The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

Unfortunately couldn't get to watch it - no access whatsoever!! Flying back to the UK today though, so thankfully will actually get to see some rugby this weekend!!

No surprise that Fiji played well - they're certainly no mugs. Seems it could have been a lot closer had they taken their kicking opportunities and the British weather suited them a little better. The Lillywhites did what they had to do and secured a decent win - fair play to them.

I suspect however that Satan's Squad will be resting a little easier now that Halfpenny is out of the tournament considering their penalty count...

Here's hoping the remaining games and refs don't rely so much on technology!!

[PeteC]

Here is the link for FOX Sports TV (Thailand). Focus in on FOX 2, which is channel 689 on True. All the RWC matches will be listed there by day and time. England vs Fiji repeats itself twice today for those who missed it.

http://tv.foxsportsasia.com/

Unfortunately Setanta (True 669) is not listing any RWC at all. Perhaps restricted due to FOX's rights.

Anyone using computer box systems please go ahead and list on what channels/systems the matches will be shown. Pete

[PeteC]

Here's what's coming up on Fox 2 LIVE today/tonight:

Tonga/Georgia 1845 hours

Ireland/Canada 2115

SAF/Japan 2330

France/Italy 0245

[PET]

A difficult game for the great Red Rose showing how difficult Fiji can be but with the bonus point they will be grateful.
As to the TV Match Official being brought into the match too often, remember this was the opening game and the ref would have been under instruction to show all teams what is and what is not acceptable. So I understand this

[dtaai-maai]

England 35 Fiji 11. I caught about 20 minutes before I fell asleep at the halftime break,

Peasant!

I was itching to post something at 4 a.m. but refrained in case I spoiled someone's viewing.

The final score looks comfortable, but this was not an easy game to play or to watch. Fiji played well, if spoiling was there game plan, particularly in and around the rucks, and England didn't cope well. The scrum and lineout were okay, but no more than that. The backs (and indeed the forwards) didn't try the direct approach often enough until the subs came on at the hour mark, which really took the game home. An exciting finish got us the important fourth try.

Interestingly, the total game time was 100 minutes , mostly due to TFO referrals. A Fiji try was disallowed when the replay happened to show, just as the conversion was about to be taken, that the Fiji player lost control of the ball. The ref had given a try and hadn't asked for a review, but the try was disallowed. I'd like to know what the TFO rules/guidelines say about that - seemed harsh, even though I suppose justice was done.

I wouldn't be surprised if 2 or 3 of the subs started the next game.

Anyway, a comfort to have 5 points in the bag. Bring on the Welsh minnows!

[Big Boy]

The scrum and lineout were okay,

Apart from when they gifted Fiji a try.

[pharvey]

The disallowed try is an interesting one - I've certainly not come across that one before, but obviously must be within the rules of the game. It does go to show the importance/impact of the video ref.

"Bring on the Welsh Minnows..."? ... As I've said before DM, don't be popping the champers just yet, there's a long way to go before the overweight one warbles....

Not going to catch any rugby today as I'm travelling, but looking forward to a couple of games and a couple of cold pints tomorrow!!

[dtaai-maai]

The disallowed try is an interesting one - I've certainly not come across that one before, but obviously must be within the rules of the game. It does go to show the importance/impact of the video ref.

The point in this case is that the replay was the standard big screen showing for the crowd, who naturally put up a huge roar - it was only then that the official review began and the try was disallowed. Would that have been the case had the kicker already converted, or begun his run-up? What if the replay had been shown after the conversion as Ford was preparing to restart the game? At what point does the ref's decision become a fait accompli?

[J.J.B.]

I was surprised by the fourth try being given in the dying moments of the game and was not convinced by most of the angles shown on the big screen. It does show the importance of the hawkeye technology being employed in the tournament though and I guess you have to take the rough with the smooth; we may not be so lucky in future games.

Too many mishandling errors from England and too much turnover ball won by the Fijians, who played extremely well but seemed to flag in the last 15 minutes or so.

DM, 100 minutes for an 80 minute game is not too bad, despite no injury time in the match. When I was living in the US I went to a basketball game with the New York Knickerbockers and it lasted almost four hours, the last 30 seconds of the game being dragged out to a full 20 minutes!

[Dannie Boy]

ITV are showing some of the games live as well as highlights so anybody who has Thai Expat TV can watch there

[PET]

365Sport.TV are also showing all games live on channel 23 - with recorded playback whenever one wishes for up to 7 days

[dtaai-maai]

Stunning performance by Japan last night - absolutely thrilling. Tactics, speed, commitment, defence, stamina, they had it all. And what a finish. Every Japanese player sobbing his heart out after the final whistle. Exhausting and brilliant, and so good for rugby.

[PeteC]

I missed it unfortunately. Will catch it on the replay later today. Who could resist watching with a review like the above! Pete

EDIT: I think that was Japan's first win ever at an RWC.

[pharvey]

^^ What a day to be travelling

Great win against the Bokke - Big hand to the boy's from the Rising Sun..... (and Fiji, and NZ, and Tonga and... )

[PET]

Great result for Japan and it just shows what a very good coach can achieve. I see the reports refer to them as the BRAVE BLOSSOMS - before Harvey gets to work with a name!!