RWC 2019

[PomBstard]

Derek Smith said:

Just seen the first match. Japan deservedly winners. Russia not as bad as they were painted, but lacking in inventiveness.

Japan needs to beat Scotland. I think a lot will depend on injuries. Japan have a long wait until their next match so they should be fresh and up to strength. Russia have got four days to recuperate. not sure they'll be as willing to run against Samoa.

I watched the whole match too. Russia were looking very tired by about 35 mins, though somehow didn't seem to get much more tired, if that makes sense. However, whilst Japan was lively and moved the ball reasonable quickly when they could, the expected physicality of Samoa will give Russia a different test. Russia's no7 was everywhere, not always legally, and will be key against Samoa.

I reckon Japan v Scotland could be an interesting match.

[Kermit power]

Derek Smith said:

Russia have got four days to recuperate. not sure they'll be as willing to run against Samoa.

It does seem nuts that Russia will have played two games before Uruguay, Canada or the US play their first...

[anonymous-user]

Big day today.

Australia Fiji first.

[JonChalk]

Can Fiji keep this up for another 55 minutes?

I really hope so!

[snake_oil]

Fantastic so far! Australia are getting sucked in.

[TheGreatSoprendo]

Thoroughly enjoying this. We (Wales) could lose to both these sides if we're not right on top of our game. Fiji incredibly dangerous in attack and way better in defence than they used to be. The scrum looks to be their main Achilles heel so far.

[TheGreatSoprendo]

Kermit power said:

Anyone else think the Welsh should be sent home in disgrace??

Failing to publish their starting lineup against Georgia before the first round cut off point for the Fantasy Rugby is bang out of order!

Here you go. Apologies for the delay

Liam Williams (Saracens); George North (Ospreys), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues); Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (capt, Ospreys), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues).

Replacements: Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Ross Moriarty (Dragons), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets)

[Kermit power]

TheGreatSoprendo said:

Here you go. Apologies for the delay

Liam Williams (Saracens); George North (Ospreys), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues); Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (capt, Ospreys), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues).

Replacements: Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Ross Moriarty (Dragons), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets)

Ah good... My gruntle is now slightly less dissed, as Williams, Davies and North are all starting!

[anonymous-user]

Great try

[snake_oil]

I think the Aussies will close this out now.

[PomBstard]

Arse. I went out to collect the kids at 12-21, and came back to 39-21. It’ll be the only rugby coverage we get now until the next Aus game...

[DocJock]

So much for the directive to tighten up on dangerous tackling. Lots of sneaky/lazy high shots from Aus and Fiji, and that Aus winger should have been off for his shoulder charge.

Great game to watch though.

[Road2Ruin]

Not sure who to cheer for with France v Argentina! Any one else?

[Derek Smith]

Road2Ruin said:

Not sure who to cheer for with France v Argentina! Any one else?

Some attractive play from the French. They are taking risks. I like that.

[snake_oil]

I wonder what the French offload count is! They look great.

[Road2Ruin]

That's France all over. I love to watch them when they are on song and flying. Especially against New Zealand

[dickymint]

irocfan said:

basherX said:

Howley sent home. Hmm.

indeed - idiot. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49733089

indeed he is................

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6snEfqI7sM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HmBt-6CCbU

Looking forward to the next 'interview'

[Gargamel]

Road2Ruin said:

Not sure who to cheer for with France v Argentina! Any one else?

It’s a shame they can’t both lose !

I pushed I would like the Argies to win this one, always good to shake up the order.
Argies still have massive issues with penalty count.

[JonChalk]

Road2Ruin said:

Not sure who to cheer for with France v Argentina! Any one else?

I'm going with Argentina.

We need to keep the French down and depressed - makes the pool easier for us.

Update: That'll do!

[Gargamel]

Argentina look pretty strong in the set pieces, but terrible backs line and movement in broken play. seem to cluster rather than open spaces.

Great line outs !