They certainly did. Their delegate from Oceania pulled all the balls out - a Mr McCaw I think his name was.
FANTASY RUGBY WORLD CUP FILED UNDER: COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS, TOURNAMENTS - POSTED BY: HUTCH_JAMES If anyone is interested in playing Fantasy Rugby World Cup there’s a FFScout community league on SuperBru.com that I urge you to join. In my opinion it is the best rugby Fantasy game there is, with a smart scoring system that rewards good performances in every position – not just try-scorers and kickers. Here’s a quick guide. THE RULES You need to pick a squad of 23 players, with a limit of four players per team. Once you’ve picked and saved your squad, you will then need to pick a starting line-up of 15 players, including a captain (who will score double points) and a kicker (who will score points for penalties/conversions). You can also select back-ups for your captain and kicker, should they end up not playing for whatever reason. You can make as many transfers in and out of your squad as you like prior to the tournament beginning. Once the tournament has started, you are limited to four transfers (rising to six in the knockouts) in between rounds – so make sure you get the balance of your squad right initially. PICKING YOUR SQUAD Four transfers in between rounds is not that many, so it’s worth looking at who you think will be the highest scorers over the course of the tournament, and getting them in early as the core of your squad. It’s a long tournament so every team will rotate, but there will be some guys that are so indispensable that they will play most of the time – they are the ones you want to get in. So, who is going to be indispensable? Captains are a pretty good place to start. Guys like Stephen Moore for the Wallabies, New Zealand’s Richie McCaw and England’s Chris Robshaw all have excellent engines and will all play the bulk of the minutes for which their teams are in the tournament. And that’s another thing to consider – which teams are going to make it through to the knockout stages? It’s all very well picking an unknown Samoan flyer, but you need to remember that you’re going to have to streamline your squad for the quarter-finals and onwards. Using the team limit of four for the sides that you think will make it deep into the tournament makes sense. Most importantly, once you’ve picked your squad of 23, you’re not done – make sure you then go to the ‘Starting line-up’ page, and select your starting XV and specialists. SELECTING YOUR CAPTAIN The highest scoring players tend to come in the back three, because they have the most space to run around in, and therefore tend to make the most metres and beat the most defenders – and score the most tries. So it is therefore much more sensible to captain a guy like Izzy Folau, than a workhorse-like captain in the mould of Sam Warburton (although tackle count is also a good source of points). Also pay close attention to fixtures – who is playing Uruguay or Namibia this week? Who has that team selected on the wing? All the record try-scoring performances in a World Cup have come against this sort of minnow, and these two teams look like the weakest in the tournament and will ship plenty of points. MAKING YOUR TRANSFERS Once you’ve got your core of players, picked your starting line-up and captain/kicker, then the points will start rolling in. In between rounds you will have four transfers to make – there’s no financial market to worry about, but use them wisely. Be aware of rotation, particularly when the big teams are playing the minnows, but starting teams tend to be announced a few days before kick off, so you’ll be able to see the lineups before the deadline in some cases. http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2015/09/15/fantasy-rugby-world-cup/
please log in to view this image The 2015 Rugby World Cup begins tonight as host nation England take on Fiji at Twickenham to kick-off six weeks of action-packed rugby union across the country as well as in Cardiff. With all four home nations harbouring high expectations of winning the tournament, Australia and South Africa desperate to show they are not an also-ran when it comes to reigning world champions New Zealand and the likes of France, Argentina and the Pacific Islands certainly in the mix, it’s set-up to be one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent memory. please log in to view this image
England v Fiji It's a big game for… please log in to view this image Chris Robshaw: Four years under his captaincy has led to this moment when the England captain will lead his country into a home World Cup. With the weight of a nation on his incredibly broad shoulders, Robshaw will be expected to give the 80,000+ in attendance plenty to cheer when they take on Fiji in what should be a winning start for England. However, the Harlequins flanker is yet to win a tournament as England skipper after recording four consecutive second-place finishes in the Six Nations, and anything less than a semi-final appearance is likely to be deemed a failure at the World Cup. Questions remain over his suitability on the openside, but the simple matter is that he is the best No 7 in the squad and no one has ever doubted his commitment. please log in to view this image Teams: England: Brown; Watson, Joseph, Barritt, May; Ford, B Youngs; Marler, T Youngs, Cole; Lawes, Parling; Wood, Robshaw, Morgan. Replacements: Webber, M Vunipola, Brookes, Launchbury, B Vunipola, Wigglesworth, Farrell, Burgess. Fiji: Talebula; Nayacalevu, Goneva, Lovobalavu, Nadolo; Volavola, Matawalu; Ma'afu, Koto, Saulo; Ratuniyarawa, Nakarawa; Waqaniburotu, Qera, Matadigo. Replacements: Tuapati Talemaitoga, Peni Ravai, Isei Colati, Tevita Cavubati, Peceli Yato, Nemia Kenatale, Joshua Matavesi, Asaeli Tikoirotuma. Best stat… England have never lost to Fiji in the five matches they have played against each other since their opening fixture in 1988, and have always managed to score at least three tries against the Fijians with their record being 10 tries in 1989. Remember when… England could only manage second in their Pool during the 1999 Rugby World Cup, and that meant a they would need to negotiate the quarter-final play-offs before reaching the last-eight. They met Fiji at Twickenham – although the World Cup was being hosted by Wales – where England opened with a try that would have looked more at home among the Pacific Islanders and the Red Rose. Playing the ball with reckless abandonment that nearly cost them possession in midfield, the play switched from right to left until it found wing Dan Luger, and the speed merchant burnt upfield beating three men before touching down under the posts. England would go on to win 45-24. Player to watch… Jonny May comes into the match brimming with confidence after scoring twice in the final warm-up victory over Ireland a fortnight ago. The Gloucester wing looks to have strengthened his defensive game while maintaining the attacking threat that stands him in with a shout of taking the top try scorer award should he find the ball that England will look to feed him out wide. Past three meetings… England 54 (Sharples 2, Penalty try, Monye, Johnson, Tuilagi) Fiji 12 (Matawalu, Qaraniqio), International Test, November 2012. England 45 (Luger, Greening, Burger, Beal) Fiji 24 (Nakuta, Satala, Tikomaimakogai), Rugby World Cup, October 1999. Fiji 12 (Seru) England 28 (R Underwood, Probyn, Andrew), International Test, July 1991. Form guide… England: WWWLW Fiji: WDWWW Vital information… Kick-off: 8pm. TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV
The ultimate guide to the rugby WAGs! As the World Cup kicks off today, we check out the glamorous wives and girlfriends who'll be cheering on their partners from the sidelines Supportive English girlfriends include Camilla Kerslake and Chloe Madeley Model Sophie Harries and Miss World's Ellie McKeating will be watching Australian beauty Laura Dundovic heading to UK to back her other half It's one of the most popular British sports but rarely has rugby been seen as glamorous. However, all that looks set to change thanks to the bevy of beautiful wives and girlfriends - affectionately dubbed 'scrummies' - who have descended on the UK for the Rugby World Cup. Along with local favourites such as TV presenter Chloe Madeley, 28, the line-up off the pitch also includes a Miss Universe contestant and stunning bikini model. please log in to view this image Classical singer Camilla Kerslake is the pretty blonde girlfriend of England captain Chris Robshaw, 29 As England geared up for their opening group match against Fiji at Twickenham, the high-profile girlfriends of two of the players have already been making headlines. Eyebrows were raised earlier this week following reports of infighting amongst classical singer Camilla Kerslake, the pretty blonde girlfriend of captain Chris Robshaw, 29, and TV presenter Chloe Madeley. please log in to view this image Media personality Chloe Madeley is the girlfriend of England flanker James Haskell, 30 please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Eyebrows were raised earlier this week following reports of infighting between Camilla Kerslake, pictured top, and Chloe Madeley, bottom. Cont ...
The 27-year-old songstress, who was one of the first signings to Gary Barlow's record label, apparently doesn't get on well with the fellow WAGs. A source told The Sun: 'Camilla is not so popular among the other girls. She seems to feel she is a cut above and that some of the other girlfriends are tacky. Chloe isn't the type to take that lying down.' Media personality Chloe, the girlfriend of flanker James Haskell, 30, shot down rumours by posting a cosy snap of the pair. The 28-year-old captioned it: 'This was taken the night the slanging match supposedly took place... I'm just super surprised that a tabloid pitted the classical singer and the half-naked selfie taker against each other...whaaat a shocker. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image England's Chris Robshaw, pictured left, and James Haskell, right, are both dating women in the public eye 'So, I have an idea, let's focus on and support the important people shall we tabloids? Hint, they're the big ones in white.' Miss Madeley is the daughter of former This Morning hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan and is most famous for her stint on The Jump - the Channel 4 winter sports reality show. AUSTRALIA Australian fly-half Quade Cooper is a rugby star famed for dating a string of high-profile women. However, swimmer Stephanie Rice didn't last long before being dumped for businesswoman Amelia Gorrie. please log in to view this image Australian fly-half Quade Cooper is dating TV personality and reality contestant Laura Dundovic please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Laura Dundovic shows off her model credentials in a skimpy white two-piece while posing for the camera Mr Cooper, 26, went on to split from Miss Gorrie earlier this year and is now thought to be in a relationship with 27-year-old bikini model and TV personality, Laura Dundovic. Earlier this year, Miss Dundovic took part in the Australian version of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here which, unlike the UK show, is filmed in South Africa. please log in to view this image Quade and Laura pictured at the John Eales Medal at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia please log in to view this image Quade Cooper is tackled by Dan Carter of the All Blacks during The Rugby Championship in August WALES Watch out Cara Delevingne! Hot on the heels of the supermodel posse is rising Welsh starlet Sophie Harries. The girlfriend of 24-year-old full back Liam Williams has just been snapped up by London agency Models 1, thanks to her catwalk-ready figure and mane of glossy blonde hair. please log in to view this image Sophie Harries is the girlfriend of 24-year-old full back Liam Williams. She has just been snapped up by London agency Models 1 please log in to view this image Despite already having starred in a number of high-end magazine editorials 5ft 10in beauty Sophie describes herself as just 'a small town Welsh girl living in London' please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Welsh players Liam Williams, pictured left, and Alex Cuthbert, right, have bagged themselves glamorous girls Despite already having starred in a number of high-end magazine editorials, the 5ft 10in beauty describes herself as just 'a small town Welsh girl living in London'. Meanwhile, it won't be long until 25-year-old Alex Cuthbert's glamorous other half Sarah Connolly catches the eye of bookers. The Dublin-born beauty is currently working as an agency executive at Media Central. Judging from her Twitter account the platinum-haired supporter loves watching Big Brother, partying with friends and catching up with her man while he has a Thai massage. cont ...
please log in to view this image +36 Alex Cuthbert's glamorous other half is Sarah Connolly who works as an agency executive at Media Central please log in to view this image Judging from her Twitter account the platinum-haired supporter loves watching Big Brother, partying with friends and catching up with her man while he has a Thai massage SCOTLAND Bringing star power to the competition is former Miss World quarter finalist Ellie McKeating. The svelte charity ambassador, who is engaged to Scotland lock Richie Gray, 26, appears to have been busy modelling racy bridal lingerie and pretty lace wedding gowns ahead of the contest. Glasgow-born Ellie made a memorable appearance in a cheeky pink tartan ensemble during the 2014 competition. please log in to view this image +36 Bringing star power to the competition is former Miss World quarter finalist Ellie McKeating please log in to view this image +36 Glasgow-born Ellie made a memorable appearance in a pink tartan ensemble during the 2014 competition please log in to view this image Charity ambassador Ellie is engaged to Scotland lock Richie Gray, 26
Meanwhile Richie's teammate Finn Russell, 22, has also managed to bag himself a beauty queen. Fashion student Mhairi Fergusson, 21, who is studying at Glasgow Caledonian University, was recently crowned Miss Scotland. Here's hoping her man is on the same winning streak. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Both Scotland's Richie Gray, pictured left, and Finn Russell, right, are dating beauty queens please log in to view this image Finn Russell's girlfriend Mhairi Fergusson, 21, who is studying at Glasgow Caledonian University, was recently crowned Miss Scotland please log in to view this image Miss Scotland Mhairi Fergusson turns her hand to charity work and supports The Prince's Trust Scotland IRELAND Another striking WAG is Sophie Marron. The tall brunette is currently dating 22-year-old Irish centre Robbie Henshaw. The student has been loved-up with the sportsman for the nearly two years, but they only made their red carpet debut at last year's Pride Of Ireland Awards. please log in to view this image Another striking WAG is Sophie Marron, pictured left, she is currently dating 22-year-old Irish centre Robbie Henshaw, right please log in to view this image The pair made their red carpet debut at last year's Pride Of Ireland Awards, despite having dated for two years NEW ZEALAND All Blacks veteran Dan Carter, 33, has a beautiful wife - although ex-professional hockey player Honor, 33, is a sportswoman to be reckoned with in her own right. The couple, who married in 2011, now have two sons together: two-year-old Marco and baby Fox, who was born in April. please log in to view this image +36 All Blacks veteran Dan Carter is another player with a beautiful wife, although ex-professional hockey player Honor is a sportswoman to be reckoned with in her own right please log in to view this image +36 New Zealand's Dan Carter fends against Tevita Kuridrani of Australia during August's Rugby Championship ITALY Having previously been married to a Miss Europe winner, it's clear French back row Sergio Parisse has a thing for models. The 32-year-old, who divorced Alexandra Rosenfeld in 2013, is now married to glamorous Silvia Bragazzi. The trim brunette is a fixture on the sideline - that's when she's not busy taking photographs of herself in pricey evening dresses. please log in to view this image +36 Silvia Bragazzi is a fixture on the sideline - twhen she's not busy taking photos of herself in pricey dresses please log in to view this image +36 Having been married to a Miss Europe winner, French back row Sergio Parisse clearly has a thing for models please log in to view this image +36 Italy captain Sergio Parisse in action during the match between Wales and Ireland at Millennium Stadium SOUTH AFRICA South African wing Bryan Habana has the full backing of his supportive long-term partner. The 32-year-old, who married girlfriend Janine Viljoen at Sorex estate's chapel in Centurion in 2000, is often spotted at glitzy events with his spouse. please log in to view this image +36 Bryan Habana and wife Janine Viljoen attend Oakley's Disruptive by Design Launch Event in Los Angeles please log in to view this image +36 Bryan Habana passes the ball just before receiving a tackle from Joaquin Tuculet of Argentina during the International Test match FRANCE South African-born scrum-half Rory Kockott is hoping to go to victory with the French team. The 29-year-old can bank on the support of his wife Stephanie, who he married in 2014, ahead of the tournament. Stephanie has been busy tweeting positive, motivational quotes, which are seemingly set to inspire her man. please log in to view this image +36 Stephanie has been busy tweeting positive, motivational quotes, which are seemingly set to inspire her man please log in to view this image +36 South African-born scrum-half Rory Kockott is hoping to go to victory with the French team Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/a...lla-Kerslake-Chloe-Madeley.html#ixzz3m6prn97j Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Sorry the thread didn't turn out as planned. A few domestic issues needed sorting out. Please feel free to add your own content relating to the upcoming games when your team is involved.
Sorry about that. I had to dash off as my daughter had an accident. ( She's fine. ) I'll merge these threads later. Got to get ready for work now.
May I suggest making a Corrie thread to vent your anger rather than cluttering up my excellent 'We need more World Cup threads' thread
