Discussion
hornetrider said:
I'm surprised, as a Leinster fan, that this one has slipped your mind 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI1M0EeIgdg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI1M0EeIgdg
I was wondering if anyone would bring that incident up. I was there that day and I did wonder if SOB would be in trouble afterwards, but he escaped. I viewed it as a good lesson for Nyanga in what can happen if you poke the bear, and obviously the officials felt the same 
Anyway enough about all the citings, its depressing!
How about some Quarter Final predictions?
Pumas v Paddies.
The Irish have lost three key men out of their pack and are looking at a major reshuffle up front. POC and SOB are probably their two best forwards and it's difficult to underestimate how badly this will effect them. They've also lost POM. Doubts over Sexton's fitness also remain. The Pumas on the other hand have a superb front 5 and pack in general and pushed the ABs all the way into the final quarter. I've also read that they are the highest point scorers of the tournament so far. I think they'll dominate up front and take a tight victory.
Verdict: Pumas by <7.
Sicknote XV v Bokke
This will be a fearsome Route 1 up the jumper clash and I fully expect bodies everywhere and the stretcher to be on and off the pitch. The Springboks have recovered well after their shock opening defeat and the team for Saturday only contains 8 starters from the Japan game. The retirement of JdV has actually done them a favour as De Allende has looked superb. Wales on the other hand called up the INJURED Eli Walker to their squad after Liam Williams rebroke his foot against the Crims. That's right, the replacement is still injured! Nuff said. This will be a low scoring clash much like the Crim game and I expect SA to edge it with Wales once more failing to capitalise on some opportunities, and we'll be coulda woulda shoulda-ing for the next 4 years.
Verdict: Boks by 5.
Crims v Sweaties
An absolute pasting and no mistake, these two teams aren't in the same league. Say no more.
Verdict: Crims by 20+
ABs v France
I don't think there will be any surprises here. Whilst the ABs haven't looked all that crash hot with an unusual amount of unforced errors, they still seem capable of individual moments of collective brilliance to get over the line. They survived a big test against the Pumas and haven't really been troubled since, they've been doing what they have to do without getting out of 2nd gear. I have a feeling they'll be fully capable of turning up the wick in the knockout stages. France - well I still feel under PSA they don't really have an identity and similar to them coming up short against the Irish I think they'll do the same here. They simply won't be good enough.
Verdict: ABs by 15.
Conclusion: Southern Hemisphere will contest the semis
It could have all been so different if we'd beaten the bloody crims last week. Oh well.
How about some Quarter Final predictions?
Pumas v Paddies.
The Irish have lost three key men out of their pack and are looking at a major reshuffle up front. POC and SOB are probably their two best forwards and it's difficult to underestimate how badly this will effect them. They've also lost POM. Doubts over Sexton's fitness also remain. The Pumas on the other hand have a superb front 5 and pack in general and pushed the ABs all the way into the final quarter. I've also read that they are the highest point scorers of the tournament so far. I think they'll dominate up front and take a tight victory.
Verdict: Pumas by <7.
Sicknote XV v Bokke
This will be a fearsome Route 1 up the jumper clash and I fully expect bodies everywhere and the stretcher to be on and off the pitch. The Springboks have recovered well after their shock opening defeat and the team for Saturday only contains 8 starters from the Japan game. The retirement of JdV has actually done them a favour as De Allende has looked superb. Wales on the other hand called up the INJURED Eli Walker to their squad after Liam Williams rebroke his foot against the Crims. That's right, the replacement is still injured! Nuff said. This will be a low scoring clash much like the Crim game and I expect SA to edge it with Wales once more failing to capitalise on some opportunities, and we'll be coulda woulda shoulda-ing for the next 4 years.
Verdict: Boks by 5.
Crims v Sweaties
An absolute pasting and no mistake, these two teams aren't in the same league. Say no more.
Verdict: Crims by 20+
ABs v France
I don't think there will be any surprises here. Whilst the ABs haven't looked all that crash hot with an unusual amount of unforced errors, they still seem capable of individual moments of collective brilliance to get over the line. They survived a big test against the Pumas and haven't really been troubled since, they've been doing what they have to do without getting out of 2nd gear. I have a feeling they'll be fully capable of turning up the wick in the knockout stages. France - well I still feel under PSA they don't really have an identity and similar to them coming up short against the Irish I think they'll do the same here. They simply won't be good enough.
Verdict: ABs by 15.
Conclusion: Southern Hemisphere will contest the semis
It could have all been so different if we'd beaten the bloody crims last week. Oh well.
hornetrider said:
Anyway enough about all the citings, its depressing!
How about some Quarter Final predictions?
Pumas v Paddies.
The Irish have lost three key men out of their pack and are looking at a major reshuffle up front. POC and SOB are probably their two best forwards and it's difficult to underestimate how badly this will effect them. They've also lost POM. Doubts over Sexton's fitness also remain. The Pumas on the other hand have a superb front 5 and pack in general and pushed the ABs all the way into the final quarter. I've also read that they are the highest point scorers of the tournament so far. I think they'll dominate up front and take a tight victory.
Verdict: Pumas by <7.
Sicknote XV v Bokke
This will be a fearsome Route 1 up the jumper clash and I fully expect bodies everywhere and the stretcher to be on and off the pitch. The Springboks have recovered well after their shock opening defeat and the team for Saturday only contains 8 starters from the Japan game. The retirement of JdV has actually done them a favour as De Allende has looked superb. Wales on the other hand called up the INJURED Eli Walker to their squad after Liam Williams rebroke his foot against the Crims. That's right, the replacement is still injured! Nuff said. This will be a low scoring clash much like the Crim game and I expect SA to edge it with Wales once more failing to capitalise on some opportunities, and we'll be coulda woulda shoulda-ing for the next 4 years.
Verdict: Boks by 5.
Crims v Sweaties
An absolute pasting and no mistake, these two teams aren't in the same league. Say no more.
Verdict: Crims by 20+
ABs v France
I don't think there will be any surprises here. Whilst the ABs haven't looked all that crash hot with an unusual amount of unforced errors, they still seem capable of individual moments of collective brilliance to get over the line. They survived a big test against the Pumas and haven't really been troubled since, they've been doing what they have to do without getting out of 2nd gear. I have a feeling they'll be fully capable of turning up the wick in the knockout stages. France - well I still feel under PSA they don't really have an identity and similar to them coming up short against the Irish I think they'll do the same here. They simply won't be good enough.
Verdict: ABs by 15.
Conclusion: Southern Hemisphere will contest the semis
It could have all been so different if we'd beaten the bloody crims last week. Oh well.
Agree with the last 3 but if Ireland can play like they did last week (I know it'll be tough) - They'll see off the Pumas!How about some Quarter Final predictions?
Pumas v Paddies.
The Irish have lost three key men out of their pack and are looking at a major reshuffle up front. POC and SOB are probably their two best forwards and it's difficult to underestimate how badly this will effect them. They've also lost POM. Doubts over Sexton's fitness also remain. The Pumas on the other hand have a superb front 5 and pack in general and pushed the ABs all the way into the final quarter. I've also read that they are the highest point scorers of the tournament so far. I think they'll dominate up front and take a tight victory.
Verdict: Pumas by <7.
Sicknote XV v Bokke
This will be a fearsome Route 1 up the jumper clash and I fully expect bodies everywhere and the stretcher to be on and off the pitch. The Springboks have recovered well after their shock opening defeat and the team for Saturday only contains 8 starters from the Japan game. The retirement of JdV has actually done them a favour as De Allende has looked superb. Wales on the other hand called up the INJURED Eli Walker to their squad after Liam Williams rebroke his foot against the Crims. That's right, the replacement is still injured! Nuff said. This will be a low scoring clash much like the Crim game and I expect SA to edge it with Wales once more failing to capitalise on some opportunities, and we'll be coulda woulda shoulda-ing for the next 4 years.
Verdict: Boks by 5.
Crims v Sweaties
An absolute pasting and no mistake, these two teams aren't in the same league. Say no more.
Verdict: Crims by 20+
ABs v France
I don't think there will be any surprises here. Whilst the ABs haven't looked all that crash hot with an unusual amount of unforced errors, they still seem capable of individual moments of collective brilliance to get over the line. They survived a big test against the Pumas and haven't really been troubled since, they've been doing what they have to do without getting out of 2nd gear. I have a feeling they'll be fully capable of turning up the wick in the knockout stages. France - well I still feel under PSA they don't really have an identity and similar to them coming up short against the Irish I think they'll do the same here. They simply won't be good enough.
Verdict: ABs by 15.
Conclusion: Southern Hemisphere will contest the semis
It could have all been so different if we'd beaten the bloody crims last week. Oh well.
desolate said:
hornetrider said:
Epom, watch the video, there's no squeeze or errant finger.
So what punishment does this wanton act of frottage by the french molester deserve?hornetrider said:
Lydiate back at 6, meaning Gethin is back to jackal. In the backs, Tyer Morgan at 13, Anscombe at 15 and Cuthbert still stealing a living out on the wing.
Stick by my earlier prediction...
TheGreatSoprendo said:
hornetrider said:
Lydiate back at 6, meaning Gethin is back to jackal. In the backs, Tyer Morgan at 13, Anscombe at 15 and Cuthbert still stealing a living out on the wing.
Stick by my earlier prediction...
k all 
hornetrider said:
How about some Quarter Final predictions?
Pumas v Paddies.
The Irish have lost three key men out of their pack and are looking at a major reshuffle up front. POC and SOB are probably their two best forwards and it's difficult to underestimate how badly this will effect them. They've also lost POM. Doubts over Sexton's fitness also remain. The Pumas on the other hand have a superb front 5 and pack in general and pushed the ABs all the way into the final quarter. I've also read that they are the highest point scorers of the tournament so far. I think they'll dominate up front and take a tight victory.
Verdict: Pumas by <7.
The French ref adds a little bit of intrigue, my prediction as your is that it'll be close but it will be in Ireland's favour.
Looking ahead:
Fingers crossed for an Aussie win then SOB vs Pocock and Hooper in the Semi's. If that doesn't get the juices flowing i don't know what will.
hornetrider said:
Think I read IH would be playing 6 in the absence of POM? Interesting choice given he's a lock I believe. Has he played in the back row before?
Its where he started fella. Good all rounder like Courtney Lawes, without the want to break people. Affiliated to a club near and dear to my heart, so as far as i am concerned he can do no wrong. hornetrider said:
Anyway enough about all the citings, its depressing! How about some Quarter Final predictions?
Can't really disagree with any of that logic.Wales Vs. Boks
I can see the logic in going with Lydiate at 6, physical presence and his love of the chop tackle to try and stop the big saffers on the gain line. It does suggest going the way of the arm-wrestle though which isn't a good strategy unless Wales can tire them out and be within touching distance and run them off the park. There's also a chance that Wales are overwhelmed by brute force. I'd like to see Wales win but think the Boks will take it by a score.
NZ Vs. France
I liked the look of France and fancied them against Ireland, there defense was impressive for long periods against Ireland but to beat the AB's you've generally got to rack up the points as they'll seldom not get tries. France could still be France and win it but I fancy the AB's to win by a couple of scores.
Ireland Vs. Argentina
I'd agree Argentina have been impressive, but consider they could be undercooked due to the way their pool went while Ireland look to be peaking at the right time, I'd fancy them more if it weren't for their injuries but i reckon they'll shade a tight contest (could have something to do with the fact I'd like to see at least one NH team remain in the comp).
Aus Vs. Scotland
Of all the ties this one seems like the easiest to predict. You just don't see anywhere that Scotland can get the upper hand, 12 months ago we'd have all said the scrum but somehow Aus have got what looks like the best scrum in the f-ing tournament! Scotland have started slowly in each of their games and if they do against Australia it will all be over long before half time. Error count and missed tackles has just been too high.
I still hope for an upset and will shout the Scot on with my Scottish wife but can't see beyond a convincing victory for the Aussies.
I was listening to Will Greenwood on Sky who reckons the attrition rate has been much higher for the NH teams as we're not as naturally big as the SH sides so need to hit the gym hard to become 'artificially stronger' not sure it's as clear cut as that. Fair does the Maori's and pacific nations sides are made of different stuff, but the others are of European decent in NZ, Australia, and South Africa. Just thought it was quite an odd comment.
buckline said:
Its where he started fella. Good all rounder like Courtney Lawes, without the want to break people. Affiliated to a club near and dear to my heart, so as far as i am concerned he can do no wrong.
I should add that I hope I'm wrong in all my predictions, and can certainly see valid cases being made for both Irish and Welsh victories, the Irish being the most likely.
hornetrider said:
I should add that I hope I'm wrong in all my predictions, and can certainly see valid cases being made for both Irish and Welsh victories, the Irish being the most likely.
My mother's maiden name is Griffiths so we must have welsh in there somewhere.
Also I quite like Gorky's Zygotic Mynci and once had a drink with Rhys Ifans so" yn dod ar Cymru!"
hornetrider said:
Think I read IH would be playing 6 in the absence of POM? Interesting choice given he's a lock I believe. Has he played in the back row before?
He can, with a quality lock in the form of Donnacha Ryan to step in too. Also, the likes of Jordi Murphy and Rhys Ruddock waiting to impress in the back row means I'm not unduly concerned in that regard. Heaslip has to (and will) provide the leadership. Close run game, but Ireland by 5 points IMOUnfortunately the Scots are the only ones I cannot give any hope for
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