The rugby

[T4tomo]

Couple of belting games over the weekend with South Africa beating Italy for the first time ever and the USA drawing with Australia, which opens up that group.

Australia at a slight advantage as they play after the US so they will know the points difference equation. I suspect as long as Eng;land don' completely shellac them they will get through. US will just need to keep pilling up the points on Samoa earlier in the day and hope its enough

 

[Beebo]

Australia at a slight advantage as they play after the US so they will know the points difference equation. I suspect as long as Eng;land don' completely shellac them they will get through. US will just need to keep pilling up the points on Samoa earlier in the day and hope its enough

Will England play their best side?
That could make a big difference to the outcome.

 

[T4tomo]

Will England play their best side?
That could make a big difference to the outcome.

Almost certainly yes, as they made a load of changes from the USA game to play the Samoan part-timers. so its back to the A team for the Aussies.

 

[Pross]

Bit wet in Newcastle

 

[Chromatic]

It was dry at Kingsholm last night.

I see South Africa gave New Zealand a good hiding in their own back yard this morning.

 

[rualexander]

It was dry at Kingsholm last night.

I see South Africa gave New Zealand a good hiding in their own back yard this morning.

It was a great game, the first half was at a frantic pace and the ABs were 10 - 7 up at half time, then the Springboks won the second half 36 - 0, quite astonishing given how close the previous week's game was and how many injuries the Springboks suffered early on.

 

[Chromatic]

It was a great game, the first half was at a frantic pace and the ABs were 10 - 7 up at half time, then the Springboks won the second half 36 - 0, quite astonishing given how close the previous week's game was and how many injuries the Springboks suffered early on.

I watched the replay last night. You‘re right, it was a great game and the first half was frantic stuff.

 

[laurentian]

Watched both the WRWC semi finals at the weekend . . . Canada were very impressive and although England beat the French quite comfortably, I think the final could be very tight.

 

[yello]

England will have to up their game to beat the Canada that played NZ off the park. That was some, dare I say darned near complete, performance.

 

[laurentian]

England will have to up their game to beat the Canada that played NZ off the park. That was some, dare I say darned near complete, performance.

I don't get to watch an awful lot of rugby but the Canadian ruck speed was, at times, as quick as I have ever seen. I know Canada were ranked second behind England for the tournament (and in rankings) but did not realise just how good they were. De Goede and Pelletier were damn near unplayable at times.

Watch out England

 

[Dogtrousers]

I was really impressed by Canada. And a bit shocked by how good they were. But I also watched the SA NZ match and the Black Ferns weren't quite as athletic and dynamic as I was expecting from what little I've seen of them in the past. Maybe this isn't a vintage year for them, or maybe my expectations were inflated. Or perhaps I'm just an eejit who doesn't watch enough women's rugby to express an opinion.

 

[grldtnr]

How refreshing it is to watch the WRWC, played like it used to be played, ball in hand and run with it, what the women lack in physical size and power is hardly irrelevant, they play the game just as well ,if not better than the men, without all those silly bloody box kicks and kicking for touch.
I relish the forth coming final.

 

[Shadow]

the Canadian ruck speed was, at times, as quick as I have ever seen

This is one aspect of their game that is important - the whole idea being to get the ball moving super quickly, preferably before the opposition are ready or realise. And to get the ball off the floor and into hands, going forwards.

De Goede and Pelletier were damn near unplayable at times.

Also part of the plan! Along with the excellent Tessier - it is not too surprising that these 3 play in england as pros.

Watch out England

I certainly hope they give them a huge shock...but england management will have watched the semi-final and have taken notes.

I had to check your profile for nationality clues...you do realise what laurentian means to canucks?! 🇨🇦 🇨🇦 🇨🇦

 

[Pblakeney]

I had to check your profile for nationality clues...you do realise what laurentian means to canucks?! 🇨🇦 🇨🇦 🇨🇦

Skiing?

 

[AndyRM]

Canada will knacker England on Saturday.

They're a fluid and dynamic team, and as much as I respect England for the grunt they've got up front they neglect the backs.