RWC 2011 - Pool A - NZ, Tonga, France, Japan, Canada

[darkhorse]

They beat Fiji and Romania in 1991 to make the quarter finals.

Wow! I did not realise that. I guess I'm showing my age - or lack of it.

 

[Slim 293]

Canada used to have some world class backrowers in the early 90s...

 

[Brumbies Guy]

Canada are only ranked 2 places down from Tonga and have now beaten Tonga on their past 3 games. Couple that with the 11 changes Tonga decided to throw into the mix for this game and it was always going to be a tight game. Amazed at how good the World Cup games have been so far.

 

[Tiger]

Yeah, I don't really consider this game an upset - I think the bookies were giving pretty much even odds.

It was always going to be a close game but what impressed me was that it wasn't the scrapfest it could have been.

 

[darkhorse]

I stand corrected. It clearly was unfair to lump Canada in with Romania, Georgia & Usa. However, they surely have improved a lot since the last world cup?

I say this without any expertise, but given their relative success at the 1991 WC, I imagine they got left behind when the game went professional and they are only catching back up now. Would that be fair?

 

[AngrySeahorse]

Yeah, I don't really consider this game an upset - I think the bookies were giving pretty much even odds.

It was always going to be a close game but what impressed me was that it wasn't the scrapfest it could have been.

Checked the TAB this morning Head to Head Canada were $3! Wished I was on it. Had to go visit a family member 30min in, looking forward to watching the replay. Cudmore didnt get himself in trouble did he? Very torn I like Tonga & Canada. Canada surely are Tongas' bogey team they've beaten them twice in RWC's.

 

[Rev Spooner]

Didn't surprise me that Canada won considering they played well against the Australian Baa Baas.

 

[Swat]

How good was Canada v Tonga? best game of RWC so far, followed by the worst game so far between Scotland and Georgia

 

[tranquility]

They also smashed the Queensland academy / invitational side which had some serious albeit undeveloped talent in the ranks.

 

[Gnostic]

How good was Canada v Tonga? best game of RWC so far, followed by the worst game so far between Scotland and Georgia

Considering the conditions, blowing a gale and raining as it was I thought Georgia did well. Scotland are either trying to improve their betting odds or are really dying in the ass. Georgia played to their strengths and I enjoyed seeing a minnow go toe to toe with an established test nation who recently beat Oz.

 

[qwerty51]

I am actually impressed by Scotland in those wins against Romania and Georgia, they were hard fought against tough packs. They made 9 changes for the Georgia game and seem to have some depth. The backs were quite good in the Romania game and Scotland know how to get the job done. They now have a 10 day rest, I think they can knock off Argentina and finish second. Wouldn't surprise me if they beat England as well. They play great WC rugby.

 

[Riptide]

How good was Canada v Tonga? best game of RWC so far, followed by the worst game so far between Scotland and Georgia

Scotland really is such an average team who diminish when playing away from home. Support for the game in that country is poor. Crowds at Pro 12 games are 3 men and a dog.

 

[Swat]

Crowds at Pro 12 games are 3 men and a dog.

So, a lot bigger crowd than Tahs games at ANZ stadium

 

[tigerland12]

OH CANADA! Watched the replay ( unfourtunatly I was at work, first game i've missed live), back and forth game. As mentioned, the Canadian backrow was outstanding, not too mention their facial hair ( Mr Kleeberger I'm looking at you).

The two peroxide blonde backs Van der Merwe and the winger were strong runners all night.

Good win for the Canadians, there game against Japan will be a ripper.

 

[tigerland12]

How good was Canada v Tonga? best game of RWC so far, followed by the worst game so far between Scotland and Georgia

Good game, but I still think South Africa vs Wales and possibly Japan vs France have got my vote so far. We have been spoilt with great games so far, except the latter you mentioned.

 

[Jnor]

Great game, very well played to Canada, I think they just had the structures (combined with a decent bit of mongrel) to outdo Tonga.

I don't know if I've mentioned it already but I'm loving the World Cup. Awesome.

 

[EVERYFWDTHINKTHEYREA6OR7]

Canada Vs Tonga

If you haven't watched this match i recommend giving it a look.

Congratulations Canada well played.

Personally i think they are going to give Japan a shake.

I would love to see Canada get up. They need the funding from the IRB for third spot. Japan has pretty professional set up.

Someone break Canada's halfback for kicking back possession with a few minutes to go.

 

[Braveheart81]

Someone should sign Adam Kleeberger. I can't believe he still plays domestically in Canada.

He is fantastic.

He also may have the greatest beard in international rugby.

 

[Brumby Jack]

Richie McCaw is out of the Japan game with a 'minor calf strain' according to Fox Sports News.

 

[08umema]

Someone should sign Adam Kleeberger. I can't believe he still plays domestically in Canada.

He is fantastic.

He also may have the greatest beard in international rugby.

I think the commentators wanted to marry his beard. Certainly had a lot of up-close camera shots.