The Rugby World Cup !!!! Views Please...

[WebMonkey]

Anyone interested in the Rugby World Cup?

[WebMonkey]

COME ON ENGLAND !!!
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/archives/angleterre.jpg

[tedward]

England wont win.

[The Moose]

i'm in NZ now, and only one thing is certain about the RWC, NZ is going to win

[The Moose]

england will lose in the final. the All Blacks are just too good at the moment.

[tedward]

nz have some route to the final though - is it not projected for them to play australia and south africa in the quarters and semis?

[The Moose]

i'm not too sure about that, but we carved up italy

70-7
and for those of ya who are interested, australia won the opening game 24-8 against argentina

[tedward]

Italy arent that bad either. Well they give the likes of Scotland trouble, which isnt saying much.

[sphericthor]

Ireland have just beaten Romania 45-17

[A+]

As long as Wales get wupped and dumped out asap my Welsh friend won't make too much noise. COME ON SCOTLAND!!!

[The Moose]

the same's going to happen to scotland too, i'm sorry to tell you

[tedward]

Scotland will have a battle on there hands against fiji. Should roll over japan tommorow though.

Re the quarter finals etc if it all goes to plan with the seedings etc nz will play south africa in the quarters, then Australia in the semis.

England will probably play wales in the quarters and then France in the semis.

edit: Forgot to mention - France are looking good.

[smokiechimp]

I drew Samoa in the sweepstake at work

COME ON SAMOA!!!!

LMAO! :funny:

[The Moose]

hahhha. samoa. ha

france are looking pretty good, but not on fire like a certain team

[tedward]

new zealand?? - shame they lost there vice captain.

I like how the rugby and soccer threads are the two most popular threads here at the moment - even cricket got a mention.

[tedward]

well that was convincing wins for wales and england - scotland were almost made to blush though.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39441000/jpg/_39441466_bagpipes_gi300x245.jpg http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39441000/jpg/_39441802_ito_gi300x225.jpg

[The Moose]

our medical team still hasn't made an announcement about Tana Umanga (our VC) hopefully, they will call over Andrew Mehrtens.

[WebMonkey]

The three injury question mark on the England should really sofen the team much. They have plenty of replacements, as they shown on Sunday...

New Zealand are very very strong but i feel its Englands turn this time.

http://database.cricket.org/wisdenschools/images/wilko2.jpg

[The Moose]

you're right, NZ are extremely strong, but it's not your turn i'm afraid. NZ are gonna win

[WebMonkey]

I've placed a £100 bet on England vs New Zealand final. And england winning.
WHEN it happens, i'll get £570.

Whoo-Hooo ! Come on England.

[redman]

its not gonna be a new zealand v england final cause new zealand will have to play england before that.

But i so hope the poms dont win.

Go Australia! and if we dont win (which is very likely), Go France!

[redman]

clive woodward is pissing me off so much at the moment. He criticises us about obstruction when englands doing exactly the same thing.

[The Moose]

that's what coaches do redman

webmonkey, what makes you so sure that England will win?

[tedward]

Originally posted by redman
its not gonna be a new zealand v england final cause new zealand will have to play england before that.



nah, your wrong they are in different halves and cant meet before the finals, it should be a england v france semi final, and the southern nations competing for the other spot.



Ive got my customary $20 on australia to win. (6/1) France are 11/1, Engalnd and NZ joint favourites at just over 2/1 each.

[WebMonkey]

Originally posted by The Moose
that's what coaches do redman

webmonkey, what makes you so sure that England will win?

I think its more than being patriotic. I've been following Rugby Union for years now.. and i just feel the last year has been ones of the best and most hard working for england.. they seem to be getting better and better. They've beaten every team out there this year and thats some feat for a team thats never won the world cup.

As for the claims that england front row are cheating... sory to all but the ****ing bollocks.

[The Moose]

i've been following it all my life, and i can't remember the ABs having this speed out wide and power up front. ABs performiing better then they have in many many years

[smokiechimp]

SAMOA are gonna win it! The just have to!

[The Moose]

hahahahahaa. almost as likely as the USA.

NZ beat Canada, 68-6 last night. another step towards the final. i had a look at the draw this morning, as i think that the 8 1/4 finalists will be ( first and second)

Pool A: Australia, Ireland
Pool B: France, Scotland
Pool C: England, South Africa
Pool D: New Zealand, Wales

the quarter finals are confusing, but this is how i think they will play out:

Australia vs Scotland
France vs Ireland
England vs Wales
New Zealand vs South Africa

so the semi finalists will be:

Australia
France
England
New Zealand

Semi-Finals

NZ vs Australia
England vs France

Final: NZ vs England, NZ will win

Playoff for 3rd and 4th: Australia vs SA- Australia

so, i think that the final order will be this:

1 NZ
2 England
3 Australia
4 France

[tedward]

Yeh - it would seem those four are set to make the semi finals.

The most likely up-set would be south africa beating england in to second place - then england playing nz in the quarter final, aus beating england in the semi and meeting france in the final.

As it happens I see Australia beating in the France in the final (again) or possibly england (again)

[tedward]

edit - just heard the england - south africa score, no upset

[The Moose]

now ted, that means that NZ will almost assuredly play SA in the 1/4 finals, and then Australia in the semis, and then defeat england in the final

[smokiechimp]

I think Samoa are ranked 6th in the world! :shock:

Come On SAMOA!!!!! :D

[redman]

Originally posted by The Moose
now ted, that means that NZ will almost assuredly play SA in the 1/4 finals, and then Australia in the semis, and then defeat england in the final

ur pretty cocky moose.

[tedward]

Originally posted by smokiechimp
I think Samoa are ranked 6th in the world! :shock:

Come On SAMOA!!!!! :D

yeh samoa arent that bad - you could of picked a worse team - like scotland for example.

IRB official rrankings http://www.irb.com/rankings/index.cfm

[The Moose]

yeah, i agree about Samoa.

redman, i'm just sure that they will win, as i have never seen them anywhere near this good

[tedward]

yeh but if i recall your not old enough to remember when they won the last one are you?

Sorry that was a cheap dig - they are peaking at the right time though (NZ) Australia and South Africa are both in a bit of a dip at the moment.

[J Diddy]

England all the way, they've had the form at the coming into the world cup with 16 out of their last 17 tests being victories, including victories over Australia and New Zealand, twice. I think England have some of the best forwards in the world and with a fly-half like Jonny Wilkinson your going to get points, England also have pace with the likes of Ben Cohen and Jason Robinson, so they are my prediction for the cup.

[The Moose]

they may have pace, but NZ has even greater pace, with Rockocko (SP???) and Howlett. i agree about wilkinson, and you do have some good forwards.

about the victories over NZ_ the one at the end of last year- we NEVER sent a full strenght team on the EoY tour, as the players are just munted. and the one earlier this year, our coach made a bad gamble, and lost

[J Diddy]

I'm not up to date with NZ rugby news, but Rockocko was injured after the first game, is he back to full fitness?

I'm still going to pick England (I have to be patriotic) for the cup, I would like to see them and New Zealand in the final, as New Zealand have already won the World Cup in '87 plus it's never been won by a Northern Hemisphere team, i thinks it's just about our turn to win.

[The Moose]

yep, Rockocko is back to full fitness, but i don't think he's starting against Tonga on Friday

at least we agree on who will play in the final

[J Diddy]

Scotland have had a player banned for 12 weeks for kneeing some american in the head (don't see much wrong with it myself).

[J Diddy]

And hopefully Will Greenwood wil by flying back to Australia next week after he left to go back home because his wife was having complications with her pregnency.

[smokiechimp]

COME ON SAMOA!!!!

Currently the BEST team in there group. Top of the table!!!!

And no wingeing. they are the best! :p

Moose: France haven't a chance. They are the most inconsistant team in the tournement. Granted when they are on form they are fast and on fire but more often than not they make stupid mistakes and do bad against not great teams. They won't make the semi's.

[The Moose]

i'm starting to think the same about France now.

the All Blacks just terinated Tonga 91-7. the highest score so far in the tournament

[tedward]

Dismiss France at your peril.

[The Moose]

that's the exact thing. we discardd them last time, and what happend then isn't worth talking about

[redman]

Originally posted by smokiechimp
SAMOA are gonna win it! The just have to!

unlucky smokie. NZ spanked them.

[The Moose]

NZ terminated TONGA, not Samoa. 2 very different countries

[The Moose]

i've just been thinking: if Ireland finish top of pool A, which they might, as they are 1 point ahead of australia, both played 2 games, it would mean that australia would play against france in a 1/4 final, and then against england in the semi-final, where the ABs would get to play ireland or france in a semi final

another reason for me to want the teams in Pool A to beat Australia, or just stop them getting a bonus point

[tedward]

How many bonus points do you get for demolishing namibia 142 to nil???

Australia will beat Ireland when they play - and nz will have to beat South Africa and Australia to reach the final.

[redman]

Originally posted by The Moose
NZ terminated TONGA, not Samoa. 2 very different countries

sorry my mistake *whacks forehead*

[tedward]

another impressive perfomance from the french.

[redman]

i thought the scots would've put up a better performance.

[The Moose]

same here. just pushed aside.

ted, you'll only get one

but the thing is, ireland were one point ahead of you before you beat namibia, and the thing is that if they finish ahead of you in the pool, the semis and 1/4s will be very interesting

and ted, what can you expect from Namibia?

[tedward]

C'MON SAMOA!!!!!

Now moose - you realise that Ireland have still to play Australia right????

[smokiechimp]

I'm so proud of my team today Samoa played like a true professional team against England and held them to a thrilling scoreline until the last 8 minutes.

Well Done Guys!!!!!!

Now please just play like that against the Spring Boks :D

[tedward]

Yeh it was a good game to watch - it will be a while before i forget that first try.

[The Moose]

aha, ted- i didn't know if they'd played each other yet.

[redman]

i so glad those argentinian forwards got suspended. They've been eye-gouging for years.

[The Moose]

i haven't really payed much attention to it.

english got fined $300,000 for having 16 players on the field, and their fitness manager got banned fir a match too

[redman]

10000 pounds more like it moose.

[tedward]

yea hes talking nz dollars... which are worth less than nothing these days (the aussie dollar being nothing)

[The Moose]

woops, i put an extra 0 on the end. and 30,000 dollars (NZ) is pretty much 10,000 pounds.

oy ted, how many aussie dollars in a US now? about 60 NZ in one US at the moment

[redman]

yes the wallabies one!

phewwww. They sucked.

How big was that hit in the south africa - samoa match!?

It was massive!

[tedward]

I missed that hit (and the whole game actually) - and yea australia sucked, especially on the lineout, but a wins a win. At least they are guarenteed a semi final spot now :)

Moose Im not sure how many us dollars it is but a nz dollar is only worth about 80/90 au cents. Which just makes even more angry when i get kiwi change back from vending machines. Im sick and tired of seeing 20c coins with that kiwi bird thing on it.

[redman]

hheehehe me too, When u go to use it, u get shunned away. Damn kiwi coins.

Ted, watch the news - that hit was the biggest of the tournament.

[The Moose]

very few places here don't accept the aussie coins.

ABs play Wales tonight

my pick for the score- 56-24 to the All Blacks

[tedward]

oo it was close for 80 minutes of the game - some cracking trys from the welsh.

Neither teams defence was up to scratch - the all blacks never looked further away from being a world cup winning team.

[redman]

yeah, they didnt have any flair last night. The big four teams aren't looking too flash.

It was a great effort from the welsh but the class of the all blacks shone through in the last 20 mins.

I was hoping that wales would win cause then it would be a AB and England quarter final.

[The Moose]

i agree there, we did play pretty shockingly, but we did that against elgland earlier this year, and our staff whipped our players into gear, and we were a mile better. will haooen this week

[J Diddy]

Originally posted by tedward
Dismiss France at your peril.
I completely agree, i think if france play to there potential they can beat any team in the world, piece of pi$$, i think they are certainly cup Final hopefuls, this will obviously involve them beating England which i think they are more than capable of doing. Then again Ireland could win in the quarters. You just don't know.

[The Moose]

Ireland have the form to win their quarter final, but i don;t think that they will. i'm pretty sureFrance won't get to the final. they'll be lucky to get to the semis IMO

[redman]

does france have to play england throughout the finals?

[The Moose]

yep, France will have to play against either England or Wales, which ever team wins the quarter final (obviously England)

[The Moose]

well, last night, NZ beat SA, and Australia beat Ireland, so Ireland and SA are no longer in the competition, and one of the semi-finals in NZ vs Australia.

my pick: NZ by about 16 points

the other quarters are today sometime, and they are

Wales vs England - my pick is England by 24 points
France vs Scotland- my pick is France by 9 points

[tedward]

Australia knocked Scotland out of the cup, france played very well and beat Ireland.

England just edged out wales.

That brings us too the much expected.

Aus v Nz and Eng v France semis.

I predict another Australia v France final. England will win the third place play off.

[The Moose]

ted, you really think that Australia are going to beat NZ with the form they're in??? you've got another thing coming. i'm actually interested in how england played, but i think that it's the welsh. NZ played badly against them, as did England. the welsh are underrated. if they got a few more good players in there, they'd be damn good.

if australia play like they did against scotland against NZ next week, they'll be embarrassed like they were when they played NZ in teh first Bledisloe Cup match this year.

england vs France will be a very interesting game to watch. England will win, but not by much.

that leaves the final: NZ vs England. i'm picking NZ by about 14 points.

for 3rd and 4th: i actually think that France will beat Australia by about 7 points

[tedward]

oh yea - new zealand have been on such great form too. The cup could well travel North this year - or stay where it is. It aint flying across the tasmin.

[WebMonkey]

I argee with moose about the final (but not about the score, of course).

Well done Wales, by the way.

[The Moose]

i'll tell ya this: Australia are not as good as they were in 1999, and they are not going to win it this time. your pack isn't that spectacular, and you have no real jumpers with a lot of power, and your backs don't have that much strike power either.

i think that France are a dark horse here, and they will give england a real run for their money.

the cup is not staying where it is. it is NOT going to england of France. none of those teams have the combination of power in the forwards, and speed and power in the backs.

i'll admit england has a good forward pack, but the NZ backs make up more than the English do in the forwards.

[WebMonkey]

From what i've seen in Englands games against Wales and Samoa.. i'm starting to agree with you Moose.

[The Moose]

they peaked too early. when did the players last have a break equivalent to what they would get at the end of a season? ABs played Super 12 from March - May, and some in the NPC from August-September, but fefore the Super 12, most had about 4 months off. when did the English get a break like that?

good to see that you're coming around

[WebMonkey]

..Yeah.. needed to give my head a bit of shake.
I've got my fingers crossed... one of england best players is back after a little injurey..(missed last two game i think)... Hill is his name... We'll have wait till Saturday sunday before anything is solid.

[The Moose]

something to show how confident the Aussies are that they'll beat the ABs.

in the australian TAB (bookie agency) the biggest bet put on the Aussies was $100

biggest put on NZ was $55000, yes, $55000. and that was by people in australia

i'm gonna watch the french-english game. gonna be close. don't usually watch games when the ABs aren't playing

[tedward]

Gee never seen a kiwi in aus - me. Never had the pleasure of hearing that sweet accent of yours grate right through my skull oh no.

A kiwi in aus heaven forbid.



So you dont usually watch games that dont involve the abs hey - no wonder you think they are **** hot - if you more aware you would know that the current all blacks team is just soo average.

I will freely admit that the current Australian team is one of the poorest I have seen however mark my words 2007 that cup is coming back for the third (or fourth) time to Australia and that will be the closest it comes to New Zealand in the Near future.

I think england have lost it too - there world cup is as good as over.

[The Moose]

so, who does that leave ted? NZ and France

it's coming over here in a few weeks

[tedward]

Since when has the plane to france stopped in NZ? The way new zealand are playing they dont deserve it.

[The Moose]

what? how does that figure? we're playing a lot better than you aussies are. we rightfully beat the springboks last weekend.

what makes you think that NZ doesn't deserve it ted?

[tedward]

ooo the springboks - the springboks would have a hard time beating ireland, scotland or wales, they are at rockbottom and rebuilding from there - past pedigree means nothing.

(p.s im getting a bit harsh, sorry - i mean it in a good spirt though, I just couldnt stand to see england or nz win.)

[The Moose]

well, i watched something on CNN yesterday, and they had a thing on about the RWC. they had David Campese on, and he was talkign about english bashing for about 5 mins. but it was also said at the end that australia don't really have the team to win, NZ probably will win it, and any australian would hate it to go to England, France.

if you had to choose between England and NZ, as one of the 2 to win, who would you choose?

[Costa]

Moose your wrong, England is bringing this cup home.

[The Moose]

they've been playing for too long. they aren't as sharp as they were earlier this year. they peaked too early to win. NZ is gonna win, i gurantee you that

[tedward]

ha ha ha ha ha I am going to go on such a huge rant now - and show you all just what a terrible winner i can be.

[redman]

I agree ted. HAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tedward]

Originally posted by The Moose
they've been playing for too long. they aren't as sharp as they were earlier this year. they peaked too early to win. NZ is gonna win, i gurantee you that

'gurantee' - you cant even spell the word. I declare your guarantee null and void - your guarantee isnt worth squat.

[tedward]

Originally posted by redman
I agree ted. HAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yeh it was a great game though (22-10) All the aussies pulled it together (22-10) the kiwis just werent able to get a rhythm going, and were made to look like little boys - boys against men. (22-10) Stirling mortlock was great, the wingers tikriti and whatshis name were great - even in defence they pulled off some stunning tackles. The whole aussie defence was great, what a great performance, a great try, a great game and a great day.

it finished 22-10 btw in a match that australia dominated from start till finish.

AH lovely, i just need Scotland to beat Holland in the soccer, and France to beat England tomorrow and that will complete my little trifecta.

[tedward]

So moose that was the best all black team you have ever seen hey? - they looked a bit pants imo.

I was going to go on and on and on and on - but I shouldnt - I shall stop now I can be gracious in victory, :) 22-10!!!

[WebMonkey]

NEW ZEALAND OUT!!! Bye Bye Moose!!! Who would of thought it!
WWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooo

[tedward]

Well I think we will be saying goodbye to your boys tomorow too webmonkey.

Originally posted by tedward
AH lovely, i just need Scotland to beat Holland in the soccer, and France to beat England tomorrow and that will complete my little trifecta.

Scotland Won!

[The Moose]

well, i have to hand it to the aussies. they just outplayed us on the night. did 2 things that no team has done well this year against us. 1) kept the ball in hand and attacked visciously. but i also have to say that Mat Rodgers played damn well, and was all over the place. by keeping the ball, our back 3 didn't see much of it, and that severely impaired our attack. i also have to say that there were some extremely dubious decisions by that ref.

overall, the aussies outplayed us on the night, so i'll hand it to ya.

France better win tonight (which i think that they will) and then they better beat you aussies next weekend

[tedward]

hmmm 12-7 at half time - to the poms.

C'mon you dirty frenchies!

[tedward]

24 - 7 at full time.

[WebMonkey]

England - Aussie Final.
Well... what can i say.... The england-France game this morning was a fantastic game.. the weather,the crowd, and the unstoppable English side... bring on the Aussies.

So, you fancy your chances of getting thrid place then Moose?

[The Moose]

yep-i'm pretty sure that we will, even though france are playing well. when we lost to england, we came out miles better next week, which will happen this time

damn. why couldn't france win

i can't decid to support in the final. i don't want to support australia, as they're australians, and i don't want to support england, as clive is pretty up himself

[redman]

moose, no one goes for england except the english. If it was a England-NZ final i'd definately go for NZ.

Theres a show after the game with Roy and H.G. They gave england and NZ so much **** last night. It was great.

[The Moose]

well, i've decided to support australia, although i am telling myself not to. reason? we beat australia twice earlier this year. you should be able to take it from there

[J Diddy]

Ha, What did I say, I knew England would win.
Now for the final!!!!

[J Diddy]

With all the talk of Australia not have good form in the lead up seems to count for nothing now, they seem to be a big game team, no matter how thay are playing when the big matches come around they turn up and usually win.

[tedward]

I think the two best teams are in the final though. No other team can have sour grapes about not making it - they just werent good enough. It should be a good contest Australia v the boot of johny wilkinson.

Im sure all of australia is still smarting about that 96 qf when it was another english kicker who single handedly beat australia - it wont happen again - Surely.

[WebMonkey]

***** WARNING*****WARNING*******WEBMONKEY RANT *****
What the **** is this "no one goes for England except the English" bollocks. I'm pretty sick and tried of EVERYONE slagging of England. It really rubs me up the wrong ****ing way!

Is there some secret pact that every country signed, against England?

Every sport, everyone can’t wait till the English loose, and laugh at our expense.
Every band that England produces, everyone can’t wait till they make a **** album, and therefore they were **** in the first place.
No matter the country, everyone has a problem with my home nation.
Can somebody tell me why? Without saying the words “arrogant”, “Snob”, “Just being English”.
I simply can’t understand why people have this feeling of resentment against England. It’s 2003, not 1703 for ****’s sake.

******WEBMONKEY RANT OVER******PLEASE DON’T TAKE OFFENCE********

[The Moose]

well, i hope that the aussies do give those arrogant ponsy snobs from england one hell of an ass whooping.

hahahahahhaahhhhahahhhahahaha England and webmonkey!

[twiggy]

Why? If England wasent around you wouldent. Plus It would make your team look less crappy.

[The Moose]

we beat australia comprehensively twice earlier this year, and that shows that we have been the better side than australia this year, but they were better than us last sat. if we played you, i'm sure we'd clean you up

[WebMonkey]

Originally posted by twiggy
Why? If England wasent around you wouldent..

HEAR HEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[twiggy]

Originally posted by The Moose
we beat australia comprehensively twice earlier this year, and that shows that we have been the better side than australia this year, but they were better than us last sat. if we played you, i'm sure we'd clean you up

Yes. Earlier. The All Blacks LOST recently because they played poorly and the Aussies played a good game of rugby. In this tournerment the All Blacks were worse. If we played you, i'm sure we'd clean you up??? Where the hell do you think I come from?

[The Moose]

i'm here to let you know my opinion, and this place is for discussion. i agree, you did outplay us, but our form has been better so far this year

[twiggy]

YOU DID OUT PLAY US? IM FROM NEW ZEALAND! WHEN DID I SAY I WAS FROM AUSTRALIA!? I am also here to let you know my opinion. This is a place for discussion, arte you suggesting that I am not trying to do these?

[tedward]

Originally posted by The Moose
i'm here to let you know my opinion, and this place is for discussion. i agree, you did outplay us, but our form has been better so far this year

You sound like a sour looser - so what? previous form counts for nothing. Australia beat brazil in a soccer match does that make australia the best soccer team in the world? No.

The world cup is set up to find the best team in the world once and for all - whoever wins will be officially the best team in the world bar none. Officially Australia are better than NZ and theres nothing you can say to change that.

[tedward]

Originally posted by twiggy
Where the hell do you think I come from?

I presumed you were from England - since you refered to the all blacks as mooses team.

Ofcourse theres not much difference between england and nz - all you kiwis are wannabe poms anyway.

[tedward]

Originally posted by WebMonkey
***** WARNING*****WARNING*******WEBMONKEY RANT *****
What the **** is this "no one goes for England except the English" bollocks. I'm pretty sick and tried of EVERYONE slagging of England. It really rubs me up the wrong ****ing way!

Is there some secret pact that every country signed, against England?

Every sport, everyone can’t wait till the English loose, and laugh at our expense.
Every band that England produces, everyone can’t wait till they make a **** album, and therefore they were **** in the first place.
No matter the country, everyone has a problem with my home nation.
Can somebody tell me why? Without saying the words “arrogant”, “Snob”, “Just being English”.
I simply can’t understand why people have this feeling of resentment against England. It’s 2003, not 1703 for ****’s sake.

******WEBMONKEY RANT OVER******PLEASE DON’T TAKE OFFENCE********

There are alot of popular well respected english bands floating about - I think its generally acepted England produces some of teh best bands in the world - coldplay, muse etc are currently topping the charts etc. I presume your referring to oasis - who are just arrogant and overrated.

Arrogant and overrated - that brings me nicely on to the english football (soccer) team a bunch of overpaid overrated arrogant ...

Its sickening to hear english fans and the media whinge about how they should of won the world cup only if they didnt have to Argentina in the qfs.

English Rugby - struck again by the arrogant english media - and will Carling.

I will add a couple more things (for those who are still reading) I supported england against south africa in the last test series - that was a great series and I think england did really well - I still love watching them get gubbed in the ashes though.

Alot of people are getting a bit sick and tired of Australia too now - they always go for whoever australia is playing becuase they are sick and tired of Aussies always going on about how good their team is.

The main difference is Australia actually has some substance behind their boasts since we do actually win practically everything.

also I dont think every country hates you - America likes you.

[WebMonkey]

Sorry about the RANT. Your remarks are fair from your eyes...and thats what these boards are about, isn't it... opinions.























(bring on Saturday morning...please, let us stuff the Convicts)

[The Moose]

and should the best team in the world for a 4 year period be decided on the performance in 1 game?

[twiggy]

Originally posted by The Moose
and should the best team in the world for a 4 year period be decided on the performance in 1 game?

What makes the All Blacks the best team in the world for three years?

[The Moose]

that is precisely my point. i never said that the ABs were. but how can one team, performing on ONE night be "the best" in the world for 4 years? i can see why they don't have a RWC every year, but i don't see the justification for calling the team that wins the best for the next 4 years

[twiggy]

But they don't. They win the World Cup. Saying they are the best in that tournerment.

[tedward]

Originally posted by The Moose
and should the best team in the world for a 4 year period be decided on the performance in 1 game?

Yep, - all the teams are aware thats how it is done - the all blacks had four years to prepare for the tournament and it turned out they just aint good enough. Your just bitter becuase its been sooooo long since the all blacks made a world cup final - and australias been in 3!



hey webmonkey - all the cr*p i sprout about england should be taken as just a bit of friendly ribbing. Aus won the Rugby leugue, the english cricket team got gubbed - so im hoping for the trifector on saturday.

Whens the France - NZ third place play off btw?

[WebMonkey]

TODAY!!!!!!!!!

New Zealand 40-13 France

New Zealand strolled past a second-string French side to win a largely flat encounter for third place in the World Cup in Sydney.

The All Blacks, stung by their 22-10 semi-final loss to Australia, opted for a full-strength team and eased to victory with six tries at the Telstra Stadium.

Locks Chris Jack and Brad Thorn, wings Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko, full-back Mils Muliaina and substitute number eight Marty Holah crossed for New Zealand.

For France, wing Pepito Elhorga scored the only try despite the late bolstering of the team with some of the squad's more senior members.

Les Bleus were overpowered up front and ripped to shreds by New Zealand's dazzling back-line, aching to make amends for a disappointing World Cup campaign.

Despite turning around only 14-6 down, France were unable to live with the Kiwis, who were eager to avenge the famous 43-31 defeat in the semi-final in 1999.

New Zealand revealed their hand from the start by running the ball at every available opportunity - and as early as the fourth minute they found the first gap.

The guys have done well to pick themselves up after a pretty shattering event

Reuben Thorne
More New Zealand reaction
Fly-half Carlos Spencer released Howlett with his trademark no-look inside pass and the All Blacks hared upfield with slick interpassing to put in Jack. His try was converted by centre Leon MacDonald.

France clawed back some ground when scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili took over the kicking duties from stand-off Gerald Merceron, who had missed an earlier shot.

But the All Blacks were biding their time - and Muliaina's incisive break fed Howlett for the second try, converted by Daniel Carter, who replaced the injured MacDonald.


France, though, began to enjoy some possession but were unable to carve a way through, content to snatch a drop-goal from Yachvili before the break.

And it was France who began the second period on the front foot after bolstering the pack with prop Jean Jacques Crenca and lock Fabien Pelous.

They forced All Blacks centre Aaron Mauger into a fumble in midfield before firing the ball wide to Elhorga, who came off his wing to score under the posts.

We had a chance but then there were two tries in 10 minutes and the game was lost

Bernard Laporte
More France reaction
New Zealand hit back immediately with a simply-worked try for Rokocoko on the left wing and then a controversial score from replacement Thorn after a suspicious line-out throw.

The Kiwi settings were switched to cruise control as Muliaina rounded off a flowing back move on 60 minutes.

France brought on more fresh legs in fly-half Freddie Michalak, flanker Olivier Magne and hooker Raphael Ibanez.

But it was All Blacks substitute Holah who rumbled over to add the final sheen to the scoreline.

[The Moose]

i couldn't have put it better WebMonkey

[WebMonkey]

18 hours to go. Come on lads!

[WebMonkey]

Final head-to-heads

Ratings for the England and Australia teams out of 10 ahead of their showdown in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday (England players first).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Out of Ten )

Full-back:
Josh Lewsey (7) v Mat Rogers (7)
Lewsey will alternate with Robinson depending on the situation. But when England need a runner who can hit the ball at pace, Lewsey will be the man.

Rogers, the third of the ex-league triumvirate who make up the Wallaby back three, has shown he is a fine all-round footballer and an elusive runner.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Right wing:
Jason Robinson (8) v Wendell Sailor (8)
Robinson is England's most destructive runner, especially in a broken-field situation, but he has a solid all-round game to back up his dazzling footwork.

Rather than playing as an out-and-out try-scorer, Sailor has been handed a different role. Australia frequently use him as a high-speed ball carrier to make ground through the middle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Outside centre:
Mike Tindall (7) v Stirling Mortlock (8)
The hard-hitting Tindall comes back into the side at the expense of Bath team-mate Catt largely to counter the threat posed by the hard-running Mortlock.

The Australia centre has made a late charge to secure a place in the Australia team and his power play has given the Wallabies a cutting edge through the middle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inside centre:
Will Greenwood (7) v Elton Flatley (7)
Greenwood makes up for a lack of pace with his speed of thought and incredible reading of the game.

Flatley has grown hugely as a player over the past two seasons and his place kicking is not that far below the incredible standards set by Wilkinson.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Left wing:
Ben Cohen (8) v Lote Tuqiri (8)
Quick and powerful, Cohen has been hugely impressive for the past two seasons but has not been at his best so far during the tournament.

Tuqiri has only started a handful of matches but his impact has been considerable and if he gets much ball the ex-rugby league international will pose England plenty of problems.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fly-half:
Jonny Wilkinson (10) v Stephen Larkham (8)
Voted the best player in the world by his peers on Wednesday, what more can you say about Wilkinson? His all-round game is excellent while his kicking is beyond comparison.

Larkham has come back to form in a big way in this tournament and is once again ghosting through gaps with a silky grace that belies his speed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scrum-half:
Matt Dawson (7) v George Gregan (7)
As usual, there will be plenty of winding-up from the two number nines. Dawson, in particular, is not a popular figure among the Australians following his over-the-top celebrations in 2001.

Still, he has looked sharp in the past couple of games while Gregan, although not the player he was four years ago, continues to set the tempo for Australia.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Loose-head prop:
Trevor Woodman (7) v Bill Young (8)
Woodman is one of England's un-sung heroes. A fine scrummager who gets through plenty of work in the loose, although he has yet to dominate a game.

Young has been the cornerstone of the Australia pack and his contribution in both scrums and open play has surprised many observers, who did not think he had it in him.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Hooker:
Steve Thompson (8) v Brendan Cannon (7)
Cannon has been one of Australia's stand-out players and his all-action style means he gets round the field like an extra back-row forward.

Thompson is one of the most feared forwards in the world game. Massive but mobile, he is a force in the tight and the loose, although his lineout throwing has been below par at the World Cup and costs him a point.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Tight-head prop:
Phil Vickery (9) v Al Baxter (6)
The massive Vickery confirmed his status as one of the great props in Sunday's semi-final win. Helped England get the upper hand against the much-vaunted French front row.

Baxter, who is not renowned as a scrummager and only gets his chance because of a neck injury to Ben Darwin, is athletic around the field but Vickery is a force of nature.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Second row:
Martin Johnson (10) v Nathan Sharpe (7)
Johnson is the most respected captain in the game. An expert in the dark arts, he also has enough skill to contribute all round the field and leads by example.

Sharpe may not have quite the same aura but has shown he is a big force in the loose. As a former Australian Rules player, he has good handling ability.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Second row:
Ben Kay (7) v Justin Harrison (7)
What Kay lacks in bulk he makes up for in athleticism. England's main jumper in the lineout, he also contributes in broken play, although he has been below his best so far in Australia.

Harrison, who had a notable run-in with Austin Healey on the 2002 Lions tour, is another former Aussie Rules player. A lineout expert who will look to pressure Thompson's throwing.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Blind-side flanker:
Richard Hill (9)v George Smith (8)
Without Hill, England struggled. When he returned, they started to fire. Does a lot of unglamorous things that can't be seen from the stands but he is invaluable to the cause.

Australia's change in tactics means Smith, a world-class open-side, plays a similar scavenging role at number six. However, he is not the world's greatest ball carrier, a traditional role of blind-sides.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Open-side flanker:
Neil Back (7)v Phil Waugh (8)
Back has constantly defied the critics over the years, who argued he was too small. Bloody-minded to a fault, his all-action style makes him a constant irritant to the opposition.

With two class open-sides and a lack of ball carriers, Australia have decided to play both their scavengers. Hence Smith and Waugh in the same back row. Waugh is an all-action figure and may shade Back.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Number eight:
Lawrence Dallaglio (7) v David Lyons (7)
Dallaglio has looked slightly below his imperious best during the tournament and seems to be less explosive than at his peak, although he remains a hugely influential figure.

Lyons has made a decent first of filling Toutai Kefu's shoes but looks short of the highest class and may have a thankless task against England's back row.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total scores overall: 118 England. Austraila 111.

England have the edge in terms of ability, especially in the pack, which is why they are ranked number one.

They also possess more world-class players and have the increasingly valuable Wilkinson.

But that does not mean Australia can be discounted. Not only are they the reigning champions and hosts, they also have the weight of history behind them.

[WebMonkey]

England set for Aussie showdown


Australia and England lock horns on Saturday knowing they are one match away from World Cup glory.

The 2003 Rugby World Cup final will take place in front of a capacity 83,500 crowd in Sydney - almost 40,000 of whom are expected to be travelling England fans.

Blair, Sven send support

Millions more will be watching on television across the world and back in England, including British Prime Minister Tony Blair who officially wished the England team well on Friday.

The weather over the New South Wales capital is expected to be overcast and showery, similar to the conditions in which England beat France to reach the final.



Sydney weather forecast

Australia, who are defending champions, overcame fierce rivals New Zealand to make their third World Cup final

The countries have met once before in the final, in 1991 when the Wallabies won 12-6 at Twickenham.

But coach Clive Woodward's men have not lost to Australia since June 1999 and are seeking to become the first northern hemisphere side to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy.

Bookies favour England
And they are 4/7 favourites to win, with the Aussies offered at 5/4, with bookmakers William Hill, who claim the match will be the biggest in rugby betting history.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Team news

Australia news:
Jones makes one change
Australia coach Eddie Jones is confident his team can deliver the goods and become the first country to win the William Webb Ellis trophy back-to-back.

Jones would have sent out the same team that beat New Zealand 22-10 in the semi-finals, but for injury.

The serious neck injury Ben Darwin suffered in that victory means prop Al Baxter comes in to the front row.

Australia: M Rogers, W Sailor, S Mortlock, E Flatley, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan (capt); B Young, B Cannon, A Baxter; J Harrison, N Sharpe; G Smith, P Waugh, D Lyons.
Replacements: J Paul, M Dunning, D Giffin, M Cockbain, C Whitaker, M Giteau, J Roff.

England news:
Tindall in for Catt
England, like Australia, have made one change to the team that booked their final spot with a 24-7 victory over France.

Woodward has elected to bring in centre Mike Tindall for Mike Catt, a swap he described as "horses for courses".

Tindall's return means that England will be running out with 14 of the team that beat the Wallabies in their last encounter in the summer, Matt Dawson for Kyran Bracken being the only change.

England: J Lewsey, J Robinson, W Greenwood, M Tindall, B Cohen; J Wilkinson, M Dawson; T Woodman, S Thompson, P Vickery; M Johnson; (capt), B Kay; R Hill, N Back, L Dallaglio.
Replacements: D West, J Leonard, M Corry, L Moody, K Bracken, M Catt, I Balshaw.

[smokiechimp]

T - 8H 20M

[redman]

im so pumped, the final's going to be on soon. Go the wallabies. The atmos is huge where im living, people have come out showing their colours all across town. Im going to go down to the pub tonight and watch the match on the big screen. When the Aussies win, the celebrations will go on throughout the night.

Go home enlgand (i hope these comments dont come back and bite me in the ass)

[redman]

im so pumped, the final's going to be on soon. Go the wallabies. The atmos is huge where im living, people have come out showing their colours all across town. Im going to go down to the pub tonight and watch the match on the big screen. When the Aussies win, the celebrations will go on throughout the night.

Go home England (i hope these comments dont come back and bite me in the ass)

[The Moose]

that's the ONE good thing about australia winning. if you win, we'll hear about it for a few months, but if england win, we'll never hear the end of it. as thor told me, england are STILL going on about winning the Soccer World Cup in 1966 or something. as i want to see Clive proven wrong. he's just been so damn pompous

[adt100]

Talk about a tight match! :applaud:

20-17.

Now, that's how to represent your nation (England football team take note!)

Swing low, sweet chariot.


Congratulations ENGLAND - 2003 Rugby World Champions!

[adt100]

Is that all we've got?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39513000/jpg/_39513302_wilko_ap235x300.jpg

No. But it sure as anything helps to have such a player for the World Cup. :D

[smokiechimp]

YEE HAAAAAA!!!!!

[NDIB_0018]

Funny how the big mouthed australians have nothing to say. England winning was poetic justice at its finest becasue of Austalias winding up all the time they have been in Australia.

ENGLAND - WORLD CHAMPS (sounds good and right)

[The Moose]

i have one thing to say. enjoy finishing very early in 2007, as you will have no hope in hell of winning then

[twiggy]

Originally posted by The Moose
i have one thing to say. enjoy finishing very early in 2007, as you will have no hope in hell of winning then

Boy, you show good sportsmanship! You don't sound like the sorest loser at all!

[smokiechimp]

But we won't have any of our experienced forwards, Delalio, Hill, Catt, johnson, Vickery, Leonard. To name but a few. I just hope some of these young guys can come up through the ranks like Moody, Dawson and Tindall have.

[redman]

My comments bit me in the ass. Damn.

But i must say that was one of the finest matches ive ever seen. I congratulate England and Aus on the best world cup final ever.

I was on the edge of my seat the whole game, and funnily enough, when we lost, you just realised u'd witnesed the two best teams duking it out to the every end, so it didnt hurt as much.

That drop-goal from Jonny seemed inevitable.

Thats the first time ive ever seen Martin Johnson smile.

[NDIB_0018]

No offense but It wasnt the two best teams. New Zeland are better then Australia.

[The Moose]

i agree with you there NDIB_0018!

[redman]

yeah well if they were the second best they wouldve been in the final.

NZ may have been the best at the start of the year, but they're not now.

Times change. Move with them.

[tedward]

Well Done England.

It was a great game, a great Tuqiri try to start things off (been a while since i saw that type of try in a wc match) and I could bearly watch the last penalty of normal time to bring on the extra time, a great game.

I cant say I am that disapointed the best team in the world deservidlly won it, there was nothing the walabies could pull out of the hat to stop it. It has to be said the English fans have been very good too.

Also you foul mouthed sour loosers kiwis should shut shut up - your team wernt even also rans.

[redman]

Originally posted by tedward
your team wernt even also rans.

?

But i agree that the kiwi's are being a bit sour about their loss.

[J Diddy]

Originally posted by J Diddy
Now for the final!!!!
If in doubt listen to J Diddy, i said from Day 1 that England would win.
It was the best final there has been in any Rugby World Cup and i'm proud to be English (and half Welsh, which i'm also proud of).
Australia played well and you have to give credit where credits due.
Jonny Wilkinson for BBC Sports Personality of the year!! No Doubt!

[WebMonkey]

After all the name calling and English -bashing that we've to put up with. You gotta say the the best team won. The was the best game i've ever saw. It had everything. Including the right score line. Apologise might be order lads....?

[The Moose]

i agree that the best team in the final won. but something that i see as stupid is the demand for Jonny to get knighted. it's pathetic

[redman]

Jonny's a champ but thats going a little far.

I agree, England were the best team throughout the tournament.

Once all the emotion has gone, we can be more objective about the teams.

[tedward]

I think Johny Desrves a Knighthood. I dont see anything silly about it - he won the world cup for goodness sake.

England has already given knighthoods to the Soccer World Cup winners and Alex Ferguson for winning the European Champions League etc.

It would be cool Johnys everything you imagine a modern knight to be ...and kicking for England - SIR Johny Wilkinson.

He will probably get one, but not till after he retires - I think he should get one asap.

[The Moose]

he didn't win the cup. the team did. he happened to be the one whi kicked the ball over the posts, but the team got him there.

[redman]

I agree that the team got him to that position. But on the other hand he got a lot of their points.

[The Moose]

but if the situation had been reversed totally, and Larkham happened to be the one who got the goals that Wilkinson got, would you want him to get a knighthood?

[J Diddy]

Clive Woodward and Martin Johnson will both be knighted, i don't think it will happen for a few years but they both will be (for sure).

[tedward]

Originally posted by The Moose
but if the situation had been reversed totally, and Larkham happened to be the one who got the goals that Wilkinson got, would you want him to get a knighthood?

Nope - Australians dont really aspire to that sort of thing (imo).

Steve Waugh could arguably be entitled one, but I dont think he will be devastated not to get one.

[The Moose]

he could get an MBE, but not a KBE. i could survive with Woodward and Johnson getting MBEs

[J Diddy]

I think Jonny Wilkinson already has an OBE. So i'm sure he's not in that much of a rush for anything else.

[The Moose]

i think that he does, infact. even more reason for him not to get one. he's already been honoured

[WebMonkey]

Pfft! I think your right moose... Its not like handing out bus tickets is it!

[J Diddy]

Originally posted by The Moose
he's already been honoured
No for the world cup he hasn't, i think that was probably for his work in Rugby.

[tedward]

Knight HIM, SIR JOHHNY!!

[tedward]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20031215/i/ra4203933382.jpg

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/oukoe_rugby_union_campese

[J Diddy]

Good week for Jonny. Meets the Queen twice, gets an MBE and wins sports personality of the year!

[The Moose]

well, i can sorta see where his getting an MBE came from, but that does make me glad that they didn't knight him

[J Diddy]

No, he was already going to get an MBE even before the world cup.

[The Moose]

oh. and with the ABs losing , we now have a new coach (which i don't think is the right decision). graham henry is replacing John Mitchell. only real reason is because we lost the semi to australia

[redman]

yeah, as soon as one team has a hiccup, they get rid of the coach. they never blame the players.

[Steve from Indy]

Just wanted to extend a belated congratulations and three cheers to England and their fans for their victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. I really enjoyed watching it on Fox World Sports. Clive Woodward's red rose club proved they were a team to be reckoned with.

Congratulations also to the Australian Wallabees and the All Blacks of New Zealand. Both of these clubs gave a great accounting of themselves and have nothing to be ashamed of. It was an enjoyable thing to watch all the way around.

Here's hoping this event makes it to the States someday so I can see it first hand. I'm very envious.