Rugby World Cup 2019

[Omar Comin']

Canada won their game easily in the end but I wasn't very impressed by them. Kenya have some good athletes and plenty of potential, but lack any kind of structure and a lot of their players have pretty poor basic skills for this level. The fact that they were still in the match early in the 2nd half makes me think Canada are pretty vulnerable. The worst sign was that they were struggling to defend Kenya's maul, which had pretty poor body height, and I think Germany are much stronger in this area.

I'd still have Canada as favourites, but I think Germany have a better chance than I did yesterday. They are a pretty well organised team, but just lack a bit of potency in attack.

 

[Quick Hands]

Canada won their game easily in the end but I wasn't very impressed by them. Kenya have some good athletes and plenty of potential, but lack any kind of structure and a lot of their players have pretty poor basic skills for this level. The fact that they were still in the match early in the 2nd half makes me think Canada are pretty vulnerable. The worst sign was that they were struggling to defend Kenya's maul, which had pretty poor body height, and I think Germany are much stronger in this area.

I'd still have Canada as favourites, but I think Germany have a better chance than I did yesterday. They are a pretty well organised team, but just lack a bit of potency in attack.

If nothing else, surely the Germans will have structure and discipline?

 

[Omar Comin']

If nothing else, surely the Germans will have structure and discipline?

Haha yes, although I'm not sure how many of them are born and bred Germans.

It'd be nice to see them pull off the upset. I like the way Canada play (or try to play) and I hope they get back to the level they should be at sooner than later, but it'd be good to see a new team in the tournament. Plus it'd be a real boost to the argument that the world cup should expand to 24 teams.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Repechage round two results:

Canada 29-10 Germany
Hong Kong 42-17 Kenya

 

[Omar Comin']

Canada were too strong in the end. I think Germany were treated very harshly by the ref at times, but there was still a gulf in class. I expected Germany to have some dominance at the scrum and maul but they didn't at all. It was actually a miracle that Germany were still only 3 points behind at half time as Canada had so many chances inside the German 22. Credit to Germany's defence.

Canada are now all but assured of qualifying. Hong Kong would have to beat them with a bonus point and deny them one. And that's not going to happen unless Canada play the worst match ever or get a red card in the first 5 minutes or something equally unlikely.

 

[Clavis Ruo]

I agree that Canada look like they're already there. HK must be kicking themselves over that first-game loss.
Would have been nice to have a new team at the RWC. HK or especially Germany would have opened up a whole new market. Canada have always been there but haven't done much since 1991. The 7s team is handy though.

 

[Omar Comin']

I agree that Canada look like they're already there. HK must be kicking themselves over that first-game loss.
Would have been nice to have a new team at the RWC. HK or especially Germany would have opened up a whole new market. Canada have always been there but haven't done much since 1991. The 7s team is handy though.

Canada beat Hong Kong 27-10 to confirm their qualification.

Hopefully their squad continues to improve leading up to the world cup - having the Toronto team in the MLR should help somewhat. They actually have quite a good draw (they're definitely in a better pool than the US and possibly also Uruguay - the two teams they lost to in qualification).

They're in the same pool as Namibia, who they should beat, and Italy who they play first up - just 4 days after the Italians play their opener against Namibia. They'd still obviously be significant underdogs against Italy, but it wouldn't be the biggest upset ever.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Germany 43-6 Kenya in the other match but tonight it's all aboot Canada, eh?

https://www.world.rugby/news/381786

Hopefully the revival can continue: used to love the Canucks back in the day & was saddened when they seemed to lose their way a little.

 

[Clavis Ruo]

Canada beat Hong Kong 27-10 to confirm their qualification.

Hopefully their squad continues to improve leading up to the world cup - having the Toronto team in the MLR should help somewhat. They actually have quite a good draw (they're definitely in a better pool than the US and possibly also Uruguay - the two teams they lost to in qualification).

They're in the same pool as Namibia, who they should beat, and Italy who they play first up - just 4 days after the Italians play their opener against Namibia. They'd still obviously be significant underdogs against Italy, but it wouldn't be the biggest upset ever.

I agree. They have to target Italy and South Africa.
Italy is within their capabilities to beat, and they face South Africa only four days after the Springboks play their second match against Italy and are likely to have to field some reserves.
It will still be very tough for Canada, of course, but that's the game they have to target; rest the key men in the game before, against NZ, so they get a good rest and recovery before playing the Boks.
And if Japan could do it in Brighton, Canada might do it in Kobe.

 

[Omar Comin']

I agree. They have to target Italy and South Africa.
Italy is within their capabilities to beat, and they face South Africa only four days after the Springboks play their second match against Italy and are likely to have to field some reserves.
It will still be very tough for Canada, of course, but that's the game they have to target; rest the key men in the game before, against NZ, so they get a good rest and recovery before playing the Boks.
And if Japan could do it in Brighton, Canada might do it in Kobe.

I don't give Canada any real chance of beating South Africa. Even if it's South Africa's 2nd XV. I don't think they're at the level Japan were at in 2014/15. But if they beat Italy and Namibia they'd come third in the group which means automatic qualification for 2023. I think that will be their target.

 

[Clavis Ruo]

I don't give Canada any real chance of beating South Africa. Even if it's South Africa's 2nd XV. I don't think they're at the level Japan were at in 2014/15. But if they beat Italy and Namibia they'd come third in the group which means automatic qualification for 2023. I think that will be their target.

Yes, youre prob right, but they should aim high anyway. You just never know.

 

[Nath]

Who got tickets in the ballot? And which ones?

I have:

Oz v Uruguay
France v Tonga
Fiji v Wales
Oz v Georgia

 

[Clavis Ruo]

Who got tickets in the ballot? And which ones?

I have:

Oz v Uruguay
France v Tonga
Fiji v Wales
Oz v Georgia

That's not a bad result for you.
I applied for 7. Got Russia vs Samoa only.

 

[Clavis Ruo]

That's not a bad result for you.
I applied for 7. Got Russia vs Samoa only.

Who got tickets in the ballot? And which ones?

I have:

Oz v Uruguay
France v Tonga
Fiji v Wales
Oz v Georgia

Fiji vs Wales should be a cracker. Should determine second spot - even first!
France vs Tonga has historical value too

 

[Nath]

That's not a bad result for you.
I applied for 7. Got Russia vs Samoa only.

Yeah it's been a prick of a process.

Made worse by the fact that the Japanese govt aren't going to have the olympic stadium ready in time when means 10,000 less people can go the big games.

I initially applied for the Aussie games and missed out, then went for the 2 oz games listed above and France Tonga, figured I'll get something which is better than nothing.

Then when the most recent ballot came around, went for Fiji Wales and Japan Scotland, but applied for Cat A tickets this time.

Missed the Japan Scotland but that was a massive throw at the stumps anyway.

There's another pre sale for people who've missed out before general sale.

My tip is pick one game you really want to go to and pick the Cat A, there's more likely to be people backing out of buying those.

 

[Clavis Ruo]

Yeah it's been a prick of a process.

Made worse by the fact that the Japanese govt aren't going to have the olympic stadium ready in time when means 10,000 less people can go the big games.

I initially applied for the Aussie games and missed out, then went for the 2 oz games listed above and France Tonga, figured I'll get something which is better than nothing.

Then when the most recent ballot came around, went for Fiji Wales and Japan Scotland, but applied for Cat A tickets this time.

Missed the Japan Scotland but that was a massive throw at the stumps anyway.

There's another pre sale for people who've missed out before general sale.

My tip is pick one game you really want to go to and pick the Cat A, there's more likely to be people backing out of buying those.

Yes, the process is a bit frustrating but seems to work. Luck of the draw, literally. I was very lucky in 2011 and 2015 and got all the tickets I wanted, including NZ vs Oz semi in 2011 and the final.
Will do as you suggested, thanks.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Potential stoush brewing between (English) Premiership Rugby & World Rugby re: player insurance, PRL threatening to not release players for RWC-related activities (camps, warmup matches etc) prior to the official Window which opens just 35 days before RWC starts.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12178915

Wouldn't affect Ringinland as PRL & RFU have already done a deal & RFU are in fact supporting PRL in this (for the most altruistic of reasons, of course ).

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

RUGBY WORLD CUP MATCH SCHEDULE (All NZT)
Fri Sept 20, 22:45: Japan v Russia, Tokyo Stadium (pool A)
Sat Sept 21, 16:45: Australia v Fiji, Sapporo Dome (pool D)
Sat Sept 21, 19:15: France v Argentina, Tokyo Stadium (pool C)
Sat Sept 21, 21:45: New Zealand v South Africa, International Stadium, Yokohama (pool B)
Sun Sept 22, 17:15: Italy v Namibia, Hanazono Rugby Stadium (pool B)
Sun Sept 22, 19:45: Ireland v Scotland, International Stadium Yokohama (pool A)
Sun Sept 22, 22:15: England v Tonga, Sapporo Dome (pool C)
Mon Sept 23, 22:15: Wales v Georgia, City of Toyota Stadium (pool D)
Tue Sept 24, 22:15: Russia v Samoa, Kumagaya Rugby Stadium (pool A)
Wed Sept 25, 17:15: Fiji v Uruguay, Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium (pool D)
Thu Sept 26, 19:45: Italy v Canada, Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium (pool B)
Thu Sept 26, 22:45: England v USA, Kobe Misaki Stadium (pool C)
Sat Sept 28, 16:45: Argentina v Tonga, Hanazono Rugby Stadium (pool C)
Sat Sept 28, 19:15: Japan v Ireland, Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa (pool A)
Sat Sept 28, 21:45: South Africa v Namibia, City of Toyota Stadium (pool B)
Sun Sept 29, 18:15: Georgia v Uruguay, Kumagaya Rugby Stadium (pool D)
Sun Sept 29, 20:45: Australia v Wales, Tokyo Stadium (pool D)
Mon Sept 30, 23:15: Scotland v Samoa, Kobe Misaki Stadium (pool A)
Wed Oct 2, 20:45: France v USA, Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium (pool C)
Wed Oct 2, 23:15: New Zealand v Canada, Oita Stadium (pool B)
Thu Oct 3, 18:15: Georgia v Fiji, Hanazono Rugby Stadium (pool D)
Thu Oct 3, 23:15: Ireland v Russia, Kobe Misaki Stadium (pool A)
Fri Oct 4, 22:45: South Africa v Italy, Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa (pool B)
Sat Oct 5, 18:15: Australia v Uruguay, Oita Stadium (pool D)
Sat Oct 5, 21:00: England v Argentina, Tokyo Stadium (pool C)
Sat Oct 5, 23:30: Japan v Samoa, City of Toyota Stadium (pool A)
Sun Oct 6, 17:45: New Zealand v Namibia, Tokyo Stadium (pool B)
Sun Oct 6, 20:45: France v Tonga, Kumamoto Stadium (pool C)
Tue Oct 8, 23:15: South Africa v Canada, Kobe Misaki Stadium (pool B)
Wed Oct 9, 17:45: Argentina v USA, Kumagaya Rugby Stadium (pool C)
Wed Oct 9, 20:15: Scotland v Russia, Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa (pool A)
Wed Oct 9, 22:45: Wales v Fiji, Oita Stadium (pool D)
Fri Oct 11, 23:15: Australia v Georgia, Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa (pool D)
Sat Oct 12, 17:45: New Zealand v Italy, City of Toyota Stadium (pool B)
Sat Oct 12, 21:15: England v France, International Stadium Yokohama (pool C)
Sat Oct 12, 23:45: Ireland v Samoa, Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium (pool A)
Sun Oct 13, 16:15: Namibia v Canada, Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium (pool B)
Sun Oct 13, 18:45: USA v Tonga, Hanazono Rugby Stadium (pool C)
Sun Oct 13, 21:15: Wales v Uruguay, Kumamoto Stadium (pool D)
Sun Oct 13, 23:45: Japan v Scotland, International Stadium Yokohama (pool A)
QUARTERFINALS
Sat Oct 19, 20:15: Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D, Oita Stadium (QF1)
Sat Oct 19, 23:15: Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A, Tokyo Stadium (QF2)
Sun Oct 20, 20:15: Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C, Oita Stadium (QF3)
Sun Oct 20, 23:15: Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B, Tokyo Stadium (QF4)
SEMIFINALS
Sat Oct 26, 21:00: Winner QF1 v Winner QF2, International Stadium Yokohama (SF1)
Sun Oct 27, 22:00: Winner QF3 v Winner QF4, International Stadium Yokohama (SF2)
BRONZE PLAYOFF
Fri Nov 1, 22:00: Loser SF1 v Loser SF2, Tokyo Stadium
FINAL
Sat Nov 2, 22:00: Winner SF1 v Winner SF2, International Stadium Yokohama

 

[Dctarget]

A friendly timezone RWC. Goodbye any productivity for those weeks.

 

[Quick Hands]

Japan kick off the tournament as hosts with a game they should win, and three very significant games on the Saturday re QF positions

Sat Sept 21, 16:45: Australia v Fiji, Sapporo Dome (pool D)
Sat Sept 21, 19:15: France v Argentina, Tokyo Stadium (pool C)
Sat Sept 21, 21:45: New Zealand v South Africa, International Stadium, Yokohama (pool B)