Fingers crossed for Italy to pull off a slightly smaller surprise against France tonight. Just realised Scotland are in the Japan/SA group.......they must be ****ing themselves.
They won't admit that of course, but whoever comes next for SA will pay dearly of course. In past tournaments Ireland have demonstrated that they are more than capable of QPR-like cup episodes so I'm not laughing at all... much
two of the most emotive and passionate anthems in front of a full house so they back it up with a choir . why oh why can they not just use a band and leave the crowd to it?
.....I really think so! My God! What a game. What a result. I know this is a football site. I know there are many here who are not rugby followers - and that's fine. But, my God, that's what pure grit and teamwork is all about. If only professional footballers (some QPR players included) had an ounce of that spirit, what a better game it would be. A great day for sport and the underdog.
Spot on CORKeR. A victory for rugby today, the Japs could have taken the soft option and kicked a penalty for the draw which would have been a sensational result anyway, but they had the balls go for a try and played it brilliantly for a deserved win. That has thrown that group which also has the Scots in wide open and they play the Japs on Wednesday, suddenly an easy game has become a really pivotal game in that group, we'll all be Japanese for a day...
Second night in a row a try ruled out because the ref watched the big screen in the stadium, for the same reason. Looked like Italy might be steamrollered in the first 5 minutes but they are coming back strongly. Shame that, as ever, they don't have a reliable goal kicker and that their emergency replacement centre looks totally out of his depth. It's France's to lose, and they are more than capable of doing just that. Or running in 5 tries.
Lots of debate about the TMO and the length of time it's taking to reach a decision, but as long as the correct call is made surely that's all that counts.
I didn't see the Ireland and Tonga games, but Italy the weakest team I've seen so far, They are missing some key players though, and that replacement centre, number 23, reminds me of DJ Campbell, running around 5 yards behind the ball. I have a soft spot for Italy, good to see them get a try. Nobody hides in this game, really enjoying the tournament already.
Yeah, got off to a great start hasn't it? full marks to the organisers for playing this one at Twickers - cracking atmosphere. NZ vs Argentina should be great tomorrow too
'fraid so. couldn't the OP put this in another rugger thread, instead of starting a new one? or at least tag it as off topic!