Rugby World Cup 2023

[SkyBlueSoul]

Starts tonight, France v NZ is a brilliant opening game.

I'm doing a long weekend in Lille next month for England v Samoa and Tonga v Romania. Looking forward to it but a lot less excited than I was, just don't see us suddenly finding some form. We'll get out the group but probably bow out in the QF v Australia or Wales.

 

[M&B Stand]

Wasps killed any interest I had with rugby, which is a shame cuz I enjoyed it.
Went to Twickenham for a 6 nations game and it was a real occasion.
Now I just think it’s fat posh boys bumping into each other. The fans are weird, a bit like non league football fans, just something not quite right there.

 

[Joe King]

Ireland's Cup!!!

 

[wingy]

Macron currently getting the bird.

 

[SBAndy]

Cracker of an opening game but couldn’t imagine trying to play in 30 degree heat. Will be brutal.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

Ireland's Cup!!!

It’s funny becuase of the nuance of a draw made 3 years ago - England have arguably a better chance of making the semis than Ireland.

Ireland, France, NZ and SA all in one half…. wales and Aus in ours

 

[duffer]

It’s funny becuase of the nuance of a draw made 3 years ago - England have arguably a better chance of making the semis than Ireland.

Ireland, France, NZ and SA all in one half…. wales and Aus in ours

So funnily enough, just before the last world cup I was at this corporate thing relating to data modelling. (I know, I can feel the jealousy from here, the sheer excitement of my jet-set lifestyle, eh.)

Anyway... The software guys had crunched all of the numbers using all of the latest statistical techniques, and come up with NZ as the winners.

They'd also invited an ex-Wasps and England player Simon someone (can't remember his name, but he was 8' 9" and built like a brick shithouse, so we didn't discuss Wasps).

Anyway, nice bloke in truth, and his opinion as someone who been to a world cup, was that you shouldn't understate how much a hard run to the final takes out of a team. On that basis he thought that SA had an easier route and would probably win.

Worth thinking about, perhaps, but if you're considering sticking the mortgage on England because of this, you might want to have a lie down first.

(Edit: Simon Shaw, that's him. Big fella.)

 

[SkyBlueSoul]

It’s funny becuase of the nuance of a draw made 3 years ago - England have arguably a better chance of making the semis than Ireland.

Ireland, France, NZ and SA all in one half…. wales and Aus in ours

I debated buying tickets to one of those QFs because you're pretty much guaranteed any of those teams v each other. It'll be amazing but my finances just couldn't stretch that far. It's funny because there's resale tickets going for the other QFs, nothing for those.

 

[oscillatewildly]

Officials utterly shit housing England at moment.

 

[Joe King]

Cracking win for Ireland today!

 

[Johnnythespider]

So if you tackle someone and there is a clash of heads it's a red card but if you jump into someone late at head height it's only a yellow, silly game.

 

[Otis]

So if you tackle someone and there is a clash of heads it's a red card but if you jump into someone late at head height it's only a yellow, silly game.

It is indeed.

I know those are the rules, but it's utterly ridiculous.

 

[oscillatewildly]

So if you tackle someone and there is a clash of heads it's a red card but if you jump into someone late at head height it's only a yellow, silly game.

Shock horror! Stop press..... Rugby player involved in bump of heads fiasco involving blood spilt on shirt!
Meanwhile an attempt on taking another's life gets you 10 minutes on the bench.
Corrupt officials at it again.
Oh and the French fucking up with getting fans into the stadium on time for a major sporting event - Who would have thought it?!

 

[Ccfcisparks]

Messi ghosting for Argentina again. This is why Ronaldo will always be the GOAT

 

[Deleted member 7943]

Seemed a harsh red to me , although I expected England to lose today on recent form anyway

 

[Frank Sidebottom]

I'm loving all these drop goals.... much better than all that try and penalty shite.

 

[oscillatewildly]

I'm loving all these drop goals.... much better than all that try and penalty shite.

Superb opportunistic play - We're a man down seconds after the national anthems, we will lack that extra width to run with the ball that the Argies (unbelievably) might enjoy.

 

[ccfc922]

So a genuine tackle with accidentally clashing heads is a red, but your hip knocking someone in the face who is stood up is a yellow....

 

[CCFCSteve]

Very good half from England considering. Two of those drop goals were quality. If they can retain same control second half and nick a win that would be massive. Long way to go though, especially with 14

 

[wingy]

So a genuine tackle with accidentally clashing heads is a red, but your hip knocking someone in the face who is stood up is a yellow....

With more force.

 

[ccfc922]

With more force.

Would rather have the clash of heads than your man running full pelt and hip hits me in the head.

 

[Deleted member 7943]

Be a superb win this given the circumstances

 

[wingy]

Well just a tremendous performance.

 

[Deleted member 7943]

Fantastic, well played boys

 

[oscillatewildly]

I know the detractors to this game are many on these boards but that was quite simply a stunning performance given not only the early adversity this evening but the appalling pre tournament form.

 

[SIR ERNIE]

Macron currently getting the bird.

That was hilarious.

 

[SkyBlueSoul]

Scotland v SA has been a belting game so far. The pass for the 2nd SA try was gorgeous, no look cross field kick.

 

[Johnnythespider]

The Prince of Wales clocking up the Sunday overtime

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Wish they would at least say what these seemingly arbitrary penalties are for. Rules of the game make little sense anyway

 

[SkyBlueSoul]

 

[SkyBlueSoul]

Took the time to relax and watch the game tonight, Namibia are getting fucked up. France are playing some stunning stuff but mainly because they're being allowed to (could argue they're taking the piss a bit). 54-0 HT

 

[SkyBlueSoul]

Dupont out with a fractured cheekbone after last night, looked nasty when it happened. Best case looks to be 4 weeks out so would be back for the semis if they make it but could be tournament over for him.

 

[SkyBlueSoul]

This SA v Ireland game is outstanding. 2 best teams in the world putting on a show, breathless stuff.

 

[StrettoBoy]

This SA v Ireland game is outstanding. 2 best teams in the world putting on a show, breathless stuff.

I agree.

There are some excellent players on show. Bundee O'Aki is a bit useful isn't he?

 

[SkyBlueSoul]

Absolutely, he carries so well. Seems like every time they break forward it's him with the ball.

It's so refreshing to see 2 elite teams trading blows and provide this much entertainment, even with a relatively low scoring game so far.