***Official 2007 Rugby World Cup Thread***

[monosylab1k]

Last time I counted, about 3 ppl at SpursTalk gave a shit about rugby. I'll start this thread anyways. Play begins September 7th.

Probably a little known fact is that this is the third most watched sporting event in the world, behind the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.

official website - http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/

[LEONARD]

So only 3 people here care about MMA??

[monosylab1k]

So only 3 people here care about MMA??
no idea. i've only counted three ppl that have talked rugby - me, johngateswhitely, and some spurs fan i don't remember. i figure more ppl are interested, i just haven't seen them yet.

[LEONARD]

Oooooooooooooooooooooookaay

[monosylab1k]

point me to the most recent rubgy thread after this one then, cuz I sure as hell don't see one on the first page.

[LEONARD]

I assumed this thread was a shot at the MMA threads here based on how you wrote it...

[monosylab1k]

I assumed this thread was a shot at the MMA threads here based on how you wrote it...
How is that exactly?

[Soul_Patch]

I enjoy rugby, just cant ever find any coverage of it at all, so it is hard to say im a fan of the sport.

[monosylab1k]

I enjoy rugby, just cant ever find any coverage of it at all, so it is hard to say im a fan of the sport.
Yeah, unless you subscribe to Setanta sports it's tough.

BUT I just found out that the station Versus (formerly OLN) is going to be playing alot of matches.

http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/40560/?UserDef=true&catID=76

9/9/2007 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm France vs Argentina

9/10/2007 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm USA vs England

9/13/2007 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm USA vs Tonga

9/16/2007 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm England vs South Africa -should be a pretty good match.

9/23/2007 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm France vs Ireland - should be a REALLY good match, try and check it out if you can.

9/24/2007 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Scotland vs New Zealand

9/27/2007 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Samoa vs USA

10/1/2007 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm South Africa vs USA

10/7/2007 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Rugby World Cup - Quarter Final

10/14/2007 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Rugby World Cup - Semi Final

10/21/2007 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Rugby World Cup - Final

[monosylab1k]

BTW the best teams in the world are probably New Zealand, France, Ireland, Australia, England, and South Africa.

The US team is a middle of the road team and really doesn't have much of a chance.

[monosylab1k]

I'll update this as the tournament goes on -

Pools

Pool A

South Africa - (3-0, 14 pts)
England - (2-1, 9 pts)
Tonga - (2-1, 9 pts)
Samoa - (0-3, 1 pts)
USA - (0-2, 0 pts)

Pool B

Australia - (3-0, 15 pts)
Wales - (2-1, 10 pts)
Fiji - (2-1, 10 pts)
Japan - (0-3, 1 pts)
Canada - (0-2, 0 pts)

Pool C

New Zealand - (3-0, 15 pts)
Scotland - (2-1, 10 pts)
Italy - (2-1, 8 pts)
Romania - (0-2, 1 pts)
Portugal - (0-3, 0 pts)

Pool D

Argentina - (3-0, 14 pts)
France - (2-1, 10 pts)
Ireland - (2-1, 9 pts)
Georgia - (0-2, 1 pts)
Namibia - (0-3, 0 pts)

The top 2 teams from each pool advance to the playoffs.

[Duncan21]

nice, i thought no one cared on here.

On paper the All Blacks are unbeatable, but this is the world cup and in past years in the world cup they don't seem to get the job done when it matters.

but this year i think its different, they have prepared for this world cup really well doing their re-conditioning program which has made them stronger players than they have ever been they have the fastest and most skilful backs, infact they almost have the best of everything and with their two main players dan carter and richie mccaw, which are the two best in the world. i think they should win it fairly easily.

[dallaskd]

this is the mma forum. stay out.

[CAPARG]

Wow, i just view this thread, i´m very exited with this tournament, tomorrow we open it with France....Vamos Pumas carajo!!!!!!

[CAPARG]

i´m 36 and i play since i have 9....still play with my friends in my club some weekends, my mind can´t "retire" yet...or in spanish...mi mente no colgó los botines todavía.

[johngateswhiteley]

Holy Fuck! are you kidding me....i was going to make a thread about this since we are on the eve of France v. Argentina.

Best Team: New Zealand
Most Underrated Team: Argentina/Italy/England
My Pick to Win it All: France


...i love the France style of play and my favorite player of all time is Dominici, so those guys are my pick. unfortunately for Ireland and Argentina only one of them will make it out of pool play...i like Ireland if O'Driscoll is healthy.

watching the game tomorrow at the bar on Setanta at noon....can't fucking wait. anybody who hasn't seen rugby or doesn't know what it is...get your ass to a bar that has Setanta. off the top of my head Lion & Rose does, so thats a good bet. and as mentioned before its the 3rd most watched event in the world.

[monosylab1k]

this is the mma forum. stay out.
go fag out to kyle davies stats or post more pics of your cousin posing like captain morgan.

[monosylab1k]

i like Ireland if O'Driscoll is healthy.
I'll be rooting for Ireland since i've got some Irish heritage, and I freakin love watching O'Driscoll. ESPN and SI keep trying to hype up Ronan O'Gara since he's from San Diego, and he's a real good player, but O'Driscoll is just a fuckin badass.

[monosylab1k]

If ur a Dallas resident, there's plenty of places to go, but I know without a doubt that the Trinity Hall Pub at Mockingbird Station will be showing all matches live. I'll be there at 1 PM today! Argentina vs. France!

[Duncan21]

i live in ireland and watch o'driscoll all the time, and honestly i think he overrated. hes a great player but not consistanly, he would do one good thing and you won't see him do it again for ages. hes good when hes good but alot of the time he doesn't do anything special.

[Duncan21]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huUleysAiZ4

dan carter versus zidane.

[smeagol]

Sorry for starting the other thread. I missed this one.

I'm getting the hell out of the office in 45 minutes and meeting with some friends to watch the opener, Pumas vs Les Blues!

France is the favorite. We have 20% chance of beating them, at best. Everything has to go our way.

That being said, we probably have the most competitive squad Argentina has presented in a WC, ever. Especially the backs.

Vamos Pumas Carajo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[smeagol]

I'll be rooting for Ireland since i've got some Irish heritage, and I freakin love watching O'Driscoll. ESPN and SI keep trying to hype up Ronan O'Gara since he's from San Diego, and he's a real good player, but O'Driscoll is just a fuckin badass.

Ireland is going down. We have some unfinished business from 4 years ago! :ihit

[smeagol]

no idea. i've only counted three ppl that have talked rugby - me, johngateswhitely, and some spurs fan i don't remember. i figure more ppl are interested, i just haven't seen them yet.

Here, entertain yourself. A 2004 thread where I lock horns with whottt about rugby.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100&highlight=smeagol+rugby (http://)

[CAPARG]

People, I invite you to watch Hernandez, i don´t know if you hear about him, but for me, he could be the revelation of the World cup.

[smeagol]

Pool D

France - (0-0, 0 pts)
Ireland - (0-0, 0 pts)
Argentina - (0-0, 0 pts)
Georgia - (0-0, 0 pts)
Namibia - (0-0, 0 pts)

The group of death!

[CAPARG]

Argentina-Ireland: this match is going to be a war....

[CAPARG]

Today, I have the sensation that we are going to win, hope i´m right, this is a great group with an exellent chemistry.

[monosylab1k]

Here, entertain yourself. A 2004 thread where I lock horns with whottt about rugby.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100&highlight=smeagol+rugby (http://)
haha wow.

I don't get why rugby isn't an Olympic sport anymore....and whottt was wrong, more people worldwide watch the RWC than the Super Bowl.

But I do think he has a point that the majority of American athletes best suited for rugby play American Football instead, which is why the USA isn't very competitive in the RWC. If guys like Reggie Bush and Ray Lewis played rugby, USA would at least make it into the knockout rounds.

[smeagol]

haha wow.

I don't get why rugby isn't an Olympic sport anymore....and whottt was wrong, more people worldwide watch the RWC than the Super Bowl.

But I do think he has a point that the majority of American athletes best suited for rugby play American Football instead, which is why the USA isn't very competitive in the RWC. If guys like Reggie Bush and Ray Lewis played rugby, USA would at least make it into the knockout rounds.
I agree with erverything you say.

My big issue with whottt's argument was that the US' rugby team was the best because they won the Olympic Gold in the 1920s. But they played against 2 teams????!!!!! And they never played against the true powerhouses, NZ, AUstraliand SouthAfrica.

In any case, good discussion with crazy whottt!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Argentina Wins Baby!! Yeah!!!

[kolko]

Argentina!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Ugly game! :lol but a lot of heart!

[kolko]

Argentina 17 - France 12

Final

[Duncan21]

holy shit, well done argentina. i wouldn't like to be french tonight.

[CAPARG]

I need to take the tablet for the heart....

[ArgSpursFan]

where are all the ST french posters at ???????????????????????????????????
c'mon show up!!!!

VAMOS LOS PUMAS

[ALVAREZ6]

wow, they beat france?

[monosylab1k]

wow....that second half was GREAT....France had a few great opportunities at a try and Argentina fought them off every time.

Very nice start to the RWC....hopefully Ireland takes care of France too and they don't even advance!

[ArgSpursFan]

so you are Irish, Why didn't you say so?.
I take back what I though about you. My bad.

[johngateswhiteley]

...fucking ridiculous, can't believe what i just watched. France turns it on too late and pays the price...not to mention a sloppy match for Les Bleus. i love Michalak, but i was worried he would miss that penalty at the 70 min. mark...he just doesn't have a great boot.

France is pretty much my team....this one hurts, but i feel confident against Ireland. Its just not fair...Argentina already has the hottest women in the world, they can't have their cake and eat it too. wtf?

[smeagol]

Pumas show what they are made off!

Awesome game. The fist half was all white and light blue. The second half we hung in there.

One of the most important victories in Argentine rugby history!

Now let's eat some lettuce in three weeks!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

I thought Argentina played excellent, excellent defense. Our offense was all over the place though. I thought France was better than us offensively, but missed key kicks that would have turned the tide. All around good game! Very proud of our Pumas! :tu

[johngateswhiteley]

I thought Argentina played excellent, excellent defense. Our offense was all over the place though. I thought France was better than us offensively, but missed key kicks that would have turned the tide. All around good game! Very proud of our Pumas! :tu

the line was France -12, which was too high but i did expect France to win by about 7. i just couldn't believe how the game turned out...and then getting booed off the field, shit. France has their work cut out for them...though i could see them in an inspired effort, easily handling Ireland. we'll see...

tomorrow's games are a joke, with maybe Italy v. New Zealand the exception...i could see Italy hanging around for a bit. but England is going to destroy USA and Australia annihilate Japan.

[1369]

I'll call it now for the whole magilla

http://wallpaper.rleague.com/wallabies.jpg

[Duncan21]

New Zealand hammered a desent Italian team 76-14, great result im very happy.

[smeagol]

The US did a decent job versus the Brits.

Congrats!

[monosylab1k]

updated standings.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1946822&postcount=11
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/standings/index.html

[monosylab1k]

The US did a decent job versus the Brits.

Congrats!
They played with a ton of heart, and it could have been much worse, but i'm happy that they fought like hell.

Also, from what I've read, England is a much weaker team than they were in 2003. I didn't follow rugby until about a year ago, is this true?

[MaNuMaNiAc]

To answer your question, here is an excerpt from the BBC.co.uk website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/english/6983423.stm


England may have gone into the match as defending champions but the current side is a pale shadow of the World Cup-winning team and, on this display, their chances of repeating the 2003 victory look remote to say the least.

I didn't see the game but from what I've read, the US gave England quite a run for its money there. Well done :tu

[smeagol]

Canada had a great first 60 minutes. They melted down in the last 20. Wales is not a very good team either.

RSA beat Samoa, a very good team, in a convincing way.

NZ, Australia and RSA are the scariest teams (no surprises there).

[smeagol]

And Ireland had a hard time with Namibia.

[dallaskd]

Team USA?

[johngateswhiteley]

Mate scored against England...that was sweet. Mate plays for Haggis, the team we played twice last spring, and is a solid dude. he also played with us in steamboat, co for the skitown tournament...

[johngateswhiteley]

interesting scores today...can't believe RSA beat Samoa like that, completely ridiculous. the Tri-Nation teams look like the class right now...no surprise. i need my boys, France, to step their shit up!

[smeagol]

Argentina plays Georgia tomorrow.

I just read Georgia has a bunch of players playing in the French League.

I hope Argentina does not take this team for granted. They need to play hard an get the bonus point.

Vamos Pumas Carajo!

[smeagol]

Team USA?

Team USA would be awesome if it weren't for that other sport that is played with an oval type ball . . . you know, the one with helmets and pads . . . :lol

[kolko]

Argentina 33 - Georgia 3

:clap

[smeagol]

Argentina 33 - Georgia 3

:clap
4th try in the 79th minute.

Bonus point, baby!

[monosylab1k]

updated standings -
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1946822&postcount=11
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/standings/index.html

[dallaskd]

Argentina 33 - Georgia 3

:clap

ATL has a team?

[smeagol]

ATL has a team?
Go visit a farm :lol

[1369]

The US squad down to Tonga by 10 at half?

Tonga.

There are enough folks on that island to field a side?

[monosylab1k]

shit, USA lost. Probably their best shot at getting a W too. oh well.

[Duncan21]

New Zealand are to wear silver for the first time in their history against Scotland.

[monosylab1k]

England-South Africa tomorrow.

Should be a decent game, but RSA oughta handle them.

[smeagol]

RSA beat the crap out of the Brits!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Shows you the sad state the English team is in... and now that Jason Robinson got injured, they're in even deeper shit. Good luck beating Samoa playing like that

[Duncan21]

brave portugal lose 108-13 to all blacks

[smeagol]

Wales put a decent fight against the Wallabies.

No let's see if Georgia can upset Ireland!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Wales put a decent fight against the Wallabies.

No let's see if Georgia can upset Ireland!I'm hoping it doesn't happen. The reason being if Ireland is in such disarray that they can't beat Georgia, then they don't stand a chance against a motivated France. I'd rather see a superb Ireland beat Georgia and gain some momentum for the France game.

[Duncan21]

i feel sorry for Georgia, they deserved to win that!

[smeagol]

I'm hoping it doesn't happen. The reason being if Ireland is in such disarray that they can't beat Georgia, then they don't stand a chance against a motivated France. I'd rather see a superb Ireland beat Georgia and gain some momentum for the France game.

Dude, if Ireland would've lost, the Pumas are already celebrating going through to the next round.

Neverhteless, Ireland not obtaining the bonus point, is the next best thing for Argentina.

France will destroy Ireland.

[smeagol]

France bitchslaps Namibia (Namibia plays with 14 from the 20th minute, though).

Tonga upsets Samoa.

[monosylab1k]

Wow Ireland is playing like garbage! They better get their shit together quick or they're gonna get their ass beat by France and Argentina.

[Duncan21]

France 25
Ireland 3

If my calculations are correct Ireland will need to beat Argentina with 4 tries and not allow Argentina to get a bonus point to get through to the next round, and honestly i don't see them doing that.

[kolko]

Argentina won another one, 63-3 against Namibia.
Now they need to get only a bonus point vs Ireland to finish first in the pool D.

[Duncan21]

New Zealand vs Scotland today, im excited to see what this silver strip looks like.

i see a comfortable win for NZ here.

[smeagol]

Scotland pussies going with subs

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Scotland pussies going with subsAre you serious?? I can't watch the game right now, but I can't believe they'd just give up like that, even if they are playing the All Blacks... go out fighting at least

[Freeze]

Are you serious?? I can't watch the game right now, but I can't believe they'd just give up like that, even if they are playing the All Blacks... go out fighting at least

Italy did the same previously... :depressed

[smeagol]

Are you serious?? I can't watch the game right now, but I can't believe they'd just give up like that, even if they are playing the All Blacks... go out fighting at least
Rationale behind the move is that they'd lose anyways, even with their starters. They want to keep their starters fresh and uninjured for the deciding game against Italy.

They lost 40-0.

[smeagol]

By the way, that was a confusing game. :dizzy

The shirts looked the same!

[monosylab1k]

France 25
Ireland 3

If my calculations are correct Ireland will need to beat Argentina with 4 tries and not allow Argentina to get a bonus point to get through to the next round, and honestly i don't see them doing that.
Ireland has looked pathetic every game now. I don't see them beating Argentina, much less get a bonus point while doing so.

[monosylab1k]

updated standings

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1946822&postcount=11
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/standings/index.html

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Ireland has looked pathetic every game now. I don't see them beating Argentina, much less get a bonus point while doing so.
Not only that, but they have to prevent us from getting a bonus point as well

[smeagol]

Qualifying first in the group and playing Scotland next would be sweet.

Not to mention the French would have to play the All Blacks in the quarters :lol

Fuckers thought they were already in the finals.

[Freeze]

Qualifying first in the group and playing Scotland next would be sweet.

Not to mention the French would have to play the All Blacks in the quarters :lol

Fuckers thought they were already in the finals.

A small win by +7 pts with bonus from Ireland and your team is out.... and if you know about rugby, you'll see it's very possible with the irish and their fighting spirit which occasionnaly help them to bounce back after a loss...

About the Blacks, it's funny to see how people consider them to rugby as the Brazilian to the soccer... they just have won 1 WC, the first one 20 years ago, and didn't qualified to the final since 1995...
NZ @ the worldcup :
2003 : Semi Final : loss 22-10 against Australia
1999 : Semi Final : loss 43-31 against France
1995 : Finalist : loss 15-12 against South Africa
1991 : Semi Final : loss 16-6 against Australia
1987 : Winner : win 29-09 against France

If France plays NZ in quater final, off course NZ will be more than favourite, but remember 1999, that was the same story and they have won. That was unpredictable, but they scored to the Blacks more points than any team managed to before. France is the 3rd most successful team against NZ rugby, and is known for its unpredictable wins, fans should know about that.

[smeagol]

A small win by +7 pts with bonus from Ireland and your team is out.... and if you know about rugby, you'll see it's very possible with the irish and their fighting spirit which occasionnaly help them to bounce back after a loss...

I'm not saying it is impossible, but they would have to score at least 4 tries and beat us by more that 7 points.

Considering they beat Namibia 32-17 (Argentina beat them 63-3) and they barely scraped by Georgia 14-10 in a match they deserved to lose (Argentina beat Georgia 33-3), I'd say Ireland has by far the tougher challenge.

But games have to be played before people can run their mouths so let's see what happens Sunday.

[1369]

USA down to freaking Samoa 22-3 at half.

Are the Eagles really that bad?

[MaNuMaNiAc]

USA down to freaking Samoa 22-3 at half.

Are the Eagles really that bad?
no, its that Samoa isn't

[Duncan21]

New Zealand - 85
Romania - 8

[Duncan21]

what a game, i was screaming and on the edge of my seat all through the game.

this game went to the wire

Fiji 38
Wales 34

Wales are out and Fiji are through!

[monosylab1k]

wow, Wales is out, England is weak, Scotland & Ireland could possibly be out....it's not a good year for the UK & Ireland.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

A small win by +7 pts with bonus from Ireland and your team is out.... and if you know about rugby, you'll see it's very possible with the irish and their fighting spirit which occasionnaly help them to bounce back after a loss...
you can talk about the Irish fighting spirit all you want, but fact is Pumas haven't been scored 4 tries since 27 international games ago... it would be surprising if they started now. I'm not saying its imposible, I'm saying its highly unlikely. Its quite possible Ireland could win, but score 4 tries? and beat us by 7 points? Odds are not good

[MaNuMaNiAc]

18 - 10 for Argentina so far. Pumas with 2 tries and Ireland with 1

[MaNuMaNiAc]

man wtf is with the long kicks!!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

shit, this game feels like I'm watching football

[MaNuMaNiAc]

27 - 15 Argentina, both teams 2 tries each... 15 minutes left... game over unless God is Irish...

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Game Over definitely!! Pumas first in the group baby!!!

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Argentina 30 - 15 Ireland!! VAMOS PUMAS CARAJO!!!!!

[Duncan21]

New Zealand vs France in Cardiff next weekend.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

New Zealand vs France in Cardiff next weekend.yup, we dodged a land mine :lol Argentina vs Scotland next

[Freeze]

Saturday :
Australia vs England in Marseille 3:00 PM
If England doesn't step up, Australia will get an easy win.
New Zeland vs France in Cardif 9:00 PM
I can't predict a winner, either the all Blacks destroy french pack, either the flair makes the difference for a short win.

Sunday :
South Africa vs Fidji in Marseille 3:00 PM
Even with their big hearts, I can't see the Springboks loosing this game.
Argentina vs Scotland
Scotland is a weakest team remaining in the tournament. Puma's defence will make the difference.

Comming back of the lastest results of Pool D, I'd say that Argentina reminds me England team in 2003 : great defence, good scrum, but poor offensive game using a lot free kicks to bring the game in their opponent's camp. Ugly to watch, but it made them winning games. I can't wait to see them against South Africa to see if they can really perform well against a team with higher skills and physical level. And who knows (I start dreaming :spin ), what about a rematch of the opening game for the final ???

[MaNuMaNiAc]

O'Driscoll should learn to shut the fuck up!

[Duncan21]

O'Driscoll should learn to shut the fuck up!

exactly, he pisses me off aswell. How long did he drag out the Umaga tackle two years ago? he even wrote a fucking book on it.

what an ugly dipshit.

[Chris Childs]

no one cares about rugby.......only fags watch that shit!

[Freeze]

no one cares about rugby.......only fags watch that shit!

I think I know why :
Australia 64 - 15 USA

:spin

[Duncan21]

I think I know why :
Australia 64 - 15 USA

:spin

South Africa, not Australia.

[monosylab1k]

no one cares about rugby.......only fags watch that shit!
is that what your boyfriend told you?

[Chris Childs]

is that what your boyfriend told you?

lol at you trying turn your doings on me. You know you a fag just come out already.

[Chris Childs]

I think I know why :
Australia 64 - 15 USA

:spin

Australia>>>>>>USA period

but still, no one cares about a fag sport

real talk

[Freeze]

South Africa, not Australia.

:drunk

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Australia>>>>>>USA period

but still, no one cares about a fag sport

real talk
I don't think you grasp the proportions of just how ridiculous you make yourself look with idiot comments like this. You can to troll around, keep it to the forum jackass.

[smeagol]

lol at you trying turn your doings on me. You know you a fag just come out already.

Crissy boy, your beloved American Football's father is rugby. And in Rugby no helmets or padding is need. They take it like men.

One more thing, thie RWC will have way more viewers than the superbowl. Outside of the US, almost nobody gives a shit about your beloved football*.

[johngateswhiteley]

OK boys, its knockout time, i can't wait for saturday! New Zealand vs. France and Australia vs. England. i am hoping for some of that 1999 magic....go France! on a lighter note...congrats to the right winger of the Eagles for an amazing try on Habana in a good effort.

as for pics:

France over New Zealand (think might actually happen)
Australia over England
South Africa over Fiji
Scotland over Argentina (hoping)

[smeagol]

New Zealand vs France in Cardiff next weekend.

You cannot be happy about this.

[smeagol]

Scotland over Argentina (hoping)

:wtf

:nope

[Duncan21]

England are through they just beat Australia, they will play either New Zealand or France. If its not New Zealand i will need the week off to grieve.

[kolko]

If its not New Zealand i will need the week off to grieve.
France 20 - New Zealand 18

:devil

[Freeze]

http://d.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sp/afpji/20071006/071006195521.o3idzah50b.jpg

:owned

[Duncan21]

im not going to school this week, im almost vomiting. And im not just saying this but i think NZ were cheated out of it, every disision went to france. that was not a sin binning and the winning try was clearly a forward pass, no one can deny that. everyone could see it except the blind ref.

i hope argentina wins it now.

im gutted, good night im going to bed.

[smeagol]

im not going to school this week, im almost vomiting. And im not just saying this but i think NZ were cheated out of it, every disision went to france. that was not a sin binning and the winning try was clearly a forward pass, no one can deny that. everyone could see it except the blind ref.

i hope argentina wins it now.

im gutted, good night im going to bed.

I feel sorry for you, dude.

[Freeze]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/07102007/58/world-cup-france-promise-famous-win.html

The exiled hosts, who trailed 13-3 at halftime, now return home to prepare for a semi-final with England in Paris after the defending champions also overcame the odds to record an equally dramatic 12-10 victory over Australia in Marseille earlier in the day.

For the All Blacks, 13-0 up as early as the 30th minute, defeat was arguably as devastating as their unexpected 43-31 loss to France in the semi-finals of Rugby World Cup 1999.

"Bravo to all the players," said Laporte, with a grin that went from ear to ear.

"After losing the first match to Argentina, we suffered a lot of things but tonight the response was there. We beat a great team and we want to go further.

"We didn't want to play the game here in Cardiff but we had to because we lost our first game.

"We had to pick ourselves up and get ourselves back in the World Cup.

"The players reacted with a lot of determination. They didn't want to die today. This team really showed a lot of guts because we weren't playing in France.

"The All Blacks certainly had far more possession than us but our discipline was excellent - it really played a great role in our win.

"We kicked the ball a bit aimlessly in the first half but the players were patient, and in terms of possession, things balanced themselves out in the second half.

"It was a good win for us, but from tomorrow we start thinking about England. It's going to be another really tough match."

France captain Raphael Ibanez, who was in the team that beat New Zealand in 1999, revealed his players went eyeball-to-eyeball with the All Blacks during the pre-match haka to demonstrate their pride in the jersey.

"We took the decision three days ago," he said.

"We weren't trying to indulge in provocation - we have a lot of respect for the haka.

"But by nailing our flags to the mast, we wanted to show how proud we were of wearing our country's colours.

"I believe that every time you play New Zealand you have to play out of your skin and that's what happened this evening. This will remain with me for the rest of my life.

"It was a great victory. They players really gave everything right until the end. In the World Cup courage and team spirit can make a big difference. We played with a lot of heart.

"At half-time we talked very well and Bernard told us that at 13-3 the last 40 minutes were the most important in our lives."

New Zealand coach Graham Henry paid France handsome praise after seeing two years of work go up in smoke in Cardiff.

"Of course we're disappointed but that's sport," said Henry.

"But I'm proud of the players. No, we didn't play as well as before, but the French were strong in defence.

"It's fair to say that the best team won. That was the best French team we have faced for years.

"People will judge me as they see fit but I feel comfortable that I've done everything I can.

"Obviously the World Cup is the pinnacle. We gave it our best shot and it wasn't good enough.

"I just feel for the guys, who have spent a huge amount of time preparing for this. It's not the time to think about the future at the moment."

The All Blacks coughed up a 13-0 lead on the way to defeat, and skipper Richie McCaw could not put words to his feelings in the wake of the shock defeat.

"I'm lost for words," said the crestfallen flank.

"We always knew they could come back in the second half, but we lost our composure. I thought we could get it back, but it wasn't to be.

"We went out there to play our best but we were not allowed to play our best because of a good French team.

"I thought the boys were ready to play today.

"We were beaten by the better team. Some guys probably played last games for the All Blacks and that hurts as well.

"I'm at a loss to explain why we didn't put our game together as we would have liked.

"We said we had to score first in the second half but we didn't do that and the French lifted.

Sporting Life / Eurosport

I like the fairplay and the respect the NZ show in the defeat, too bad that game was only a quarter final :clap

France - England will be a great matchup between the 2 best enemies of european rugby :hungry:

[Freeze]

South Africa 37- 20 Fidji

Despite the score, Fidji has done a big game, and it's a tough win for South Africa

[kolko]

Go Pumas!

19-13 win against Scotland, not playing well but on to the Semis :clap

[smeagol]

Argentina makes history playing their worst game in this WC.

It doesn't really matter, though . . . Los Pumas are in the semis.

Brings the Bocks!

[smeagol]

I hate Laporte.

He is an idiot.

I will be rooting for the Brits.

[tlongII]

South Africa should win the whole thing easily now.

[monosylab1k]

France is going to win it all. Especially after seeing how the refs completely screwed over New Zealand, I think the home country is going to continue to get every call to go their way.

[Freeze]

France is going to win it all. Especially after seeing how the refs completely screwed over New Zealand, I think the home country is going to continue to get every call to go their way.

Can someone explain me how the refs screwed in this game ???

The only litigious thins is the forward pass on the last try, and it's almost impossible to see it if the ref is not on the same line !
That sort of thing happens in every rugby game, and nobody can blame the refs for that. Of course, drinking beers, on your sofa, watching TV, it's easy to criticize...

[Duncan21]

Can someone explain me how the refs screwed in this game ???

The only litigious thins is the forward pass on the last try, and it's almost impossible to see it if the ref is not on the same line !
That sort of thing happens in every rugby game, and nobody can blame the refs for that. Of course, drinking beers, on your sofa, watching TV, it's easy to criticize...

It shouldn't of been a yellow card, the winning try was a forward pass, every 50/50 call went frances way and how france wasn't penalised at the end when they were under pressure was insane. The refs favoured the home team, do you need anymore proof?

And if the ref wasn't inline on the forwad pass, the linesman was and the video ref would of seen it. If that was New Zealand they would of called it back for the forward pass. No doubt about it.

[Freeze]

It shouldn't of been a yellow card,

Really ? Why not ? the NZ blocked a player with no ball running to get it, the rule is to get a yellow card. Without the fault, the french could have get the ball and score a try.


the winning try was a forward pass

I've already said that was part of the game


every 50/50 call went frances way and how france wasn't penalised at the end when they were under pressure was insane
Under pressure, in the final minutes, France haven't done any mistakes on the pick and go : they didn't try to get the ball, didn't blocked the ball or anything like that. What have they done the ref could have penalized ?
During the rest of the game, NZ have been penalized when they had to be, french too.


And if the ref wasn't inline on the forwad pass, the linesman was and the video ref would of seen it. If that was New Zealand they would of called it back for the forward pass. No doubt about it.
Come on, you're from NZ, you know about rugby and it's rules, the ref in charge of the video never look for a forward pass at 40 meters of the line, he may have look at the last pass, if the player goes out, if he push the ball well, etc.... This is ridiculous, I understand your sadness, but it's still ridiculous.

[Duncan21]

im not taking anything away from france, they played a great game and their defense was fantastic, NZ had something like 75% of the possession, so that show how well the french defense was. but the refs were shocking and they changed the result of the game, and its sad to see how the refs can have such an influence on a game with such a shocking proformance.

[smeagol]

France is going to win it all. Especially after seeing how the refs completely screwed over New Zealand, I think the home country is going to continue to get every call to go their way.

I disagree.

Exhibit 1: Argentina

[ALVAREZ6]

I want one of these:


http://www.clarin.com/diario/2005/09/03/um/pumas.jpg

[leonarth]

As a french, I want a France - Argentina in Final

Why, Because The only team who beated us is Argentina.. And a World champion have to beat everyone.

So go argentina and France

[Freeze]

im not taking anything away from france, they played a great game and their defense was fantastic, NZ had something like 75% of the possession, so that show how well the french defense was. but the refs were shocking and they changed the result of the game, and its sad to see how the refs can have such an influence on a game with such a shocking proformance.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/09102007/58/world-cup-chief-backs-barnes.html

World Cup - Chief backs Barnes
Eurosport - Tue, 09 Oct 17:50:00 2007
International Rugby Board referee manager Paddy O'Brien has staunchly defended World Cup quarter-final referee Wayne Barnes after he was heavily criticised following New Zealand's tournament exit.

Englishman Barnes has come under fire from New Zealand rugby chiefs and the country's media, and has been subjected to personal abuse and death threats from fans on internet sites after the All Blacks lost 20-18 to France in Cardiff on Saturday.

New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs told Radio New Zealand that two crucial decisions by Barnes had cost the All Blacks the match -- the sin-binning of centre Luke McAlister and missing a forward pass in the lead-up to France's second try.

O'Brien said the criticism was unfounded.

"I think it's a disgrace and people have to grow up," he told BBC Radio 5live.

"New Zealand losing that game was not all about the forward pass. The pass was forward but that's rugby refereeing.

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing but you can't turn back the clock.

"I'm a very proud Kiwi and I wear my heart on my sleeve when the All Blacks are playing, but it doesn't change my judgement.

"Sport is about winning and losing and New Zealand lost, let's get on with life. It's a sad reflection and I'd like to say that it's not all New Zealand people."

Barnes, 28, is the youngest of the RWC referees and took charge of an international for the first time last year.

Reuters

[Duncan21]

freeze, paddy has to say stuff like that. Its his job.

[smeagol]

Duncan21, the only reason the AB lost is . . . the AB.

I like you guys and I love your country (been there twice and will probably be there in 2011) but champions show up in big games and NZ is always the favorite to win the RWC but ends up short.

Nobody to blame but yourselves.

Crying about the refs is lame.

[Freeze]

The point is I've search all around the web, and the only (and few) quotes I've found bashing the refs are all from NZ.
This is to say maybe your pride and passion for your NT can give you the feeling refs were against you.

I'll stop arguing about this because we're not going anywhere giving both of us have different views, and it's now time to focus on the semi-finals, even if the best team of the last 3 years is not in.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

:lol damn Frenchies are getting cocky again! An online poll by one of their newpapers asked "which team will win the World Cup" and they only put three choices and left the Pumas out.

Sounds like we need to humble their asses down again to get some respect

[smeagol]

I'm nervooooous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Freeze]

:lol damn Frenchies are getting cocky again! An online poll by one of their newpapers asked "which team will win the World Cup" and they only put three choices and left the Pumas out.


Wich newspaper ? :oops

I've found this poll on lemonde.fr :
Quelle équipe est selon vous favorite de la Coupe du monde ?
Le XV de la Rose, tenant du titre conquérant qui a écarté l'Australie.. 6 %
L'Afrique du Sud, sûre de sa force.. 27 %
Les Bleus, formidables vainqueurs de la Nouvelle-Zélande.. 51.4 %
L'Argentine, qui réalise un parcours de rêve.. 15.5 %

On another site, I've found that 75% of the French would like to play against the Pumas in final... but before, in 2 hours, it's crunch time ! :hungry:

My predictions :
France 25 - 22 England
South Africa 33 - 30 Argentina (Over Time)

[Freeze]

England defeat France and is in final !

Another great fight against 2 strong team, and IMO England deserve that win.

[smeagol]

Wich newspaper ? :oops

Le Figaro

[monosylab1k]

Hell yes England! I wanted anybody but the Frenchies to win!

I'm really wanting to see an Argentina-England final.

[Freeze]

So Final is England - South Africa
South Africa will be my favourites.

3rd place game (or game for nothing)
France - Argentina II, the rematch of the opener
Argentina should win as they'll want more than France a medal in the tournament

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Man, the French team are disgracing themselves. Give me a fucking break! They're getting away with every dirty push, jab and kick!

[monosylab1k]

I'm so glad Argentina kicked their ass!

[smeagol]

Argentina rocked!