Rugby World Cup Japan 2019

[Paddingtonwolf]

Romain Poite is a possibility as he is on the line for a semi final same as Barnes, but New Zealand still have a bee in their bonnet about him over the Lions test.

 

[VanWolfie]

Owens can’t do it if Wales beat South Africa.

Agreed. Barnes (who with Owens is retiring after this world cup) is the favourite if England lose the semi-final.

 

[VanWolfie]

Romain Poite is a possibility as he is on the line for a semi final same as Barnes, but New Zealand still have a bee in their bonnet about him over the Lions test.

I don't think Poite is even in the reckoning. His time would have been four years ago. He's had too many slip-ups since then. Garces didn't do a good job of NZ v SA in the pool game but his handling of the England-Australia quarter-final was very good. I see him being awarded the final in four years time in France—unless England beat NZ, then I think he'll be given the final and Barnes will miss out.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Depends how Garces refereees Wales v South Africa. Of the front line candidates he is the one who is DEFINITELY able to do the final without a conflict issue. If Barnes gets the final I GUARANTEE if Wales are there that New Zealand make a boat load of fuss about the fact he was brought up and educated in Wales even though he was born in Gloucestershire.

Garces is a massive dropped bollock waiting to happen. I would have happily taken Peyper if Wales beat South Africa but that photo totally blows his chances. Berry is Australian - I was sure he was a New Zealander. I can only guess my mistake was because he never had to speak to the number 10. Whenever a Kiwi says 10 it instantly distinguishes their accent from an Aussie. O'Keefe is the NZ referee and WAY too inexperienced at only 30.

 

[Newbridge Wolf]

It's a real humdinger of a weekend in the rugby, good job I havent done anything silly and booked a romantic weekend away with the wife...

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

You absolute plank!! Should be two amazing games. Get the hotel bar to open early on Saturday and Sunday mornings and sneak down for rugby and beer. What could possibly go wrong for you?

 

[VanWolfie]

Depends how Garces refereees Wales v South Africa. Of the front line candidates he is the one who is DEFINITELY able to do the final without a conflict issue. If Barnes gets the final I GUARANTEE if Wales are there that New Zealand make a boat load of fuss about the fact he was brought up and educated in Wales even though he was born in Gloucestershire.

Garces is a massive dropped bollock waiting to happen. I would have happily taken Peyper if Wales beat South Africa but that photo totally blows his chances. Berry is Australian - I was sure he was a New Zealander. I can only guess my mistake was because he never had to speak to the number 10. Whenever a Kiwi says 10 it instantly distinguishes their accent from an Aussie. O'Keefe is the NZ referee and WAY too inexperienced at only 30.

Don't get me wrong, Berry is a very good up and coming referee who has replaced Glen Jackson (New Zealander) as being seen as the future of rugby refereeing. I.m sure it will be Barnes doing the final but one possibility if Wales lose to SA and England lose to NZ is that Owens will get to do a second RWC final, equaling the record set by Andre Dawson in 1999 and 2003. I would like that because Owens is far superior to anything Dawson could do. He was just lucky whereas Owens is the best in the world. But for that scenario to play out, Wales would have to lose and I think that would not be your heart's desire! The coming weekend promises to be most enticing!

 

[Newbridge Wolf]

You absolute plank!! Should be two amazing games. Get the hotel bar to open early on Saturday and Sunday mornings and sneak down for rugby and beer. What could possibly go wrong for you?

To be fair I'll just put it on the telly, big old romantic that I am!

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Come on England.

(That feels strange, but needs must as there is no chance we can beat the All Blacks in the final should we get there)

 

[Tredman]

Can’t feel that strange with living in England and whatnot

This is a free hit imo, really can’t see us winning but they just need give it their best.

 

[Johnny75]

I like the nonsense of the Haka but Owen Farrell's smirk made me laugh.

 

[Tredman]

It’s getting too long, national anthems quick interlude and lets play rugby.

 

[BillyDee]

Get the fuck in!

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

It’s getting too long, national anthems quick interlude and lets play rugby.

I hate the fact that the opposition are expected to stand still and respect it rather than ignore it or intimidate it. I hate the fact it took longer than the maiden voyage of the titanic today.

I enjoyed the fact that England have started like an absolute train.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

That should have been a second try. England are playing fantastic stuff.

 

[BillyDee]

The Hakas bollocks, knock it on the head. If NZ want to do it at a press event pre tournament, fine, but not one minute before kick off every game.

 

[Tredman]

Got to keep this up, it’s brilliant.

 

[Johnny75]

Itoje and Lawes are absolute beasts in the middle.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

New Zealand are getting absolutely killed at the breakdown. That steal by Itoje was insanely good forward play.

 

[Tredman]

Owens got conned there, no better cheaters than the ABs