Basic Rugby Talk

[zumojuice]

MMmmm so why play France this afternoon? Chances of a win very slim.

Was happy to see the italians beat the welsh even if it was a dodgy ending. They are really coming up in their game which is good to see.

[Andy1982]

I'm just happy to see England haven't won the 6 nations! :P

World Cup is going to be interesting this year, Australia won't win because we don't have enough depth and we're going through a rough stage. Sth Africa will get to through to the second round, but won't make it through to the final as they're still rebuilding. Ireland have a really good chance of winning as long as they can focus and play their own game. England are in a form slump, even with Johnny but they lack the game play of the likes of Ireland or France. France, being the host nation will be dangerous, and could cause an upset. New Zealand are the team to watch this year, they have alot of depth and their focus is something that will drive them to the final.

[zumojuice]

yeah - France are strong and should be a good force is they can keep it up. Ireland as you say maybe be strong but recently they seem to have lost the pace, so they need that back if they are to get anywhere. So yes the teams down under should be the ones to watch.

England need a serious haul - we need to be better at line outs, stop fouling and giving away penaties for stupid mistakes. we need more depth and we need something. Even in last world cup we were not that good. I mean its also based on johnny. hes a great kicker but average elsewhere - where as ronan o'gara or chris patterson are nearly as good at kicking and better all round players. We need to play to our strengths and build new ones.

Like the italians have this opportunistic play that is really getting them tries. The irish have a wider support and play than us. We need our 'thing'

[Andy1982]

As long as Ireland keep training and have practice matches between the end of the 6 Nations and the World Cup, and turn up the intensity when it gets closer to the opening round, they'll be fine!

I would have said England are a one man team with Johnny, but I thought better of it because of the reaction I might have got! haha But as you say, its true. O'Gara is a fine player, and England should be looking to use a player of his potential. Are there any English players who could take on an O'Gara type role?

Andy

[zumojuice]

Well not really as yet - I mean, it was nice to see the young blood in garrity and shrettle (or however you spell them) coming out and proving form - I reckon both have a lot of potential in an international side, so with a few more of them and some good nurturing, we might be able to rely less on JW or bringing back veterans. I agree we do have one man team but then against France we were very solid without him. if we can playu that and better with him - then we have a real chance

[Andy1982]

I think it was the fact you were playing France... Everyone loves beating the French hehe

[zumojuice]

well yeah, but they were not on their game either. Both France and Ireland were not on form this weekend but are both up for winning next.

England can if we beat wales by a large enough margin which would be aided by France or Ireland losing.

Italy could get it if England, Ireland and France all lose and Italy beats Ireland but a huge margin over all else. That would be a true underdog story.

[Andy1982]

*bump*

The Rugby World Cup starts soon! wooo hooooo

































England better not win...

[Kelly Creative]

bbbboooooooooooo!

[Andy1982]

oh boo hoo to you too hehehe