Rugby World Cup

[steveh1510]

Ok so I can't be the only one that doesn't want to talk/read about Stan Collymore and/or the Canvey game ALL day....

So did everyone watch the Rugby? Thoughts? Will we beat the Aussies on Saturday?

[windybottom]

Yes we will end of. have you voted for me as your new manager yet if not why not.

[steveh1510]

Glad your so confident! I think a lot depends on the weather, if we get rain and wind like yesterday then we shouldn't be beaten but if the aussies get some decent weather and can run at us it may be a completely different game....

And I did vote for you for manager, but I also think a Watford fan would be better.

[Vange Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (steveh1510 @ Nov. 17 2003,14:25)]I think a lot depends on the weather, if we gte rain and wond like yesterday
Wond? Whats that?

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[windybottom]

thank you, the aussies are not as good as the were they have 5 injured with 3 of them deff out the other 2 50 -50 chance. england are a very solid unit the aussies are not and tend to lose it a bit like the french did yesterday. roll on saturday we will stuff em 35 - 6 come rain or shine.

the last time we played them on thier turf we ran in 3 very good trys so you see we can play as well.

[steveh1510]

I think you're being a bit overconfident, the aussies have been strong all tournament, whereas we have only really played well in one game (France) and in patches in other games (Second Half vs South Africa, Wales and Samoa), Wilko hasn't been on form and their flyhalf is just about the only flyhalf who has looked good consistently in the whole tournament. I don't think its gonna be that easy, I know we can play good rugby and run tries in for fun, but I don't think we will on current form.....

[windybottom]

What ever happens i am looking forward to saturday more then Lutons game v thurrock tomorrow its just nice to be in the final of some thing other than tiddly winks. how do you think you will fare v canvey.

[steveh1510]

Quote[/b] (windybottom @ Nov. 17 2003,14:46)]What ever happens i am looking forward to saturday more then Lutons game v thurrock tomorrow its just nice to be in the final of some thing other than tiddly winks. how do you think you will fare v canvey.
It should be a good final no matter what, i'm looking forward to it.

As for Canvey, if i'm honest I think we'll get beat but I'm trying to stay confident.

Can't see you having a problem with Thurrock at your place though....

[Matt the Shrimp]

Thought the win against France was made to look remarkably easy. Playing Catt was definitely the right decision - suddenly, instead of looking like the marauding back 3 we had come to expect, Betsen, Harinodoquy and Magne were made to look distinctly ordinary, Betsen having to stray the wrong side of the law to put pressure on Jonny.

I felt very sorry for Michalak - when he got taken off in the 63rd minute, you knew that his, and France's, World Cup was over.

The one area of concern is the line out. Whilst Woodman is irresistible in the loose, his throwing still leaves a lot to be desired, and that's something that must be worked on before Saturday, or else Australia will look to heap the pressure on us big style at the line out.

Haven't we missed Richard Hill, and wasn't it great to see him back?! Thought he and Dallaglio (did anyone see him in the National Anthem? Awesome stuff from Lozza) were fantastic, and they combined well with a tip-top Dawson. Having Lewsey back was also wondeful - the timing of his running into the line is often devastating. No question of him being no. 1 choice for full-back now.

As for next Saturday...? Well, who knows. We're playing Australia in their back yard, so that won't be easy; and, as we know, no one knows how to grind out a result quite as well as the Aussies.

However, what they did against the All Blacks (which was hugely impressive) won't be quite so easy against us. The thing that struck me was that the All Blacks didn't have a plan B - in the sense that if Carlos Spencer has one weakness, it's his tactical kicking. That was just totally absent on Saturday.

However, with England, the Wilkinson - Catt double act will be key. If the likes of George Smith try to put the squeeze on Jonny, then they can pass it out to Catt for him to make the tactical decisions (which he's fully capable of making).

Combine this with a back 3 (Rogers, Sailor, Tuqiri) which don't run brilliant lines (being ex-League players) and a set scrum which is not as powerful as ours... well, my feeling is that this is our game to lose, rather than theirs to win. The main cause for concern is in the centres, where Mortlock and Flatley were on fire.

How do we win it? Keep it very tight early on, let Jonny pick them off with drop goals, and then exploit the weaknesses which will appear when they have to open up to try to get back into it.

How do we lose it? Let Mortlock run down the field in the first 10 minutes for a break-away try under the posts... NZ were buggered from that point on, really.

It should be a cracker. Am I the only one yearning for vengeance for 1991? It could be perfect...

Matt

[steveh1510]

IMHO, Catt has won the last 2 games for us, he seems to steady the ship nicely as well as providing immense support for Wilko (I wonder if the improvement in Jonny's game on Sunday was due to some of the pressure being taken off?!)

Michalak had a shocker didn't he? Kicks for the line seemed to be in danger of hittin him on the head most of the time!

Agreed with your point about Dallaglio Matt, but for me he needs to start playing well, respect to him for showing that sort of passion(a point i made to my other half when the England football team lined up, half of whom didn't know the words), but it doesn't win games and he has been dissappointing for me all world cup.

Agreed, Lewsey, Hill and Dawson were superb, and Lewsey at Full back also means Jason Robinson can play on the wing where, IMHO, he is most effective.
Martin Johnson is an incredible captain too, a real leader of men.

[The General]

Canvey, Stanley and Rugby.

Oh the excitment ...

Kev

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[Andu]

The one thing that impresses me is Woodwards single minded view that they are there to win, which Johnson also quoted when interviewed after the France match. It doesn't matter how you do it so long as you win!!!

[Vange Shrimper]

Im still devestated that Ireland went out *sniff*

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[windybottom]

Im glad to see them dumped out of it with the jocks sorry. what am i saying no im not sorry at all.

[Vange Shrimper]

Like i'm gona listen to what a Looton fans says anyway http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[MrB]

Go here (http://smh.com.au/polls/sport/form.html) and vote scintillating. Aussie vote being rigged!

[Napster]

Quote[/b] (MrB @ Nov. 17 2003,16:01)]Go here (http://smh.com.au/polls/sport/form.html) and vote scintillating. *Aussie vote being rigged!
done. I like this one as well:

Bosnich sick of soccer : Bosnich: waste of talent or a victim of circumstance?


Big waste of soccer talent - 37%
Victim of circumstance - 7%
Who cares? - 56%
Total Votes: 1300 Poll date: 12/05/03

[windybottom]

Quote[/b] (Vange Shrimper @ Nov. 17 2003,15:59)]Like i'm gona listen to what a Looton fans says anyway http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Why do you chose pink?http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif???

[Vange Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (windybottom @ Nov. 17 2003,16:09)]
Quote[/b] (Vange Shrimper @ Nov. 17 2003,15:59)]Like i'm gona listen to what a Looton fans says anyway http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Why do you chose pink?http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif???
Cos i like the colour pink http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[windybottom]

OH!!http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[Vange Shrimper]

Plus i fancy blokes, u got a problem with that, WB?

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[steveh1510]

VS likes hairy men from Luton..... http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Vange Shrimper]

Do i?!! First i've heard bout it lol

[Yorkshire Blue]

Quote[/b] (Matt the Shrimp @ Nov. 17 2003,15:13)]The one area of concern is the line out. *Whilst Woodman is irresistible in the loose, his throwing still leaves a lot to be desired,
Matt the Shrimp in spelling shocker - Thompson isn't spelt Woodman http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Matt the Shrimp]

Oops, always get those two confused... they're short, Cornish, and built like brick sh*thouses...

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Matt

[Yorkshire Blue]

FWIW I think the single most important variable is not the weather but the referee. If England get a Northern hemisphere ref I think we'll win comfortably, if we get a Southern Hemisphere we may struggle.
We need the ref to be as strict on George Smith's cheating at the breakdown, the Aussie's crooked line-outs, their forward passes etc as he is on any England infringements. If the ref starts reading and listening to the inevitable Australian orchestrated media campaign against England's tactics we will invariably struggle.

The semi-final was Australia's final - they even did a lap of honour. Hopefully they only had one big game in them, but in anycase England are the better team. As Australia showed NZ you need good forwards to win rugby games because without the ball a highly vaunted back-line is impotent.

England should keep it a forward's battle as we clearly have the best pack in the world, who should be better than Australia in every discipline. Only once our forwards have dominated and given Wilkinson the platform to kick us well ahead, should we unleash the likes of Robinson and Cohen and play an expansive game (if only to shut Campese up).

If that all goes to plan we'll then find out who the real whingers are as Australia start calling England arrogant for having the temerity to actually go and collect the trophy, whilst the Aussies will start to making every excuse under the sun for their capitulation.

[Mrs McScriven]

Swing Low....

So looking forward to Saturday - my rugger shirt will be worn out.

Come on Wilko & Billy Whiz

[SUFC_Spike]

I thought the France game was VERY good, although I know sweet F.A. about Rugby!!! I thouroughly enjoyed watching it.

I am now very confident of going into the game against Australia and winning.

Jonny's kicking will of course be crucial, and Mike Catt has helped Jonny no end to relax and concentrate on kicking and stuff.

I am really looking forward to Saturday/Sunday now!!!

COME ON ENGLAND!!!

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Chris

[bashful shrimp]

Quote[/b] (Yorkshire Blue @ Nov. 17 2003,17:41)]If England get a Northern hemisphere ref I think we'll win comfortably, if we get a Southern Hemisphere we may struggle.
Its going to be a South African referee by the name of Andre Watson.

[The General]

What time does the **** up start on Saturday then?! Gunna have to get Saturday morning off and get f**king wrecked. Any excuse, eh!

Kev

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[windybottom]

Quote[/b] (Vange Shrimper @ Nov. 17 2003,16:19)]Plus i fancy blokes, u got a problem with that, WB?

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back to wall lol no I have no problem with that, what ever lights your fire is fine with me, do you play rugby VS.

[steveh1510]

Quote[/b] (windybottom @ Nov. 18 2003,08:01)]
Quote[/b] (Vange Shrimper @ Nov. 17 2003,16:19)]Plus i fancy blokes, u got a problem with that, WB?

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
back to wall lol no I have no problem with that, what ever lights your fire is fine with me, do you play rugby VS.
http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif Back to wall! *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif *Ever played Rugby VS? *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[MrB]

Quote[/b] (The General @ Nov. 17 2003,23:19)]What time does the **** up start on Saturday then?! Gunna have to get Saturday morning off and get f**king wrecked. Any excuse, eh!

Kev

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Brian has promised to open the Spread at 9am, though hopefully it'll be a little earlier to allow us time to get settled in on the Smirnoff Ice stand.

MtS, are you making the trip down?

[The General]

Quote[/b] (MrB @ Nov. 18 2003,10:09)]
Quote[/b] (The General @ Nov. 17 2003,23:19)]What time does the **** up start on Saturday then?! Gunna have to get Saturday morning off and get f**king wrecked. Any excuse, eh!

Kev

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Brian has promised to open the Spread at 9am, though hopefully it'll be a little earlier to allow us time to get settled in on the Smirnoff Ice stand.

MtS, are you making the trip down?
9am. Bit early to start drinking. Especially with a game the next day at 10.30am. Wonder how many 'no showers' there will be! LOL. Not a dig at you though, B ...

Kev

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[steveh1510]

Quote[/b] (The General @ Nov. 18 2003,10:59)]Wonder how many 'no showers' there will be!
I believe personal hygiene is very important, 'no showers' disgust me.

[The General]

Quote[/b] (steveh1510 @ Nov. 18 2003,11:01)]
Quote[/b] (The General @ Nov. 18 2003,10:59)]Wonder how many 'no showers' there will be!
I believe personal hygiene is very important, 'no showers' disgust me.
Ha, ha and ha ...

Kev

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[MrB]

Quote[/b] (The General @ Nov. 18 2003,10:59)]9am. Bit early to start drinking. Especially with a game the next day at 10.30am. Wonder how many 'no showers' there will be! LOL. Not a dig at you though, B ...
I tend to shower after the game rather than before....

Besides, if I start at 9am I'm more likely to be totally wasted by midnight and therefore end up going to bed earlier. Something like that anyway.

[Matt the Shrimp]

Quote[/b] (MrB @ Nov. 18 2003,10:09)]MtS, are you making the trip down?
Alas, no. I'm an usher at a wedding in Northamptonshire... so no-one should notice that I'm a bit tiddly before the service...

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Matt

[Strider125]

AUS 0 ENG 30
tries: a whole lot
Cons: Jonno as many as possible
Pens: Jonno a whole lot.