Rugby World Cup 2011 - New Zealand

[dtaai-maai]

Personally, I think you're being somewhat unfair to Argentina DM

No, I think England underperformed enough to make Argentina look better than they were. If they'd had any real penetration (and a decent kicker) they'd have won the game. And I wouldn't have been able to say it was an unfair victory (having not seen most of the 2nd half).

[redzonerocker]

Well, we appear to have scraped a win.

I prefer earned a hard fought win

I thought England defended reasonably well in the first half and didn't get much joy form the ref.

The ref was just doing his job, which is more than can be said of the England players
How many stupid, needless penalties did we give away? Just as well the argie kickers had their clogs on

"There are no easy games"

True, but i don't think Argentina are gonna be an easy game for any team

[redzonerocker]

No, I think England underperformed enough to make Argentina look better than they were. If they'd had any real penetration (and a decent kicker) they'd have won the game. And I wouldn't have been able to say it was an unfair victory (having not seen most of the 2nd half).

Agree to a point
Never seen JW miss so many pens either

[pharvey]

Yes, England underperformed and were way too lateral, but some credit at least should be given to Argentina's defense.

As to a ''decent kicker'' winning the game, the same could be said for Argentina - they did after all miss more kicks.

[redzonerocker]

As to a ''decent kicker'' winning the game, the same could be said for Argentina - they did after all miss more kicks.

I thought that was the point D-M was making?

[pharvey]

As to a ''decent kicker'' winning the game, the same could be said for Argentina - they did after all miss more kicks.

I thought that was the point D-M was making?

DOH! Miss read that one - apologies

[Arcadian]

Well England got away with it, they must learn to play the game the referee wants, they had enough chances to understand he was not going to accept even a minor infringement in the rucks. Second half changes made all the difference and Toby Flood should have replaced the off-form Wilkinson. Argentina are not a walkover but England should improve and at least qualify for the knockpout stage. Courtney Lawes put in some crunching tackles legally ending their playmakers game. Things can (should) only get better.

[charlesh]

England didn't deserve to win IMON and Courtney Lawes tackles were at best a little late. Thank goodness there is a ref who will pull up the negativity and obvious law infractions. The game was good to watch albeit the poor kicking on both sides.

[pharvey]

England didn't deserve to win IMON and Courtney Lawes tackles were at best a little late. Thank goodness there is a ref who will pull up the negativity and obvious law infractions. The game was good to watch albeit the poor kicking on both sides.

Lawes certainly put in some thumping tackles - rumour has it however that he may be cited for a shoulder charge and also going in with the knee on the Argentinian hooker.

I really don't think England have too much to worry about with the rest of the group - unless Scotland raise their game considerably from their last performance.

[hhfarang]

For any rugby ignorant Americans (or anyone else) who want to watch and understand some of the games:

http://ombac.org/ombac_rugby/rulesofrugby.htm

[pharvey]

Well, the Pasta Munchers put up a fair fight in the first half, going in 6-6 at the interval. All change in the 2nd half unfortunately with the Green & Golds way too strong. Final result Australia 32 v Italy 6.

Next up the Paddies & the Eagles!!

[dtaai-maai]

Yes, the Italians were terrific until the last 30 minutes, then all the tanks went into reverse. Shame, because they looked strong and impressive until then.

Didn't see the Ireland - USA game, but I've just seen the result. It doesn't look like there are going to be too many humiliating routs, and the game is all the better for that.

[pharvey]

On the USA vs Ireland game, in all fairness it was a decent game to watch. The Eagles lasted the full 80 minutes, which actually I was surprised at. They defended superbly, with their captain Todd Clever leading by example - personally, I would have given him the man of the match award (Paul O'Connell actually took it).

The USA pack was utterly destroyed by Ireland, but the Eagles held their own in the loose and did pretty well in the lineout - as mentioned before, their defense really was their strong point. Ireland will rue some pretty poor handling - I think 10 handling errors which is not so great!

Interception try in the final minute gave the score a decent look for them, but it was no less than they deserved.

hhf - you should be proud

[Arcadian]

I havn`t seen all the games but it would seem that most of the fancied teams have made tentative starts whilst the "underdogs" have raised their games. Re Courtney Lawes, I suspect that if he were an All Black or Wallaby they would describe his game as controlled aggression.
I used to help coach the junior club he played for in Northampton, The Old Scouts, which is a feeder side to the senior club, so I may be a bit biased.

[dtaai-maai]

Re Courtney Lawes, I suspect that if he were an All Black or Wallaby they would describe his game as controlled aggression.

Storm in a teacup, because there's not much happening.