The Rugby Thread

[wombourne wolves]

I was trying to be kind, but I fear your figure is nearer the truth.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I am struggling to make a case for any area of the field where Scotland can hold the Australians back. Their defence is nowhere near as good as the thin red line that held Australia out, so there could be quite a few tries. Their best chance is typical Scotland disruptive rugby but they are likely to get pinged off the park trying to do that as well.

 

[leedswolf]

Yes - I would agree there. Is it a case of we northern hemisphere types are now underestimating how good they have become?

Is it an underestimation or subtle differences in the way the game is played in the 2 hemispheres?

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I think the breakdown is definitely a bigger contest between attack and defence in the Southern Hemisphere. Only Wales have looked like competing at the breakdown at the same level, and that is why they have got closer to the Southern Hemisphere teams on the scoreboard. Both games lost were by less than a converted try, whereas England were beaten soundly by Australia, and Ireland and France have been badly beaten up by Argentina and New Zealand.

 

[leedswolf]

Ironically Wales' failure in both of those games was not to take advantage of their chances.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Against Australia definitely. I don't think Wales missed too many chances against the Boks. The first couple of minutes they butchered a try, but otherwise they didn't blow too many opportunities.

Having had 24 hours to let it sink in, you have to also realise that the very fact that Wales were super-competitive at the breakdown did end up costing them the Boks game though. They got pinged for far too many penalties. The scoreboard remained close because there were fewer tries, but the South Africans were able to take the easy threes, and eventually got their one moment of genius to get the win. And one also can't forget that Handre Pollard butchered two very kickable other penalties as well.

 

[darlowolf64]

Pointless comment of the day by the commentator for the Australia vs Scotland game... "Who'd of thought that Scotland, who failed to win a game in the last 6 Nations, would be the last remaining Northern Hemisphere team"

That'll be because they had a piss easy group and are playing last in the Qtrs you dick!

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Great start. Give away a penalty at the first breakdown and then get whacked for ten extra metres for gobbing off.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Australia starting like an absolute train.

 

[darlowolf64]

and there you go....See ya Scotland

 

[Bit on the shaggies]

That depleted Welsh side got close, but don't forget that this Springbok side is well below par. I don't think the northern hemisphere teams can come out of this tournament with any sense of achievement.

 

[darlowolf64]

Cheeky try by Scotland...Game on
Shocking defending by the Aussies

 

[Bit on the shaggies]

Ha! And Scotland do the unthinkable!!!

 

[wombourne wolves]

Scotland obviously haven't read the script.

 

[Bit on the shaggies]

Why didn't Australia defend like that against us?

 

[Johnny75]

Watch Scotland win now... :icon_lol:

Well you say that......

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

What the actual fucking fuck is happening here?

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Shame this Australia didn't turn up in their last two matches.

 

[darlowolf64]

Australia have woken up

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Now I think they will power on to a big win, but this has been a fine forty minutes by the Scots.