World Cup Draw

[Biffer]

So England are on the opposite side of the draw to both NZ and SA and potentially won't meet either until the final?

I think along with France, Australia will be the big improvers between now and 2023. They have a smart coach in Rennie and some really good young talent.

Where is the set up for 1/4s? Can't find it.

I can't find it either, but in past tournaments it has been Pool A vs Pool B, and Pool C vs Pool D.

There's usually some kind of crossover to make sure you can't play someone from your group until the final.

[Grandpa]

So, possible 1/4s on current form
1) NZ v Ire
2) Fra v SA (FFS)
3) Aus v Arg
4) Eng v Wal

Eng with cake walk to final to meet one of NZ, SA (or maybe Fra), all of whom will have killed one another en route.

Get your bets in now!

And the semis will be winners of 1) v 3) and 2) v 4)?

or

1) v 2) and 3) v 4) ?

[frodder]

Wales
Australia
Fiji
Georgia
Uruguay

Jesus wept not that again.

[OomStruisbaai]

Boks to lose a group match to get the easier draw in the business end.

[ScarfaceClaw]

Wales
Australia
Fiji
Georgia
Uruguay

Jesus wept not that again.

Are we sure that they haven’t just published the draw from the last World Cup?

NZ to finish second in their group.

[stemoc]

[frodder]

Scotland v's SA will have 30 Saffa's on the field which hardly seems fair

[stemoc]

EpMuvTbXEAEMNrJ.jpg (263.41 KiB) Viewed 1258 times

welsh rugby twitter be like

[OomStruisbaai]

QF1 – Winner Pool C (Australia) v Runner-up Pool D (Argentina)
QF2 – Winner Pool B (South Africa) v Runner-up Pool A (France)
QF3 – Winner Pool D (England) v Runner-up Pool C (Wales)
QF4 – Winner Pool A (New Zealand) v Runner-up Pool B (Ireland)

Then probably:

SF1 - Winner QF1 (Australia) v Winner QF2 (South Africa)
SF2 - Winner QF3 (England) v Winner QF4 (New Zealand)

Final
Springbokke vs All Blacks

[Raggs]

Sorry, considering what Arg have just shown, how exactly can France be very likely to lose, and yet England be unlikely to lose?

EDIT - I'd expect/hope England to win their pool games, just don't think it's all that clear cut.

I don't honestly believe there is anyone who would rather face Arg than NZ is the honest answer. Also, Arg's strength is going to be nullified by the fact that it's the same as Eng's only Eng are (IMHO) the best defensive side in the world (now... of course).

But we're talking making the quarters. There's more chance of France making the quarters than England. Italyare worse than Argentina and Japan.

[sockwithaticket]

I knew Wales' false seeding would screw this all up.

Eng unlikely to lose a group game so get a 2nd place oppo in the 1/4. France very likely to lose to The Spiritual Guardians and so will face a group winner. I hope it's Wales.

Sorry, considering what Arg have just shown, how exactly can France be very likely to lose, and yet England be unlikely to lose?

EDIT - I'd expect/hope England to win their pool games, just don't think it's all that clear cut.

Both Japan and Argentina could easily beat England, without stretching the imagination too much.

Based on what exactly? That game which seemed to kill Care and Lozowski's international careers still resulted in us hammering them. Between retirements in their pack and not spending the entire year in camp I fully expect the 2019 RWC campaign to stand as their performance high watermark for years. Even that wasn't too impressive imo. The second they faced a top 4 they barely threatened.

Need to see a lot more from Argentina before I buy them easily beating us too. A one off against New Zealand after which followed a severe spanking doesn't indicate to me that they're where they need to be to start reversing their run against us. Their last victory was a 2 point home win against whatever collection of players we sent their way during the '09 Lions tour. We've won the next 10. In the last World Cup cycle they've rarely mustered more than 2 wins a season iirc.

[Raggs]

Based on what exactly? That game which seemed to kill Care and Lozowski's international careers still resulted in us hammering them. Between retirements in their pack and not spending the entire year in camp I fully expect the 2019 RWC campaign to stand as their performance high watermark for years. Even that wasn't too impressive imo. The second they faced a top 4 they barely threatened.

Need to see a lot more from Argentina before I buy them easily beating us too. A one off against New Zealand after which followed a severe spanking doesn't indicate to me that they're where they need to be to start reversing their run against us. Their last victory was a 2 point home win against whatever collection of players we sent their way during the '09 Lions tour. We've won the next 10. In the last World Cup cycle they've rarely mustered more than 2 wins a season iirc.

When I say easily, I don't mean hammer us, I mean it's well within the realms of possibility. One offs happen, and in their one offs, they've now beaten the ABs. Japan were looking extremely dangerous last rwc, and I think it'd be a bit presumptuous to assume they wouldn't be more dangerous again.

[mrbrownstone]

Someone's surely taking the piss with Wales and Fiji in the same pool at this point.

This will be the 5th tournament in a row. In fact, Wales/Australia/Fiji happened every tournament from 2007, barring 2011.

[Torquemada 1420]

So, possible 1/4s on current form
1) NZ v Ire
2) Fra v SA (FFS)
3) Aus v Arg
4) Eng v Wal

Eng with cake walk to final to meet one of NZ, SA (or maybe Fra), all of whom will have killed one another en route.

Get your bets in now!

And the semis will be winners of 1) v 3) and 2) v 4)?

or

1) v 2) and 3) v 4) ?

Kerrist only knows. You'd think that part would have all been pre-declared to prevent accusations of fixing post the draw.

[Torquemada 1420]

Scotland v's SA will have 30 Saffa's on the field which hardly seems fair

Agree. I want a discount on my viewing subscription now.

[Torquemada 1420]

Sorry, considering what Arg have just shown, how exactly can France be very likely to lose, and yet England be unlikely to lose?

EDIT - I'd expect/hope England to win their pool games, just don't think it's all that clear cut.

I don't honestly believe there is anyone who would rather face Arg than NZ is the honest answer. Also, Arg's strength is going to be nullified by the fact that it's the same as Eng's only Eng are (IMHO) the best defensive side in the world (now... of course).

But we're talking making the quarters. There's more chance of France making the quarters than England. Italyare worse than Argentina and Japan.

I'd call it evens............ only because the history of Fra in a RWC has been characterised with at least one f**k up or lucky escape. Eng not prone to that.

[mrbrownstone]

So pool B the pool of death. Ireland's path past a quarter final very difficult. Ever was it thus.

Australia/Wales/Fiji doomed to play each other forever. Argentina/Japan will be a very interesting dogfight for second. Australia probably the big winners with a very winnable pool and an Arg/Japan quarter. Obviously neither a guaratnee on current form, but I expect them to bie big improvers before then.

NZ vs France should be a ripper.

[sockwithaticket]

Based on what exactly? That game which seemed to kill Care and Lozowski's international careers still resulted in us hammering them. Between retirements in their pack and not spending the entire year in camp I fully expect the 2019 RWC campaign to stand as their performance high watermark for years. Even that wasn't too impressive imo. The second they faced a top 4 they barely threatened.

Need to see a lot more from Argentina before I buy them easily beating us too. A one off against New Zealand after which followed a severe spanking doesn't indicate to me that they're where they need to be to start reversing their run against us. Their last victory was a 2 point home win against whatever collection of players we sent their way during the '09 Lions tour. We've won the next 10. In the last World Cup cycle they've rarely mustered more than 2 wins a season iirc.

When I say easily, I don't mean hammer us, I mean it's well within the realms of possibility. One offs happen, and in their one offs, they've now beaten the ABs. Japan were looking extremely dangerous last rwc, and I think it'd be a bit presumptuous to assume they wouldn't be more dangerous again.

They do happen, but since Lancaster took over Argentina are just don't worry me. Unlike some other teams, they just don't feel like a threat.

We'll only really know once they're able to play some tests again, but I find it presumptuous to assume a team who dedicated so much time training specifically for than one event will even be at the same level with less prep time. It'd be nice if we could welcome Japan to the top table as a force, but I don't see it yet.

[Lemoentjie]

The English are already sucking the toes of the mockers

"Japan are more likely to beat England than Italy are to beat France".

"England Argentina Japan is more competitive than South Africa Scotland Ireland"

Japan will not be the same force again, and they are not at a home world cup.

[Slick]

Potentially tough QF for us but an easier route after that

[Glaston]

When will we they anounce what the venue for each game is?

[Lobby]

I don't honestly believe there is anyone who would rather face Arg than NZ is the honest answer. Also, Arg's strength is going to be nullified by the fact that it's the same as Eng's only Eng are (IMHO) the best defensive side in the world (now... of course).

But we're talking making the quarters. There's more chance of France making the quarters than England. Italyare worse than Argentina and Japan.

I'd call it evens............ only because the history of Fra in a RWC has been characterised with at least one f**k up or lucky escape. Eng not prone to that.

France have never failed to qualify for the latter stages of the World Cup, and so can’t compare in the fuck it up stakes with England, who managed to be knocked out of their home World Cup at the group stage.

[Gypo Jenkins]

Someone's surely taking the piss with Wales and Fiji in the same pool at this point.

This will be the 5th tournament in a row. In fact, Wales/Australia/Fiji happened every tournament from 2007, barring 2011.

France 2007 may be stirring up more than a few ghosts for Welsh fans on the back of this draw: same venue, same threats and another ex Scarlets coach at the wheel of another wonky wagon.

[boere wors]

QF1 – Winner Pool C (Australia) v Runner-up Pool D (Argentina)
QF2 – Winner Pool B (South Africa) v Runner-up Pool A (France)
QF3 – Winner Pool D (England) v Runner-up Pool C (Wales)
QF4 – Winner Pool A (New Zealand) v Runner-up Pool B (Ireland)

Then probably:

SF1 - Winner QF1 (Australia) v Winner QF2 (South Africa)
SF2 - Winner QF3 (England) v Winner QF4 (New Zealand)

Final
Springbokke vs All Blacks

Yes, theoretically that is 100% correct. Yet practically, it will be completely different

[OomStruisbaai]

QF1 – Winner Pool C (Australia) v Runner-up Pool D (Argentina)
QF2 – Winner Pool B (South Africa) v Runner-up Pool A (France)
QF3 – Winner Pool D (England) v Runner-up Pool C (Wales)
QF4 – Winner Pool A (New Zealand) v Runner-up Pool B (Ireland)

Then probably:

SF1 - Winner QF1 (Australia) v Winner QF2 (South Africa)
SF2 - Winner QF3 (England) v Winner QF4 (New Zealand)

Final
Springbokke vs All Blacks

Yes, theoretically that is 100% correct. Yet practically, it will be completely different

Hope it happens. Will be the dream final and no excuses coming from the All Blacks supporters.

[assfly]

The Boks have quite a tough draw. Beating Ireland and Scotland will be no easy task, and then either France or New Zealand in the QF. Yikes.

[Chilli]

QF1 – Winner Pool C (Australia) v Runner-up Pool D (Argentina)
QF2 – Winner Pool B (South Africa) v Runner-up Pool A (France)
QF3 – Winner Pool D (England) v Runner-up Pool C (Wales)
QF4 – Winner Pool A (New Zealand) v Runner-up Pool B (Ireland)

Then probably:

SF1 - Winner QF1 (Australia) v Winner QF2 (South Africa)
SF2 - Winner QF3 (England) v Winner QF4 (New Zealand)

Final
Springbokke vs All Blacks

Yes, theoretically that is 100% correct. Yet practically, it will be completely different

Hope it happens. Will be the dream final and no excuses coming from the All Blacks supporters.

Sorry, what?
They will be full of their usual excuses.
South Africa had an easy road to the final etc etc etc.

[boere wors]

The Boks have quite a tough draw. Beating Ireland and Scotland will be no easy task, and then either France or New Zealand in the QF. Yikes.

Ja, it is full throttle right from the start of the tournament. Though draw indeed.

[handyman]

Well, it is what it is. Rassie and Nienaber now have 3 years to plan. No excuses.

[Torquemada 1420]

On that weird "9 stadia in 10 cities" thing, this is in Bernol today:

10 apprentis dans chaque ville-hôte
Pour accompagner les directeurs, 90 apprentis ont été recrutés avec pour objectif d’obtenir un master en gestion des événements sportifs.

which implies 10 host cities.

[frodder]

Someone's surely taking the piss with Wales and Fiji in the same pool at this point.

This will be the 5th tournament in a row. In fact, Wales/Australia/Fiji happened every tournament from 2007, barring 2011.

France 2007 may be stirring up more than a few ghosts for Welsh fans on the back of this draw: same venue, same threats and another ex Scarlets coach at the wheel of another wonky wagon.

Pivac will be gone well before the RWC. It seems we didn't learn our lesson regarding ex-Scarlet coaches but will soon enough.

[Marylandolorian]

Final :

[Uncle fester]

Once we've seen off South Africa, Scotland and New Zealand (maybe France) who would we play in semi-final/final?

[boere wors]

Once we've seen off South Africa, Scotland and New Zealand (maybe France) who would we play in semi-final/final?

Against all the odds of that draw, 2023 will be the first time Ireland will reach the semis. Here. First.

[average joe]

I'm just glad we didnt get Nambabwe again.

[Lemoentjie]

Every RWC after South Africa win, France reach the final. Interesting pattern.

[Ymx]

Yes, theoretically that is 100% correct. Yet practically, it will be completely different

Hope it happens. Will be the dream final and no excuses coming from the All Blacks supporters.

Sorry, what?
They will be full of their usual excuses.
South Africa had an easy road to the final etc etc etc.

Eh?

It was 25 years ago last time we needed excuses for losing to SA in a WC.

Bloody Suzie!!

[LandOTurk]

Once we've seen off South Africa, Scotland and New Zealand (maybe France) who would we play in semi-final/final?

Against all the odds of that draw, 2023 will be the first time Ireland will reach the semis. Here. First.

What a most ludicrous suggestion. As regular as the sun appearing over the horizon in the morning, Ireland will drop out at the QF stage. Certain of it.

[Not_Couch]

I just hope that this Covid bullshit is done and dusted by the time this rolls out.

[Torquemada 1420]

I just hope that this Covid bullshit is done and dusted by the time this rolls out.

Hey. If not, I think we'll have more to worry about than 15 lads hoofing the hell out of a misshapen, plastic ball.