss em all off, Unlikely though :mad:

[Aido82]

for once in a long time the british media didnt hype up this world cup.

Compare that to over here, we though we could win it, what a joke that turned out to be.

[harrybosch]

the british media didnt hypoe it up for the simple reason they didnt feel they had a haope in hell of actually doin well at the rwc......

[Paul]

I always laugh at comments like "We'll never hear the end of it" or "We'll have to listen to it for another 4 years" :rolleyes:
It's peoples own choice to read English papers or watch English TV. If you have a problem with self glorification then steer clear.
Anyway the Irish Media would probably be even worse if we ever had success in a high profile sport on the international stage. We're still going on about beating them in the 1988 euro championships where we both exited at group stage.

[megager]

Well said!!

I will cheer on England (partly cos I'm living here and will be killed if I dont) despite having backed RSA a year ago. Why we persist to cheer on England's rivals is always a mystery to me. Keep the RWC in the 6 nations and it gives us 4 more years at taking on the world champs. I would have preferred france (given their higher flair potential) but I would be happy to see our rivals across the sea do it.

If we dont hear the end of it, So What. Back to back world cups is something worth bragging about.

I'm not asking everyone to learn the words to god save the queen or "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" , but come on, support the english in this. It will be a magnificant achievement.

[Aido82]

i will also be cheering them on, due mainly to the slatting they got after the 6 nations and after the 36-0 lost to the boks

[yodabenitez]

I'll be shouting for RSA, for rugby reasons and not blind anti England sentiment.

They have played a better brand of rugby during this tournament and to be honest, watching England is as dull as dishwater with the possible exception of Robinson.

[Yoko]

Hopefully Habana & Co will give us some nice running rugger on Saturday night!

[SUPERFAN]

England were robbed!
that was a definite Try.had that been converted they would've only been a Drop Goal away from Victory and we all know J Wilkinson is a dab Hand at that......

[Aido82]

ah well they put on a good show

bookies were dead right, they predicted a 9 point win.

[yodabenitez]

Don't agree avid, his foot touched the paint before lifting, no try was the right call IMHO. They should have scored from that move anyway and have no one to blame but themselves that they did not.

I thought England played about as well as they were capable of but that South Africa just had too much for them.

Ok ger when do we celebrate...lol:)

[megager]

Early days but how do people see world cup going?

POOL A

New Zealand
France
Tonga
Canada
Japan

POOL B
Argentina
England
Scotland
Georgia
Romania

POOL C
Australia
Ireland
Italy
USA
Russia

POOL D
South Africa
Wales
Fiji
Samoa
Namibia

POOL A 1st NZ, 2nd France
POOLB 1st England, 2nd Argentina
POOL C 1st Australia, 2nd Ireland
POOL D 1st RSA, 2nd Wales.

1/4 finals
NZ beat Argentina
France beat Eng
Ireland beat RSA (my shock result of tournament)
Australia beat Wales

1/2 finals
NZ beat Ireland
Oz beat France

Final. Conflicted, but I think Oz will beat the all blacks

[Carroll9]

Anyone heading down to this.

[bryanod]

England in the semis-nap.

[up the pool]

nz buckle under the pressure in semis against ireland:D
england beat france in semis
ireland hammer england again in final:eek::D

it could easily happen;)

[lehaner]

Booked flights yesterday for the Australia game. Easy for me being in Melbourne. Have tickets for one of the semi's and the final as well...we can live in hope!!

[Niall]

Booked flights yesterday for the Australia game. Easy for me being in Melbourne. Have tickets for one of the semi's and the final as well...we can live in hope!!

Your some man:D Fair play should be great enjoy!

[lehaner]

Your some man:D Fair play should be great enjoy!

Need something to go to now that I don't have the Liverpool games! Grand Prix this Sunday...the fun never stops!

[megager]

England in the semis-nap.

Depends on which france turn up. On their day, france could win it. If france get it together, which I expect them to, they will beat england. I like England and wish them well, but they wont go beyond quarters here

[Carroll9]

Booked flights yesterday for the Australia game. Easy for me being in Melbourne. Have tickets for one of the semi's and the final as well...we can live in hope!!

Going down myself.Going to the Russia and Italy games,all of the Springboks games and the 2 quarters in Wellington.It's going to be an epic trip.Lucky you living in Melbourne.It's some flight from here to Wellington.

[megager]

Going down myself.Going to the Russia and Italy games,all of the Springboks games and the 2 quarters in Wellington.It's going to be an epic trip.Lucky you living in Melbourne.It's some flight from here to Wellington.

Im jealous. have a great time carroll9 and lehaner and anyone else going

[Carroll9]

Im jealous. have a great time carroll9 and lehaner and anyone else going

Cheers mate.It was fun filling out the holiday form at work and leaving it on the bosses desk.Thankfully I booked my flights first.:D

[Captain_Morgan]

what if we do oz and then its wales in the quarters

[Carroll9]

what if we do oz and then its wales in the quarters

Can't see us beat Oz in all honesty.