My son and I were there and said at the time if we can't score against 13 men then we don't deserve to win!
Hope you enjoyed yourselves despite the result, it looked a superb contest on the telly. On an unrelated point, today is Eddie Jones' last game coaching Japan. Their discipline and imagination at the set piece has been brilliant. I would prefer England to have an English coach, but aside from Clive Woodward, I am unaware of any who have the stature and record to take this team forward. Step up Eddie.
monumental day of sport ahead for Irish fans. Our football team has batteled bravely in a very strong group and has a realistic chance of automatic qualification. This from a team with no superstars and a team which on paper would realistically struggle in the championship. In rugby our group D-Day has arrived. I don't mind admitting that 2 months ago I genuinely saw Ireland as World Cup dark horses with a genuine chance of competing against the very best. But alas we have gone incredibly flat over recent months and I just can't see us finding form against an ever improving French side. Six months ago I'd have bet my house on a comfortable victory here but now we are slowly heading for the proverbial car crash. Two good results today and they're won't be a tap done in the country tomorrow.
Big, big day for you lads. Don't despair on the rugby. South Africa have had the season from hell and yet seem to be turning the ship round. You've had one dodgy performance against a Parisi fired Italy, who were due a decent game. Hit Michalak hard a few times early, all will be good. My only question is whether Schmidt can set you free from the percentage game (which has served you well) if necessary.
Just wondering why Italy qualifies in third place, versus say England who have more points? Okay, I think I just answered my own question - this is for 2019, Canada were in a similar position but failed to do so, when Romania had that late come-back and beat them 17-15. Italy 32-22 Romania So Italy survived Romania's too-little-too-late onslaught to earn a bonus-point win which, crucially, secures third place in Pool C. That means they are automatically assured of their seat among their illustrious tier-one rivals at the 2019 World Cup. http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34491573
err, they are in different groups. The top 3 in each group are guaranteed a place at the next WC finals, they don't have to qualify. England finished 3rdin their group, so will be in Japan for the next World Cup for certain. It's a good system, allows the 'bigger' teams to focus on playing each other between tournaments, also means the groups in the finals are competitive to the last. Association football could learn from it. Just noticed that all the Irish R's I have met in person apart from Nuts are mini versions of Paul O'Connell.
Ireland and France are away for what should be one of the best matches of the qualifiers, atmosphere in the Millenium looks great...
Thanks, I just figured that out - Canada missed a big opportunity allowing Romania to beat them late.
Just noticed that all the Irish R's I have met in person apart from Nuts are mini versions of Paul O'Connell.[/QUOTE] That's because I'm of Viking blood
You're probably better off playing competitive games to qualify rather than having 4 years of friendlies. The 'bigger' nations have the 6 Nations and Rugby Championship every year to keep in trim, plus tours. The tournaments for other teams don't seem so regular.
Jeez, that Bastareaud is a big...bastareaud, and they reckon he's lost weight!... French kicking letting them down...
Why the **** aren't you in the pub?[/QUOTE] Wifey and kids away at basketball all day. I'm on the road tomorrow morning at 5am with work so spending the day on the couch enjoying the sport
