The Rugby World Cup 2015 Thread

[featured_spectre]

Great game between the all blacks and Springboks. Only decision I disagree with was sending habana off, but I doubt it would have effected the outcome. Great game anyway.

[rich_tech]

NZ had to work hard for that today and I thought they were quite reckless in the first half because of the penalties, good win though against the boks, rugby has been spectacular in places in this world cup.

[elsiegee40]

So, it goes against the grain, but I will be supporting underdogs Argentina this afternoon. Purely on the basis that I would rather it wasn't Australia.

 

Difficult decision because Australia have a more realistic chance of beating NZ in the final. Looking forward to some Latin flare this afternoon hopefully!

 

Noise has ceased in the building works at home as they are laying levelling compound. So at least I will be able to hear the match!

Edited October 25, 2015 by elsiegee40

[featured_spectre]

If Argentina play as they did last week, then they'll go through to the final. As the hosts have said, they needed the carrot to develop, which was the championship. Now all we need to do is get more European teams involved into a 2 tier league (6 nations + remaining nations).

[featured_spectre]

Not at all impressed by Wayne Barnes this game. Bad decisions with the card, the end "knock on" where the ball went back...just bad.

[featured_spectre]

2nd half better all round. Great reffing, great playing. Hard on the Argentines, but I have a feeling they'll end up with the bronze.

[rich_tech]

Barnes was equally bad for both sides today I felt, not going to the TMO near the end was awful for the Argentinians with the forward pass for the last try, equally surprised that he ignored the Argentinian blatantly pulling the ball back into a tackle after placing it.

 

I have a feeling NZ will edge next weeks final, though its probably a little too close to call right now, both have had their good and bad performances and still got the wins.

 

I agree I think Argentina may edge SA next week too, their a slower side than Aus/NZ and play for the power game.

[elsiegee40]

My money remains on NZ. Australia didn't play particularly well today. Argentina weren't good enough.

[featured_spectre]

In either instance, one team will be 3 time winners.

[sonofsanta]

Well both of those games were a bit tense, weren't they? Looking forward to the final, don't reckon I can call it--both teams have had their off days this tournament. If they both bring their A game (i.e. AUS v ENG/WAL, NZL v FRA) then it could be incredible. Can't believe this is the first time they've ever met in the final.

[elsiegee40]

Nigel Owens is referee for the final BBC Sport - Rugby World Cup: Nigel Owens confirmed as final referee

 

Looks like I'm supporting Wales again

 

For the English fans, Wayne Barnes is one of the linesmen at the final and Graham Hughes is TMO at the 3rd/4th playoff. Joubert doesn't feature for some reason.

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/119101

Edited October 26, 2015 by elsiegee40

[featured_spectre]

Joubert is undergoing review. He could face a fine, and potentially never ref again on the international stage, which frankly is not enough.

 

His decision cost Scotland, and either Scotland or Argentina would have been finalists if not for him.