Ireland have yet to perform well at a WC, but even if they could beat the Boks in the group stages, that would surely be something of note. I have a feeling our early campaign hinges on Ireland, and then France.
The Irish have a logical gameplan based on forcing the opposition to choose between two things. They keep the ball close to the previous rucks, unless the wide ball is out, and that makes it harder to stop them. It's not like a classic Wallaby side who needs space out wide, and breakdown parity ruins their game, the Irish are built differently. It'll be interesting for sure. It's theirs to lose. NZ will be the toughest they have been since 2017 though.
It would be fantastic for the game for someone new to win it. For Ireland to finally get over the hump would be incredible. They've had so many great sides come and fail at the WC, they've surely got to break that duck sooner rather than later! France is another who has come so close. In fact, they were robbed in 2011. Three throat slams by NZ, yet they receive the penalty to win the game. Despite over 50 uncalled NZ infringements. It was the lowest point the sport has ever seen. I wouldn't begrudge either side a WC, if they deserve it.
Good lord Shark, is that a good or a bad omen?
I've never known Saffas to have a a particular respect for anyone aside from England (begrudgingly), NZ, Aus, and France at times. I have some Irish connection though it's not in my DNA, and I still never considered Ireland as anything!
A French woman just won the Evian major golf tournament …first time ever by a French lass. Just saying.
When it comes to LGBT Moz, I don't and cannot respect that. Let it not be said that I disrespect you Moz, because I respect your contributions (despite our differences) more than any other poster.
Thanks for those nice word Deus.
This was a Ladies Major, no LGBT involved as far as I know. That said, despite of what the media tries to project, most people are upset with the new proselytizing efforts of this community. Particularly the exposure of kids as young as 6 to very advanced material. It’s irresponsible and very confusing to these youngsters.
With regard to the rugby, I always read your original and technical material Deus…keep it up!
It's irresponsible and confusing to kids.
I suppose one has to be grateful for crumbs but how pathetic do you get.
What would you like me to say HasBeen ?
Hope their kicker's in-form. Been only 7 tries total in the finals of the World Cup...between 87 and 2015
I definitely don’t want Ireland to win. I say if any team deserve, it will be France. They’ve played some memorable rugby over the years. Agree that New Zealand had a bent ref when they won it for the first time.
Irish are the worst winners. I know, I was in Dublin when Ogara made that school boy play and John Smit were trying to talk to the boys. The rest of my time there I had to sit and listen how great Ireland is.
No thanks, but I do appreciate how good their rugby have become and they still hold a lot of rugby values.
But then again, the have some of the most annoying rugby players on the planet. Johnny Sexton ring a bell
moola
As Moon has shown us all recently, in quite a few posts already.... you cannot really take anything that he posts, seriously .... it must be those meds that he takes for his depression...so it's not just the drinking...
You are quite correct, that there were 16 tries scored in rugby world cup finals during that specific period that he quoted..... and it was incredibly easy and quick to check.
Crazy hey.... just how pathetic and prolifically stupid one must be.... when the stats that you post, don't even get over the 50% mark for accuracy or reliability..... eish
As my Dad would say, 'he don't know shit from sugar'
As I have Irish ancestry on both sides of my family, I would definitely like them to win if my ABs don’t cut the mustard.
Funnily, I have never rated the RWC as the “be all and end all” of rugby competitions. Although the winner gets the title of World Champion, that team was just the winner on that day and doesn’t necessarily play the best teams to get there.
Give me consistency any day…….
I don't particularly like or dislike the Irish team...I have a soft spot for Scotty, but they are no hopers...from the teams who have never won the trophy, France is probably the most worthy and in top form too...will cheer them on if they make the final.
Which team has the highest percentage of players born in the country….surely that must be the most worthy winner,
My bet has been made and I placed my bet on France winning the RWC 2023.
The Goats I wrote off some time back.
AB's are always overlooked but have no fear they are back big time.
Time for a new RWC team to receive the honours.
I agree, the World Cup and World Rankings are two different comps. You don't even have the best team play the best teams.
What is up with the pool stages. It should just be a straight knock out comp.
The boks lost to the All Blacks who were number 1 or 2, then beat Japan, ranked 9th, then beat Wales and then England. So they lost to the 1 or 2 team in the world but then crowned world champs.
I never like Ireland, can't stand them and hope they crash out of the pool stages. SA and Scotland to knock them out, again.
But if the boks keep playing the way they do, I would say for All Black and France to meet in the final again.
I've really been impressed on how the All Blacks have turned around, can't say the same for the boks
Draad….you’ve hurt my feelings again
Becs, you lot are our oldest foe...even older than NZ...we love to hate you lot, but would be lost without you...fierce rivalry...may it last forever...it's only sport.
Phew…I thought you hated me
Mpower….that’s fighting talk
Well, I’m not confident of much success during this RWC. I’d be happy to be proven wrong !
