RWC23 - Pool C - AUSTRALIA, Wal, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal

[Slim 293]

England

You’d really struggle with American 7 match playoff series.

I’m going to assume the Nuggets won the series, and not Miami despite being historically the stronger franchise…

 

[qwerty51]

I’m going to assume the Nuggets won the series, and not Miami despite being historically the stronger franchise…

What? So when Miami beat the Nuggets in 1 match that series, directly after that 1 match they could be considered the better side?

 

[Slim 293]

 

[qwerty51]

IDK about that.

If you look at where "substantial" points gap exists, the teams go:

Ireland, South Africa, France, NZ
Scotland
Argentina, Fiji, England, Australia
Wales
Georgia, Samoa, Italy
Japan
Tonga
Portugal, Uruguay, Romania, Spain
Namibia, Chile

Is that not a fairly accurate take on how teams have performed over the past 6-18 months?

I'll tell you why this isn't accurate at all.

Now I am FULLY AWARE Fiji haven't played them,

but since the last RWC:

Australia has lost to Ireland by 3, beaten South Africa 3 times, beaten NZ once, with a draw and a couple close defeats, beaten France twice and 1 close loss.
Argentina has beaten NZ twice, lost to South Africa by 1, lost to a full strength France in Paris by 9
England has drawn with NZ, beaten SA, beaten Ireland twice.

What on earth has Fiji done? Sweet fuck all. Beaten England at their lowest ebb in England once. It's literally their ONLY victory of note since the last RWC. Even ignoring it's a RWC warm-up match which have questionable motives, intentions and preparation. But ok, that result now means they are on par with these 3 other sides and are 50/50 to beat them in any match they play now.

NO.

My god it was only last year they lost to Australia A by 14 at home.

FFS, they've improved but they wouldn't beat NZ or SA a single time in 10 attempts. They might beat Ireland once or twice in 10 attempts.

Some of you would be horrible gamblers, in fact I'll give anyone the chance to back Fiji @ 2.50 v Australia and 2.00 v Wales against me.

 

[Tomthumb]

England at their lowest ebb

Stuart Lancaster would like a word

 

[Tomthumb]

Maybe if Fiji got the opportunity to play these games more often they might win them more?

Before Argentina entered the Tri Nations, did anyone think it was possible for them to beat the All Blacks? Let alone twice, and in New Zealand

 

[qwerty51]

You mean like how Fiji played the All Blacks back to back in 2021 and lost by 50 each time?

 

[Rebel man]

Think realistically we should top this pool, I’d also have it as a toss of a coin between Georgia, Wales and Fiji as who gets out

 

[rugbyAU]

Think realistically we should top this pool, I’d also have it as a toss of a coin between Georgia, Wales and Fiji as who gets out

I agree should beat Georgia by 20+, Wales 7-10 & Fiji by 10 but ideally more than that, I think Georgia and Fiji are being hyped up a bit they beat a very poor Welsh and English side but all other wins against Tier 2 really, Georgia we’re no match against Scotland on the weekend and Fiji lost to a weaker French side by a similar margin to us, but we played their full strength without Korobiete, Ikitau, Kerevi, Slipper, Pone etc.

 

[Slim 293]

You mean like how Fiji played the All Blacks back to back in 2021 and lost by 50 each time?

In one of those games they lost 57 - 23…

How embarrassing!

All Blacks claim Bledisloe Cup after dominant win over Wallabies

www.rugby.com.au

 

[Tomthumb]

You mean like how Fiji played the All Blacks back to back in 2021 and lost by 50 each time?

So two tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand after not playing any games since 2019 is enough to say they suck?

If losing to NZ makes you rubbish then we are in trouble. Fact is NZ, South Africa and Ireland are the only tier 1 teams Fiji hasn't beaten

 

[Dctarget]

Wow, really sad news for Fiji's RWC hopes. Caleb Muntz has been ruled out of the tournament. Huge loss, kid looks great and was a real weapon in a typical weak spot for Fiji. Massive boost to Wales and Australia. Genuinely thinks this tips the balance and I now have Aus, Wales in the top 2 spots easily.


edit: haha might've posted too soon. Fiji news all over the shop.

Conflicting reports on Caleb Muntz as reports come in that he has ACL injury and could be out for months

Although the Fiji Rugby spokesperson has said this morning that there are no injury concerns regarding Fiji Water Flying Fijians flyhalf, Caleb Muntz,

www.fijivillage.com

 

[Slim 293]

Wow, really sad news for Fiji's RWC hopes. Caleb Muntz has been ruled out of the tournament. Huge loss, kid looks great and was a real weapon in a typical weak spot for Fiji. Massive boost to Wales and Australia. Genuinely thinks this tips the balance and I now have Aus, Wales in the top 2 spots easily.

Apparently not confirmed...

Conflicting reports on Caleb Muntz as reports come in that he has ACL injury and could be out for months

Although the Fiji Rugby spokesperson has said this morning that there are no injury concerns regarding Fiji Water Flying Fijians flyhalf, Caleb Muntz,

www.fijivillage.com

Unconfirmed Reports: Muntz injured, out of RWC

The reports also indicate that either veteran Ben Volavola or Vilimoni Botitu could be called into the squad to replace Muntz. ...

fijisun.com.fj

 

[Dctarget]

Apparently not confirmed...

Conflicting reports on Caleb Muntz as reports come in that he has ACL injury and could be out for months

Although the Fiji Rugby spokesperson has said this morning that there are no injury concerns regarding Fiji Water Flying Fijians flyhalf, Caleb Muntz,

www.fijivillage.com

Unconfirmed Reports: Muntz injured, out of RWC

The reports also indicate that either veteran Ben Volavola or Vilimoni Botitu could be called into the squad to replace Muntz. ...

fijisun.com.fj

And he's outta here again.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1699312435708973124

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

That's a big blow for Fiji. Volavola to come in?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Such a drop off in direction and kicking though.

Lomani & Volavola is a very loose combo.

 

[rugbyAU]

Fiji can really split open defence and get a try from anywhere

 

[Dan54]

By geez, this is not disappointing is it?
Can the Fijians keep it up for another half, can Wales hang on??
Will Biggar give North a cuddle in sheds during break and calm down?
This is bloody good!

 

[rugbyAU]

By geez, this is not disappointing is it?
Can the Fijians keep it up for another half, can Wales hang on??
Will Biggar give North a cuddle in sheds during break and calm down?
This is bloody good!

I still don't think either of these teams should be a problem for us if we play well

 

[rugbyAU]

Fiji not living up to the hype