The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

A very sad way to bow out of international rugby and an end to an illustrious career - superb player and leader.

Very best of luck to him in France with Toulon. Hope he has a successful couple of seasons and boosts his bank balance!!

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34516393

A big blow to Ireland in this tournament..

[pharvey]

It seems unbelievable, our injury list (and lack of player depth) has resulted in us actually re-calling Eli Walker to the squad, who actually can't play against South Africa, because he's bl***dy injured!!

Jonathan "Jiffy" Davies pretty much summed it up towards the end of the game against Australia..... "We've got St John's Ambulance playing on the wing for us!!"

A very sad state of affairs unfortunately..

Anyway, we shall prevail - France will cause an upset..... and we'll have a repeat of the 2011 Semi-final!!

[PeteC]

First Wales and now Ireland are being decimated by injuries and other.

Ireland's O'Brien suspended, misses World Cup quarter-final

"His suspension deals another blow to Ireland's severely depleted ranks having lost captain Paul O'Connell and another outstanding flanker Peter O'Mahony to injuries suffered in the brutal 24-9 victory over France on Sunday...." "O'Brien -- who was named man of the match...." (against France)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/7 ... rter-final

[PeteC]

Here we go again. I sit here staring at the Superbru pick page for SAF and Wales. What do I do...heart or head? If Wales didn't have so many injuries I think they would be favoured. I going to wait until Saturday morning to pick. Pete

[pharvey]

^ Well I'm certainly hopeful!! Have to see what team Gatland names....... though he hasn't got that many players to pick from!

Scotland have also been hit suitably hard with the loss of Jonny Gray (certainly one of the stand out performers so far), and Ross Ford - who both received 3 week bans for dangerous play against Samoa. However, Scotland may appeal the decision: -

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34527131

[pharvey]

England (under Boris) take on some lighter opposition, but come up short.... seems familiar!!

[pharvey]

Well it seems Scotland have decided to appeal the bans - nothing to lose I guess, but to be honest not much hope.... certainly doesn't look good from this angle!! Both lucky to stay on the field IMO....



Gray - No. 5 - Ford - No. 2

Anywho, Wales have name their side to face the Jaarpies......

I know we're limited, but sticking with Cuthbert on the Wing is not good - put Hook there (we need him on the pitch somewhere). Cuthbert has has under-performed in EVERY game in the RWC, and plenty more previously this season. I have grave concerns over him against SA. Gethin starting again in the Front-row I think is going to cost us dear in the tight - obviously there for his experience and what he gives in the loose/open play. Although James will no doubt come on at some stage..... wrong way around IMHO. Tyler Morgan in the Center could be an issue due to his inexperience, but needs must and he's a talented player.

Time will tell...... I can see it being a decent, hard fought match - and at the end of the day that's what it's all about (B*ll*cks really - COME ON WALES!!).

[pharvey]

[JimmyGreaves]

This is why O'Brien gave Pape a good belt Doesn't like his bum being caressed!!

bum.jpg (60.79 KiB) Viewed 530 times

[pharvey]

^ Brave Man!!

[pharvey]

And the day is upon us!! Well for some of us anyway ....

God's Own vs Jaarpies.... (KO 16:00 BST)

Obviously for biased reasons, the "Match of the Day" for me. Do we stand a chance... YES! and that's not simply betting with heart. The Bookies give SA a 9 pt advantage, but I believe that's a little rich. History is not great, but we turned them over last time and we were bl**dy unlucky not to have done it in the match before! IF we can get some parity in the Front-row, we'll get a decent platform - the Back-row battle will be immense. Being a Bath supporter, it'll be one of the few days I'm hoping Francois Lowe has a **** game!! We need Biggar to keep his form.... and Cuthbert to actually do something to the benefit of the team!! Tyler Morgan in the Center...... we'll have to see.

Surrender Monkeys vs The Blackness.... (KO 20:00 BST)

Les Bleus have been totally written off - but are the Bogey Men for The Men in Black having beaten them twice in previous RWC meetings....
For me, have to go along with the Bookies and say it'll be a comfortable win for the men from Down Under (and right a bit)..... BUT, I shall be shouting on the Garlic Munchers in the hopes that we get past the Bokke and can get some revenge for 2011 in the Semi's!!

All in all, I'm sure it'll be another great day of rugby!!

CYMRU AM BYTH!!

[Takiap]

Hopefully they are saving their best performances for the semi-finals, and please no more injuries:)

Who? Australia or Wales? Surely you don't mean Wales old boy because they ain't going to be playing in the semi finals.

[pharvey]

Hopefully they are saving their best performances for the semi-finals, and please no more injuries:)

Who? Australia or Wales? Surely you don't mean Wales old boy because they ain't going to be playing in the semi finals.

Jealousy just doesn't become you!!

[Takiap]

Harvey my dear fellow, Wales reaches the end of the road today. Look on the bright side, the Welsh team and the French team can meet up for a few drinks together, and perhaps lick each other's wounds since today is the end of the road for France as well.

Come tomorrow, Scotland and Argentina will be joining them in the pub. Actually wait, Wales will get another chance on the field when they play France for that cheap bronze cup.


Moving on........


Next Saturday will see the Kiwis go home, followed by the Irish on Sunday.


The following Saturday you'll get an opportunity to watch two REAL teams play, and we all know the the Bokke are taking that cup home.

[pharvey]

I wish you the best, but The Men with Hwyl are going to take it....

It'll be a pity to see you leave so early, but needs must..

In all seriousness, I was brought up as a kid in Africa (Zambia/South Africa), so have a great affinity for South African rugby and the Springboks - IF Wales go out, I'll be supporting SA - apologies JG et al, has to be done.