Can't wait for it to start. Heading over to Two games, Ire V S.A. and Ire V Sco. Our group is well and truly the group of death. The two teams who make it out of that group will have a monumental quarter final against either France or the Kiwis. On the other side of the draw, I have a feeling the Aussie's will do well and will get to a semi. If the teams who come through on the other side have exhausted each other, a team like Australia/England/Wales/ Argentina/Fiji, could easily get to the final. I fancy the French on home turf. As host nation, they will ensure everything is in their favour. S.A. may reach the final but there could be a few surprises along the way. I hope Ireland do well but wouldn't bet on them going beyond the QF, thats if we get out of the group. It should be a great tournament. May the best team win.
Winner has to come from one of Ireland, France, New Zealand or South Africa in my opinion. Ireland will probably never have a better opportunity to win it, going in, as England did in 2003, as the undisputed world No1.
IF (Big if) Ireland can beat SA and IF (Bigger IF) we can avoid significant injuries, we have a fighters chance. If you flip that point, lose and suffer injuries, we’ll be sitting ducks for the Scots. That’s how ridiculous that group is. Unbelievable first round of fixtures coming up. Most matches are 50:50. Hard to pick with confidence in several of them. I think Englands game with the Pumas is massive. Win and ye have 6-7 weeks together to build something, find some momentum, play your way into the tournament. Lose and……… wales are poor and may not even get out of their group. That’s also a tough group for the teams in it. I’d bet on a surprise or two in this group. love watching Scotland play with the ball but physically they are found wanting against the bigger teams. SA, France, NZ and IRE just too powerful for them.
I know! But I genuinely do believe this is your best ever chance to win it. Ireland are the best side in the world.
Aussies will be there to make the numbers up and a spot of sightseeing type thingy. Ireland has to be specials.
I wouldn't totally write off the Aussies just yet ! Their side could be anything, decent chance of making Semi's in my eyes
You’re too generous, Hammer. With Eddie being well traveled having coached the Lions, he should have updated knowledge of where Moulin Rouge is playing in Pa-ree!
No real value angle in betting on this competition. The two lads on here have suggested that it is between four teams and they are the first four in the market. I tentatively suggest that the best bet I can see is Evens for Argentina to beat England in their opening fixture.
There are some great teams playing (sadly, not England). Really looking forward to the Clash of The Titans over the following weeks. Tonight's match may give the first indication of how the tournament will play out.
I would also be very suprised if it outside of that group. France may benefit from playing on home soil.
