Rugby World Cup 2023

[Derpus]

Because the Argies can't afford to? It's gone on for years from all sides including PI teams taking players from other countries because they have some rough link. It is very unfair to say rugby is a joke without throwing same remark to almost every sport. How many Olympic teams are filled with sportsmen who have moved to countries to make it easier/better to compete for spots?

International test matches aren't the pinnacle of most other sports.

 

[Marce]

Probably would have given that title to Bakkies Botha back in the day

He's the new Bakkies

 

[Marce]

Never been on a field?

Have u played at professional level?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Answering a question with a question is a very immature way of saying no.

 

[Braveheart81]

For the record I think a good measure is if the national team reflects the amount of immigration percentages in the country, then that’s fine. If not then the union is clearly running an immigration program. Australia clearly has more percentage of population that’s an immigrant - around 30%, Ireland is around 12% foreign born.

I get what you're saying but don't think it is as simple as that.

Different groups of migrants are more or less likely to play rugby than others. It's not like the non-Australian born players in the Wallabies are at all representative of our overall migration picture.

What I think is a better guide is comparing the national team to teams at other levels. It depends a bit on the area where the team is located but at all levels in rugby in Australia you are going to find a pretty similar mix of Pacific Islander and NZ players playing the game. On that basis I don't think the Wallabies are at all an outlier here.

 

[Marce]

Bye bye Peter

 

[Agent]

Great tipster I am! I tipped Wales, Ireland, England, and France this weekend and only got one right.
I feel for the Irish - I thought it might have been their year and also thought the Frogs would sneak home over the Saffas.
Guess I’m on the Kiwi bandwagon now or any bar the Poms or the Saffas for that matter!

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Southern hemisphere felt pretty written off mid pool stage.

Now the North only have England.... SA will be claimed through the Club sides.

 

[Dan54]

Was interested watching Gallaher cup match on Saturday, Latua who had finished with Samoa the weekend before was on field for Bristol Bears, not a lot of a breather after the cup.

 

[Dan54]

And Welsh/Aussie mate test me this morning and sai for first time in his life he will be cheering for England this week, he pretty disappointed with how Boks used rules to waste time etc this morning!
For him to even thinking of cheering for Poms is almostbeyond belief.

 

[Derpus]

And Welsh/Aussie mate test me this morning and sai for first time in his life he will be cheering for England this week, he pretty disappointed with how Boks used rules to waste time etc this morning!
For him to even thinking of cheering for Poms is almostbeyond belief.

Yeah I'm down to supporting the English after Argentina. If England make the final my wife might actually leave me if i still refuse to support them.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Absolutely no way I'm supporting England.

 

[Sir Arthur Higgins]

I think SA will smash England.
I’m unwilling to completely write Argentina off. They have big games in them against the best teams.
But feels like an nz v sa final which will be awesome but I would’ve loved new blood in the final such as IRe v France but what a weekend of games.

it puts in perspective how bad Australia are versus what we’ve seen this weekend. Yikes!

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I think SA will smash England.
I’m unwilling to completely write Argentina off. They have big games in them against the best teams.
But feels like an nz v sa final which will be awesome but I would’ve loved new blood in the final such as IRe v France but what a weekend of games.

it puts in perspective how bad Australia are versus what we’ve seen this weekend. Yikes!

I back both these takes.

SA are everything England wish they were. I expect Ford to come back in at 10 and be taking any chance at points. Steward back at 15 as well.

Argies love a big game and if they can pump up just right will give it a red hot crack. If they can stay within 10 of NZ into the last 20 mins they have enough experienced guys to make a game of it. I could also see NZ beating them by 25 tbh.

 

[Sir Arthur Higgins]

Agreed on nz. Cheika can fire people up tho.

 

[Mr Pilfer]

Yes, 4 great quarter finals but a big risk now that the 2 semi finals could be blow outs.

I know a lot has been said about the draw already but it really doesn't feel right for France and Ireland to both get eliminated so early, they would both comfortably beat England and Argentina.

 

[Doritos Day]

It doesn't really matter, just means the order of 'hard' and 'easy' games is flipped. Unless a certain country wants to brag about being Semi-Finalists???

 

[Mr Pilfer]

It doesn't really matter, just means the order of 'hard' and 'easy' games is flipped. Unless a certain country wants to brag about being Semi-Finalists???

Yeah England will probably finish 3rd and all be given Knighthoods!

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

Yeah England will probably finish 3rd and all be given Knighthoods!

Maybe but they will win it on moral grounds ask Piers

 

[Members Section]

Just watched the full replay BOK hahahahaha

wow for WR (World Rugby) sake i hope nz win this week

Not a good look for our game