RWC 2023

[Dr Bison]

Anyone else excited about the Rugby World Cup about to kick off in France tomorrow?
What are your predictions for the opener between France and the All Blacks?

This time it's much harder to make any predictions about who is going to lift the cup in the end, so I'm really looking forward to some exciting matches over the next few weeks.

Well, only little more than 28 hours to wait...

Karl

 

[Rob]

Yes, very much so. Sadly my boys are not even in with an outside chance of winning, will struggle to get out of the group I fear, Sunday's first game vs Fiji is the decider for us.
France vs All Blacks is a hard one to call, I think France but not by much. Losing Ntamack is a real blow but I think they are strong enough.

Nice thing is the weather should make for hard dry pitches so it will not turn into a dour muddy powergame tournament which South Africa would inevitably win again.

 

[Nap]

All Blacks to beat France ....but reckon it will be not overly easy !

Nap

 

[DEL]

Based on form tomorrow's opener should be a hands down win for France. New Zealand have been hit by the perfect storm, significant loss of form, poor discipline and crucially the fact that refs are wise to them and no longer, as in the past, intimidated by reputation.
Now clearly Scotlands recent performances have given me much cause for optimism but in reality every game in the pool of death has to be treated as a cup final. What I'm hoping for is a decent injury free opener against South Africa then a couple of high differential wins, going into the Irish game with all to play for.
As an outside bet I'll risk a few quid on Argentina but my money's on the Springboks

 

[cinimod]

Me too, I can't wait. Friday match I hope will be a classic opener but I think France will win. Not confident for England either especially against Argentina.............dom

 

[Helm]

I've never been less enthused about an England team before, it's possible we might submarine our way to the semis, but I'd almost rather they didn't, so a root and branch dissection of squad and management might take place. But that's as likely as England winning it.

 

[OldTaff]

Expect to hear a whole load of colouful expletives from this corner of Suffolk....I'll try to be calm; I'll fail miserably as I cheer on Wales ( Well, I can hope against all logic , can't I?) I'm sure of one thing, though.....it'll be a glorious feast of awe-inspiring skill. I'm looking forward to watching Dupont weave his magic again.

Alan

 

[Mirofsoft]

Not me

 

[Helm]

 

[DEL]

Not by any means a memorable match with both sides cancelling each other out in any form of creative play.
Felt both underperformed but France had by far the better game management throughout.

 

[Helm]

Not by any means a memorable match with both sides cancelling each other out in any form of creative play.
Felt both underperformed but France had by far the better game management throughout.

And with Ramos you will need to be squeaky clean in your half and not give away penalties.

 

[Rob]

Strangely disjointed performance by the All Blacks, trying to play a broken, scrappy game against a team from the 6 Nations was bread and butter for the French.

 

[DEL]

Worth saying though that we did see a world class try saving tackle from Richie Mo'unga.
Perfect execution in technique and intent.
I'm a bit puzzled by the number of pundits 'bigging' up the game as well as those saying the Kiwis were humiliated.
Neither is true, both teams will clearly progress and settle.

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Based on form tomorrow's opener should be a hands down win for France. New Zealand have been hit by the perfect storm, significant loss of form, poor discipline and crucially the fact that refs are wise to them and no longer, as in the past, intimidated by reputation.
Now clearly Scotlands recent performances have given me much cause for optimism but in reality every game in the pool of death has to be treated as a cup final. What I'm hoping for is a decent injury free opener against South Africa then a couple of high differential wins, going into the Irish game with all to play for.
As an outside bet I'll risk a few quid on Argentina but my money's on the Springboks

You called it mate!!!

No one said it would be easy & lots still to play for.
Cannot wait to get into stadium for games looked amazing!
Did I mention I’m on a search for my long lost French ancestors in Normandy too

 

[Nap]

Well it was never going to be easy .....I think NZ were under a lot of pressure

Well done to France

Nap

 

[Chrisr]

Based on form tomorrow's opener should be a hands down win for France. New Zealand have been hit by the perfect storm, significant loss of form, poor discipline and crucially the fact that refs are wise to them and no longer, as in the past, intimidated by reputation.
Now clearly Scotlands recent performances have given me much cause for optimism but in reality every game in the pool of death has to be treated as a cup final. What I'm hoping for is a decent injury free opener against South Africa then a couple of high differential wins, going into the Irish game with all to play for.
As an outside bet I'll risk a few quid on Argentina but my money's on the Springboks

Spot on Del. Excellent call. My money is on the Springboks, but I wouldn’t write off the All Blacks. They have an ability to come back to win after the 80 minutes - as we know all too often. We have forgotten what the Bledisloe Cup looks like. Sadly the Wallabies are only there to make up the numbers.

 

[Helm]

Didn't see that coming from Italy, indeed thought Namibia might have nicked it. Have to say, the female commentator is utterly awful. Amongst other things I learned today from her, was Namibia is in South America, playing Rugby in 30 degree heat is hot work and that you can score 8 points from a single score.

 

[DEL]

Amongst other things I learned today from her, that you can score 8 points from a single score.

Infact not uncommon when playing in The Rhondda in the 70s/80s . How's tricks Taff ?
D

 

[Helm]

 

[Dr Bison]

George Ford really was the man tonite! What an unexpected result.