Originally posted by CrowleyThis is what would be annoying me if i was from S.A, completely dominant on the set pieces, only conceded 4 penalties, pretty much played the entire game in the Aussie half but could only score 9 points. Had the Boks more attacking ideas you wouldn't be talking about Pocock or the ref. Wales, France or NZ would've ripped Australia apart playing like that today, i've never seen them play so bad. In the tri-nations they were running at the Boks when they picked up the ball in their own half but today decided to play a flawed kicking game, didn't make any sense.
Anyway, the boks dominated and just didn't finish.
Ireland, England and Argentina were beaten by better sides on the day. S.A lost because they weren't good enough to turn their dominance into points. No one to blame but themselves.
Originally posted by Angry BoyAustralia had a lot of extra support for their game against SA in the form of a big cruise liner pull up outside the caketin in Wellington. Don't think they will get that type of support in their game against the AB's. Aus won the tri nations but NZ dominated the home games. Not too much has changed since then apart from Aus having a rough time against Samoa, Ireland and a hard game against SA. I can't see NZ chocking especially at home... it's a bit different playing on the other side of the world.
The AB's to choke (again) and Wales to beat Oz in the final.
You heard it here first.
The problem we have as I have already said is the half back/first five combination. Weepu steped up against Argentina and won man of the match but he could even get played at first five instead of half back and have Jimmy Cowanl start there. Personally I would like to see them play as they had it after Slade went off with Weepu at half back and the Manawatu boy at first five. Weepu fills that half back role good but hasn't played many full games... usually a sub and Cruden seemed to get the backs flowing better. Slade has not been performing to his ability even though Henry says he just needs more game time. Can't see it.
Originally posted by Crowley
Jeez, Bryce Lawrence turned that game into schoolyard quality. What a horrible referee.
I couldn't have said it better myself: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/8816349/Rugby-World-Cup-2011-Bryce-Lawrence-reduced-breakdown-to-a-farce-in-Australias-win-over-South-Africa.html
I called the Pocock factor before the game. For some reas ...[text shortened]... All Blacks now.
I'm confused - New Zealand won the first Rugby World Cup didn't they?
Originally posted by karoly aczelThe French have a pretty decent record against the Ab's, as far as I am aware. Even in NZ.
Australia v NZ would be the most interesting final to watch. Anyone else v NZ in the final would be a massacre.
That's not to say Australia wont get massacred, but they stand a better chance. Although they having been playing pretty average thus far ...
Originally posted by Crowley40mins of rugby against England and they're in the final... well rested for the final lol
The only way France can beat the All Blacks is if the plane carrying the AB squad crashes in snowy, mountainous terrain and they have to eat each other to survive and the French plays the survivors as they get off the rescue plane.
seriously though, France will win this WC, just wait and see.
Edit: horrible match btw, just horrible.