Rugby Union World Cup.

[psychoscoredthelot]

as an englishman who had to endure the world cup final defeat to south africa in a scotch rugby club (aunts wedding reception) surrounded by sweaties, i did rather have a chuckle at their demise to japan.

Sent my aunt a text saying ' please ask doogie and his mates if he still thinks ' englad are rrrrubbbish and pish & ***** at rugby '

[sendô]

I did not realise our side of the draw until yesterday, well I guess if you are going to win it you might as well do it the hard way...

Well, if we can beat the Convicts, then beat the Kiwis, and then beat the Saffers no-one could say we weren't worthy champions.

A big if of course.

[Loftyhammer]

There are some big units playing for the Saffers. The mobility of the Japanese could cause them one or two issues.

Will be a step up in class and a huge step up in power vs Saffas....but they are a bit one dimensional so Japan definitely got a chance if they’re accurate. Money would be on Boks though...

[Chicken Run Supreme]

I have a strong fancy that Japan can turn South Africa over.
Australia v England is too close to call but we may just have the edge. Trouble is with NZ looming in SF, it would only delay our exit for one round if we do beat Aussies.
Wales must be laughing with the draw and their route to the Final!

[sendô]

Jérôme Garcès to referee England's match vs Australia.

[stu1]

I have a strong fancy that Japan can turn South Africa over.
Australia v England is too close to call but we may just have the edge. Trouble is with NZ looming in SF, it would only delay our exit for one round if we do beat Aussies.
Wales must be laughing with the draw and their route to the Final!

Whilst we no doubt are in the more difficult side of the draw, I believe we have beat Australia 7 times in. Row which must breed confidence.

Similarly New Zealand aren’t quite at their best and at a neutral venue despite being under dogs, I feel we have as good a chance as anyone to beat them.

[Puff Daddy]

If I were a betting man, which I am not, I would back England to beat the Aussies, Saffers to turn over Japan, NZ to win against Ireland and Wales to triumph over France. But, things never work out the way you would expect, which means one, or two of these teams will be on their way home, apart from Japan of course, who are already at home

[sendô]

England will lose to Australia.

All the signs are there - England favourites, Eddie Jones beaten Michael Cheika 6 in 6 since becoming England coach, French referee etc.

[Loftyhammer]

Slade in for Ford....big call! Would probably have preferred Kruis over Lawes...but still a decent side that. Just can’t help a horrible nagging feeling we’re underdone

[Patito]

I thought that move was coming in the next round if we made it through.

I share that feeling, Lofty. Not sure why.

[sendô]

Ford out, Slade into midfield and Farrell over to fly half.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50067955

[view from the shires]

Well if anyone accuses us of boring rugby they will probably be right. I have a horrible feeling that Farrell will kick to much possession to the Aussies backs and they will punish us.
I would rather see us play with creative and elusive players than a load of lumps at 10, 12 & 13. The wingers look like they are going to have to go looking for the ball as I can't see it getting out to them.

[sendô]

Consensus seems to be Jones wants to counter their power in the centre.

To be honest, as long as we win I don't care how bad a spectacle it is.

It's Australia. Grind them into the dirt.

[Patito]

Slade is hardly a lump.

[wolf359]

Aussies better team early on 3-0 up. Their running game is working very well. 90% possession thus far.

[wolf359]

What a kick from slade running at full speed under that pressure.

[The Old Man of Storr]

Just like to wish England and Ireland supporters all the best for today .

[The Old Man of Storr]

Aussies better team early on 3-0 up. Their running game is working very well. 90% possession thus far.

14-6 to England just now .

[old fart]

Let's bot have one of our 2nd half collapses

[vietnammer]

Has Farrell got OCD or what