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Post by davemorton on Jul 6, 2024 6:50:01 GMT
Huge day of International rugby today, Saturday, beginning with breakfast time NZ v England, then Aus v Wales and SA v Ireland - all on Sky.
The U20 World Cup has exceeded expectations so far, with some fantastic high-quality games. The highlight was probably Argentina's demolition of S Africa. England need to beat S Africa to be sure of a semi-final place. Elsewhere, France just lost to NZ, and Georgia came within a whisker of beating Ireland, who are probably favourites to win the whole thing.
The group stages conclude on Tuesday. 3 groups, so the 3 winners + best runner-up make the last 4.
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Post by newby on Jul 6, 2024 21:33:36 GMT
Haven't seen any of the U20 World Cup, not enough hours in the day to watch everything going on just now.
Listened to the New Zealand v England game this morning while travelling over to Leeds. 16-15, it doesn't get much closer than that. England get another chance next week. It sounded like after a good first half England couldn't make much headway after the break with NZ happy to kick the ball away, swap possession for position and wait for England to make a mistake.
In Rugby League, after an ill judged International weekend, which drew very little interest and a measly crowd in France, Super league was back. I had visions of Leeds Rhino's sneaking into the top 6, scoring a hat full against London Bronco's, while Hull KR did us a favour and tonked the Catalan Dragons to get us there on points difference. As it turned out both games were tied after 80 minutes, Leeds managed the win in Extra time but Hull KR didn't so we are stuck outside the play-off places and seemingly making no headway. Stupid game.
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Post by davemorton on Jul 6, 2024 21:51:23 GMT
The NZ v Eng game was the most enjoyable of the four, high quality running rugby, with England's blitz defence a strong feature.
For quality, the best game was SA v Ire, world #1 v #2, and it looked like it. It hinged on so many close decisions, which went about 3-1 in favour of the Saffers. Not that they weren't correct, I think the officials got them all right, but the smallest of margins. Relatively, it was a more cautious game than the one in Dunedin.
Aus v Wales was also exciting, if lacking in quality, relatively, and Arg v France was the shock, as the French youngsters roundly beat the gnarled old Argie pros. Also very watchable.
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Post by slowleftarmer on Jul 8, 2024 9:58:24 GMT
i was disappointed to see Jim Botham's try chalked off against the Aussies for what looked like one of those minor technical infringements that 90% of the people watching would not have had a clue why.
It would have been great to see another Botham come back and haunt the Aussies
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Post by newby on Jul 10, 2024 21:44:30 GMT
In Rugby League Leeds Rhinos have brought in a grizzled Australian veteran, Brad Arthur, to try and pull them into shape for the rest of the season.
If he gets here in time he might see the size of the task he has in hand when Leeds travel to play a very good Warrington side tomorrow.
It's the Hull derby on Saturday, Hull FC have been improving fast and a win over their neighbours, though unlikely, isn't out of the question.
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Post by hawke on Jul 14, 2024 6:35:45 GMT
Well there is some improvement at Hull FC but not enough. Some outstanding RU internationals, highlighted of course by Ireland's terrific win.
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Post by newby on Jul 14, 2024 7:02:31 GMT
Nothing from our Rugby Correspondent for a little while, I hope all is well!
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Post by hawke on Jul 14, 2024 8:48:03 GMT
Nothing from our Rugby Correspondent for a little while, I hope all is well! I think he is on tour.
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