Rugby World Cup 2011 - New Zealand

[pharvey]

Lapping up these games now. Terrific entertainment. On the edge of my seat to see if Steyn would drop a goal to give SA the victory they deserved. Never got the chance. Giant defence from the Aussies. England couldn't catch a cold. Argies can be proud. Wales superb. How many kickers do the Kiwis have?!!

A couple of great games coming up next weekend - I suspect the New Zealanders will be supporting Wales........ France have some bad memories for them!!

So what's the bets..... who's for the final? Outside bet on Australia vs Wales????

[dtaai-maai]

Time and again the ball was handed to hard-charging forwards in the midfield to break the advantage line, which they rarely did, while their backs became too lateral.

Name that team...

[pharvey]

SA's loss to Australia signals the end for a few........

Rugby World Cup 2011: Peter de Villiers resigns as South Africa coach

• The journey for me is over, says Springboks coach
• John Smit and Victor Matfield ending playing careers

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/oc ... sfeed=true

[redzonerocker]

So what's the bets..... who's for the final? Outside bet on Australia vs Wales????

Well i would imagine the sensible bets would be on a Wales v New Zealand final.

It would mean the two best teams of the tournament play each other in the final, which should always be the end result imo.

Unfortunately, sport isn't that predictable.

I would still be very surprised to see the french or oz make it through though

[Big Boy]

I'm agreed on New Zealand, but I'm still in 2 minds about the other team. I'd love to see a UK team win it, but I'm a self confessed hater of Welsh rugby - goes back to when my son played. I'm still undecided, but will probably go with the French - after all, they were good enough to beat England in a World Cup.

[redzonerocker]

I'm agreed on New Zealand, but I'm still in 2 minds about the other team. I'd love to see a UK team win it, but I'm a self confessed hater of Welsh rugby - goes back to when my son played. I'm still undecided, but will probably go with the French - after all, they were good enough to beat England in a World Cup.

I'm talking from a totally neutral sporting perspective, i have to add

[Jimbob]

Generally at this point it comes down to North V South. Two teams from each hemisphere, a good outcome. No sign of the Black machine choking. Predict All Blacks at least in the final. For the biggest game put them against The Wallabies. In every sport a NZ V Aus game is personal.

[JimmyGreaves]

Generally at this point it comes down to North V South. Two teams from each hemisphere, a good outcome. No sign of the Black machine choking. Predict All Blacks at least in the final. For the biggest game put them against The Wallabies. In every sport a NZ V Aus game is personal.

Wallabies have been so so lucky. Wales V N Zealand I hope. It's a funny old game though, get out of the wrong side of the bed and your shagged!

[sateeb]

get out of the wrong side of the bed and your shagged!



Especially if your'e camping on the edge of a mountain ravine

[pharvey]

They don't learn do they.......?

Rugby World Cup 2011: England centre Manu Tuilagi warned over 'disorderly behaviour' after 'ferry jump'

England’s troubled World Cup campaign ended in further off-field controversy when Manu Tuilagi was detained by police in Auckland on Sunday for allegedly jumping from a ferry on the city’s waterfront.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyu ... -jump.html

[pharvey]

I'd love to see a UK team win it, but I'm a self confessed hater of Welsh rugby - goes back to when my son played.

Not to worry BB it's just jealousy, you might get over it I think Wales will have won some additional admirers from the way they've played in this tournament.

I'm still undecided, but will probably go with the French - after all, they were good enough to beat England in a World Cup.

To be fair, they beat a poor English team but you can never underestimate the surrender monkeys. It will certainly be an extremely tough game for Wales and we don't have a great record against them recently. On current form (and bias) I'd have to go with Wales, but the French will have their tails up after the win over England and will go at Wales hard and fast..... getting very nervous again.

New Zealand Australia will also be a great game and as has been mentioned previously, it'll certainly be a grudge match. Australia obviously have a better record than most against the Blackness, but World Cup year in New Zealand........... you'd be brave to bet against the AB's.

[JimmyGreaves]

Ireland's Alain Rolland will referee the World Cup semi-finals. Rolland, in charge for the 2007 World Cup final, will preside over Wales v France.

Rolland, whose father is French, speaks fluent French. Good Choice or What?

Well Well Well!

[Jaime]

It has not gone unnoticed! He has also whistled Wales off the park the last couple of times we've had him!

It beggars belief really.

I think a poor England made France look better than they really are and I still expect Wales to win next weekend.

[JimmyGreaves]

Martin Johnson verse spot on

There are some good versions of this around.



Good Luck Bhoys!

[Jaime]

Ta - but for us Taffs it's Bois!

As for Sam Warburton, it has to be said that he is a tremendous athlete - if he matches the standards and longevity of his mentor, Martyn Williams, he could become one of the all time greats of the game. I watched him coming out of academy rugby a few years back and I remember using the word 'special' to describe him. It's nice to be right!

Q: What does Superman wear to bed?

A: Sam Warburton pyjamas!