RWC19 "Stuff"
Re: RWC19 "Stuff"
Two decent games for Eng so far but they haven't tought us much apart from the fact that Eng like others can beat tier two teams. On the plus there has been lots of good attacking skills on show and some bite and venom but the hadling spills are a frustration. There are a few silly pens in there but that may still be the players trying to find out where the limit is with the refs. OZ/ Wales will be the next match that will tell us anything and even if eng do win the next two it will only be in a 1/4 f that they will be a strong opposition. However they are doing most things well and have avoided injuries so far. EJ will be keeping his powder dry on a fair bit of team/ tactics stuff but that will come out in time.
The one thing that is developing is that it is getting increasingly difficult to name a first XV. There are two very good options for most positions and the only nailed on starters are probably Mako/ Billy/ OF/ Itoje. All the others are horses for courses and allow a lot of strong combinations.
Re: RWC19 "Stuff"
I do wish everyone would stop treating France and Argentina as if they are fairly easy games. France particularly are building nicely and will be a tough nut to crack. EJ has known for months what his 23 will be (subject to injuries and suspensions). So the likes of Joseph, Ludlow, Francis etc are unlikely to be part of the match day squad for the rest of the tournament if everyone remains available no matter how well they play
Re: RWC19 "Stuff"
Oz v Wales is the next tasty one. Although I hear what you write about France and Argentina I know either would be preferable to England in a QF...as I see it the game should see the easier path to the SF.
Re: RWC19 "Stuff"
I don't think either F or Arg will be easy but if Eng have any pretentions to being at the top then both games need to be win targets . What follows will be harder. I see Oz/ NZ/ SA/ Wales/ Ire as the only teams in the same bracket as Eng and those are the big tough games. All as we have seen are capable of beating each other. Of those NZ tend to slip up least and are still pack leaders. Oddly were Eng to come second in the group then they would probably have a route forwarded that avoids NZ which would be an easier pathway. However rightly EJ and Eng will just ignore that and go for wins.
Re: RWC19 "Stuff"
It seems our Jake has become a Rugby World Cup record breaker following Italy's game against Canada.
14 tacklers beaten. The most ever by a forward in a single game at a World Cup.
Add to that, 106 Metres from 16 carries. 3 clean breaks and 4 offloads, 3 of which contributed directly to tries.
I think it's safe to say that we are very lucky to have him at Glaws but with pundits around the globe likening his abilities to the standards set by All Black players, we will be lucky to keep hold of him, especially as he is not restricted as to where he can play club rugby. I dearly hope that we can and do keep him with us for the long-term.
I think it's also fair to say that Callum's contribution to Italy's game cannot be ignored either. As somebody has already mentioned, it's strange to think that he could potentially be our third choice scrum half this season.
Re: RWC19 "Stuff"
Moto Matu'u gets a 3 week ban. The panel were not united, but it was a majority decision
Re: RWC19 "Stuff"
Russglos wrote:It seems our Jake has become a Rugby World Cup record breaker following Italy's game against Canada.
14 tacklers beaten. The most ever by a forward in a single game at a World Cup.
Add to that, 106 Metres from 16 carries. 3 clean breaks and 4 offloads, 3 of which contributed directly to tries.
I think it's safe to say that we are very lucky to have him at Glaws but with pundits around the globe likening his abilities to the standards set by All Black players, we will be lucky to keep hold of him, especially as he is not restricted as to where he can play club rugby. I dearly hope that we can and do keep him with us for the long-term.
I think it's also fair to say that Callum's contribution to Italy's game cannot be ignored either. As somebody has already mentioned, it's strange to think that he could potentially be our third choice scrum half this season.
Well he signed a new contract which was described as "Long-term" in March this year so hopefully he is here for the foreseeable. Given he is playing for Italy there shouldn't be any compelling reason for him to go elsewhere as long as we continue to dine at the top table!
Re: RWC19 "Stuff"
Also Schalk Brits due to play at 8 for South Africa against Namibia. Can't work out if that is a bit disrespectful or not but will be interesting to see?
Re: RWC19 "Stuff"
Sheddy Mcshedface wrote:Also Schalk Brits due to play at 8 for South Africa against Namibia. Can't work out if that is a bit disrespectful or not but will be interesting to see?
I'm not sure what to make of this either, however, I know from experience that Brits is one of the humblest ambassadors of the game. I can't see him approaching the game with any disrespect. He certainly has the skill set of an international 8.
Re: RWC19 "Stuff"
Oh 100 percent. Brits is a class act. The question is really for the South African management.
Should be a good motivator for the Namibians.