The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

^ Thanks Pete - you beat me to it!

Having to go by reports rather than actual viewing this week, but don't think I've missed a huge amount - more one sided displays from the Blackness and the Jarpies, the High Tackle law again coming up..... This time with Farrell the victim of a fairly blatant high tackle - actually though England might have done more playing against 14 men for 60 mins. That said, job done, bonus point.

France still looking far from their best - but still dangerous to underestimate, despite their unconvincing win (or should I say "scrape-through") against Tonga. Will we see an improvement against the Lillywhites this week?

Looking forward to the next round..... Could the unthinkable happen and Japan get knocked out?

Quote: ".....Japan could absolutely still be knocked out - if Scotland beat Russia with a bonus point, then beat Japan while denying them a losing bonus point, and Ireland also beat Samoa, Japan would be out..."

[pharvey]

And another "minor issue" relating to the possible outcome of Pool A.......

"Typhoon Hagibis is predicted to hit Kyushu and Fukuoka on Saturday, with wind speeds of 270km/h and 180km/h when hitting the mainland.

Ireland are playing Samoa in Fukuoka on Saturday and, if the game were called off due to the adverse weather, a 0-0 draw would be recorded - leaving them vulnerable to an early exit were Scotland to beat Japan.

A World Rugby statement said: “We are currently monitoring the development of a typhoon off the south coast of Japan in partnership with our weather info experts. still too early to determine what, if any impact there will be on match or training, but we will provide an update later today”"

[PeteC]

Here is where it is as of 1000 hours this morning. I would say it's still a very long shot to say accurately where and when it will hit, if it hits Japan at all.

https://www.tmd.go.th/programs/uploads/ ... art_13.jpg

[Lost]

A strong wind blowing might actually improve the looks of some of them rugby players.

Wind_Blown_in_the_Face_9.jpg (30.33 KiB) Viewed 502 times

[pharvey]

Still early days, BUT..... an update on our friend "Hagibis" - I doubt the "Sweaties" will feel too friendly if it hits Tokyo/Yokohama though!

Capture.JPG (44.48 KiB) Viewed 482 times

"World Rugby may be forced into taking the unprecedented step of cancelling Saturday’s Pool C match between England and France – as well as Scotland’s crucial fixture with the World Cup hosts Japan 24 hours later – with the category five super typhoon headed for Yokohama. Both matches were among the most in-demand among supporters when tickets went on sale.

Any games cancelled due to weather problems are registered as scoreless draws, with both sides awarded two match points, and while both England and France have already qualified for the quarter-finals, it could have huge consequences for Scotland’s Pool A showdown with Japan, which is also takes place at Yokohama’s 72,000-seater stadium. If that match is cancelled Scotland would be eliminated, assuming Ireland beat Samoa on Saturday."

Taken From: - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/ ... on-hagibis

[PeteC]

RWC Match Cancellations Due to Typhoon .

TOKYO: Rugby World Cup organisers have cancelled Saturday's game between England and France as well as New Zealand's match against Italy due to the risk from Typhoon Hagibis, and said Sunday's key game between hosts Japan and Scotland is in doubt.....

https://www.bangkokpost.com/sports/1769 ... wc-matches

[pharvey]

RWC Match Cancellations Due to Typhoon .

TOKYO: Rugby World Cup organisers have cancelled Saturday's game between England and France as well as New Zealand's match against Italy due to the risk from Typhoon Hagibis, and said Sunday's key game between hosts Japan and Scotland is in doubt.....

https://www.bangkokpost.com/sports/1769 ... wc-matches

Certainly no fun for supporters, and "Le Crunch" was one of the more sought after for tickets. Rugby and qualification-wise, not really an issue to be fair.
Sunday's match between Japan and Scotland however..... Cancellation would mean Scotland are out.

Typhoon Hagibis - or should it be Haggis?

[pharvey]

I'm sure members of the league will have received the same Email, but just in case you haven't seen, some news from Superbru: -

Predictor Game

"At Superbru, if a match is called off, it is treated as null and void in our Predictor game. No points are earned, even though the matches are officially recorded as a draw for the tournament's purposes. Regardless of whether you've picked New Zealand, Italy or a draw, everyone will be receiving 0 points.

A late decision will be made on whether Scotland v Japan can be played on Sunday. Do not pick a draw for Scotland v Japan in the hopes that it will be cancelled. If it�s called off there will be no Superbru points, so you are much better off making a pick as normal in the hopes that the game will go ahead."

...... And I thought I was pulling a fast one by picking a draw for each!!

[PeteC]

You were not alone!

[PeteC]

RWC pool standings as of the end of the Group Stages

phpj2W9mmAM.jpg (19.5 KiB) Viewed 439 times

[dtaai-maai]

I watched Japan v Scotland this morning - a terrific game. Japan have played consistently outstanding fast-handling, running rugby in all 4 pool games, and they must have a decent chance of beating South Africa. Hope they can get more tier 1 games over the next year or two, they deserve it.

[PeteC]

RWC - Japan local time

phpfTNKkxPM.jpg (25.16 KiB) Viewed 419 times

[oakdale160]

No surprises, All Blacks and All Whites through to semis. Japan win would be a nice surprise

[dtaai-maai]

Wales 20-19 France

Ooooo, lots of superlatives from the (mostly Welsh!) boys in the commentary box, but boy, that was close! France in self-destruct mode once again, after a classy 1st half performance in which their no. 10 missed a couple of very gettable kicks and they probably should have had at least one more try. Wales through by the skin of their teeth! Great game to watch.

Come on, Nippon!!

[pharvey]

Wales 20-19 France

Ooooo, lots of superlatives from the (mostly Welsh!) boys in the commentary box, but boy, that was close! France in self-destruct mode once again, after a classy 1st half performance in which their no. 10 missed a couple of very gettable kicks and they probably should have had at least one more try. Wales through by the skin of their teeth! Great game to watch.

Come on, Nippon!!

Thankfully, another Sunday off site, a decent internet connection and all hail "TV Mucho" . What an absolute cracking match to watch. Wales, as DM posted, through by the skin of their teeth - and no real questionioning the fact that the better team on the day lost.

Wales were blown away by France's play within the first 10 minutes - down by 12-0, only some superb defending and French "headlessness" stopped the floodgates opening - but they were creaking to say the least. Nothing was stopping France's third try when Wales were down to 14 men late in the half - Moriarty yellow carded trying his best to remove one of the aforementioned French heads.

A moment of absolute madness by French Lock Sebastien Vahaamahina reduced France to 14 men when he was sent off for a blatant elbow to the head of Wales' Aaron Wainwright 10 mins into the second half - no question turning the game, but it was only in the final 7 minutes that Wales scored the decisive try, France still playing some outstanding rugby. Would have been great to see France on this form have played the Lillywhites in the Pool stages (with a full compliment of players throughout!).

Not too sure whether it's more damaging to my health working on the Mine/Processing plant or watching Wales in games like this......

Unfortunately the Internet quality didn't last for the Japan vs SA game, so can't comment other than I hear it was a frenetic opening period.......

Wales need to improve a great deal before facing the Bokke.