RWCR1 France vs All Blacks

[Gumboot]

It's always the hair. From 1950s Brylcreem to 1970s long locks and handlebar moustaches to 1990s nude nuts and shaved eyebrows to 2000s Marshall tints and Carter quasi-mohawks...

Oh wait, scratch that, those last two were Saders.

[Ymx]

I don't really rate those World Player of the Year awards. BB supporters trot it out to justify his shortcomings. Too many players have been overlooked for those awards at the expense of some other choice for my money, sorry.

Tear it up at 10? BB shovel ball, crowd your outside players for space, off load the thing into contact then step back and take the easy line break. Best 22/23 we've produced though. Perfect bench option.

Jordie at halfback, you say? That might just work...

Nah, you're being disingenuous now. Maybe his 2017 award was a stretch as by then he'd been well and truly found out by Gatland's rush defence, but he was sensational in 2016.

You just can't seem to help yourself from slagging off the Barrett bros at every opportunity, and suggesting they're undeserving of selection. Apart from Scooter, of course. Strange.

Oh wait, that must be more evidence of me slagging off the Saders! The horror!

BB was sensational in 2016. I had been calling for him at this time, and well before. Carter looked like a busted flush until that sensational 2015 RWC final.

BB went downhill when his kicking became an issue. Think it really affected him. He started focussing on his weaknesses rather than his magic - which was his ability to make a line break from nowhere, and his ball on a string chip and chase. He also could hunt down wingers with his pace too.

[Gumboot]

BB went downhill when his kicking became an issue. Think it really affected him. He started focussing on his weaknesses rather than his magic - which was his ability to make a line break from nowhere, and his ball on a string chip and chase. He also could hunt down wingers with his pace too.

Yep, he was never the best goalkicker, but his attacking form fell away at the same time, and as Guy said he started shovelling on his passes without the same willingness to test the line. And begrudging kudos to the Lions for that.

And yeah, his pace... I remember him chasing down a Bok (Willie le Roux?) and ankle tapping him into touch inches from the try-line to save us a test.

[Ymx]

He’s not wrong. I’m not even fired up by it.

’Weakest’ All Blacks dismissed as Rugby World Cup contenders after ‘sham’ results

Dylan Coetzee 1 hour ago
All Blacks captain Sam Cane looking on.


Former France international Oliver Magne has picked his Rugby World Cup contenders which included some bold words about New Zealand.

Magne does not believe the All Blacks are good enough to win the World Cup this time around and even went as far as to suggest it is the weakest team in history.

Three big teams

The ex-flanker only sees three teams pushing for glory in the World Cup which is set to be one of the most tightly contested editions since the tournament began in 1987.

“To me, the Big Three of this World Cup is France, SA [South Africa] and Ireland,” said Magne in a column for Midi Olympique.

The Frenchman underlined his concern for the All Blacks side after they were dismantled 35-7 by the Springboks at Twickenham last time out.

“I am especially worried about this New Zealand team.

“South Africa’s display against New Zealand is significant for the world of rugby,” he wrote.

“Now, isn’t this All Black team the weakest in history? I’m wondering. Really. I feel like New Zealand’s Rugby Championship wins were a bit of a sham.”

Massive opener

Magne previewed the opening clash of the tournament that will see France face the All Blacks in a blockbuster Test. The 50-year-old only sees one winner.

“When I see the level that the XV of France is able to display over 80 minutes today against Australia, with ‘finishers’ who have maintained the same level of performance, and the determination of these players, this opening game could be tough for the All Blacks”.

Meanwhile, All Blacks defence Scott McLeod insists the team has been meticulously reviewing their defeat to the Springboks in an effort to be ready for the opener.

“We spent a fair bit of time in Germany going through that and looking at the footage and what we could have done better. Responding to the ref was one takeaway that will be consistent through this World Cup,” he said.

[Enzedder]

He's forgotten the TRC results. However, game 1 is buggered with Brodie, Jordie and Shannon injured.

I'm still supporting and believing in them, no matter who the coach is.

[Ymx]

He's forgotten the TRC results. However, game 1 is buggered with Brodie, Jordie and Shannon injured.

I'm still supporting and believing in them, no matter who the coach is.

We have had some terrible years under that terrible coach. Ruined the team. The all blacks legacy.

Then this year, it went from the starting to believe it was going to be ok with this year’s performances, to being humbled so badly. So it’s a little hard to hold much hope. Especially as other teams (and perhaps refs) will now react to that and use that.

We are all supporting them old man. Just looks like f all chance again.

[Ymx]

And here we go again, Chalureau replacing Willemse

https://www.laprovence.com/article/spor ... -chalureau

Seems to be some division with his inclusion going on.

Will we have Franch Fans supporting the ABs??

I think our wife beaters are all out.

[JM2K6]

He's forgotten the TRC results. However, game 1 is buggered with Brodie, Jordie and Shannon injured.

I'm still supporting and believing in them, no matter who the coach is.

Has he?

I feel like New Zealand’s Rugby Championship wins were a bit of a sham

[Marylandolorian]

1906, first meeting ever between France an New-Zealand ( known as the Originals ) 3000 spectators

[Thor Sedan]

Have been bingeing podcasts with pundits giving their arguments for and against sides.

The more I listen - and the more I hear the same themes - I know that NZ is finishing 2nd (if they beat Italy) in the group - and then getting knocked out in the quarters.

With the injuries and opposition - NZ isn't beating France and Ireland and South Africa (in whatever order) to win the cup. They just aren't as good as the other sides at this moment....simple as that.

[Grandpa]

Have been bingeing podcasts with pundits giving their arguments for and against sides.

The more I listen - and the more I hear the same themes - I know that NZ is finishing 2nd (if they beat Italy) in the group - and then getting knocked out in the quarters.

With the injuries and opposition - NZ isn't beating France and Ireland and South Africa (in whatever order) to win the cup. They just aren't as good as the other sides at this moment....simple as that.

NZ can't get this sequence...

NZ isn't beating France and Ireland and South Africa (in whatever order) to win the cup.

They can get France and (Ireland or SA) then England or Australia.

So lose to France in the group, beat Ireland or SA in the quarters... and then Australia or England in the semi... and suddenly.. in the final!

[ASMO]

Write off the AB's at your peril, i agree i dont think they will win it, but they are good enough to beat France and Ireland if they have a good day.

[Grandpa]

Write off the AB's at your peril, i agree i dont think they will win it, but they are good enough to beat France and Ireland if they have a good day.

And they only need one good day... in the quarterfinals... get through that and I think they make the final...

[Thor Sedan]

Have been bingeing podcasts with pundits giving their arguments for and against sides.

The more I listen - and the more I hear the same themes - I know that NZ is finishing 2nd (if they beat Italy) in the group - and then getting knocked out in the quarters.

With the injuries and opposition - NZ isn't beating France and Ireland and South Africa (in whatever order) to win the cup. They just aren't as good as the other sides at this moment....simple as that.

NZ can't get this sequence...

NZ isn't beating France and Ireland and South Africa (in whatever order) to win the cup.

They can get France and (Ireland or SA) then England or Australia.

So lose to France in the group, beat Ireland or SA in the quarters... and then Australia or England in the semi... and suddenly.. in the final!

Apologies - I meant to write an 'or' in between Ireland and SA.....I don't think that this AB's side can beat Ireland or SA in a quarter. I don't think it is difficult to admit that Ireland, France and SA are just better sides and go in to this tourney with more momentum, better squads and (here it comes) better coaches.

[Torquemada 1420]

And here we go again, Chalureau replacing Willemse

https://www.laprovence.com/article/spor ... -chalureau

Seems to be some division with his inclusion going on.

Will we have Franch Fans supporting the ABs??

I think our wife beaters are all out.

Nobody I know is happy about this. Dusautoir is friends with the victim of the incident and is pretty assertive (albeit admitting he is biased) that the attack was racist.

The telling thing for me is where he went. Montpellier. Home of criminal rugby players

[Grandpa]

Have been bingeing podcasts with pundits giving their arguments for and against sides.

The more I listen - and the more I hear the same themes - I know that NZ is finishing 2nd (if they beat Italy) in the group - and then getting knocked out in the quarters.

With the injuries and opposition - NZ isn't beating France and Ireland and South Africa (in whatever order) to win the cup. They just aren't as good as the other sides at this moment....simple as that.

NZ can't get this sequence...

NZ isn't beating France and Ireland and South Africa (in whatever order) to win the cup.

They can get France and (Ireland or SA) then England or Australia.

So lose to France in the group, beat Ireland or SA in the quarters... and then Australia or England in the semi... and suddenly.. in the final!

Apologies - I meant to write an 'or' in between Ireland and SA.....I don't think that this AB's side can beat Ireland or SA in a quarter. I don't think it is difficult to admit that Ireland, France and SA are just better sides and go in to this tourney with more momentum, better squads and (here it comes) better coaches.

That's the way it should happen... but this All Black side (with Schmidt and Ryan on board) is capable of one-off great performances... and I think they only need one top performance to get to the final... they've beaten both SA and Ireland in the past 16 months...

[laurent]

And here we go again, Chalureau replacing Willemse

https://www.laprovence.com/article/spor ... -chalureau

Seems to be some division with his inclusion going on.

Will we have Franch Fans supporting the ABs??

I think our wife beaters are all out.

Nobody I know is happy about this. Dusautoir is friends with the victim of the incident and is pretty assertive (albeit admitting he is biased) that the attack was racist.

The telling thing for me is where he went. Montpellier. Home of criminal rugby players

Apparently not racist but really likes Millésime K
a very nice rap "artist" https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr ... 55682.html

[laurent]

And some Sport

Probable team.

Ramos - Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Villière - (o) Jalibert, (m) Dupont - Ollivon, Alldritt, Cros - Flament, Woki - Atonio, J. Marchand, Wardi.

[Gumboot]

Olivier Magne reckons Foster's ABs are merde.

“South Africa’s display against New Zealand is significant for the world of rugby. Now, isn’t this All Blacks team the weakest in history? I’m wondering. Really. I feel like New Zealand’s Rugby Championship wins were a bit of a sham.”

Hmm... not sure this year's team is as weak as some of Laurie Mains' selections in 1993-94. Those were dark days indeed, and the Mains v Hart debate raged on throughout the misery, much like the Foster v Robertson saga of the past couple of years.

Certainly not a vintage outfit, and I'll be very pleasantly surprised if we make it as far as the Semis. Can't see us getting past this great French team (the greatest ever?) this week, though. Think we're in for a proper towelling, tbh.

[Grandpa]

Olivier Magne reckons Foster's ABs are merde.

“South Africa’s display against New Zealand is significant for the world of rugby. Now, isn’t this All Blacks team the weakest in history? I’m wondering. Really. I feel like New Zealand’s Rugby Championship wins were a bit of a sham.”

Hmm... not sure this year's team is as weak as some of Laurie Mains' selections in 1993-94. Those were dark days indeed, and the Mains v Hart debate raged on throughout the misery, much like the Foster v Robertson saga of the past couple of years.

Certainly not a vintage outfit, and I'll be very pleasantly surprised if we make it as far as the Semis. Can't see us getting past this great French team (the greatest ever?) this week, though. Think we're in for a proper towelling, tbh.

We'll win...

[Jethro]

If as expected the ABs go down to a fired up French team, would this be the ABs first ever pool loss? Had a feeling there was a previous one but can't find it at the moment.

[Flockwitt]

My understanding is that it will be.

My bigger concern will be if the ABs do go down that something bad doesn't happen against Italy. Italy are not so awful that 14 v 15 aren't going to struggle to get a win against them and 13 will lose. Easy to be relaxed about this game but ideally either team still wants to win it.

[Cartman]

If as expected the ABs go down to a fired up French team, would this be the ABs first ever pool loss? Had a feeling there was a previous one but can't find it at the moment.

It will definitely be the first one
They hold the record of 30-0 in pool games

[Ymx]

If as expected the ABs go down to a fired up French team, would this be the ABs first ever pool loss? Had a feeling there was a previous one but can't find it at the moment.

Never lost a pool game before, correct.

[Torquemada 1420]

If as expected the ABs go down to a fired up French team, would this be the ABs first ever pool loss? Had a feeling there was a previous one but can't find it at the moment.

Never lost a pool game before, correct.

Better losing one there than the 1/4s.

[Ymx]

SA the only team to lose in the pools to end up winning the RWC.

[tc27]

England got to the final despite loosing a pool game in 20007, as did France in 2011 (and they would have won if it had being held in a neutral venue).

Last RWC was a good advert for peaking at the right time. England blew their load in the semi whereas SA grinded out a win against Wales (despite IMO being a much better side).

[westport]

[Ymx]

England got to the final despite loosing a pool game in 20007, as did France in 2011 (and they would have won if it had being held in a neutral venue).

Last RWC was a good advert for peaking at the right time. England blew their load in the semi whereas SA grinded out a win against Wales (despite IMO being a much better side).

Oh dear Jesus. Pathetic.

[Chilli]

The level of Kiwi patheticness is something to behold.

They have beaten South Africa, Argentina, Fiji, Tonga, Ireland, Australia, Wales etc in the last 2 years. Draw against England.

They dismantled the Boks in Auckland.

Now they are predicting doom and gloom for the All Blacks.

Grow a spine for fucks sake. Your team is the All Blacks. The team with the greatest test results.

[Ymx]

The level of Kiwi patheticness is something to behold.

They have beaten South Africa, Argentina, Fiji, Tonga, Ireland, Australia, Wales etc in the last 2 years. Draw against England.

They dismantled the Boks in Auckland.

Now they are predicting doom and gloom for the All Blacks.

Grow a spine for fucks sake. Your team is the All Blacks. The team with the greatest test results.

Foster broke us

[Guy Smiley]

The level of Kiwi patheticness is something to behold.

They have beaten South Africa, Argentina, Fiji, Tonga, Ireland, Australia, Wales etc in the last 2 years. Draw against England.

They dismantled the Boks in Auckland.

Now they are predicting doom and gloom for the All Blacks.

Grow a spine for fucks sake. Your team is the All Blacks. The team with the greatest test results.

You'd be better off relaxing and enjoying the momentary rest we're giving your collective backdoors after ragdolling you left right and centre for years.

Pathetic? A nation of one win strutters, that's pathetic. Harden up and fuck off. Or fuck off and then harden up.

[Chilli]

The level of Kiwi patheticness is something to behold.

They have beaten South Africa, Argentina, Fiji, Tonga, Ireland, Australia, Wales etc in the last 2 years. Draw against England.

They dismantled the Boks in Auckland.

Now they are predicting doom and gloom for the All Blacks.

Grow a spine for fucks sake. Your team is the All Blacks. The team with the greatest test results.

You'd be better off relaxing and enjoying the momentary rest we're giving your collective backdoors after ragdolling you left right and centre for years.

Pathetic? A nation of one win strutters, that's pathetic. Harden up and fuck off. Or fuck off and then harden up.

That's more like it.

Keep it up.

[Guy Smiley]

The level of Kiwi patheticness is something to behold.

They have beaten South Africa, Argentina, Fiji, Tonga, Ireland, Australia, Wales etc in the last 2 years. Draw against England.

They dismantled the Boks in Auckland.

Now they are predicting doom and gloom for the All Blacks.

Grow a spine for fucks sake. Your team is the All Blacks. The team with the greatest test results.

You'd be better off relaxing and enjoying the momentary rest we're giving your collective backdoors after ragdolling you left right and centre for years.

Pathetic? A nation of one win strutters, that's pathetic. Harden up and fuck off. Or fuck off and then harden up.

That's more like it.

Keep it up.

[Grandpa]

Cough...

I can't see the All Blacks losing this. Peyper suits us. France will be nervous. All Blacks will have a dead cat bounce...

[Ymx]

Teams met

87 final
99 semi final
07 quarterfinal
11 Pool
11 final

We are due a again.

[Torquemada 1420]

Yeah, playing 2 lightweight locks (one of whom is actually a flanker) without a specialist lump at 5 might squeak by against NZ's current pack but will bite Fra on the arse against the likes of SA or Ire.

Moefana at 12 when he's done nothing in every single intl game he has started is folly. Vincent is a much more suitable replacement for Danty.

[Torquemada 1420]

England got to the final despite loosing a pool game in 20007, as did France in 2011 (and they would have won if it had being held in a neutral venue).

Last RWC was a good advert for peaking at the right time. England blew their load in the semi whereas SA grinded out a win against Wales (despite IMO being a much better side).

Or a bent ref in Joubert

[Paddington Bear]

Regardless of the result Friday, I think the ABs will wind up winning the whole thing

[Grandpa]

Dalton Papalii is not a 6!!! He's played what, half a test there for the All Blacks? Hardly ever for the Blues... what's going on? No faith in Jacobson as a 6 then? Why did they pick him?

Finaly Christie on the bench...

No Jordie and Narawa out the tournament. Finau has to come in...

One good thing is Leicester on the bench....