Author Topic: General Rugby Union Thread (Read 601913 times)

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #280 on:** September 8, 2011, 10:19:24 pm »

Quote from: jason23 on September 8, 2011, 10:11:06 pm

I have put all the games and KO times on a spreadsheet and highlighted the games I want to see/watch live or record...

SA v Wales is Sunday morning right? Looking forward to that one.

Are all the group games played Friday-Sunday? Will there be long spells of no games? Haven't looked that closely at the schedule apart from when the England games are and the knockouts.

Final is on a Sunday - that's a first I think.

NZ Red · « **Reply #281 on:** September 8, 2011, 11:24:39 pm »

Heading off soon for the opening ceremony in the Auckland viaduct, can't wait for the opener against Tonga!

Will be interesting to see how the lineup named will start us off - slightly unorthodox wingers in Kahui and Toeava, and a bit of a surprise for me that SBW got the nod over Smith and Dagg over Muliaina. I suppose given the physicality of the Tongan team it's not a bad idea though - the central pairing of Nonu and SBW in particular will provide plenty of line breaks.

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #282 on:** September 8, 2011, 11:37:51 pm »

Quote from: NZ Red on September 8, 2011, 11:24:39 pm

Heading off soon for the opening ceremony in the Auckland viaduct, can't wait for the opener against Tonga!

Will be interesting to see how the lineup named will start us off - slightly unorthodox wingers in Kahui and Toeava, and a bit of a surprise for me that SBW got the nod over Smith and Dagg over Muliaina. I suppose given the physicality of the Tongan team it's not a bad idea though - the central pairing of Nonu and SBW in particular will provide plenty of line breaks.

Enjoy mate. I've said on here that I'd find it funny if NZ find a new way to fail to win it again but I could hardly begrudge you success if you do win it. Hope you put on a great tournament and here's to plenty of quality and talking points over the next couple of months. I've always loved talking rugby to Kiwis (and feeling slightly out of my depth!).

NZ Red · « **Reply #283 on:** September 8, 2011, 11:55:58 pm »

Quote from: Crosby Nick on September 8, 2011, 11:37:51 pm

Enjoy mate. I've said on here that I'd find it funny if NZ find a new way to fail to win it again but I could hardly begrudge you success if you do win it. Hope you put on a great tournament and here's to plenty of quality and talking points over the next couple of months. I've always loved talking rugby to Kiwis (and feeling slightly out of my depth!).

Cheers mate, I'm trying to look at it one game at a time this time considering our past WC record. Still hard not to have high hopes though - the team has a heap of experience, and it'll be the third time round for 6 or 7 of them. We looked unbeatable in the lead up to 2007, but there was the feeling that we peaked too early. So in that sense it could be considered a good sign that we lost that last match to Australia (might just be looking for something out of nothing here though). At the end of the day, guys like McCaw know there's no room for excuses this time round. There was a lot of talk about the squad relaxing too much in France back in 2007, so I think Richie has tried to ensure nothing like that will be happening this year (for me, this was symbolised by his rejection of the invitation to the royal wedding).

Anyway, should be a cracking tournament either way and the buzz around the city at the moment is awesome!

rusty-la · « **Reply #284 on:** September 8, 2011, 11:58:03 pm »

ok, prediction time:

Aussies to beat NZ in the final.

I'll take a wager with anyone

.

Aussies to win.

Anywhichwayicant · « **Reply #285 on:** September 9, 2011, 12:38:15 am »

Unless I am mistakin' the Aussies will play the French in the semis everything goin' accordingly (if someone can confirm this or set me on the right path I would appreciate it)

. The winners of that will win the tournament.

I fancy the Aussies though, have done for months so not gonna change now.

RotoruaRed · « **Reply #286 on:** September 9, 2011, 03:27:42 am »

Absolute bedlam in downtown Auckland......................people everywhere.

Gloriusoly sunny spring day, little breeze, about 18 degrees celsius.

Red_Isle_Chap · « **Reply #287 on:** September 9, 2011, 03:34:25 am »

Roll on Sunday at 8.30 pm. Looking forward to the 2 minute stroll to the pub, grab a pint and go watch the welsh game. Be nice to watch some sport at a reasonable hour. Bear in mind that i'll be up at 2 am on the sunday to watch the liverpool/stoke game

Hopefully we can surprise the Springboks, fuck me i'll be bouncing, especially if we beat stoke the same day. I might get leathered!

RotoruaRed · « **Reply #288 on:** September 9, 2011, 03:53:12 am »

Am counting the minutes.........a pint of Monteiths Doppelbock is sounding the goods very soon

CarolinaKopite · « **Reply #289 on:** September 9, 2011, 06:29:59 am »

The US team should just pick an NFL team to represent us and I think we could take the cup.

jillcwhomever · « **Reply #290 on:** September 9, 2011, 07:04:05 am »

Quote from: RotoruaRed on September 9, 2011, 03:27:42 am

Absolute bedlam in downtown Auckland......................people everywhere.

Gloriusoly sunny spring day, little breeze, about 18 degrees celsius.

Totally envy you at the moment, let's hope it's a great event with some good attacking rugby on offer. Enjoy yourself over there.

Gojedo · « **Reply #291 on:** September 9, 2011, 07:49:50 am »

Quote from: CarolinaKopite on September 9, 2011, 06:29:59 am

The US team should just pick an NFL team to represent us and I think we could take the cup.

I dunno. There is a fair amount of running.

jason42 · « **Reply #292 on:** September 9, 2011, 07:53:17 am »

Quote from: Gojedo on September 9, 2011, 07:49:50 am

I dunno. There is a fair amount of running.

I watch a lot of college football and some of those big guys can really move but given the money that the NFL offers compared to rugby, it is no wonder they all choose pro football (US). Some of the running backs and wide outs would be awesome centres and wingers and the offensive/defensive line would be great forwards.

Really looking forwards to this now...

Gojedo · « **Reply #293 on:** September 9, 2011, 07:58:49 am »

Quote from: jason23 on September 9, 2011, 07:53:17 am

I watch a lot of college football and some of those big guys can really move but given the money that the NFL offers compared to rugby, it is no wonder they all choose pro football (US). Some of the running backs and wide outs would be awesome centres and wingers and the offensive/defensive line would be great forwards.

Really looking forwards to this now...

Fair enough. I don't know. I just thought they threw the ball up field then trudged to the next play.

Number23 · « **Reply #294 on:** September 9, 2011, 08:16:49 am »

Only an hour to get your team in, but anyone interested, Supersport South Africa has a decent fantasy game:

http://fantasy.supersport.com/rwc/

Des O'Connor · « **Reply #295 on:** September 9, 2011, 08:20:30 am »

Anyone got a stream for the opener?

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #296 on:** September 9, 2011, 08:31:14 am »

Sat on a train bound for work. Damn the lot of you able to watch this!

Number23 · « **Reply #297 on:** September 9, 2011, 08:42:24 am »

Try this page:

http://www.worldcup2011highlights.com/rugby-world-cup-2011-opening-ceremony-live-stream-online

planet-terror · « **Reply #298 on:** September 9, 2011, 08:43:32 am »

Quote from: laserpubes on September 9, 2011, 08:20:30 am

Anyone got a stream for the opener?

Live on itv player

http://www.itv.com/itv1/

CarolinaKopite · « **Reply #299 on:** September 9, 2011, 08:44:37 am »

Quote from: jason23 on September 9, 2011, 07:53:17 am

I watch a lot of college football and some of those big guys can really move but given the money that the NFL offers compared to rugby, it is no wonder they all choose pro football (US). Some of the running backs and wide outs would be awesome centres and wingers and the offensive/defensive line would be great forwards.

Really looking forwards to this now...

Yea, iv'e always wondered about athletes crossing sports. It's fun to think about. But anyways, i'll be recording the matches, seeing as NZ is 16 hours ahead of me. I'll be rooting for a half way decent performance from the Stars and Stripes. I don't think were very good, but i'll support my boys all the way.

Des O'Connor · « **Reply #300 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:06:53 am »

Looks like our IT dept have preempted us by blocking every streaming site

nicholasanthony · « **Reply #301 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:10:44 am »

Quote from: Gojedo on September 9, 2011, 07:49:50 am

I dunno. There is a fair amount of running.

A lot of running. No doubt they can run, but for 80 minutes?

kelevra · « **Reply #302 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:12:07 am »

Auckland looks stunning

nicholasanthony · « **Reply #303 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:12:31 am »

Quote from: CarolinaKopite on September 9, 2011, 08:44:37 am

Yea, iv'e always wondered about athletes crossing sports. It's fun to think about. But anyways, i'll be recording the matches, seeing as NZ is 16 hours ahead of me. I'll be rooting for a half way decent performance from the Stars and Stripes. I don't think were very good, but i'll support my boys all the way.

Nice, us and NZ both have stars and stripes on our flags, you'll support us?

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #304 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:14:44 am »

Quote from: nicholasanthony on September 9, 2011, 09:12:31 am

Nice, us and NZ both have stars and stripes on our flags, you'll support us?

Stripes?

sinnermichael · « **Reply #305 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:15:09 am »

just hearing world in union gives me goosebumps.

greenone · « **Reply #306 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:15:13 am »

Quote from: jason23 on September 9, 2011, 07:53:17 am

I watch a lot of college football and some of those big guys can really move but given the money that the NFL offers compared to rugby, it is no wonder they all choose pro football (US). Some of the running backs and wide outs would be awesome centres and wingers and the offensive/defensive line would be great forwards.

Really looking forwards to this now...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14725789
Most of the linesmen wouldn't last 10 minutes on a rugby pitch. Their too big to run around.

kelevra · « **Reply #307 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:22:40 am »

Here they come

sinnermichael · « **Reply #308 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:26:16 am »

good to see itv have invested in a touch screen just like sky

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #309 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:28:00 am »

To my amateur eyes it seems like an unfamiliar NZ back 3. So used to seeing Mileuna at full back I guess.

Is Cowan any good? Seems like one area where NZ aren't as strong as the Aussies and Saffers.

kelevra · « **Reply #310 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:31:52 am »

Great haka. Great way to get the atmosphere up a notch

nicholasanthony · « **Reply #311 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:33:38 am »

Quote from: Crosby Nick on September 9, 2011, 09:14:44 am

Stripes?

That rubbish in the corner has some diagonal stripes.

Loved the Hakas.

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #312 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:38:54 am »

Quote from: nicholasanthony on September 9, 2011, 09:33:38 am

That rubbish in the corner has some diagonal stripes.

Loved the Hakas.

Haha of course, how could I forget!

Bangin Them In · « **Reply #313 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:40:26 am »

http://www.arcrugby.co.nz/

fefs · « **Reply #314 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:44:34 am »

Quote from: jason23 on September 9, 2011, 07:53:17 am

I watch a lot of college football and some of those big guys can really move but given the money that the NFL offers compared to rugby, it is no wonder they all choose pro football (US). Some of the running backs and wide outs would be awesome centres and wingers and the offensive/defensive line would be great forwards.

apart from the lack of stamina the problem with a lot of NFL players crossing over would be game intelligence and decision making. as in NFL players are told what to do by their coaches and very few players apart from the quarterback have any real decisions to make in the game whatsoever

sinnermichael · « **Reply #315 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:45:26 am »

sonny bills williams' offloads are ridiculously good.

brian moore already moaning about the ref on twitter

kelevra · « **Reply #316 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:47:44 am »

Quote from: stmichael on September 9, 2011, 09:45:26 am

sonny bills williams' offloads are ridiculously good.

brian moore already moaning about the ref on twitter

Never seen anybody offload the way he does. So different but yet so effective

Fanxxxxtastic · « **Reply #317 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:53:17 am »

Wonderful passing there from NZ in the build up to that try.

Libertine · « **Reply #318 on:** September 9, 2011, 09:58:21 am »

Conor Murray starts for Ireland at scrum half

what a year he's having.

Ireland: G Murphy; T Bowe, B O'Driscoll, G D'Arcy, K Earls, J Sexton, C Murray, T Court, R Best, M Ross, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, S Ferris, S Jennings, J Heaslip.
Replacements: J Flannery, T Buckley, D Ryan, D Leamy, E Reddan, R O'Gara, A Trimble.

CheshireDave · « **Reply #319 on:** September 9, 2011, 10:00:19 am »

When is the first intresting game on??