Rugby Union 2007

Post by **Mike** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:30 am

The scotland match was quite fun. The new Sale full back, Rory Lamont was really good in that match, he was quick and chased down the ball very effectively. Shame the stadium was half full.

We will not be in Manchester for the game on Saturday which is a shame, I will have to find a place in Liverpool to watch the match. . . :D

BarcelonAl · Post by **BarcelonAl** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:25 am

I'll be settling down on the sofa in Cannock to watch (probably behind a cushion) the England match on Saturday.

Hmm...I wonder if I can persuade my Mum to carry a tea-urn filled with beer around on her back? My very own Beer Monkey! :)

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 10:21 am

Olly and Johnny are back so we should be more effective than last time. We need some pace in our backs as well.

Post by **Mike** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 8:13 am

Woho! Go Wales, though Japan got some good tries going too. I am looking forward to the Ireland - France match tonight before the amazingly tense match between SA and Tonga match and England and Samoa matches on Saturday. :D

Post by **Mike** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 9:22 am

What a tense couple of games on Saturday the two of interest to the England side were in Pool A - South Africa vs Tonga and England vs Samoa. South Africa were actaually struggling in the first half against what I now know to be a second team RSA, the final score being 30-25 to RSA but the tenseness of the match made it seem alot closesr. Tonga were almost on the tryline at the end of 80 minutes which would have stuffed the England camp over!

Then came the England match. Jonny made his return with an amazing blaze of form. We were able to actually keep the ball alive and moving (which we have struggled with till now!) It was a good match with us stretching ahead in the second half, though for the first part of the second half it looked like Samoa were making a strong come back as England tired.

Top rugby - now it is Tonga on 28 September which is not going to be easy given their form in this WC! :D

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 10:02 am

I think Jonny was better because he had Ollie next to him who is also a good kicker. His kicking game wasn't the best though, it has to be said. A lot of his kicks were far too deep and not high enough. If he does that against the ozzy Statham then we are screwed. I was also annoyed that the rest of the pack just stood still and didn't react when Jonny/whoever kicked it. They seemed to me like they were getting a breather whereas that is when they need to work the hardest, when they don't have the ball. It also annoyed me that we couldn't find touch with our kicks because this was a Samoan side that was picked to run. What was the point of kicking it to a sprinter who was going to gain 20 yards before we caught up to him? Kick it into the stands so they have to have a line-out - where Ben Kay ruled.

Still not sure on that Sackey lad, the winger, even though he did score two tries. Still not sure on any of them really. I suppose comparing this lot to the previous lot is a bit harsh because this lot try their best but will never be world champions.

Plus points for me were the free-flowing rugby that we played a little of, the fact that we didn't crumble, the final try (especially Jonny's sidestep), the line-outs and the pack charging forward was good to see.

I think that we will beat Tonga because ultimately we have better players and we will play our 1st team from the beginning. It won't be the most convincing win but over 80 minutes we are fitter, stronger, more skilful and won't make as many mistakes.

Against Oz? On this form, I doubt it. I will cheer passionately as I did yesterday but I can't see it happening.

mr_e · Post by **mr_e** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:33 pm

Damn, I missed yesterday's rugby as I was in transit. I was slightly surprised to see the tables though: it's all or nothing for the England team against Tonga, but as Andy's said, I can't imagine England losing that one. The quarter finals are another matter entirely...

Post by **Mike** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:05 pm

mr_e wrote:Damn, I missed yesterday's rugby as I was in transit. I was slightly surprised to see the tables though: it's all or nothing for the England team against Tonga, but as Andy's said, I can't imagine England losing that one. The quarter finals are another matter entirely...

Jinxed. Totally Jinxed - how could you!

mr_e · Post by **mr_e** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 10:24 pm

Were you also one of the people who believed Uri Geller when he said the collective will of several million people moved the ball from the penalty spot in that England vs Scotland game? If anything, your negative "jinx" thoughts will cause England trouble. It's all about the positivity!

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 1:23 am

I personally don't agree to that theory but what I do agree to is the viewpoint that the Gazza goal was completely ace! Now, that was skill. The whole move, in fact, was pure poetry in motion and one that will live long in my memory. The win against Holland was quality as well. Hell, the whole tournament was good from my perspective (apart from that kick by Southgate for obvious reasons).

The penalty ball-roll was a fluke but I am damn glad it happened. Would Seaman have saved it? Possibly. He did go in the right direction anyway so .... yes. Plus, he was good against Spain in the Quarter finals of Euro 96 as well. Pity he couldn't go it against the Germans.

Post by **Mike** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:15 am

All Blacks vs Scotland was another 0 points occasion for a northern hemisphere team. Ouch!

In other news Australia vs Fiji was an easy romp for the Ozzies. They will be finishing top of their group now and will be potentially the team to knock England / Tonga out of the World Cup.

Not only that but Lima may be out of the final match with USA following a dangerous tackle attempt on Jonny! The cad!

BarcelonAl · Post by **BarcelonAl** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 10:51 am

I enjoyed the England match, finally a decent performance! Roll on Friday and the Tongans...

Post by **Mike** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:36 pm

I was thinking of having a few people around on Friday 28 to watch the match, thought we could have a quiet few bevies before the wedding - if anyone is interested let me know! :D

BarcelonAl · Post by **BarcelonAl** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:58 pm

Sounds like a plan...I'll be t'internet-less again from tomorrow afternoon, so if you're not pub quizzing, then give me a call or text (smoke signals don't tend to reach Whitefield from Edgely!).

mr_e · Post by **mr_e** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:50 pm

Rugby on Friday sounds good. I'd actually thought the England game was on Saturday, so that's a bonus.