I am very pleased that you Kiwis and Australians have sorted out a nice comfortable way to watch England win the world cup... :)
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I am very pleased that you Kiwis and Australians have sorted out a nice comfortable way to watch England win the world cup... :)
Post saved!! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Bettyboo
For clarification, I'm talking about the first game of the WC; I feel confident of beating Tonga. :)
Not so sure you'll win your first game though, just sayin, those Bokks are looking good...
:smileylaughing:Quote:
Originally Posted by Bettyboo
Yeah I'm not exactly filled with confidence myself if I'm being honest. Though, in a strange way, I think a loss in that particular game might actually be a good thing...?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bettyboo
In any event the whole tournament is about as wide open as it has been since forever and I can't wait!
In 2007 we were slaughtered by the Bokks in the group stages. Even though we were a crap team, we somehow made it to the final, were by far the better team on the day and only lost due to the most one-eyed reffing I've ever seen...
I believe, back in Kiwiland (was it 2011?), something similar happened with you and the French? The French were useless, you thumped them in the group, but the really turned up for the final and nearly turned you over!
Basically, it's nice to win all the group matches, but not essential.
I wonder if any team has won the rugby WC after losing a group stage match?
Get yer pix in...
My peerless prognostication...
Opening round
20 September
Japan v Russia -- Japan
21 September
New Zealand v South Africa -- New Zealand
France v Argentina -- Argentina
Australia v Fiji -- Australia
22 September
Ireland v Scotland -- Ireland
Italy v Namibia -- Italy
England v Tonga -- England
23 September
Wales v Georgia -- Wales
24 September
Russia v Samoa -- Samoa
25 September
Fiji v Uruguay -- Fiji
26 September
Italy v Canada -- Italy
England v United States -- England
**************************************
My main team of course are the All Blacks. My minnow team for 2019 are the Lelos from Georgia.
Apparently not... I had it in my head that Aust lost a pool game in 1991 but just checked and nope.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bettyboo
All winners to date have gone through pools unbeaten.
Interesting stat.Quote:
Originally Posted by AntRobertson
Of course losing a pool game makes it much more of a gamble getting out I'd the pool, given they are only 4 deep.
True but I think it's fair to say that whoever wins of NZ or SA in that opening match both are still practically guaranteed to go through unless Italy, Namibia or Canada can pull-off a major upset.
I'm not sure of the permutations of the draw but it might actually even provide an 'easier' route qualifying second. A lot depends on whatever happens in other pools obviously.
The games are on at great times. Saturday leads nicely up to the footy:)
I only disagree with one:)
Quote:
Originally Posted by happynz
^ don't be a silly-dilly... :)
20 September
Japan v Russia
21 September
New Zealand v South Africa
France v Argentina
Australia v Fiji
22 September
Ireland v Scotland
Italy v Namibia
England v Tonga
23 September
Wales v Georgia
24 September
Russia v Samoa
25 September
Fiji v Uruguay
26 September
Italy v Canada
England v United States
Winners in bold which doesn't bode well for Ant's stat...
My godfather was a Fijian, a huge fucker in the British Army.
My dad used to tell me stories of him throwing men out of bar windows.
R. I. P Appycooki. Top top bloke.
Four day weekend couldn't have come at a better time!
Bring on the rugby.
Wales coach Howley sent home from World Cup amid betting allegations
Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has been sent home from Japan amid allegations of betting infringements.
Howley, who has been with Wales since 2008, is now subject of a Welsh Rugby Union investigation, sources have told ESPN.
World Rugby is keeping a close eye on the outcome of the WRU's investigation and if Howley is found guilty to have placed bets on rugby union matches, he will be charged under Regulation 6, which addresses anti-corruption and betting in rugby.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/...FIXwales-1.jpg
World Rugby's regulation 6.3.1 reads: "No connected person shall, directly or indirectly, bet and/or attempt to bet on the outcome or any aspect of any connected event and/or receive and/or attempt to receive part or all of the proceeds of any such bet and/or any other benefit in relation to a bet."
^ no ambiguity there.
Crikey... Wonder what he was actually betting on.
If it was Wales bombing out that may have actually been a fair bet *ducks* :D
OK so I had an investimigation into this and need to modify it some because basically if form is any guide and all games go as predicted then Ireland should top Pool A with Scotland second which means the loser of NZ v SA in Pool B will face Ireland in Quarter Final 4.Quote:
True but I think it's fair to say that whoever wins of NZ or SA in that opening match both are still practically guaranteed to go through unless Italy, Namibia or Canada can pull-off a major upset.
I'm not sure of the permutations of the draw but it might actually even provide an 'easier' route qualifying second. A lot depends on whatever happens in other pools obviously.
All due respect to Scotland but I think both NZ and SA would prefer to meet them so would prefer to win on Fri and go on to top the group.
Ps.
And by the way here's a pretty handy bracket selector that you can choose first, second and winner and it adjusts automatically: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/bracket
All Blacks starting XV has eight players from this year's Super Rugby champion side Crusaders.
1. Joe Moody
4. Scott Barrett
5. Sam Whitelock
8. Keiran Reed
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. George Bridge
12. Ryan Crotty
14. Sevu Reece
I'm more concerned with who isn't starting: Benjamin Smith.
:sad:
I'm sure issuing a warning like this will have *exactly* the desired effect.
:rofl:
Said friend was probably propping up the bar in the local Irish pub laughing his tits off telling his mates the story.Quote:
Welsh rugby fans travelling to Japan for the World Cup have been urged to cover up tattoos to avoid offending some of their hosts.
Hundreds of supporters are heading to the country ahead of Wales' opening game of the tournament on Monday.
Tattoos have long been associated by some in Japan with yakuza crime syndicates, and tattooed tourists could be barred from communal hot springs.
Fans are also being asked to wear shirts when using gyms or pools.
<snip>
Mr Baos, a financial adviser, has extensive tattoos from elbow to wrist on both arms and covering much of his lower legs.
"They are pretty big tattoos so it has been a real concern," he said.
"A friend in Tokyo said there's no way you can go into some gyms or baths with tattoos as it would really cause offence.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-49733519
that will mean most of the world cup rugby players could be sent home.ever seen a rugby player without a tattoo.:banhim11:
I know, I'm surprised the BBC published that fucking tripe.
Everyone seems to be hiring witless interns these days.
So it begins... Opening ceremony on now.
I'm watching in me bar and it's fucking chucking it down, monsoon stylez! :D
Blend of the high tech and traditional so far... Very Japanesesy