RWC 2015 Final - Australia v New Zealand, Twickenham, Sunday 1 November, 3:00 AEDT

[mudskipper]

Yeah that's a lot better. I'm curious to where (if they exist) the holes are in the AB's defence. So from this RWC, here's the tackle completion of their backline. Obviously stats are always to be taken with a grain of salt, especially since the data is coming from only a maximum six games.


Aaron Smith: 92%
Dan Carter: 88%
Julian Savea: 75%
Ma'a Nonu: 88%
Conrad Smith: 96%
Nehe Milner-Skudder: 56%
Ben Smith: 88%
Average: 83%


and for the Wallabies
Will Genia: 76%
Bernard Foley: 88%
Drew Mitchell: 65%
Matt Giteau: 86%
Tevita Kurindrani: 84%
Adam Ashley-Cooper: 81%
Israel Folau: 92%
Average: 82%

Not too sure you can infer anything from that, maybe missed tackles are a lot more prevalent on the wing. Very impressive from C. Smith, especially at outside centre. Shows you that he might not be the flashiest player, but it's incredibly important.

Data base is way too different NZ had such an easy Pool group... Wallabies stats are more realistic thou...

 

[Omar Comin']

I'd be surprised if a union would be prepared to argue kick off times months in advance. Superstitions of it resulting in them crashing out would be too strong.

Why should superstitions come into it? It's a business matter. The ARU and NZRU would benefit from the big matches being played later regardless of whether they made the finals or not. The more people watching, the better for rugby in our countries.

And as the two most successful countries in rugby world cup history, Australia and New Zealand have plenty of bargaining power. Next time there's a European world cup I'd like to see the ARU and NZRU demand evening kick offs for the finals.

 

[Bullrush]

Data base is way too different NZ had such an easy Pool group. Wallabies stats are more realistic thou.

And yet against better opponents in the quarter/semi, the Wallabies missed even more tackles?!

 

[Highlander35]

Course it's not due to DW. It's a small factor. But ITV will want 4pm because historically that'll be around when Sport rates highest in the UK.

Avoiding traditional prime time means they'll pick up significantly more of the casual market as well. While no right minded Rugby fan would ever put anything but the cup game on, there would be non-insignificant swathes of the population who'd choose to put on one or both of the other two instead. It also lets them run their regular prime time TV as well, rather than shifting that around, which always hurts ratings.

While it sucks and in an ideal world it would be different, it was likely a decision that would have had to have been made for any domestic broadcaster to give the money they have done. Suits the South African and European markets, whom all prefer afternoon to evening and would be greater contributors for the almighty $.

 

[mudskipper]

In my eyes... Wallabies need to contain the All Blacks to under 20 points... If they can and this can be achieved with some control they're a real chance of bring Bill home...

IF the ABs score more than 25 points they could likely win.. While not impossible but highly unlikely the Wallabies aren't likely to score more than 30 points against the ABs... thats history and just a sensible fact..

In our advantage we have an in form team... However the ABs may have their best team ever on paper but have been hot and cold this year with such talent...

 

[Omar Comin']

Suits the South African and European markets, whom all prefer afternoon to evening and would be greater contributors for the almighty $.

So why are the Euro16 finals all being played at 9pm?

I think it's ridiculous to be honest. The difference in ratings between 4pm and an evening kick off would not be substantial in Europe (an evening kick off may even do better). Yet they will be substantially lower in Australia and New Zealand.

And Australia and New Zealand - I'm talking about the unions, have a tonne of bargaining power. I'm disappointed they don't think of this stuff, I mean it's only their fans (and potential fans) that get affected.

 

[Jellic87]

And yet against better opponents in the quarter/semi, the Wallabies missed even more tackles?!

I wouldn't necessarily say our opponents in the quarters/semis were 'better'. Wales and England are definitely not to be sneezed at!

 

[Slim 293]

3am > 6am

I'm not waking up early on a Sunday to watch a rugby match sober/hungover.......

 

[EatSleepDrinkRuck]

This is too much.

I can't handle the pressure of this final and all I have to do is make it to the pub by 1am...

No wonder I never made it past a District Rep team. I'm sure the selectors wrote 'would freak out if he ever made a RWC Grandy, DO NOT SELECT' followed by 'my son played well - SELECT TO START AS CAPTAIN'

 

[Quick Hands]

This current All Black team has been on top of the world for 4 years and contains two players in Carter and McCaw who would be amongst the best All Blacks ever. They'll be difficult to beat. Our team is on the rise and we're playing our best rugby for years - pity Cheika hasn't had the team for another year or two. It should be a great game and whoever wins will be deserved world champions.

 

[Quick Hands]

So why are the Euro16 finals all being played at 9pm?

I think it's ridiculous to be honest. The difference in ratings between 4pm and an evening kick off would not be substantial in Europe (an evening kick off may even do better). Yet they will be substantially lower in Australia and New Zealand.

And Australia and New Zealand - I'm talking about the unions, have a tonne of bargaining power. I'm disappointed they don't think of this stuff, I mean it's only their fans (and potential fans) that get affected.

I'm not really sure that Australia and NZ have a lot of bargaining power here. While NZ has a rugby mad population, it's a tiny market in terms of viewers world wide and even though Australia is a bigger market overall, rugby is nowhere near our major sport. Even with us making the final, there would be a substantial part of the population oblivious to the RWC even being on, let alone us being in the final.

 

[Braveheart81]

So why are the Euro16 finals all being played at 9pm?

I think it's ridiculous to be honest. The difference in ratings between 4pm and an evening kick off would not be substantial in Europe (an evening kick off may even do better). Yet they will be substantially lower in Australia and New Zealand.

And Australia and New Zealand - I'm talking about the unions, have a tonne of bargaining power. I'm disappointed they don't think of this stuff, I mean it's only their fans (and potential fans) that get affected.

Maybe they allow the country hosting the event to run it as they see fit because when they host it they expect to be able to do exactly the same without interference?

There's also a substantial difference to people's lifestyles in Europe between the height of Summer and now as well as temperatures. It's not surprising that they want to play the big matches as late as possible when it will be 30-35 degrees in the middle of the day.

I think you should definitely write angry letters to World Rugby, the ARU and NZRU to tell them how ridiculous you think the whole thing is.

 

[teach]

Is @Dismal Pillock on meds now?
Although he probably needs them to survive with his new avatar / signature.

I have noted Dismal's absence from these forums. I have a horrible feeling that his new avatar, that I forced him to adopt after he lost the bet, has stifled all creativity and flair. Much like it stifled all the creativity and flair of the Auckland Blues.

Dismal, if you are reading this, I release you from the terms of the bet. Feel free to ditch Kirwan.

 

[terry j]

*Wallabies win with a Pocock field goal in the 85th minute after 28 phases starting from their 5m line*

tex: book me a ticket to Auckland, a Winnebago and a loud-hailer, I'm touring our new dominion!

Travel agent: sir.it's 4am.

tex: I said a fucken Winnebago and make it gold.Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

AND make damned sure those tyres have a brand new coat of tyre black on them. Cause I'm gonna run all over those blacks just like we did on the weekend.

 

[ACT Crusader]

So why are the Euro16 finals all being played at 9pm?

I think it's ridiculous to be honest. The difference in ratings between 4pm and an evening kick off would not be substantial in Europe (an evening kick off may even do better). Yet they will be substantially lower in Australia and New Zealand.

And Australia and New Zealand - I'm talking about the unions, have a tonne of bargaining power. I'm disappointed they don't think of this stuff, I mean it's only their fans (and potential fans) that get affected.

Watching day time rugby even on the TV is great. So I'm glad with the starting time.

First world problem there Omar, so it's far from 'ridiculous'

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I have noted Dismal's absence from these forums. I have a horrible feeling that his new avatar, that I forced him to adopt after he lost the bet, has stifled all creativity and flair. Much like it stifled all the creativity and flair of the Auckland Blues.

Dismal, if you are reading this, I release you from the terms of the bet. Feel free to ditch Kirwan.

Indeed. Unleash The Pillock!

 

[tragic]

*Wallabies win with a Pocock field goal in the 85th minute after 28 phases starting from their 5m line*

F@#k that.
I'm over watching the last 30mins with my heart in my mouth and butt cheeks clenched tighter than a tenors trousers.
Gimme a 15 point lead with ten to go any day..

 

[dru]

I'm sure this thread will be looked at a bit over the next few days , so this is as good a place as any to ask.

If my back is up to it I am thinking of heading into sydney to watch the game with a few mates. Specifically balmain, but that is not too important.

Does anyone know of the available venues/pubs/watering holes that will be playing the game live? No doubt a few drinks will be consumed, so taxis are our friend hence it does not have to be balmain specifically.

Is there any ARU initiative for a 'big screen venue' for example?

Anyways, would be great for the sydneysiders in the know to let us (all) know what is available and where.

perhaps for melbourne/bris etc etc might be good for others.

TJ, my local Balmain pub is now advertising being open for the game. Dry Dock corner College St & Camerob St opposite Mort Bay Park and close to Thames St ferry.

It's a workers pud rather than anything special. These guys won't be the only one. I'd also give Dicks and the three Weeds (Rose, Shamrock and Thistle) a go.

 

[Groucho]

I worry a lot! Too much, people tell me. BUT.

1. Between 50 and 70 minutes last week we looked tired, very tired. Only the replacements had some zip (Holmes, TPN, Smith, To'omua). Its been a very long and hard campaign and if we don't spend most of this week resting I think we could run out of gas on Saturday. I know its not Cheika's style but I hope he keeps the physicality to a minimum this week.
2. Nigel Owens is not very good at picking up on "cheating" when its done with subtlety. Allowing Smith to take people out in the air and not scrupulously ruling the ruck will be to our considerable disadvantage and the NZ team know how to play to this, which is why our record with Owens is poor relative to other referees.

I have hope, real hope, we have so far exceeded expectations that I can not have hope, but the analytical part of my brain says we are about $4.00 outsiders.

Cheika will taper this week. All the tough conditioning was specifically so that they could taper this week, rather than tapering earlier, having more energy in the quarters and semis, and then running out of puff in the final.

 

[Quick Hands]

I have noted Dismal's absence from these forums. I have a horrible feeling that his new avatar, that I forced him to adopt after he lost the bet, has stifled all creativity and flair. Much like it stifled all the creativity and flair of the Auckland Blues.

Dismal, if you are reading this, I release you from the terms of the bet. Feel free to ditch Kirwan.

Maybe he's tapering?