Rugby World Cup 2015

[Guest Pistonbroke]

A win is a win and it is never easy being hosts in the opening game of a WC. Need to sort out the turnovers at the breakdown and also our decision making when in the 22 yard area. At one point we had a 4 on 2 situation on the left wing and we decided to go through the middle. 

[George Costanza]

Poor performance by England. Could be opening day nerves but I have my doubts.  The scrum has looked shaky for too long now.Parling brings a steadiness to the lineout but Launchbury is a much better player.   I'm still yet to see what Brad Barritt offers to the team in an offensive way & imo Ben Morgan is nowhere near good enough to play 8 at international level.  Vunipola has to start the next game.

 

Just far too many mistakes though, too much lateral passing and not enough strong direct running with good backup to clear out the ruck.

 

Unless England improve & quickly on this evidence they won't be beating either Wales or Australia.

[Hand Shandy]

I think England thought they could play Fiji at their own game (ie fast and loose) and outclass them, but underestimated their organisation and defence.

 

I think in a more structured game, which Wales and Australia will be, they're strong enough to beat both.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He says optimistically...

[Navman]

Thought England were average but the score line and bonus point is key

England will get the home advantage against Wales but I think will lose against Aussies

[sir roger]

Not sure about that, England have a truly world class fly-half back from injury and, while they have gambled in the centre positions, Burgess and Slade are both quality players - even if they are a bit inexperienced (Slade gives us great depth across the half-backs as well - I'm interested to see where he plays for Exeter this year as we still have Steenson at Fly if needed and, if England want him at centre...).

 

We should have ironed out (at least some of) the issues with the lineouts now we have a smaller squad and we have some really dangerous wingers to pick from.

 

NZ are clear favourites though.

Sorry Pidge I have to disagree. Tuilagi and Hartley are big losses and the scrum and lineout have gone backwards. I also think we need to get more numbers and more aggression in our breakdown play as we are turned over far too often

[Fowlers God]

Hartley is a cunt and I am glad he isn't playing as he would get sent off for doing something stupid and leave us fucked in the semis or something. A loose cannon

[Shitty Arse]

Fuck ruggerball. Load of shite

[sir roger]

He most certainly is a C*** and a possible liability, but he is also by far our best hooker & I think Lancaster's ' Simon Pure' outlook will blow up in our faces. I also can't believe they haven't found an excuse to include Steffon Armitage over the past year or two ( I think we would if he wasn't a better player than the skipper - who I like ) , as we seem to be going into the tournament with one hand tied behind our backs.

[Hooch]

It was handball, lad.

[Scott_M]

There are rules

Can't believe you negged me. I'm telling Dave. Your picking on me. Your a bully. I'm going to get you banned.

 

And if your not banned, I'm going to rage war on you, the likes of which you've never seen....

 

....I just need to stop crying from this beg first.

[Hand Shandy]

Japan scaring the shit out of South Africa. 19-19 after 53 minutes.

[Hand Shandy]

Fucking hell... 29-29 after 70 minutes.

[Teflon Don]

So much for video technology when you can't even see the ball....

[Hand Shandy]

Unbelievable!!!!

[Teflon Don]

No doubt about that one, though. South Africa 32-34 Japan.

[Guest Pistonbroke]

What an effort from Japan, cracking game and a thoroughly deserved win, most teams would have taken one of those pens to go for the draw at the end. 

[mattyq]

Holy Shitballs, the Japs have just beat the Saffers!

Unfuckingbelieavable 

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Scotland will be shitting themselves now. 

[Russ Atmosphere]

How much fun was that? The will to win there by Japan was fantastic.

[mattyq]

Amazing game

[Hand Shandy]

I'm just gobsmacked. Astonishing result.

[Welsh]

Made up with that result. Unreal!!

[Pidge]

That was awesome.

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Georgia also beat Tonga earlier, wished I had a double on those two results. 

[The Midnight Rambler]

Batshit mental

 

Biggest shock in sport ever? Can't think of much that matches it tbh? Cameroon beating Argentina in italia90 maybe?