RWC: JAP v SAM (Milton Keynes): POOL B

[waiopehu oldboy]

^^^^^ Italy's results to date are about what I expected but pre-tournament I really thought Samoa were a 50% chance of knocking over Scotland to qualify, now I'll be surprised if they don't get beaten by 20.

As I've said on another thread, World Rugby need to get involved in Samoa's issues (it's mostly WR (World Rugby)'s money they're pissing away): pay the players what they're owed, determine exactly where the money from RWC 2011 went, & audit the upgrade of Apia Park & staging of the AB Test. Until that's done SRU shouldn't IMO get any more of WR (World Rugby)'s money.

 

[Omar Comin']

It'd be nice if they could pull a good performance out of nowhere, out of pride for the jersey, and beat Scotland.

Nothing against Scotland at all, they've been impressive at times and would be worthy quarter finalists, but Japan making the quarters would be massive for the sport.

I bet the ARU will be hoping to play them in the quarters too. Not only cause we'll win that match 99/100, but because it'd be great for commercial reasons and perhaps the beginning of a very lucrative rivalry with the Japanese in future. If 20 million watched their match with Scotland you'd have to think a quarter final might get 30+

 

[Beer Baron]

I think every effort needs to be put into Japan becoming a serious top ten team. The potential associated with a strong Japan, like USA,is huge. Conversely, the problem with the p.i. Teams is that, whilst supplying great players there no money in their success. Whilst I would love to Samoa et al retain its players and be run properly, Japan USA Russia succeeding opens many more doors

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Tuilagi suspended for five weeks for kneeing a would-be tackler.

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/107238

Faifili Levave also got cited, can't find any update on his situation.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Levave has had his YC upheld but won't be suspended.

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/levave-available-for-scotland-match/

 

[Bullrush]

Tuilagi suspended for five weeks for kneeing a would-be tackler.

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/107238

Faifili Levave also got cited, can't find any update on his situation.

This possibly the WORST suspension in the history of rugby. 5 weeks for being a strong runner.....FFS what is the game coming to!! Jonah would have got a life ban for what he did to Mike Catt if these idiots were in charge back in1995

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

^^^^^^^^ keep an eye on his right knee (I'm told that slowing it down to 1/4 speed makes it more obvious but I've not tried it as it looks bad enough at full speed):

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Tuilagi appealing his suspension. Hearing is tonight (UK time).

 

[Dewald Nel]

Tuilagi appealing his suspension. Hearing is tonight (UK time).

Will be interesting to see what they do. This ban was clearly to make an example, and to send a message, and if they backtrack now, it might set a dangerous precedent for the rest of the tournament. Then one might even be able to say the IRB has gone soft.

I do not know what Samoa is basing their appeal on, though - the evidence is clear and hasn't changed since it happened. Also, they have absolutely nothing to gain as his suspension will not be totally cleared regardless of what the outcome, so he is definitely missing the rest of the world cup(1 match). But that pretty much sums up Samoa's whole world cup campaign - they are clueless.