Rugby world cup!

Obviously not mma but this can't go without being disscussed as I know a lot of you guys like the game! Just read the England team for the cup and some poor choices there if you ask me. Number 1 being hape in and flutey out????!!!! Flutey is the utility man by taking only two specialist 10's he's risking a lot and flutey is a good replacement ten, hape is pure garbage!

Johnson has got to start tuilangi this weekend too I rate him as our best 13 and can bring something new to the stale position. Sorry mike but you ain't got it no more!

Really looking forward to seeing what this team can do out there I got real high hope of at least semis!

I was gutted for Flutey, he's class on his day. To be fair he hasn't got anywhere near the form he was in 2009 and injuries have had there part to play in that. Hape is OK IMO, he's good defensively and offloads in the tackle quite well but he's nowhere near Flutey 2009 version.

I agree Tuilagi has got to play, Mike's had his day and has just become quite predictable. Manu is quite simple a beast and can cause many teams problems.

Our scrum-half options worry me slightly now that Care has gotten himself injured. Simpson lacks any experience and has lots of holes in his game and Wigglesworth isn't great to be fair. He isn't the best 9 at his club IMO. I wonder if Johno thinks he's a backup option at 10. Whatever happens Foden should not be played at scrum-half. I hope Youngs regains the form he had in 2010.

Same goes for Flood, he's forms been off recently while old Wilko can still do a job. Not delighted with Banhan in the team either. I'm very pleased with our back and front-row though , our strength is definitely still with our forwards.

I really can't see past NZ winning the whole tournament but I can see England reaching semis at least.

ChelseaQuinsfan wrote:I was gutted for Flutey, he's class on his day. To be fair he hasn't got anywhere near the form he was in 2009 and injuries have had there part to play in that. Hape is OK IMO, he's good defensively and offloads in the tackle quite well but he's nowhere near Flutey 2009 version.

I agree Tuilagi has got to play, Mike's had his day and has just become quite predictable. Manu is quite simple a beast and can cause many teams problems.

Our scrum-half options worry me slightly now that Care has gotten himself injured. Simpson lacks any experience and has lots of holes in his game and Wigglesworth isn't great to be fair. He isn't the best 9 at his club IMO. I wonder if Johno thinks he's a backup option at 10. Whatever happens Foden should not be played at scrum-half. I hope Youngs regains the form he had in 2010.

Same goes for Flood, he's forms been off recently while old Wilko can still do a job. Not delighted with Banhan in the team either. I'm very pleased with our back and front-row though , our strength is definitely still with our forwards.

I really can't see past NZ winning the whole tournament but I can see England reaching semis at least.

And that is usually the case leading up to the WC but we all know what happens when the knock out stages start

I have thought for a long time that Australia will win it, even though they are only looking good in patches at the moment.

As much as I dislike the English and South African style of rugby, it does produce results so I wouldn't write them off.

Looking at the draw (and if all the pool games go as expected) England will end up facing France in the QF and Australia in the SF, both very winnable games for them.

NZ's squad is being announced in the next hour - don't think there will be any bolters but some very good players are going to miss out.

Chelsea who would you have in the pack? Mine would have to be cole loose, Hartley, Stevens, palmer, lawes, moody 7, Haskell 8 and 6 croft... I've really gone off Easter now. Scrum half has got to be youngs, 10 walk for def! 12 I guess will have to be hape, tuilagi 13, Aston, cueto, foden! And we win the world cup!

I agree with oz gin... I watch a lot of super rugby and Q.cooper is guna cause some serious problems in this torney! He's shit in defence but his offense is about the best in the game at present, I'd even rate him above carter in attack.

I got a feeling about France this time round too, I guess any team could win it really there's so many styles that cause different teams issues.

I agree with your pack completely Pins. As a Quins boy, I love Easter and appreciate all he's done but I'm a big fan of Haskell. He has a level of dynamism that Easter can not bring. I'm a little disappointed Robshaw didn't at least make the squad. The backs for me should be 9)Youngs, 10) Wilko, 11) Cueto, 12) Hape, 13) Tuilagi, 14) Ashton, 15) Foden. Unless Johno wants Flood in at 12, Hape is almost certain to start.

Gin unfortunately NZ have gained this reputation of being notorious chokers but to be fair I think it's been overplayed to a certain extent. For me you should have won in 2007 and 1995, in 1999 and 2003 it was simply a case of not being good enough. Australia were the best side in 1999 and England were the best in 2003. Also you have to consider other factors, like how much South Africa actually had to play for in 1995. In 2007 you went up against one of the all time great open-side performances against Dusatoir in the 1/4s and it was on French soil.

This year NZ are undoubtedly the best team in the world and its on your soil. I think this is the year, the chokers tag is finally put to rest. I was little suprised Henry lift out both Sivivatu and Hosea Gear though, two terrific wingers.

As for the Aussie's, I think they'll suffer from a couple of things. An inexperienced back line, a questionable pack and most crucially IMO the lack of a world-class kicker. It cost them last time, and I think it might cost them again, especially against us in the semis. Cooper is wonderful to watch but he has a lot of holes in his game. His defense is appalling for one and he suffers from a short temper. He's a better runner than Carter, but I think overall Carter has more creativity.

Yeah completly agree with the carter statement he's a rock in defence, awesome kicker and great in the open. The biggest thing for NZ is can they play nonu and sonny bill together...

I really rate robshaw think he's a solid back row and a good leader, shame your 10 is a kiwi! A leader is one thing England lack, when we won the world cup their were loads of players on the pitch that could have captained the team, don't feel that's the case anymore.

Would love to see a northern hem team make a big impact we've been sorta pushed right down the pecking order

ChelseaQuinsfan wrote:I agree with your pack completely Pins. As a Quins boy, I love Easter and appreciate all he's done but I'm a big fan of Haskell. He has a level of dynamism that Easter can not bring. I'm a little disappointed Robshaw didn't at least make the squad. The backs for me should be 9)Youngs, 10) Wilko, 11) Cueto, 12) Hape, 13) Tuilagi, 14) Ashton, 15) Foden. Unless Johno wants Flood in at 12, Hape is almost certain to start.

Gin unfortunately NZ have gained this reputation of being notorious chokers but to be fair I think it's been overplayed to a certain extent. For me you should have won in 2007 and 1995, in 1999 and 2003 it was simply a case of not being good enough. Australia were the best side in 1999 and England were the best in 2003. Also you have to consider other factors, like how much South Africa actually had to play for in 1995. In 2007 you went up against one of the all time great open-side performances against Dusatoir in the 1/4s and it was on French soil.

This year NZ are undoubtedly the best team in the world and its on your soil. I think this is the year, the chokers tag is finally put to rest. I was little suprised Henry lift out both Sivivatu and Hosea Gear though, two terrific wingers.

As for the Aussie's, I think they'll suffer from a couple of things. An inexperienced back line, a questionable pack and most crucially IMO the lack of a world-class kicker. It cost them last time, and I think it might cost them again, especially against us in the semis. Cooper is wonderful to watch but he has a lot of holes in his game. His defense is appalling for one and he suffers from a short temper. He's a better runner than Carter, but I think overall Carter has more creativity.

If our top team plays the knock out games and plays them at 100% (or close to it) then I reckon we will win it in a canter. We still lack quality if Richie McCaw or DC get injured - we lose one of them, then our chances drop considerably. The selectors have only picked McCaw as a specialist 7 which is concerning.

I reckon Hosea Gear should have been picked over Guilford too.

I would play Conrad Smith over SBW at the moment - more intelligence and has unbelievable strength for his size.

In some ways, this All Black WC campaign has similarities to the 2003 English one under Clive Woodward.

Smith is the best 13 in the world at the moment in my eyes! I know what you mean with NZ though you have a amazing first 15 but if injuries creep in you could be in trouble. I like Gilford he works very hard for a winger a bit like Ashton, always following in support and running good lines.

I still think England could beat NZ on there day though!

2 weeks today I'll be jetting off to Auckland!!

damn you! ha ha have a gooden mate!

No teams have really looked that impressive early doors.... Should be a cracker tonight if the Irish can actually get themselves together and start playing.

Hope you are enjoying our Kiwi hospitality, Paddy

Ireland beat Australia. I'm actually stunned.

Well that was a hell of a night to be Irish in Auckland!!

australia.... were my team to win it ha ha! guess the theorys right keep cooper out the game and youll win!

That was some what of a nightmare from an English standpoint, but what a relief. The team under performed apart from Tuilagi who was brilliant. The team needs changing a little.

An Ireland win against Italy in a few hours means they top their group and face Wales next. That's a game they should win. It would set up a semi final against either England or France and based on current form, Ireland should beat either of them. Ireland for the final?? And with Dan Carter ruled out for the rest of the tournament, they would stand a better than normal chance of beating the All Blacks who I think should get to the final, although the SpringBoks look pretty good. I don't think Ireland will win it, but they'll never have a better chance.

I was thinking the same thing earlier, I see them beating us in the semi's. I still think Oz can make the final though I really do. Theyve got so much talent in their back line, and their back row is about the best in the business, shame about their front five. I don't think I could handle Ireland winning ha ha!

I worried before the tournament that the Irish would be the team to knock us out. For me Ireland have the best back-row in the world at the moment. Yes even better than Australia's. The Welsh should not be written of though, they are in excellent form right now with some top class players. That might the closest 1/4 final. We should destroy the French, they are just awful the minute. NZ should beat Argentina and the Springboks vs OZ should be a good match. I have a felling Australia might nick it. Still confident England can get to the final and face NZ. Without Carter, who knows what might happen.

allez les Bleus!

ChelseaQuinsfan wrote:I worried before the tournament that the Irish would be the team to knock us out. For me Ireland have the best back-row in the world at the moment. Yes even better than Australia's. The Welsh should not be written of though, they are in excellent form right now with some top class players. That might the closest 1/4 final. We should destroy the French, they are just awful the minute. NZ should beat Argentina and the Springboks vs OZ should be a good match. I have a felling Australia might nick it. Still confident England can get to the final and face NZ. Without Carter, who knows what might happen.

I wouldn't buy into Wales' form too much. Look at who they've been playing. Samoa are ok, but Fiji and Namibia are crap.

Don't see England getting to the final, Ireland are stronger and in much better form. They hammered England in the Six Nations and really should have won the tournament but for stupid errors against France and a braindead touchjudge against the Welsh in a game they dominated. Ireland's pack is too much for England and they have a better backline as well.

No ones back row is better than the all blacks! Why the hell they havent sent out Macalister to replace Carter is beyond me aswell!

Ireland are looking good and dangerous, but I still think England have the minerals to beat them... we have a very competitive pack I dont think you can disguard. Our three quarters are among the best in the world.

I don't wanna be a jinx but our defence is terrific too, not many teams can break us down easily and score tri's. Theirs holes in the Irish back line England can explote if it comes to it... just need to give Manu and the back three some room to work and some quick ball!!!!!!!!

Not enjoying the world cup even slightly. Dont hate union but there needs to be more control at the rucks, could do without unlimited tackles so that teams try and open a defence up rather than controlling possession endlessly 6 should be about perfect. Maybe if the defence was further back, maybe 5 or 10 yards instead of back foot so that the attack have a chance to create some attacking plays, make penalties and drop goals worth slightly less to encourage try scoring and if there were less players, either 1 or 2 (probably 2) so that there was a lot of space to attack in, so that way the defence has to work harder. Then we could put the teams into a league format and call it rugby exciting or rugby much better.... Or what about this, rugby league. There would be tries, even in big games rather than just goal kicking, skill but with fitter stronger athletes. Now that would be a great game!!

Ireland have a great chance of getting to the RXC final. I'm just back from 4 weeks in NZ and it was an amazing experience. Travelled all over the North Island following Ireland and also managed to catch New Zealand v France and England v Scotland at Eden Park.

The Irish pack is outstanding and with Ferris, Heaslip and O'Brien we have arguably the best back row in the world. Good to see D'Arcy getting back to his best against the Italians too.

England have looked terrible so far, I can't believe anyone still thinks they can win the World Cup. Their problems off the field only highlights their lack of focus on what should be the biggest 6 weeks of their lives. Quite frankly its embarrassing how they have behaved. The scrum was abysmal against Scotland and the backs have looked devoid of ideas!! The first 3 tries against Georgia weren't even scored by English men (Hape and Tuilangi)

The loss of Carter is a massive blow to the AB's but I still can't see past them winning it. They just seem to be breeezing past teams at the moment. It was a reall honour to see Ritchie McCaw win his 100th cap against France especially as I was also in Landsdowne Road in 2001 when he won his first cap against Ireland.

Ireland's quarter final against Wales will but close but I hope Ireland will squeeze through in a tight match. I am more confident of beating England in a semi than Wales in the quarter. In fact people seem to be writing off France against England in the quarters and that is a very dangerous thing to do!!

It must be a bit embarrassing that the mighty England can't even field a team of Englishmen.

Anfields5thKing wrote:

ChelseaQuinsfan wrote:I worried before the tournament that the Irish would be the team to knock us out. For me Ireland have the best back-row in the world at the moment. Yes even better than Australia's. The Welsh should not be written of though, they are in excellent form right now with some top class players. That might the closest 1/4 final. We should destroy the French, they are just awful the minute. NZ should beat Argentina and the Springboks vs OZ should be a good match. I have a felling Australia might nick it. Still confident England can get to the final and face NZ. Without Carter, who knows what might happen.

I wouldn't buy into Wales' form too much. Look at who they've been playing. Samoa are ok, but Fiji and Namibia are crap.

Don't see England getting to the final, Ireland are stronger and in much better form. They hammered England in the Six Nations and really should have won the tournament but for stupid errors against France and a braindead touchjudge against the Welsh in a game they dominated. Ireland's pack is too much for England and they have a better backline as well.

Samoa are a good team nowadays, they beat Australia before the tournament. It's time for them to join one of the major competitions IMO. Fiji have been crap in the tournament and Namibia are out of there league but remember Wales gave the Springboks one hell of a scare. In fact they should have beaten them. They are in good form and hitting there stride at the right time.

It was only 3 games ago where everyone was doubting whether the Irish would even make the 1/4 finals. England beat Ireland in a pre world cup warm up and if the players got there head out of there arse and started to focus on whats important I can see an England route to the final. We are a lot better know than 4 years ago.