Cannot say I like all this video stuff that has crept into the game. Fair enough for when one wants to know if the ball has been put down for a try, but to stop the game for a long chat between the ref and the man with the video over minor decisions is slowing everything down.
I totally agree. It has created a culture of risk aversion amd refs no longer have to take full responsibility as they refer everything upstairs. What are the expectation levels like with your French friends OFH? I think they will do very well again and are possibly being underestimated.
It seems they believe they could win it, but are trying the well worn phrase "one match at a time". They feel their preparation has been good, but a couple of players they would liked to have played tonight are not fit. You never quite know which team will turn up when they are away from home.
It also makes more of a mockery of Nigel Owens comments in midweek - how would he cope with a football match without the TMO to fall back on?
Great win for them - what does that mean for us (England)? As South Africa were potential Quarter finalists if we didn't win the group but maybe it won't be as important. ( I notice they still get 2 points for the bonus tries though)
Sporting history today. Nothing less. Brilliant performance by Japan... come on you Cherry Blossoms...
When I was out for drinks before my meal last night I bumped into one of my bosses who is South African - I mentioned there was a positive for SA yesterday with Michael Klinger captaining Gloucs to victory over Surrey - just forgot to mention the 3rd ball duck! Also saw on Facebook a picture of one of my former bosses with a member of the Samoan squad - they're staying the same hotel in Brighton as her.
Japan giving it a right old go again by the sounds of things. Would be hugely funny to see them beat both South Africa and Scotland... but they got stuffed in the end so what would i know!
So who is going to win tomorrow? Fancy England by 7. Loads of hype from the media naturally probably trying to stir up tensions - hopefully its a decent game (and England win of course)
I stupidly agreed to do a 26 mile night walk for Cancer Research this evening. I think it may prove to be less stressful than watching the game at Twickenham tonight....
Incredibly well done England. How you threw that away was awesome work. Poor decisions. Poor discipline. Poor execution.
Why on earth did I decide to watch that? Masochism. Mind you, England never looked like World Cup potential winners.
