Rugby World Cup

[JoeMercer'sWay]

only NH team I see winning it are Ireland, as they're the only ones with the testes to do so.

Still a NZ/Aus affair for me.

 

[leighton]

Ireland has just lost Peter O Mahaney and more than likely Paul O Connell so 2 big leaders in the pack are gone. These guys are going to be huge lost to the team also if Sexton is out too the Argentina game is a lot more trickier for us. We have the backs to do a job on them the pack has taken a pounding who Ireland call up to replace both players will play a big part in the remainer of the World Cup if injuries came to the backline i would be happy to say we have enough cover.

 

[depps]

Before the tournament I fancied Australia winning it, they've built a very good side that can win big games (as they've proven already). Scotland are one side that could just beat them. These are excellent games as on paper you'd expect Australia, New Zealand and Ireland to qualify (the Wales v SA game could go either way), but equally Scotland, Argentina and France could all spring surprises. I'll stick by my predictions, but will be good to watch even if England are out! Scotland have shown their capabilities. They struggled physically against SA but they've enough talent in the backs to beat Australia if they play the right way. We shall see!

I can't see Scotland doing the business against Australia, the way Samoa ran through their defence at will at times yesterday would suggest they are going to struggle big time to contain Australia.

 

[supercity88]

I can't see Scotland doing the business against Australia, the way Samoa ran through their defence at will at times yesterday would suggest they are going to struggle big time to contain Australia.

No one would see the Scots beating Australia, equally most wouldn't have predicted the French beating the All Blacks in 2007, but they did. As much as Scotland are most definitely the weaker side, they might capitalise on an Australian side that's paid two tough games in a row now. England made a lot of metres against the Aussies, we just didn't do enough at the breakdown. You never know! We shall see! Could be an all SH affair after this weekend the way injuries have impacted Wales and Ireland.

 

[leighton]

Well Ireland announced that they have brought Rhys Rudduck into the squad to replace Peter O Mahony not a bad replacement to have to come in but the more important will be who replaces Paul O Connell when he has to pull out of the squad.

 

[big gaz]

Haha is that the best Leighton in Wales JPR, Gerald and John Dawes are shinning their boots : -)

 

[bluemoon32]

Well Ireland announced that they have brought Rhys Rudduck into the squad to replace Peter O Mahony not a bad replacement to have to come in but the more important will be who replaces Paul O Connell when he has to pull out of the squad.

I've no love for this cynical Irish side but POC being ruled out of his last World Cup will be hugely sad, he's been a hell of a player.

 

[aguero93:20]

I've no love for this cynical Irish side but POC being ruled out of his last World Cup will be hugely sad, he's been a hell of a player.

Just confirmed he's been ruled out, needs surgery on the shoulder injury. Expected but gutting all the same.

 

[Uncle Wally One Ball]

Just confirmed he's been ruled out, needs surgery on the shoulder injury. Expected but gutting all the same.

Torn hamstring brother

 

[Uncle Wally One Ball]

Wales have called up Eli Walker. That's OK, he was in the original big squad anyway. Still hope they dont play Cuthbert though. Anscombe full back, North and Roberts in the centre, Walker and Lloyd Williams wings. Williams is a scrum half so I think SA will probably try and put him under the high ball which may be an issue, but Cuthbert forgets to catch the fucking thing before he sets off anyway.
Ireland will struggle with O'Connell out now, especically if Sean O'Brien gets banned for a game, which I expect will happen, and Sexton injured. I have Wales as the most likely NH team to progress.