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Post by newby on Oct 17, 2023 18:15:10 GMT
Down to the business end this coming weekend with the semi finals on Friday and Saturday. It could be argued, and I wouldn't argue against it that the real semi-finals were played last weekend.
So much for France and Ireland and the expected Northern hemisphere domination.
I expect NZ to blow Argentina away on Friday and South Africa to do the same to us on Saturday, but. where there's life there's hope.
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Post by davemorton on Oct 17, 2023 19:03:11 GMT
Much criticism of the seeding and the draw, but the uneven groups produced four brilliant Q-final games, two of the highest imaginable standard and two....er, less so, but still good games.
Pay-off time this weekend, with two one-sided Semis - but you never quite know with sport. It's not like a play. Richard III sometimes wins. Really tough on Ireland and France.
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Post by hawke on Oct 18, 2023 21:59:44 GMT
Yes very tough on France and Ireland. Crazy seedlings. Were they based on 4 years ago? But indeed great quarter finals.
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Post by newby on Oct 19, 2023 10:15:36 GMT
I suppose it's easier to take being knocked out at the quarter-final stage rather than the heartbreak of a losing a final.
Two very close matches and two sides who could, if things had gone just slightly differently with a couple of decisions, would have had a chance of winning the final.
Now we have two semi-finals where the losers will just be grateful to have got so far in the competition and two nailed on winners.
At least that's what it looks like this far out.
I'll be watching and hoping though.
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Post by davemorton on Oct 19, 2023 10:55:24 GMT
The losers of the semi-finals have the added humiliation of having to play in a 'bronze medal final' in which no one is slightly interested, so at least France and Ireland have been spared that. Not so England and Argentina, in all probability.
The seedings were based partly on finishing positions last time, and partly on World standings two years ago, when the draw was made. I accept that you probably have to have the draw one year out, but this was silly.
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Post by newby on Oct 20, 2023 12:38:23 GMT
Pleased to see that Marcus Smith has been pulled out of the game against South Africa. I like him but not as full back and not as a starter, certainly not at this level.
As it gets closer I'm gradually talking England up, at least to myself. I have no idea what goes on in the scrum so I can't speak with any confidence on Mahler replacing Genge. Similar with Martin in for Chessum, though I'm not convinced by Chessum in open play.
South Africa were great versus France, but they did get beaten by Ireland and theirs always a chance they could fall foul of the referee.
I wouldn't put money on an England win, but it could be an interested contest.
Not sure if tonights game will be much of a contest.
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Post by slowleftarmer on Oct 20, 2023 13:36:49 GMT
If it becomes a kicking contest I would favour Farrell over their No 10 (at least til they bring on Pollard). Yes Steward back at full back under the high bombs the South Africans used to good effect v France makes sense.
As for the scrum, like you I have no idea of the dark arts but the reserve South African front row that comes off the bench as a trio is as fearsome as the starting three.
All through the tournament people have written England off and even now people question how we are in the semi finals. Well we are the only team with 100% record still in the whole tournament and our group provides 2 of the 4 semi finalists so it must have been tougher! Why cant we go out and win tomorrow.
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Post by davemorton on Oct 20, 2023 15:47:47 GMT
I reckon that if we avoid scrums, not get involved in a tactical kicking game, or a running game, or a rucking game....and if South Africa get a couple sent off in the first half, we might have a chance of almost winning.
Farrell's Robots nil, S Africa 40.
But it does begin nil-nil.
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Post by Hit Wicket on Oct 21, 2023 2:59:16 GMT
In my role as a neutral I hope it's an even match. Not like last night's.
But - a warning to friends and family - if England do win I shall leave my phone off for at least twelve hours. There are only so many badly sung renditions of "Swing Low" a man can take.
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Post by newby on Oct 21, 2023 17:18:43 GMT
I think I'm well prepared for England to lose, I'm just hoping they can keep it competitive well into the second half.
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Post by karma on Oct 21, 2023 19:54:50 GMT
Well, England leading 12 - 6 at half-time , I didn't see that coming. I realise it's not how you start the game but how you finish.
It would really be something if England could go on to the final, kindled my interest in the game so far.
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Post by newby on Oct 21, 2023 21:08:48 GMT
Shame. We were well in the game until the scrum started to give away penalties. Lots of kicking yes and very little open rugby but we played to our strengths and have done a whole heap better than expected when we came into the competition.
At least I can watch the final nice and calmly now.
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Post by hawke on Oct 22, 2023 6:06:18 GMT
Well some good pre-match assessments there. Not pretty and not a pretty ending. They toughed it out but are edged out. The scrum in RU certainly makes it different to RL. Hope NZ win.
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Post by karma on Oct 22, 2023 10:39:02 GMT
I must be honest and say Rugby Union is not my first choice of game to watch. However because England's chances had been written off even before they got on the plane, my interest grew . When talk of us not winning a game my interest (or is it indignation) was stirred. When the talk turned to a cricket score against us grew so did my indignation and support for the team .I appreciate the game wasn't the best ever but At half-time I thought this is unbelievable , there's a possibility we ( it's now we and us!) can go on and win this!
Only one point in it but it's still a loss , I'm a new supporter though, I like to support the underdog but experienced the 'sadness' that comes with defeat. Well done South Africa
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Post by Hit Wicket on Oct 22, 2023 15:15:30 GMT
A general comment - and it's not World Cup specific - on the commentary and how it might be improved.
I've watched hundreds of union matches in my lifetime, though I'm far from an expert and (particularly of late) haven't kept abreast of rule changes. When penalties are given I'm regularly mystified as to what's gone on. And sometimes mystified as to why the penalty was FOR rather than AGAINST.
I wish the commentary team handled this better. There are countless stoppages that could allow time for a recap/better explanation.
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