Rwc 2011

[skeet]

What games are you going to, who is your pick to win or are you over it??

I'm heading to the Final, also down to Dunedin for bit of a road trip to cheer on the mighty Romanians as they crush the English rose ;)

[JBmurc]

yes the Auckland Rugby world cup not to fussed outside the big matches, thought about going to a Dunedin game but would rather put the funds to go towards a
Warriors game maybe a semi-final ---final if they make it ...which could depend on a ref's call like the St george not held call

[shasta]

What games are you going to, who is your pick to win or are you over it??

I'm heading to the Final, also down to Dunedin for bit of a road trip to cheer on the mighty Romanians as they crush the English rose ;)

Im not sure which team(s) are based in Wellington, only South Africa play twice here.

Im not a huge rugby fan, personally i'd take Chelsea to win the champions league/premiership over a rugby world cup win.

But if you go via the seedings the qtr finals & beyond should look like this:(winners 1st then runners up)

Pool A NZ/France
Pool B England/Argentina
Pool C Aust/Ireland
Pool D South Africa/Wales/Samoa?

So England would play France, NZ v Argentina, South Africa v Ireland & Australia x Wales/Samoa

NZ v Argentina winner faces South Africa/Ireland in semis, whereas Australia would get France/England

Looking at the draw Australia has a very favourable draw & assuming they win there pool & South Africa does as well, Australia wont meet a Tri Nation side til the final.

NZ, France & England all face the possibilty of having to beat each other in the Qtrs, before facing Aust/S Africa in sucession to win.

Prediction: Australia to win a 3rd world cup beating South Africa in the final.

Worst outcome: NZ losing to France in pool play & losing in Qtr finals to the English & they win the win cup, & then crow that they have once it twice!

Condemning the NZ (1987) side to the same fate as the English 1966 football team!

[skeet]

As much as I hate to say it, I think your right Shasta. Ozzie have the best draw thru to the final. Fingers crossed we can make it or it will be the most expensive ticket I have bought to a game I don't want to go too!

[Sideshow Bob]

I'm expecting the worst, but hoping for the best.

Will all come down to if they can handle the pressure.....

[shasta]

As much as I hate to say it, I think your right Shasta. Ozzie have the best draw thru to the final. Fingers crossed we can make it or it will be the most expensive ticket I have bought to a game I don't want to go too!

Best we get them on Clonazepam to sort out there anxiety issues, eh SSB ;)

I want NZ to win, but the rationale i used for Australia winning, aside from what looks like the easier side of the draw is there mental toughness.

The Australians genuinely believe they will win, that mentality is practically ingrained into there DNA, whereas the All Blacks on the back of public/there own expectations tend to "freeze with fear" at the thought of losing, esp in the later stages of the world cup.

The joy & esctasy of winning should be there main focus, not a fear of losing - there is a difference

[Major von Tempsky]

One of Graham Henry's two biggest problems is that he never plays the same time twice, he's always fiddling and chopping and changing with the result that combinations aren't slick and practiced and the players never know where they are. Ok, there are problems from injuries but even when there aren't he still has this psychological problem - maybe people are too scared to point it out to him.

The Australians for one realise that this is a major All Black weakness and you'll notice that they have just chosen exactly the same team as beat the All Blacks for their second game.
This has been a mental problem for Henry and the ABs for a number of years now and still no sign of him realising the problem (are people too scared to point it out?)

The other major problem is that he is not good at selecting the best players. The backs are reasonable and at least he has seen (or maybe Wayne Smith?) that SBW doesn't walk on water and has long periods where he doesn't do anything, no sidestep for example, no brilliant tactical kicks for example.
But the forwards - OMG!

Two old journeymen, Afoa and Woodcock are back. Ever seen these two destroy an opposition scrum? No. And he kept bringing back Tialata who is big fat uninspired and leans forward in the scrum.
Wyett Crockett who has this ability like Carl Hayman, - left out. Ritchie McCaw has now become same old same old easily sized up and dealt with by the Australians South Africans and French. He was also the man who refused to order a dropped goal against the French and thereby lost the last World Cup. ABs just don't drop goals, its just not done, bad form old chap.
Luckily Kieran Read, who is the best AB forward will be playing soon.
And here is a quiz question for you: When did Jerome Kaino last score a try?
Makes you think doesn't it. I'd say Ted is past his use-by date.

[craic]

I see it from a behaviourists view. For every team playing the All Blacks in this competition, this is their final, if they can beat the best then its home and hosed. For the All Blacks, every game is just another step towards the team that they imagine that they will meet in the final. The French demonstrated this principal very well - They played the All Blacks in "their"final, beat them, and then died in the next game. Skill is great but adrenalin can produce feats of strength and endurance far beyond what the individual is normally capable of.

[belgarion]

Skill is great but adrenalin can produce feats of strength and endurance far beyond what the individual is normally capable of.

Fear is pretty good too ... imagine the drumming they'll get if they lose without putting up their very best game!

[minimoke]

Fear is pretty good too ... imagine the drumming they'll get if they lose without putting up their very best game!
Fear is best utilized when taking a person into unfamiliar territory. The AB's will have built up a certain amount of immunity in this respect.

[Major von Tempsky]

Hey! According to The Sydney Morning Herald there is a "scare" that Tony Woodcock is out of the World Cup.

Yippee, 1 journeyman down, 1 to go.

[Lego_Man]

yes the Auckland Rugby world cup not to fussed outside the big matches, thought about going to a Dunedin game but would rather put the funds to go towards a
Warriors game maybe a semi-final ---final if they make it ...which could depend on a ref's call like the St george not held call

Totally agree, i'm no real Union fan.

Broncos game this weekend should be a ripper.

[JBmurc]

Totally agree, i'm no real Union fan.

Broncos game this weekend should be a ripper.

yeah will be close for sure really think the warriors could make it all the way to the final esp. now with 'kristan Inu' back really like his overall game to Vatavi's
for once have a great allround team.. that have all the attack an D to match any of the best teams on their day an win

[JBmurc]

AArrgh Manu back in, Inu dropped after scoring 2 tries against a top team last week ya what !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bronco's will target manu with the high ball

[skeet]

SBW to start, im surprised and no Zac,:ohmy: the form winger atm.
Glad Dagg is starting, world class play he could be esp in broken play, would make a good leagie if he bulked up.

[Lego_Man]

AArrgh Manu back in, Inu dropped after scoring 2 tries against a top team last week ya what !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bronco's will target manu with the high ball

Manu is fine under the high ball, and has been for the last few years.

It's Tupou who should have been dropped, now that guy is a defensive turnstyle.

[JBmurc]

Manu is fine under the high ball, and has been for the last few years.

It's Tupou who should have been dropped, now that guy is a defensive turnstyle.

Manu has got better for sure ,but he's still much slower on turn-round etc(kick behind) an less skilled passing/step etc than Inu ,Manu is a battering ram an impact player that I love to watch take the ball up from kick-off ......Manu is much like lomu great battering ram....but can also cost you a game

[Financially dependant]

As much as I hate to say it, I think your right Shasta. Ozzie have the best draw thru to the final. Fingers crossed we can make it or it will be the most expensive ticket I have bought to a game I don't want to go too!

Before the league-ies completely high jack the thread.....The Aussies have always struggled with the Irish so look out for an upset there...;)

[Lego_Man]

If anyone is offended we can split off the League discussion and me and JBMurc can chat in peace...

[shasta]

Before the league-ies completely high jack the thread.....The Aussies have always struggled with the Irish so look out for an upset there...;)

Australia & South Africa need to win there pools to likely avoid each other in a quarter final, what odds they both go thru as runners up & face each other?

Australia & Ireland only need to get by Italy to go thru (USA & Russia are cannon fodder), but South Africa & Wales have Samoa & Fiji in there pool, & Wales play South Africa first up, i rate the Samoans 50/50 to beat Wales & go thru

Cant see Ireland beating Australia, but massive incentive to do so, with a possible Wales/Samoa/Fiji Qtr final (assuming South Africa wins the pool)

[JBmurc]

Australia & South Africa need to win there pools to likely avoid each other in a quarter final, what odds they both go thru as runners up & face each other?

Australia & Ireland only need to get by Italy to go thru (USA & Russia are cannon fodder), but South Africa & Wales have Samoa & Fiji in there pool, & Wales play South Africa first up, i rate the Samoans 50/50 to beat Wales & go thru

Cant see Ireland beating Australia, but massive incentive to do so, with a possible Wales/Samoa/Fiji Qtr final (assuming South Africa wins the pool)

Yes I agree the Samoans could well upsent may of the bigger teams ,really enjoyed the Aus win

[skeet]

Great opening ceremony but scratchy first up game for the Ab's, I think Tonga will be the team feeling better after the game. Dagg played well and will push Mils for fullback against the froggies and I thought SBW played his best game to date. Kaino was the only stand out in the forwards.

[shasta]

Great opening ceremony but scratchy first up game for the Ab's, I think Tonga will be the team feeling better after the game. Dagg played well and will push Mils for fullback against the froggies and I thought SBW played his best game to date. Kaino was the only stand out in the forwards.

Normally i'd ignore the opening ceremonies but wow, thats was something else!

News coverage in particular TV3 was outstanding getting around the various sites, only down fall was Kiwirail failing miserably, but as someone who has worked there (& always uses the buses) it comes as no surprise!

[Sideshow Bob]

Just waiting for the first boilover - Romania, Japan and Namibia were all fantastic yesterday but not quite enough

[Major von Tempsky]

C'mon guys, get real - and gracious.

The Tongans did well because they are better coached and more experienced and fitter than they used to be.
They played well and deserved their 10. Don't be mealy mouthed and say the ABs are no good because they only won 41-10.
The AB's scored some really brilliant tries.

Have a look at the other scores so far and you'll see it's no more cricket scores this World Cup, all the lower teams are now doing a Tonga. Does this thererefore mean all the top teams are now useless?

[shasta]

C'mon guys, get real - and gracious.

The Tongans did well because they are better coached and more experienced and fitter than they used to be.
They played well and deserved their 10. Don't be mealy mouthed and say the ABs are no good because they only won 41-10.
The AB's scored some really brilliant tries.

Have a look at the other scores so far and you'll see it's no more cricket scores this World Cup, all the lower teams are now doing a Tonga. Does this thererefore mean all the top teams are now useless?

I went into a radio sweep on the game & i said 42 - 13 on the basis that Tonga is full of professional players these days & not to expect too much 1st game from the AB's.

Do we want them peaking & winning 75 - 0 in game 1? I think Japan & Canada games might be walk overs, & first up im quite happy with the performance.

The French were there usual erratic selves against Japan, brillant in parts & fell off in others, but they save there best for when they play us.

Lets hope Wayne Barnes isnt the ref for that game! (Although hes doing ok so far for South Africa v Wales)

[Jay]

SA were a bit lucky against Wales and SA hardly convincing - anyone at that game and behind the posts - did the kick go over??

Agree in the main with MVT and shasta - don't want them to peek either the AB's looked the best out of the other main contenders IMO

[Morpheus]

The trouble with Barnes is he gets in the way of the defending team. Two tests in a row the Aussie and SA halfbacks have used him as a shield to put players away for match winning tries.

As for the kick, it looked okay but impossible to be sure on TV replays or from in the stand whether it sailed through or not because the posts weren't high enough. Touch judges only ones able to make that call.

[belgarion]

The trouble with Barnes is he gets in the way of the defending team. Two tests in a row the Aussie and SA halfbacks have used him as a shield to put players away for match winning tries.

I'm pleased I'm not the only noticing this. Barnes is one of the worst offenders but by no means the only one. Barnes' ability to get in the way was evident throughout the game and even extended to players banging into him when he'd marked a penality and didn't move fast enough off the spot.

It would be a real shame if the ref end up becoming the 16th man in critical patterns of play.

[ratkin]

Was the opening ceremony really good?

Or is this country really about half naked polynesians waving spears around?

[robo]

Was the opening ceremony really good?

Or is this country really about half naked polynesians waving spears around?

it was good for New Zealand

[belgarion]

Was the opening ceremony really good?

Or is this country really about half naked polynesians waving spears around?

The special people did a pretty good job I thought. ... ;) ... but your point is well made! ... I can't remember but did the English have Morris Dancers in theirs?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Morris.dancing.at.wells.arp.jpg

I pissed myself laughing when I first saw morris dancing and thought that these guys just can not be for real. Once I realised it was a basically an excuse/prelude for a right royal piss up I ended up much wiser.

[shasta]

I went into a radio sweep on the game & i said 42 - 13 on the basis that Tonga is full of professional players these days & not to expect too much 1st game from the AB's.

Do we want them peaking & winning 75 - 0 in game 1? I think Japan & Canada games might be walk overs, & first up im quite happy with the performance.

The French were there usual erratic selves against Japan, brillant in parts & fell off in others, but they save there best for when they play us.

Lets hope Wayne Barnes isnt the ref for that game! (Although hes doing ok so far for South Africa v Wales)

I spoke to soon - what a rubbish decision on that penalty, Wales winning could have put South Africa on Australia's side of the draw not ours!

[fungus pudding]

Was the opening ceremony really good?

Or is this country really about half naked polynesians waving spears around?

The latter. Quite predictable. Cringe-making to me, although some seem to enjoy it.

[shasta]

Goodness me Dan Carter is injured & wont play v Japan?

Graham Henry could play at 10 & we'd win, whats the panic for, yet this leads the news, WTF???

Is this the pathetic "fear & anxiety" in the media that we have, that only Dan Carter can kick?

Hardly giving Colin Slade any confidence (or any back up to Carter for that matter)

Slade didn't kick well in Africa, but that game aside he's been solid enough & has the credentials & composure to lead the backs & kick the goals.

Surely the possible lose of Carter/McCaw has already been factored into the 30 selected by the "3 wise men"

If Carter was crocked & had to be replaced Aaron Cruden & Colin Slade can do the job, & so could Israel Dagg if need be

[Sideshow Bob]

Went to the Australia/Ireland match last night - absolutely bloody fantastic!! What a result and what an occasion. The crowd was fantastic. Probably because usually with All Blacks tests, 'expect' them to win and no expectations of Ireland, even from the Irish!! But this was the most enjoyable & exciting test been to and the best atmosphere.

Freaking Awesome!!

[Major von Tempsky]

Yeehar!

South Africa next?

[miner]

Edward was at school this morning and the teacher asked all the children what there fathers did for a living. All the typical answers came out, Fireman, Policeman, Salesman, Chippy, Captain of Industry etc. But Edward was being uncharacteristically quiet and so the teacher asked him about his father.
'My father is an exotic dancer in a gay club and takes off all his clothes in front of other men. Sometimes if the offer is really good, he'll go out with a man, rent a cheap hotel room and let them sleep with him.'
The teacher quickly set the other children some work and took little Edward aside to ask him if that was really true.
'No' said Edward, 'He plays rugby for Australia, but I was just too embarrassed to say.’

[chippy52]

England coaches get benched for a couple of matches for switching the ball during a game so little Johnny can kick with his preferred ball. Samoa gets $10000 fine for a player wearing a non approved mouth guard. Go figure.

[Jay]

Agree c52
I read it was the first Samoa heard of the fine - so have they or have they not

[chippy52]

Read it here. http://tinyurl.com/6yfuyb7

[shasta]

So we know the quarter finals

Ireland v Wales, England v France, AB's v Argentina, & Australia v South Africa

Wales, England, AB's & South Africa are my picks

But given the pool games here are 3 possibilites which would make for a great final

Wales v South Africa - after a 16-17 lose & a penalty not given surely the Welsh would love a rematch

Ireland v Australia - The Aussies would dearly love pay back

France v All Blacks - I think playing & beating them again in the final may finally remove the "frence hoodoo"

Based on what ive seen so far id love to play Wales in the final (assuming we beat Argentina & Aust/S Africa)

[Major von Tempsky]

Beats League ;-)

Every time the Warriors get carried away with hubris - how great they are, how wonderful the Warriors are, they get taken to the cleaners.

Would be interesting to do some comparative IQ testing of league players against rugby union players - bet the rugby union players would win hands down, no contest.


I think La France is in a terminal slide for this tournament like their soccer side was a year or so ago, and I don't think La France will trouble the scorers again until they are under their new coach after this tournament.

What sends a shiver up my spine is the thought of Ireland doing to the ABs what they did to Australia....Brrrrrr.

Quite possible that England will successfully muddle through, as they do/ have done in so many things, no style, all elbows and knees and penalty kicks and last minute stuff and will face us in the final.
I'd like to see someone comprehensively put England away, like 45 - 0. They deserve it.

[percy]

England coaches get benched for a couple of matches for switching the ball during a game so little Johnny can kick with his preferred ball. Samoa gets $10000 fine for a player wearing a non approved mouth guard. Go figure.
The ref in Samoans last game should be shot.

[fungus pudding]

England coaches get benched for a couple of matches for switching the ball during a game so little Johnny can kick with his preferred ball. Samoa gets $10000 fine for a player wearing a non approved mouth guard. Go figure.


The coaches didn't run the risk of upsetting sponsors. Never forget the golden rule. 'He who has the gold - makes the rules".

[JBmurc]

Beats League ;-)

Every time the Warriors get carried away with hubris - how great they are, how wonderful the Warriors are, they get taken to the cleaners.

Would be interesting to do some comparative IQ testing of league players against rugby union players - bet the rugby union players would win hands down, no contest.


I think La France is in a terminal slide for this tournament like their soccer side was a year or so ago, and I don't think La France will trouble the scorers again until they are under their new coach after this tournament.

What sends a shiver up my spine is the thought of Ireland doing to the ABs what they did to Australia....Brrrrrr.

Quite possible that England will successfully muddle through, as they do/ have done in so many things, no style, all elbows and knees and penalty kicks and last minute stuff and will face us in the final.
I'd like to see someone comprehensively put England away, like 45 - 0. They deserve it.

-Can't say I seen the warriors get taking to the cleaners 4 tries-2tries they were beating by a great team that didn't make any mistakes ... like 90% of sides that have faced Manly those mistakes are costly.....as for the IQ test thats just as stupid comment

[Major von Tempsky]

Why's it a stupid comment? Its a discerning comment that could elicit some interesting and stimulating answers.

How intelligent you are affects how well you can play a game and how interesting the game is.

Start going through the top ABs, Victor Vito for example, law degree, Conrad Smith law degree, Chris Laidlaw and David Kirk heaps of degrees and Rhodes scholars, Anton Oliver town planning degree, Jock Hobbs law degree....
You'll find lots of the ABs have degrees.

I'm not aware of any NZ league players with a degree?

Maybe its because there is a lot more variation and complications in rugby union - real scrums, real mauls, real rucks, real lineouts, and sweeping movements where the ball goes out the entire backline and scores of phases in a row.

[JBmurc]

Its a discerning comment that could elicit some interesting and stimulating answers....really your going get stimulated by pushing the point all NZ league players are cavemen but NZ rugby players are pillars of society beacuse of the complications.....of a once very simple game(which I played like my jnr All black uncle once did)

[shasta]

Im going to place a multi bet this weekend on the following games, as there are no english football fixtures, will post actual odds when bet placed as subject to change.

Wales - 12 @ $2.75
England - 12 @ $1.57 (Head to Head, TAB not showing - 12 odds on website?)
NZ - 12 @ $5.00
South Africa - 12 @ $2.80

Surprised that the TAB has NZ @ $1.02 HTH v Argentina & giving them a 28.5 point head start!

[percy]

Anything could happen in The All Blacks vs Argentina game.I hope Paddy O'Brien tells ref Nigel Owen the crowd are there to watch rugby;not a Welsh leek twit living up to his reputation.!!!! red card Richie.?

[shasta]

Anything could happen in The All Blacks vs Argentina game.I hope Paddy O'Brien tells ref Nigel Owen the crowd are there to watch rugby;not a Welsh leek twit living up to his reputation.!!!! red card Richie.?

Ritchie mightn't be first choice anymore!

Victor Vito not only played out of his skin playing blindside flanker (instead of #8) he even ended up on the wing in the finish, his 7's experience shows how fit & fast he is, even if we lose Read or McCaw, Vito is a decent enough player to cover anywhere in the loosies.

Piri could probably do a job at #8, the Wellington players really are utilities in the AB's namely, Vito, Weepu, Nonu & Jane!

[percy]

Ritchie mightn't be first choice anymore!

Victor Vito not only played out of his skin playing blindside flanker (instead of #8) he even ended up on the wing in the finish, his 7's experience shows how fit & fast he is, even if we lose Read or McCaw, Vito is a decent enough player to cover anywhere in the loosies.

Piri could probably do a job at #8, the Wellington players really are utilities in the AB's namely, Vito, Weepu, Nonu & Jane!

Gee Whiz,and to think I thought us one eyed Cantanbrians were one eyed.!!!!! However,I must admit the Wellington boys are performing above par.Vito is a must.
Piri certainly brings a sense of urgency to the game,and Nonu and Smith always excite,as does Jane.
But why let ref Nigel Owen back onto the field when he has already proved he is not up to standard.!!!
If richie doesn't play Nomu will get the red card.?
Forgot to mention Andrew Hore who is playing like a spring chicken.!!

[Major von Tempsky]

Spring chicken?
How about playing like a spring whore?

Yes he is going well.

The same thought occurred to me about Ritchie, he seems older and slower and less effective. Out with sentiment and in with Victor Vito. Only trouble is that like Nonu and the other polynesians he's electric one day and just going through the motions another day.
Maybe someone can invent a test for Polynesian and French rugby players for the day of the game to see if they are on fire or not and if not replace them before they even go on.

Didja see that stupid headline in the papers a few days ago to the effect that Samoa had beaten Fiji and "won a titanic struggle of the Polynesians!"

What?! What do they teach them in schools these days - Fijians are Melanesians not Polynesians!
Polynesians include Tongans, Maoris, Samoans, Hawaiians, Easter Islanders, Tahitians. Melanesians include Fijians, Solomon Islanders, Kanaks, Vanuatuans, Papua New Guineans.
Nuff said.

[percy]

Loved the spring whore comment.
I think ALL players have off days.I seem to remember Dan Carter and even Andrew Merhtens having played a few shocker games.

[shasta]

Gee Whiz,and to think I thought us one eyed Cantanbrians were one eyed.!!!!! However,I must admit the Wellington boys are performing above par.Vito is a must.
Piri certainly brings a sense of urgency to the game,and Nonu and Smith always excite,as does Jane.
But why let ref Nigel Owen back onto the field when he has already proved he is not up to standard.!!!
If richie doesn't play Nomu will get the red card.?
Forgot to mention Andrew Hore who is playing like a spring chicken.!!

Tongue was firmly in cheek, i cant see what the fuss is over Carter or McCaw, yes both world class players, but we got cover for them both, NO ONE is bigger than the team

A question to ponder?

Who would you have to kick a goal if your life was on the line Dan Carter, Quade Cooper, Johnny Wilkinson, or Morne Steyn?

I'd pick Steyn in a heartbeat every time

[percy]

Steyn yes. must admit Piri looked good in the last game.
The problem with Carter is he is possibly the best in the world.Slade is good,but not yet best in the world.
McCaw we have cover for,agreed.

[shasta]

Im going to place a multi bet this weekend on the following games, as there are no english football fixtures, will post actual odds when bet placed as subject to change.

Wales - 12 @ $2.75
England - 12 @ $1.57 (Head to Head, TAB not showing - 12 odds on website?)
NZ - 12 @ $5.00
South Africa - 12 @ $2.80

Surprised that the TAB has NZ @ $1.02 HTH v Argentina & giving them a 28.5 point head start!

Right TAB now all sorted with the odds, so tomorrow i shall place the following multi bet:

Wales - 12 @ $2.75
England - 12 @ $2.70
South Africa - 12 @ $2.80
NZ - 12 @ $5.00

Total odds $103.95 x $5 to return $519.75

[skeet]

There are good odds out there atm

[shasta]

Right TAB now all sorted with the odds, so tomorrow i shall place the following multi bet:

Wales - 12 @ $2.75
England - 12 @ $2.70
South Africa - 12 @ $2.80
NZ - 12 @ $5.00

Total odds $103.95 x $5 to return $519.75

NZ odds now out to $5.50 = total return is $571.70, placed earlier today

[h2so4]

This side of the ditch.

Wales-12 $3
s/Afr-12$ 2.90
England-12 $2.60
NZ-12 $6

Total odds $135.72 x $5 = $678.60

[shasta]

This side of the ditch.

Wales-12 $3
s/Afr-12$ 2.90
England-12 $2.60
NZ-12 $6

Total odds $135.72 x $5 = $678.60

Nice odds, mine were fixed at the time i placed the bet, & are subject to fluctuations given our market is much smaller than Oz

[shasta]

Right TAB now all sorted with the odds, so tomorrow i shall place the following multi bet:

Wales - 12 @ $2.75
England - 12 @ $2.70
South Africa - 12 @ $2.80
NZ - 12 @ $5.00

Total odds $103.95 x $5 to return $519.75

Wales win 22 - 10, maybe the penalty that hit the post late oin the game is luck on my side for once!

[winner69]

Great win by the Welsh ... passion and all that

Max Boyce will be happy ... "and they were singing hymns and arias, land of my fathers, Ar Hyd Y Nos' will be echoing around the valleys

[shasta]

Great win by the Welsh ... passion and all that

Max Boyce will be happy ... "and they were singing hymns and arias, land of my fathers, Ar Hyd Y Nos' will be echoing around the valleys

Damn damn damn the Frogs, ruined my bet, but sending the Poms home early does soften the blow ;)

[skeet]

jeez stuffed all my multis.....

But good footy being played, im loving this World Cup, already hinting to the misses that we are heading to the England in 4 years! ;)

[h2so4]

Damn damn damn the Frogs, ruined my bet, but sending the Poms home early does soften the blow ;)

LOL:D

What's left?

[Financially dependant]

What a fantastic weekend of Rugby.....I almost thought the the Chch aftershock was going to turn the power off....:scared: The best teams went through (and I was born in England).......I am looking for a Welsh v AB final..:t_up:

[shasta]

What a fantastic weekend of Rugby.....I almost thought the the Chch aftershock was going to turn the power off....:scared: The best teams went through (and I was born in England).......I am looking for a Welsh v AB final..:t_up:

What's this, another earthquake?

Gawd, feel for you folk in Chch, surely the quakes must settle down soon, haven't heard how big it was, just hope no casualties, damage etc

Is 1987 going to repest itself?

France v NZ in the final (& us winning of course!!) & Wales v Australia in the Bronze play off?

I'd like to play Wales in the FinaL, & see Australia beat the French for 3rd

[p2r]

Yeah Wales vs All Blacks. Great to see the running teams get through. What do you think of the breakdown rules - SAF think they was robbed by the ref. I like it that defending teams can get the ball at the ruck - better than the drive & maul game the brumbies used to do all the time. I just wonder if the loosies get there and pretend to get the ball but act as if it is held to get a penalty. Also lots of playing on the ground with the hand still goes on. Aussie got a suspiciously easy turn over just as SAF was 5m out in front of the post. Ireland seemed to turn over Wales ball suspiciously often.

[shasta]

Yeah Wales vs All Blacks. Great to see the running teams get through. What do you think of the breakdown rules - SAF think they was robbed by the ref. I like it that defending teams can get the ball at the ruck - better than the drive & maul game the brumbies used to do all the time. I just wonder if the loosies get there and pretend to get the ball but act as if it is held to get a penalty. Also lots of playing on the ground with the hand still goes on. Aussie got a suspiciously easy turn over just as SAF was 5m out in front of the post. Ireland seemed to turn over Wales ball suspiciously often.

At least something positive came of South Africa losing, that pathetic joke of a politicial puppet has resigned.

I dont think South Africa were pinged unfairly, Pollock had a monster game & beat the likes of Burger & Spies to the breakdown & stayed on his feet, the Boks tended to go off there feet into the ruck.

Both teams were guilty of handling the ball in the rucks, but did so on the blindside of the ref so largely got away with it.

I would like the remaining refs to clamp down on that, cos Argentina for 60 mins got away with slowing the AB's down illegally, & when caught were penalised out of the game.

If Australia try to shut down the rucks, we will brain them by 20, but they are much smarter than that, in an open game we perhaps have a slight edge.

A big call, but if Ritchie isnt close to 100% i'd play Vito, & utilise his speed to beat Pollock to the breakdown, our scum & loosies are where i see us having an edge over the Aussies

[skeet]

I see Donald has the call up, our depth is showing its self at number 10. But at least Gear is called into squad, should have been there from the start.

[belgarion]

One concern for me was the number of AB forwards in the back line (or out of position). The Ockers will run straight past many of them if they do this given the firepower in the Ocker backline ... and, just as bad, it hampers the blinding capability of the AB backs.

Another concern was that far too many passes were being thrown behind the players when the ball was being run casuing the player to lose pace and balance ... Basic stuff!

[skeet]

Couple big concerns to me was A: We only scored 2 tries and B: we scored no points when the pumas were down to 14 men. I know the argies are a very defensive team, but Ozzie showed last night against a very physical bok pack that they are another step up. Lastly, Pocock. This man is a machine, he makes Richies work load look like he is a lamb, he is going to eat us up at the ruck if we dont watch out.

Go the blacks, backing you at the TAB but I might still lose sleep this week! :)

[shasta]

One concern for me was the number of AB forwards in the back line (or out of position). The Ockers will run straight past many of them if they do this given the firepower in the Ocker backline ... and, just as bad, it hampers the blinding capability of the AB backs.

Another concern was that far too many passes were being thrown behind the players when the ball was being run casuing the player to lose pace and balance ... Basic stuff!

Yes, Keiran Read's try when the score was 15 - 10 was almost an intercept, too many attempted passes in the tackle & Australia will punish them

I would have either SBW or Nonu run at Australia's 9 & 10, or even Weepu, i dont rate either of them, Weepu is 10 times the player Guinea is, & Quade Cooper is the most overrated Australian back in living memory, hes a liability & if they play him, hes the weakness i expect Read, Kaino & Vito to target him

[craic]

I know about as much about the backside of the moon as I do about rugby,and I have little interest in either but I do favour my chances in behavioral psychology. In this tournament, some teams have being playing for their lives in that case they run on masses of adrenalin while others are working their way through to where they believe that they belong and they get caught by minnows. The Australian/Ireland result was a perfect example. The NZ/Argentina was another good example. For many, including the Blacks,it was the easiest quarter final - for the Argies it was the most important game in the tournament. From here its any ones game but the Blacks are on home ground and any animal grows disproportionally in strength when it is defending it's home territory from invaders. Tactics and players are not all that important. The Blacks will win this tournament.

[fungus pudding]

From here its any ones game but the Blacks are on home ground and any animal grows disproportionally in strength when it is defending it's home territory from invaders. Tactics and players are not all that important. The Blacks will win this tournament.

Why disproportionally? Disproportianate to what? :confused:

[garman]

Piri seems to have it sorted 3643

[root]

From here its any ones game but the Blacks are on home ground and any animal grows disproportionally in strength when it is defending it's home territory from invaders. Tactics and players are not all that important. The Blacks will win this tournament.

Maybe David Attenborough should be head coach.

[Sideshow Bob]

I'm glaad you posted that Garman, I'm just having Stephen Donald nightmares!

[skeet]

If you liked that link, you will like this ;)

3645

[winner69]

Jeez 45,000 going to the Millenium Stadium to watch the game .... and no doubt even at that hour of the morning they all be will singing 'and they were singing hymns and arias, land of my fathers. Ar Hyd Y Nos'

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/5773694/Welsh-focused-as-hysteria-grips-back-home

[Major von Tempsky]

Yeah, I keep having Stephen Donald nightmares, lets hope he never comes on. As one comment in the media said, imagine its near the end of the game, Donald has benn subbed on and has to kick the deciding penalty. He comes in with the old fashioned inaccurate end of toe first boot, kicks hopefully and the ball flies off at a tangent.

(a) he has the subtlety and sidestep of a diesel train

(b) he has a really stupid technique for tactical kicking - instead of holding the ball up at waist level and booting it like everyone else he drops it down to ankle level and then kicks it. While the ball is taking several seconds to fall to ankle level all the opposition has time to see (i) he's kicking (ii) in which direction.

(c) he has a really bad technique for place kicking, he boots it with the end of the toe on his boot. This means its likely to fly anywhere and usually does. Sometimes it accidentally goes straight and then he's a hero.

(d) I well recall a game he was in last year where Donald kicked a penalty in the last minute to give Waikato victory. The news media, who can't have been watching the actual game, hailed him as a hero.
In fact he had 3 easier prior penalties in the second half all of which he managed to miss with his stupid technique and then accidentally got the last one.

[shasta]

Yeah, I keep having Stephen Donald nightmares, lets hope he never comes on. As one comment in the media said, imagine its near the end of the game, Donald has benn subbed on and has to kick the deciding penalty. He comes in with the old fashioned inaccurate end of toe first boot, kicks hopefully and the ball flies off at a tangent.

(a) he has the subtlety and sidestep of a diesel train

(b) he has a really stupid technique for tactical kicking - instead of holding the ball up at waist level and booting it like everyone else he drops it down to ankle level and then kicks it. While the ball is taking several seconds to fall to ankle level all the opposition has time to see (i) he's kicking (ii) in which direction.

(c) he has a really bad technique for place kicking, he boots it with the end of the toe on his boot. This means its likely to fly anywhere and usually does. Sometimes it accidentally goes straight and then he's a hero.

(d) I well recall a game he was in last year where Donald kicked a penalty in the last minute to give Waikato victory. The news media, who can't have been watching the actual game, hailed him as a hero.
In fact he had 3 easier prior penalties in the second half all of which he managed to miss with his stupid technique and then accidentally got the last one.

Im with you on this, Donald is a reasonable ball runner, but hes no backline general comanding the centres & kicking for territory.

If we need a drop goal to win, Israel Dagg deep behind the 1st five would be my option, if Cruden wasnt on for any reason.

Im sure Weepu has been practising the rushed drop kicks

[garman]

What is the opinion on Sony Bill? I am a big league fan and I think SB is a big game player I certainly hope he can prove that on Sunday.

[Financially dependant]

What is the opinion on Sony Bill? I am a big league fan and I think SB is a big game player I certainly hope he can prove that on Sunday.

You can't get a better impact player them him!!!

[skeet]

$1.65 Wales
$2.80 Australia
$1.40 New Zealand

Chucked thru a couple multi bets,
Wales/NZ
Wales/Aus

Cant see France getting up to win tonight.

[shasta]

What is the opinion on Sony Bill? I am a big league fan and I think SB is a big game player I certainly hope he can prove that on Sunday.

As an impact player i guess SBW's inclusion is due to his performance on the wing, im sure Ted realised hes a luxury to have on the bench just covering Nonu.

Certainly brings another dynamic to the team, i just worry about his over use of the pass in the tackle, he's an intercept try risk v Australia, & i've yet to see his out & out pace.

Certainly has an impressive physique & against a tiring defence would be more than a handful.

[winner69]

The Welsh should have one even with 14 men .. ironic they couldn't kick goals eh

At least next week will be a lot less stressful knowing we will playing 2 time losers in this tournament and winners against 14 men in the finals

No worries .... no stress .... the final will be fantastic .... we will be celebrating from the start ... no painful watching a tense finish .... all fun

[Hoop]

Cant see France getting up to win tonight.

Skeet...They had help from the IRB rule book.....again!...
Aust over South Africa....When you see a team win with 23% territory questions should be asked

Again!!!!...It seems the complex laws of rugby is having too much influence...much to the annoyance of this armchair watcher.

Before this weekend the Odds of a Aust France final in theory looked remote...but should it be???? ....Living in NZ and being Bombarded with AB marketing through the media for the last 2 months..one tends to lose some sense of reality...

Tonight we see the No1 verses No2 top teams in the world play off.....So will either be No1 or No2 verses No5 best rugby teams in the world playing of in the final (IRB rankings as of 10th October 2011 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRB_World_Rankings)).... and .....a No1 or no2 verses No4 best teams in the world in the Bronze Final....As far as rankings and the "odds" go, both these games would be classed as normal occurrence events.

yeah OK France is on a roll and has gone up 3 places but even so you could throw a blanket over 3rd to 8th rankings pointwise.

So....how come so many people lost out on the TAB Trifectors considering that the top teams are in both Finals.....eh???

Disc:... Hoops watched 44 of the 45 games......


Addition::...............Can someone tell me how Russia got in the RWC ...The top 20 shows it should've been Portugal??
.
.

EDIT...found it quote from Wiki ..The IRB announced on 22 February 2008 that the rankings would be used to seed teams for the 2011 Rugby World Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup) pool allocation draw.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRB_World_Rankings#cite_note-2) The draw for the 2011 World Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rugby_World_Cup) took place on 1 December 2008, based on the rankings at the time."

"Russia competed in their first Rugby World Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_World_Cup) (RWC) in New Zealand in 2011 after qualifying as Europe 2 through their second place finish in the 2009–10 ENC. .... "Previous qualification campaigns saw elimination to Portugal ahead of the 2007 tournament and expulsion from 2003 qualifying for breaches of eligibility rules.

"The team has been an ever-present in the top 20 since June 2006, peaking at 16 on several occasions (most recently in February 2010). As of October 10, 2011, they are ranked 21st"

[JBmurc]

well looks like the WC final is tonight as wow ever wins out of AUS.NZD should dump the french as long as players don't get sent off for a hard tackle.....looking forward to the kiwi/kangaroos shouldn't see the refs run the game like they do these days in what they still call rugby(think they should change the name to refugby)

[skeet]

argh I think my betting days are over Ive had a terrible world cup!!
Great win by the blacks last night, frogs on the menu next weekend topped off with french toast!
Going to the final, a AB's win wont see my head hit the pillow bed till after the sun has risen and a bottle of moet has gone down!

[boring]

This is being talked about in my office in Brisbane.
Jonah, one of the most revered Rugby icons, showing again that he is all class.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/5814987/Jonah-Lomu-leaves-Wallabies-starstruck
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/jonah-lomu-drops-in-on-wallabies-training-in-auckland/story-fn8ouxrc-1226170739298

This is definitely appreciated amongst the Aussies here. Not sure if the Kiwis back home realise how much he is considered a NZ National Treasure in the international stage. Just a class act.

[percy]

This is being talked about in my office in Brisbane.
Jonah, one of the most revered Rugby icons, showing again that he is all class.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/5814987/Jonah-Lomu-leaves-Wallabies-starstruck
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/jonah-lomu-drops-in-on-wallabies-training-in-auckland/story-fn8ouxrc-1226170739298

This is definitely appreciated amongst the Aussies here. Not sure if the Kiwis back home realise how much he is considered a NZ National Treasure in the international stage. Just a class act.
As you say,all class.The the right tonic at the right time.

[Snapper]

As I will be extremely disappointed (am I supposed to say 'gutted' these days?) if we lose against the French I have decided to take out cover on the extent of my disappointment(or guttedness).

Have just opened an account at the TAB and put $50 at 7-1 on the French to win. If we win, I'll be happy. If we lose, my disappointment will be mitigated by revealing to my friends that I knew they would lose all along and look, here's my winnings!

Can't lose either way.

[fungus pudding]

As I will be extremely disappointed (am I supposed to say 'gutted' these days?) if we lose against the French I have decided to take out cover on the extent of my disappointment(or guttedness).

Have just opened an account at the TAB and put $50 at 7-1 on the French to win. If we win, I'll be happy. If we lose, my disappointment will be mitigated by revealing to my friends that I knew they would lose all along and look, here's my winnings!

Can't lose either way.

I heard an Irish bookmaker on the radio this morning who is so convinced the All Blacks will beat the French, that he is not waiting for the game; he's paying out all ready.
:t_up:

[belgarion]

Snapper, the bookies call it "emotional hedging".

[Corporate]

$7 French, win or draw after 80mins isn't bad. I still think the AB's will blow them off the park.

[h2so4]

I'm betting the AB's will blow the French off the park.

1st points (try) to the AB's -$3.50 and I hope it is Weepu.

He bloody deserves it.

[fungus pudding]

I'm betting the AB's will blow the French off the park.

1st points (try) to the AB's -$3.50 and I hope it is Weepu.

He bloody deserves it.

So do you if you get that one right. :D

[winner69]

cruel .... dom post today

[Sideshow Bob]

Not the only one to have that nightmare. Piri the man can play 1st Five........

[Corporate]

Alright, is anyone placing any bets with the TAB?

I can't decide whether I think it will be a tight game, AB's by <10 or blow out to 20 plus.

Interested in thoughts.

The full time draw, paying $40 is tempting.

[h2so4]

Yeah. Piri the man is paying $14 first try scorer. I have spread my bets over a few other first try scorers Dagg and Smith. :ohmy:

[craic]

Saw a sweepstake on the RSA bar - put $2 on 60 -12 to the blacks. I never come near the score on these things.

[Yankiwi]

Alright, is anyone placing any bets with the TAB?

I can't decide whether I think it will be a tight game, AB's by <10 or blow out to 20 plus.

Interested in thoughts.

The full time draw, paying $40 is tempting.

I'm having a couple of plays ~

1) Dagg to score more trys than Nonu @ 3.10

2) 1st try scorer to wear #13, 14 or 15 (either team) @ 2.85

Those two bets ate up my total $10 spending limit. :D

[percy]

Thank goodnes it is won.During the second half all I could think was "4 more years".I just do not think I could have taken it.
"Full credit" to the French who made the final such a tough game.Stephen Donald,I apologise for all my bad thoughts/nightmares about you.
To the All Blacks,well done.

[belgarion]

http://www.sharetrader.co.nz/attachment.php?attachmentid=3669&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1319271724

cruel .... dom post today

Oh dear ... Dom Post will have to issue an apology for that one. Talk about egg on face!

[Kaspar]

Woke up on Monday with a monster hangover and no voice, but it was so worth it lol I'm so proud of the boys they gave it everything. It was so fitting to see Richie lift the cup the guy is immortal!! and good on Beaver for stepping up when so much was on the line, what a bunch of legends!

[skeet]

Massive weekend in Auckland for the game, great atmosphere and an edge of the seat experience at Eden park! Still to watch a replay of the game which I hope to do soon. Fought the froggies brought there A game and we were lucky we held out. Hope now to get to England in 4 years!