The official Rugby World Cup thread

[CHIEF4EVER]

It is kicking off right now with Argentina v France on Setanta. USA v England tomorrow.

The full Setanta lineup:

http://linux11744.dn.net/setanta/jsp/RWC_07_NA/RWC_07_NA.htm

[CHIEF4EVER]

Argentina with first penalty kick. 3-0!

[CHIEF4EVER]

Damn, what a dumb penalty. 3-3 after 6 minutes.

[CHIEF4EVER]

France called for a blocking penalty. beautiful kick. 6-3 Argentina.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Another Froggie offside penalty. 9-3 Argentina. This is kind of shocking actually, France are stepping all over their own cranks.

[CHIEF4EVER]

HOLY SHIT! TRY ARGENTINA! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!

Classic counter on an interception. Nice run by Coleto. Missed the extra points. 14-3.

[CupidStunt]

Thanks for the heads up, dude. I'm a UKer and didn't realize it kicked off tonight. Granted, I'm no longer a big rugby fan but I will watch.

Can't believe after just turning it on that the Args are taking it to the host nation.

[CHIEF4EVER]

14-6.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Thanks for the heads up, dude. I'm a UKer and didn't realize it kicked off tonight. Granted, I'm no longer a big rugby fan but I will watch.

Can't believe after just turning it on that the Args are taking it to the host nation.

Unbelieveable M8. France has been doing everything they can to lose this match thus far.

[CHIEF4EVER]

What a kick! 17-6.

[CHIEF4EVER]

17-9 Argentina at half.

[carlos3652]

woohoo!

[CHIEF4EVER]

woohoo!

I knew you would be happy. Are you watching it?

[carlos3652]

I knew you would be happy. Are you watching it?


Heck yes... I cant believe it!

[carlos3652]

For anyone who wants to watch it live stream, all you have to do is get TVU Player... its on Star Sports Channel...

Its free... its Awesome!

[CHIEF4EVER]

Heck yes... I cant believe it!

France has made just about every mistake you can make, especially that stupid interception. THAT was a complete brain fart. Hats off to your boys. I hope they BURY the froggies.

[carlos3652]

For anyone who wants to watch it live stream, all you have to do is get TVU Player... its on Star Sports Channel...

Its free... its Awesome!

Download @
http://www.tvunetworks.com/

(This is also how I watched the Chiefs in Europe last year on CBS)

[CHIEF4EVER]

Argentina better figure out how to deal with the French scrum.

[CHIEF4EVER]

What a stand by Argentina!

[carlos3652]

Awesome Goal line stand!

[carlos3652]

Argentina better figure out how to deal with the French scrum.

That was bad... but they held up at the end...

[CHIEF4EVER]

This doesn't look like the same French team that played in the 6 Nations.

[CHIEF4EVER]

SHIT! C'mon Castilla!

[CHIEF4EVER]

He missed! Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

[carlos3652]

did he just miss that!!!!!

[carlos3652]

that french dude with a beard is a monster

[carlos3652]

WTF just happened!

[CHIEF4EVER]

Damn, another penalty. Shit, he actually hit this one. 17-12.

[carlos3652]

fudge!

[CHIEF4EVER]

The Argentinian line out jumper isn't the best I have ever seen.

[carlos3652]

is that the kicker down?

[OnTheWarpath15]

When does New Zealand play?

[carlos3652]

what a sloppy game...

[CHIEF4EVER]

When does New Zealand play?

6:45 CT tomorrow morning vs Italy.

[CHIEF4EVER]

That's the 2d French player with a bloody noggin.

[OnTheWarpath15]

6:45 CT tomorrow morning vs Italy.

Thanks.

I'll have to keep an eye on it while at the airport.

[carlos3652]

missed kick again!

[CHIEF4EVER]

Thanks.

I'll have to keep an eye on it while at the airport.

I changed the thread header to reflect the entire Setanta schedule so if you have a bro who is a Setanta subscriber, you are golden.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Damn, this one is a nailbiter but I think Argentina has this one wrapped up. France needs a try + conversion to win.

[carlos3652]

6 min left right?

[CHIEF4EVER]

6 min left right?

4 now.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Penalty to Argentina!

[carlos3652]

the suspense

[CHIEF4EVER]

Of all the %^@^%#&%# kicks to miss, THAT ISN'T THE ONE!

[carlos3652]

crud!

[carlos3652]

thats should be it!!!!!! whoo hooo!

[carlos3652]

Official!!!!!! Argentina 17-12 Win!!!!!

[CHIEF4EVER]

Official!!!!!! Argentina 17-12 Win!!!!!

Congrats bro! The first half is what did it for you.

[carlos3652]

that try was the winner...

[carlos3652]

before the game a good read:

Argentina hope to make it third time lucky
Agustín Pichot in action at the Stade de France

PARIS, 6 September – Argentina will be hoping to make it third time lucky when they again try to win the opening match of a rugby world cup against host nation France at Stade de France on Friday.

The Pumas lost to Wales and Australia, respectively, in the opening matches of RWC 1999 and RWC 2003 and need to get off to a solid start this time around if they are to progress from arguably the tournament's toughest pool, which also includes Ireland.

As usual, Argentina will rely on a combination of bulk and experience in their forward pack and the spark of captain Agustín Pichot, who can cause nightmares for opposing defences with his enigmatic play.

Standing in Argentina's way is a formidable French side that is ranked third in the world in the IRB rankings, is the reigning Six Nations champion and is one of the favourites to win the tournament.

France coach Bernard Laporte has been experimenting with different combinations in his side's three warm-up matches in August – all French victories.

He has now settled on a veteran, forward-heavy squad to combat the strength of the Pumas, who have won four of their past five matches against France.

The last time these two sides met, at Stade de France in November 2006, the Argentines rallied from 27-9 behind but ultimately fell short by a point, 27-26.

With fly half Frédéric Michalak and number 8 Sébastien Chabal starting on the replacements bench, however, France have plenty of weapons in reserve should they need a spark late in the match.

[brorth]

sheeeet that was one hell of an opener!
I feel a ton better about my picks out of the pools now!

[CHIEF4EVER]

I will be interested to see how France performs against Ireland.

[CHIEF4EVER]

USA Eagles vs England Lions coming up now on Setanta. I hope we don't get the floor wiped with us. GO USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CupidStunt]

England are shit. I wouldn't be surprised to see them LOSE.

I don't follow this sport like I used to at all, but seriously, I've never even heard of half the bums in the starting lineup.

Guys like Ollie Barclay are replacing Wilkinson and who used to mean everything to England.

[CHIEF4EVER]

England are shit. I wouldn't be surprised to see them LOSE.

I don't follow this sport like I used to at all, but seriously, I've never even heard of half the bums in the starting lineup.

Guys like Ollie Barclay are replacing Wilkinson and who used to mean everything to England.
Wilkinson is Rugby royalty in my opinion. Just like Jonah Lomu.

[CupidStunt]

Are you a Brit living in the US? If not how come you follow soccer/football and rugby so much (more than the Chiefs?)?

[CHIEF4EVER]

Are you a Brit living in the US? If not how come you follow soccer/football and rugby so much (more than the Chiefs?)?
I played football in Germany (in Berlin). I developed a taste for Rugby because it is somewhat similar to American Football and because I have an open mind.

[CHIEF4EVER]

3-0 England.

[CHIEF4EVER]

3-3!!!!!!!

[CHIEF4EVER]

SHIT! THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A TRY!

[CHIEF4EVER]

That was a f*cked up penalty on Emerick. That should have been a sending off in my opinion.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Finally, we get a call.

[CHIEF4EVER]

6-3 England.

[CupidStunt]

Just awful.

[CHIEF4EVER]

GREAT DEFENSE BY THE USA!

[CHIEF4EVER]

Damn. Esikia booked. 9-3 England.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Our line outs just positively SUCK.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Try England. Unbelieveable laxness on the wing. Not a soul present. 14-3.

[CHIEF4EVER]

We are f*cked. Another England Try. 21-3.

[CHIEF4EVER]

My goodness, we are getting raped at this point. 28-3 England.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Dallaglio booked. TRY USA! Doesn't mean much but it makes the asskickin feel better. 28-10!

[CupidStunt]

England played horrible and credit the US for giving their all, but that was a disgusting tackle at the end.

[CHIEF4EVER]

It's over. 28-10 England. Our boys fought hard but just didn't have it.

[CHIEF4EVER]

England played horrible and credit the US for giving their all, but that was a disgusting tackle at the end.

I agree, he should have known better than that. That was a sending off offense.

[Zeke Ziggle]

That was a good game by the US. They have really improved since i last saw them (2003 WC). At the very least the didn't get blown out like japan.

[carlos3652]

Nice Job by the US, they didnt look like complete garbage... they are getting better...

[CHIEF4EVER]

Wales v Canada on Setanta now. Wales 6 canada 0 in the 16th minute.

[CHIEF4EVER]

This is turning out to be an excellent match.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Canada just fell apart after leading for awhile.

[carlos3652]

Canadian Loss...

What did you think of the poundings from the Aussies and NZ yesterday?

[CupidStunt]

Refs are just taking the piss out of Samoa.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Georgia v Argentina on now on Setanta. Pretty good match so far. Georgia is pressuring the Pumas and lead 3-0.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Canadian Loss...

What did you think of the poundings from the Aussies and NZ yesterday?

The Wallabies and Springboks are Final 4 teams for sure.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Argentina seems to have problems when the play gets physical.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Holy cow, what a good match. I thought the Pumas would just steamroll Georgia.

[CHIEF4EVER]

6-3 Argentina.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Try for the Pumas. 13-3.

[CHIEF4EVER]

21-3. This one is over barring a miracle.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Another Pumas Try. 26-3.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Final 31-3. Pumas overcame the physicality of the Georgians.

[CHIEF4EVER]

USA v Tonga coming up on Sertanta now.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Damn! Those Tongans are BIG.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Try for Tonga. 7-0

[CHIEF4EVER]

10-0 Tonga after an offsides penalty.

[CHIEF4EVER]

13-3. We are finally on the board.

[CHIEF4EVER]

TRY FOR THE USA!!!!!!!! 13-8

[CHIEF4EVER]

TRY for the USA! 18-15! We answered the Tonga try with a try and conversion.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Damn. They come right back. 25-15

[CHIEF4EVER]

Tonga 25 USA 15. I don't think we will win a single game in our group. We gave this one away with dumb penalties and turnovers.

[CHIEF4EVER]

I wasn't home to see it but England got POUNDED by South Africa. South Africa are surefire final 4 IMO.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/15092007/58/world-cup-south-africa-humiliate-england.html

[CupidStunt]

I watched a lot of it. South Africa are pretty good, and they probably will make the semis because World Rugby on the whole is AWFUL.

But England is just an embarrassment. Any half-decent team would've rolled that sad sack of a team last night, just like NZ is owning Portugal at the moment.

Hopefully Wales/Australia will be SOMEWHAT competitive because this RWC has been a complete joke.

[Smed1065]

I will have to check it out.

[mylittlepony]

This is pretty much a must win for both teams. Having to face the South African team (who will win their division) will spell imediate elimination for well atleast Wales as they will have no way to compete with the size of the South Africans. After the trashing yesterday (36-0 against England) I would have to say that the Aussies will have to look out aswell. Wales coach however makes Herm look like a brilliant tactician and an super optimist. He has already predicted early elimination for the Welsh side before the world cup begun. Way to show your players you have faith in them. Im going to watch the game in the pub but my Welsh friends said they were gonna start drinking at 11am so Im thinking they dont expect to win this one.

[carlos3652]

wow... South Africa is much better than I thought...

If Georgia can keep the Irish and French to a low scoring game in the first half, I wont feel half as bad as I felt during the game...

[CHIEF4EVER]

I watched a lot of it. South Africa are pretty good, and they probably will make the semis because World Rugby on the whole is AWFUL.

But England is just an embarrassment. Any half-decent team would've rolled that sad sack of a team last night, just like NZ is owning Portugal at the moment.

Hopefully Wales/Australia will be SOMEWHAT competitive because this RWC has been a complete joke.

Brother, for England this can be considered an off day (especially with Wilkinson missing at Fly Half) but the US is going to get OWNED by South Africa.

[CHIEF4EVER]

This is pretty much a must win for both teams. Having to face the South African team (who will win their division) will spell imediate elimination for well atleast Wales as they will have no way to compete with the size of the South Africans. After the trashing yesterday (36-0 against England) I would have to say that the Aussies will have to look out aswell. Wales coach however makes Herm look like a brilliant tactician and an super optimist. He has already predicted early elimination for the Welsh side before the world cup begun. Way to show your players you have faith in them. Im going to watch the game in the pub but my Welsh friends said they were gonna start drinking at 11am so Im thinking they dont expect to win this one.

Good to see you post brother! Who do you fancy to win the WC? I fancy the Wallabies.

[mylittlepony]

Just came back from the pub. I dont know. But its gonna be a southern hemisphere team in my mind. The northern hemisphere have sucked bad so far. I think Australia showed that they have alot of work ahead of them. They looked pretty poor against wales at times. I think its gonna be South Africa in the end they looked great in the Tri-nations and they looked very sharp against a very lackluster English side. Its just something about a shutout that says top class.

[CupidStunt]

NZ will roll every team the face.

Be surprised if they win a game by fewer than 15.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Just came back from the pub. I dont know. But its gonna be a southern hemisphere team in my mind. The northern hemisphere have sucked bad so far. I think Australia showed that they have alot of work ahead of them. They looked pretty poor against wales at times. I think its gonna be South Africa in the end they looked great in the Tri-nations and they looked very sharp against a very lackluster English side. Its just something about a shutout that says top class.

You are probably right. South Africa have been the class of the tournament so far (as well as the All Blacks).

[mylittlepony]

They will most likely meet in one of the semis. Should be a great game. Right now Im puzzled by the group stages. There hasnt been a really good game yet. And it looks like all the quarter finals will be slaughters aswell. Really non fan friendly tournament.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Fiji is beating Canada 22-13 in the 70th minute.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Wow. Canada just choked that one away.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Canada just choked that one away.

[carlos3652]

Tonga won their 2nd game... France Killed poor Namibia...

I feel better after Ireland struggled with Georgia... winning only by 14-10...

Argentina did well... hopefully we go undefeated in the group stage and face a weak Group C #2... (Scotland/Italy/Romania)

That would get us into the Semis with a fighting chance vs either South Africa or #2 of Group B... (Fiji or Wales)

[CHIEF4EVER]

Scotland v Romania on Setanta at 4:30.

[CHIEF4EVER]

7-0 Scotland. Wow. That was quick.

[CHIEF4EVER]

35-0 Scotland. Very disappointing.

[CHIEF4EVER]

42-0 final score.

[runnercyclist]

i was in a bar in the ATL with two guys, one from Scotland and one from South Africa. They were talking about the world cup and I assumed they menat soccer. The corrected me and we had a real cool conversation.

How are Scotland and S. Africa doing?

[CHIEF4EVER]

i was in a bar in the ATL with two guys, one from Scotland and one from South Africa. They were talking about the world cup and I assumed they menat soccer. The corrected me and we had a real cool conversation.

How are Scotland and S. Africa doing?

Scotland will be eliminated the next round (if they advance). South Africa are powerhouses and will make the final 4 at the least.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Argentina v Namibia on Setanta now. Pumas up 13-3 in the 33d minute.

In other news, the All Blacks are BAD MO FOS this WC. They won 108-13 the other day over Portugal. LMAO

[CHIEF4EVER]

WOW. 63-3. Argentina are contenders.

[CupidStunt]

Since when are teams allowed to perform their rituals 20 inches away from the opposition's faces?

One of the Tongan n00bs pointed his finger right in Gomarsall's face, no more than 2 inches away from his eye.

[CupidStunt]

England are just pussy tacklers.

[CupidStunt]

England play Australia if they manage to eek out a win here, right?

Well, shit, they're going to get OWNED.

[CupidStunt]

I was way off so far... England is playing inspired rugby and are just owning the Aussies.

[CupidStunt]

Come on, England!!!

They're f**king dominating, they just need to FINISH!

[CupidStunt]

Great game. Great performance from the boys!!!!!

Bring on New Zealand. They'll be huge underdogs, too, but this England unit has a lot of heart. At least they'll make 'em earn it.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Great game. Great performance from the boys!!!!!

Bring on New Zealand. They'll be huge underdogs, too, but this England unit has a lot of heart. At least they'll make 'em earn it.

Nice job by your boys. Wierd how they struggled in the qualification rounds and came alive in the knockouts.

[CupidStunt]

Looking forward to a New Zealand MASSACRE!

Gotta love that Haka and those puzzy French trying their best to not shit themselves deep down inside.

[CupidStunt]

Dangggg, Betsen just got OWNED ala that Raiders scrub on the goalline last week.

[grandllama]

god dang, thought I was going to get to make my first official 'official' thread...

don't know what the hell I'm watching (besides the obvious All Blacks v. France) or what the rules are, but this isn't a half bad sports show for being stuck in France right now.

The only thing I've seen better on TV here is the full nude late night phone sex ads.

[grandllama]

I STILL don't know what the rules are, but that score by France was extremely cool to watch.

[CupidStunt]

Bullshit 10-minute sin-bin for McAllister and Kelleher and Carter go limping off the field.

Brutal for NZ.

[grandllama]

Bullshit 10-minute sin-bin for McAllister and Kellehan and Carter go limping off the field.

Brutal for NZ.


That quote helped me as much as giving a retarded person a slide rule. (which is what I feel like watching this match)

[grandllama]

I thought these All Blacks were supposed to be super studs? Did someone forget to tell the French?

[CHIEF4EVER]

That quote helped me as much as giving a retarded person a slide rule. (which is what I feel like watching this match)

The "Sin Bin" is where one goes when he has screwed up enough to incur the wrath of the official.

[grandllama]

The "Sin Bin" is where one goes when he has screwed up enough to incur the wrath of the official.

so like the penalty box in hockey?

[CHIEF4EVER]

so like the penalty box in hockey?

Pretty much.

Unbelieveable. England beats the Wallabies and the All Blacks choke yet again. :shake:

[CHIEF4EVER]

I swear Marty Schottheimer is moonlighting as a Rugby coach. That is the only explanation for this debacle.

[carlos3652]

08-29-2007, 04:22 PM
Post #31

carlos3652
El Diablo

Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Spanish Fighting Chicken

Pool A England, SA
Pool B Australia, Wales
Pool C NZ, FIJI (darkhorse)
Pool D France, Argentina (I hope)

Report Post | IP: Logged

I missed on Wales... 7 of 8...

France is still my favorite to win it all - like I said 6 weeks ago...

[CHIEF4EVER]

08-29-2007, 04:22 PM
Post #31

carlos3652
El Diablo

Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Spanish Fighting Chicken

Pool A England, SA
Pool B Australia, Wales
Pool C NZ, FIJI (darkhorse)
Pool D France, Argentina (I hope)

Report Post | IP: Logged

I missed on Wales... 7 of 8...

France is still my favorite to win it all - like I said 6 weeks ago...

France cannot beat South Africa.

[grandllama]

I'm still lost, but I'm here until the 20th, so I'm sure I'll catch on ;-)

[CHIEF4EVER]

I'm still lost, but I'm here until the 20th, so I'm sure I'll catch on ;-)

You'll get it easily. The rules are less expansive than American Football.

[CHIEF4EVER]

I'm still lost, but I'm here until the 20th, so I'm sure I'll catch on ;-)
Dude, BTW. If you have the time and can get a ticket, get a ticket for any match with South Africa or Argentina. GREAT FUN. Crowd is loud but cool. Closest thing to a game at Arrowhead you can find in France barring Champions League football.

[carlos3652]

France cannot beat South Africa.

Argentina will beat SA... :p (but if that is the case, I hope Argentina beats France, again... lol)

Tomorrow will be awesome... hopefully an Argentina win vs Scotland, hopefully a Boca Juniors win over River Plate, and hopefully a Chiefs victory vs the Jags....

(Plus Eliminatorias begins for South America for WC2010 next week)!!!

[CHIEF4EVER]

Argentina will beat SA... :p (but if that is the case, I hope Argentina beats France, again... lol)

Tomorrow will be awesome... hopefully an Argentina win vs Scotland, hopefully a Boca Juniors win over River Plate, and hopefully a Chiefs victory vs the Jags....

(Plus Eliminatorias begins for South America for WC2010 next week)!!!
I agree with Boca over River, Chiefs over Jags and Argies over Scotland. But Argies over SA? Not a chance bro. :p

I noticed on Setanta that Eliminatorias was about to get underway. I will be watching closely. THOSE will be great matches. Start a thread for the Eliminatorias when they get underway.

Oh, BTW, you can no longer count out England since Wilkinson is back. He makes all the difference. He has to be one of the all time greats.

[HMc]

Well bugger me.

The wallabies exit is mainly attributable to going in without a proper kicker. We played like shit regardless, but missing 3/4 kicks hurt us badly.

Wilkinson isn't an all time great by any means, IMO. He's an excellent kicker, tho i think he missed two of them last night aswell. They didn't look like scoring through their backline all night.

Mcallister's sin binning was bullshit, and the french try was scored through a forward pass that Damon Huard would've been proud of.

Fiji and SA should be a cracker.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Well bugger me.

The wallabies exit is mainly attributable to going in without a proper kicker. We played like shit regardless, but missing 3/4 kicks hurt us badly.

Wilkinson isn't an all time great by any means, IMO. He's an excellent kicker, tho i think he missed two of them last night aswell. They didn't look like scoring through their backline all night.

Mcallister's sin binning was bullshit, and the french try was scored through a forward pass that Damon Huard would've been proud of.

Fiji and SA should be a cracker.

I am so sorry for the wallabies M8. I was rooting for them. I have to disagree with the assessment that Wilkinson isn't an all time great. Jonny's currently 2nd on the list of leading Test point scorers (1034) and he holds the record for most World Cup points scored (234). England are shite without him.

[HMc]

I suppose so, to be honest i didn't realise he had that many points.

Apart from a couple of years earlier this decade, England has been playing 10-man rugby forever. Where i come from, we don't like that, but it certainly lends itself to kickers scoring a alot of points. I've never been that impressed with Wilkinson's play with the ball in hand, but then they rarely move the ball through the backline anyway.

I've got money on Fiji at +34.5 points.

[HMc]

As for us, we didn't deserve to win. When you pick players on rep rather than form, and you don't have a bona fide kicker. George gregan shouldve given it away after 2003, his play has been very substandard.

[CHIEF4EVER]

As for us, we didn't deserve to win. When you pick players on rep rather than form, and you don't have a bona fide kicker. George gregan shouldve given it away after 2003, his play has been very substandard.

I have to admit, I am shocked. I had the Wallabies and the All Blacks as the final 2. Shows how much I know. Games are played on the pitch.

[HMc]

I feel sorry for the New Zealanders mostly. Rugby is pretty much all they've got over there, like literally. Rugby is their life.

[CHIEF4EVER]

I feel sorry for the New Zealanders mostly. Rugby is pretty much all they've got over there, like literally. Rugby is their life.

No doubt. I wonder how many of the All Blacks fans are on suicide watch. What a choke job after dominating in the group stage. Nothing new. I was shocked but maybe I shouldn't have been. History continues to repeat itself.

[HMc]

It's become a bit of a joke around here, where we attempt to predict when it is in the tournament they will choke, rather than if.

That said, it's easy to forget that France is a very proud rugby nation, and they've got some of the best players in Europe. Anytime any of the top 5 (NZ, SA, AUS, ENG, FRA) are playing each other, especially in a WC, there's no such thing as an easy match or sure thing.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Hey HMc, just a quick question. Do you get Currie Cup matches 'down under'? I get them on Setanta.

[CHIEF4EVER]

It's become a bit of a joke around here, where we attempt to predict when it is in the tournament they will choke, rather than if.

That said, it's easy to forget that France is a very proud rugby nation, and they've got some of the best players in Europe. Anytime any of the top 5 (NZ, SA, AUS, ENG, FRA) are playing each other, especially in a WC, there's no such thing as an easy match or sure thing.

What blows my mind is the fact that the back line of France can't catch a cold, much less a ball. And nobody picks up on that? The Argies beat their asses because they exploited that weakness.

[Zeke Ziggle]

No doubt. I wonder how many of the All Blacks fans are on suicide watch. What a choke job after dominating in the group stage. Nothing new. I was shocked but maybe I shouldn't have been. History continues to repeat itself.

I think thats the only good thing about the loss. So now we can go the bad news is we lost but the good news is those kiwi bastards lost as well

[HMc]

Yeah, sorta. 2 or 3 games a week and a wrap up. I prefer watching the New Zealand one, the Air NZ cup or whatever its called this week.

[CHIEF4EVER]

I think thats the only good thing about the loss. So now we can go the bad news is we lost but the good news is those kiwi bastards lost as well

ROFL

No love lost between the Wallabies and the All Blacks ay M8?

[HMc]

I think thats the only good thing about the loss. So now we can go the bad news is we lost but the good news is those kiwi bastards lost as well

Id much have rathered NZ win than England or South Africa.

Go France.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Yeah, sorta. 2 or 3 games a week and a wrap up. I prefer watching the New Zealand one, the Air NZ cup or whatever its called this week.

I get Air New Zealand as well. Mostly entertaining matches. AFL is also on the table. I love Aussie rules football. Setanta is the best investment I have ever made.

[Zeke Ziggle]

Id much have rathered NZ win than England or South Africa.

Go France.

oh i don't want the poms to win but i'm glad that if we had to go out so do they kiwis

[Zeke Ziggle]

I get Air New Zealand as well. Mostly entertaining matches. AFL is also on the table. I love Aussie rules football. Setanta is the best investment I have ever made.

Do you get any Rugby league?

[CHIEF4EVER]

Do you get any Rugby league?

Yeah. From England. I also get Magners from Ireland. My teams are Munster and Leicester (from Magners and the Premiership respectively).

[HMc]

I can't ****ing stand rugby league.

[Zeke Ziggle]

union man? Seem weird from a east coaster to hate league

[Zeke Ziggle]

sorry C4E i meant the game of rugby league

[CHIEF4EVER]

sorry C4E i meant the game of rugby league
Ah, I see what you mean. Yes, I get the occasional League match. Not very often. I am not a big fan. The whole 5 runs and boot the ball thing is a bit disturbing.

[HMc]

union man? Seem weird from a east coaster to hate league

Yeah. I enjoyed it as a kid, then they ****ed it up in the mid 90s, the teams eaither merged or disappeared or otherwise messed around with it, and i've not even been remotely interested since. I think it's boring, the first 3 tackles are hit-ups stopped by gang tackling, they throw it about on the 4th, then kick downfield on the 5th. Rinse. Repeat.

[Zeke Ziggle]

Ah, I see what you mean. Yes, I get the occasional League match. Not very often. I am not a big fan. The whole 5 runs and boot the ball thing is a bit disturbing.
see i thought being a chiefs fan you would be used to that. i know i am.

[Zeke Ziggle]

Yeah. I enjoyed it as a kid, then they ****ed it up in the mid 90s, the teams eaither merged or disappeared or otherwise messed around with it, and i've not even been remotely interested since. I think it's boring, the first 3 tackles are hit-ups stopped by gang tackling, they throw it about on the 4th, then kick downfield on the 5th. Rinse. Repeat.
Yeah fully understand. i guess in newy its more a one team one town attitude.

[CHIEF4EVER]

see i thought being a chiefs fan you would be used to that. i know i am.

OMFG! So true! ROFL

[HMc]

I think if i was in that position id much prefer it, i mean in sydney there's what, 8 teams playing within 30 km of me? And i don't identify with any of them.

[Zeke Ziggle]

do you follow the afl or is it just rugby?

[HMc]

just the rugby.

[CupidStunt]

I've got money on Fiji at +34.5 points.

Nice... I like that line... I'm gonna do the same thing, I think.

[HMc]

Nice... I like that line... I'm gonna do the same thing, I think.

did you get on that?

thinking about hitting the Arg - Scot game but the line is 11.5. Which is no man's land, really.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Wow. It sure didn't take long for the Wallabies and the All Blacks to fire their coaches.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=awwg5bNnSIPI&refer=australia

[Zeke Ziggle]

Connolly was going to quit anyway. a bit of shame considering how he improved the pack so quickly

[CHIEF4EVER]

Get your predictions in gentlemen!
I have England whoopin' that frog ass by 10.

I have South Africa over the Argies by 17.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Easy odds take on England - Francais.

http://www.easyodds.com/previews/England-v-France-/news-30108.html

[HMc]

Connolly was going to quit anyway. a bit of shame considering how he improved the pack so quickly

Wow.

[CupidStunt]

'Boks by 10. France by 7.

[Zeke Ziggle]

Wow.

apart from the game against england when they were just dominated by a pack full of old, slow dudes i thought they showed improvement over what eddie jones had. At least in some games they held up. Even in the tri nations they weren't horrible. France by 10 Bok's by 21

[CHIEF4EVER]

I wonder why the odd makers are so enamored with France in their match with England. The French back line got exposed in the first match of the tournament. They can't catch a cold much less a ball. The Argies intentionally kept kicking high long balls to them and the French kept muffing them. Plus England has been vastly improved with the return of Jonny Wilkinson.

[CHIEF4EVER]

DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM NOT PAYING $24.95 TO WATCH THE MATCH! THIS IS BULLSHIT!

Any of you guys know where I can listen to it at online (radio feed)?

[CHIEF4EVER]

England 14 - Frogs 9. Final.

[CupidStunt]

This reverse mojo thing is working well. Shame it doesn't for the Chiefs.

Oh well - BRING ON SATURDAY!!!!

[HMc]

SA spread has moved out to 10.5 points. Not touching that, not in this tournament.

[CHIEF4EVER]

The final is going to be freaking EPIC. Jonny Wilkinson led England attempts to defend their title against high powered South Africa. Northern Hemisphere v Southern Hemisphere. I will pay to see the final. Money well spent.

[CHIEF4EVER]

Congratulations to South Africa. They deserved to win it all.

[mylittlepony]

Well after watching it I wouldnt say it was epic. But all in all a fairly entertaining game. I thought both teams played well on defence but didnt think England showed the urgency they needed after getting behind. They needed to take some chances but when they finally did they found the South Africans defence to be on them wherever they went. With Englands try production this cup i didnt expect it to be fantastic but I thought we would se a couple of more Wilkinson dropkicks. I thought South Africa looked good on paper and I was impressed with them earlier this year. I think they are the rightfull world champs. With that said in the words of Spitting Image: "I've never met a nice south african".