Blanco 4,900 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 16 minutes ago, DanFromDownSouth said: Can't see past New Zealand winning this one. Think England and Wales are probably then the next best shot. South Africa are a team who can always cause problems, but don't think they are anywhere near where they used to be. Aussies are hit and miss and have started this cup in that vein. Almost losing to Fiji (who lost to part timers Uruguay). Ireland seem to have lost their way just at the wrong time. The lineout has gone to pot and big players are not performing. I really hope that the rest of the rugby world share your opinion on Ireland Dan. I don’t know how a team who have just become number one in the world for the first time ever can be deemed to have “lost their way” Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 1 hour ago, Blanco said: I really hope that the rest of the rugby world share your opinion on Ireland Dan. I don’t know how a team who have just become number one in the world for the first time ever can be deemed to have “lost their way” Did you watch the game against England? Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 1 hour ago, Blanco said: I don’t know how a team who have just become number one in the world for the first time ever can be deemed to have “lost their way” The world rugby rankings are pretty dire to be honest. The last 6 nations Ireland weren't particularly slick. The subsequent warm up games the same could be said. Against England, Ireland barely showed up and the Irish lineout certainly had a day off. I will hold my hands up and say they did manage to do the double over the Welsh team, which is a very good set of results. First game this world cup they beat a very weak Scottish team. And admittedly were very good in defence. But I still stand by what I said, Murray and Sexton are not at the level they were 12-18 months ago. Link to post Share on other sites
Blanco 4,900 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 I think that for the first World Cup in a long time Ireland are peaking at the right time. Yes I did see the game against England and it did worry me at the time but it did come during a very heavy pre-season almost so I think it can be forgiven. As I said I hope the rugby fraternity think the same as you. Write Ireland off at your peril. I should qualify the above by saying that it is a game of opinions and I could be way off the mark but I don’t think that I am. I guess time will tell Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 1 minute ago, Blanco said: I think that for the first World Cup in a long time Ireland are peaking at the right time. Yes I did see the game against England and it did worry me at the time but it did come during a very heavy pre-season almost so I think it can be forgiven. As I said I hope the rugby fraternity think the same as you. Write Ireland off at your peril. I should qualify the above by saying that it is a game of opinions and I could be way off the mark but I don’t think that I am. I guess time will tell Last bit is exactly spot on! It's my opinion that I have seen a slight decline in the Irish team over the last 12 months. You are right that it is as open as it has ever been. But the AB's look very strong as usual. I see quite a bit of the Irish as I have a close friend (From Drogheda) who lives over here, so we often watch the 6 nations together. Was even over at the Aviva when the Fijians gave the Irish a scare a few years back. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
smogsterking the Inspirati 2,453 Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 (edited) To be honest I think Ireland are beginning to find their form again now. I thought they had peaked last year with New Zealand. I think the 2 Welsh results and Scotland shows they might just be coming back into form. I think squad depth is generally Irelands problem if they suffer a few injuries although that seems to have improved since the last world cup. The win over Scotland probably means they avoid New Zealand in the quarter final as well. I'm being optimistic but I think there will be 2 home nations teams in the semis possibly 3 if England and Wales win their groups. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
TeaCider24 12,396 Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 Hopefully it's England's year. Not sure I could cope with the smugness if Wales win it. But then the Welsh will have the same thoughts about us. I think it will just end up being New Zealand again though. Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 If my predictions are correct, the quarter finals will look like this. England vs Australia Wales vs France Ireland vs South Africa New Zealand vs Scotland/Japan* *Can't decide who will finish 2 in Pool A. Head says Scotland, but would love to see the Cherry Blossoms come 2nd. Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 Japan vs Ireland should be a good game to watch this morning! Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 Japan are flying out the traps today! If the are to get a result out of this game, think they need to get early points on the board. Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 Great cross field kick from Carty to Ringrose, who goes in, in the corner. Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 Japan refuse to go away and end up going into half-time just 3 points behind! Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 Japan have been incredible first 15 of the 2nd half! Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 What an important try by the "Brave Blossoms"! If (and it is a big if) they win this, this will be a bigger shock than when they beat South Africa! Link to post Share on other sites
DanFromDownSouth 1,706 Posted September 28, 2019 Share Posted September 28, 2019 Japan with a crucial kick to take their lead to 7 with 8 minutes remaining! Link to post Share on other sites
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