RWC 2019

[jimbobjoe]

Japan hosting South Africa in Kumagaya (Fri 11:15am Irish Time). South Africa have not spared the horses with their team, so will be an interesting one to keep an eye on. No tv coverage to best of my understanding. In other news bookies really fearing for Russia in RWC, Japan are now -40 on the handicap in the 1st game of the tournament.

Georgia's poor showing v Scotland now means Wales are -27 when they meet in the pool.

For those of us not in work or able to view a screen on the sly - Japan v SA might be available to stream on Modbro as Supersport are broadcasting it. Ultimate rugby also mentions ESPN scrum as a broadcaster.

You lost me at Modbro - tech dinosaur myself. If its on tv great, if not so be it

Just a streaming app which is reasonable for accessing unavailable channels. Quality can be poor though so not always worth the effort.

[neill_m]

Trying to complete the tv information for the rugby world cup. So Eir Sport are showing every game with RTE showing the Irish pool games, all the knockout games and 2 others - anyone know which other 2 they are showing?

[IanD]

Trying to complete the tv information for the rugby world cup. So Eir Sport are showing every game with RTE showing the Irish pool games, all the knockout games and 2 others - anyone know which other 2 they are showing?

Itv are showing all matches on Itv 1 or itv 4.

https://www.itv.com/rugbyworldcup2019/s ... d-cup-2019

Available on a freesat box over here. Itv 1 is also in HD.

[bgmusic]

Virgin Media have ITV 4 here. Will it be geo blocked for RWC?

[neill_m]

Trying to complete the tv information for the rugby world cup. So Eir Sport are showing every game with RTE showing the Irish pool games, all the knockout games and 2 others - anyone know which other 2 they are showing?

Itv are showing all matches on Itv 1 or itv 4.

https://www.itv.com/rugbyworldcup2019/s ... d-cup-2019

Available on a freesat box over here. Itv 1 is also in HD.

Thanks, very aware that ITV have the UK rights etc - just wanted to have the list fully complete! All bar 10 games on ITV1.

ITV4 Games

Russia v Samoa
Italy v Canada
NZ v Canada
South Africa v Italy
South Africa v Canada
France v USA
Argentina v USA
Fiji v Uruguay
Australia v Georgia
Fiji v Georgia

[Ruckedtobits]

Other than Eir, who has Japan v Russia?

[neill_m]

Other than Eir, who has Japan v Russia?

ITV1 will have it and maybe RTE2 (if it is 1 of the other 2 unconfirmed games it is showing)

[neill_m]

At the 11th hour the Australia Samoa game on Saturday 10:30am has been picked up by Sky.

[neill_m]

Japan 7-41 South Africa today in the game in Kumagaya.

[neill_m]

England 37-0 Italy
Scotland 36-9 Georgia
New Zealand 92-7 Tonga
Australia v Samoa just started (on Sky)

[nc6000]

England 37-0 Italy
Scotland 36-9 Georgia
New Zealand 92-7 Tonga
Australia v Samoa just started (on Sky)

The last game finished 34-15. Not exactly an encouraging set of results for the teams outside of the top 8 or so.

[neiliog93]

England 37-0 Italy
Scotland 36-9 Georgia
New Zealand 92-7 Tonga
Australia v Samoa just started (on Sky)

The last game finished 34-15. Not exactly an encouraging set of results for the teams outside of the top 8 or so.

Watched the game, Samoa were actually very competitive. Just a few silly missed tackles near the line. I don't think they'll beat us, Scotland or Japan, but could give us a bloody nose (or a few injuries...).

[nc6000]

Hard to see past a quarter final lineup of Ireland & Scotland from Pool A, New Zealand & South Africa from Pool B, Australia & Wales from Pool D and England along with France or Argentina from Pool C. Not sure anyone else has a chance of getting through outside of those 9 teams.

[neiliog93]

Hard to see past a quarter final lineup of Ireland & Scotland from Pool A, New Zealand & South Africa from Pool B, Australia & Wales from Pool D and England along with France or Argentina from Pool C. Not sure anyone else has a chance of getting through outside of those 9 teams.

I think France might actually beat Argentina for second place in England's group. There is a hope, albeit faint, of Japan beating Scotland. Don't see Fiji beating Wales or Australia though.

[nc6000]

I think France might actually beat Argentina for second place in England's group. There is a hope, albeit faint, of Japan beating Scotland. Don't see Fiji beating Wales or Australia though.

Yes, Japan could well be targeting the Scotland game knowing a win will get them through to the last 8. Not sure how France v Argentina will go but wouldn't be surprised to see France get through.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Predictions?

I I don't think we have enough depth in the second row or quality in the back row to win it, and I don't have much faith in our lineout. I'm confident now that we'll do well in the group stage and if we get to a QF with most players fit and a reliable lineout then I'd back us to get through that and reach the final, but can't see either of those things happening. Even if Henderson and Ryan put in heroic 80 minute efforts to get us through a QF, I can't see them being able to back that up for two games after that.

I can't see Wales winning it because they don't have much depth and don't think they can sustain the energy levels needed for Warrenball all the way to the final.

I think France will surprise people. They looked good at times against Scotland and just seem less ragged than usual. They have a great blend of athletes and footballers, good depth, Penaud is lethal from anywhere, and I think Dupont could be the star of the tournament.

Australia can turn it on for one off games but don't think they have the consistency to win. They could easily blow Wales away and then not turn up in the QF, or vice versa. Their discipline is poor, they have an issue at outhalf, and miss Folau hugely. Hard to see Pocock staying fit for it all too and they need him at his best to make a big impact in the tournament.

This is probably the worst NZ side I've seen in about 20 years, and yet they could still win it. They lack carriers and some off their players are showing their age, but Reece and Bridge could give them the threat they've been lacking out wide and Crotty could make a big difference at 12. If they find a good combination in the back row and Retallick hits the ground running in the knockout stages then they could win it but I don't see them making the final.

South Africa and England are my two favourites. South Africa's defence means that they'll keep every game tight, and they have enough beef up front that they'll be able to get enough good ball for Kolbe et al to score from. England's physicality is immense, they've got good depth and options to play different ways (power game, kicking game, pace with May etc), and the team is packed full of Saracens who are used to winning things.

I think SA have flaws and have benefited from having new coaches and that others will be able to expose those flaws now that there's more footage to watch, so for me it's England who will win.

[Oldschool]

Predictions?

I I don't think we have enough depth in the second row or quality in the back row to win it, and I don't have much faith in our lineout. I'm confident now that we'll do well in the group stage and if we get to a QF with most players fit and a reliable lineout then I'd back us to get through that and reach the final, but can't see either of those things happening. Even if Henderson and Ryan put in heroic 80 minute efforts to get us through a QF, I can't see them being able to back that up for two games after that.

I can't see Wales winning it because they don't have much depth and don't think they can sustain the energy levels needed for Warrenball all the way to the final.

I think France will surprise people. They looked good at times against Scotland and just seem less ragged than usual. They have a great blend of athletes and footballers, good depth, Penaud is lethal from anywhere, and I think Dupont could be the star of the tournament.

Australia can turn it on for one off games but don't think they have the consistency to win. They could easily blow Wales away and then not turn up in the QF, or vice versa. Their discipline is poor, they have an issue at outhalf, and miss Folau hugely. Hard to see Pocock staying fit for it all too and they need him at his best to make a big impact in the tournament.

This is probably the worst NZ side I've seen in about 20 years, and yet they could still win it. They lack carriers and some off their players are showing their age, but Reece and Bridge could give them the threat they've been lacking out wide and Crotty could make a big difference at 12. If they find a good combination in the back row and Retallick hits the ground running in the knockout stages then they could win it but I don't see them making the final.

South Africa and England are my two favourites. South Africa's defence means that they'll keep every game tight, and they have enough beef up front that they'll be able to get enough good ball for Kolbe et al to score from. England's physicality is immense, they've got good depth and options to play different ways (power game, kicking game, pace with May etc), and the team is packed full of Saracens who are used to winning things.

I think SA have flaws and have benefited from having new coaches and that others will be able to expose those flaws now that there's more footage to watch, so for me it's England who will win.

Good summary, however likely QFs are as follows based on Ireland to beat Scotland, NZ to beat SA, Wales to beat OZ and England to beat France
QF
Ireland v SA
NZ v Scot
England v OZ
Wales v France

SF
Ireland v France
England v NZ

Final
France
England - Winners probably.

The key matches to progress.
Ireland have the physical capacity to beat SA.
England can beat NZ by simply depriving them of possession.

France are a powerful team up front and have backs that are the match of anyone.
A fit (likely) France will be a tough nut for any team to crack, their track record says as much.
The final will be close. Who is the ref likely to be for that pairing. Nigel?

[jimbobjoe]

France are much improved but they wont make the semis and they might not even get past Argentina in the group.

[paddyor]

Interesting stats

Show Spoiler:

Win record

NZL - 83%
ENG - 77.3%
IRE - 72.7%
WAL - 62.2%
SCO - 57.1%
SAF - 50%
AUS - 42.6%
FRA - 35%
ARG - 19.5%
ITA - 16.7%

Tries per test

NZL - 5.34
ENG - 3.52
IRE - 3.45
SCO - 3.12
AUS - 3.04
SAF - 2.64
WAL - 2.24
ARG - 2.12
FRA - 2.10
ITA - 1.93

Tries conceded per test

NZL - 1.79
ENG - 1.91
IRE - 2.11
WAL - 2.16
FRA - 2.40
SCO - 2.43
SAF - 2.57
AUS - 3.09
ARG - 3.54
ITA - 4.64

We're a fairly solid 3rd in all metrics, not too far behind 2nd vut a little bit off 1st.

[johng]

Bookies have us 4th. They are usually close enough