NPR

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:17 pm**

Pool B is the pool of death

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:17 pm**

Scotland may as well stay at home.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:17 pm**

RIP Italy

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:19 pm**

vlcsnap-2020-12-15-00h16m31s943.png

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:19 pm**

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:16 pm
Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:15 pm England get a bye to the 1/4s
corrected

Both statements are true. Wales suck ass at the moment and will only get worse as AWJ, Tipuric etc retire with no top class players coming through and no Shaun Edwards defence coaching.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:20 pm**

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:17 pm Pool B is the pool of death

fuck off, it s always the pool with fiji in it.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:20 pm**

SH sides might be a bit worried here. NZ playing France in France thats gonne be a big ask, Saffers and Ireland, probably an easier ask bit still not a gimme, Australia/Wales, both sides rebuilding, England looks like that more or less a bye, no disrepect to Argentina or Japan.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:20 pm**

stemoc wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:20 pm
Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:17 pm Pool B is the pool of death
fuck off, it s always the pool with fiji in it.

I think Fiji are in with a shout there

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:21 pm**

Anyone know how the 1/4s line up from the groups?

Bet it's f**king A v B and C v D so Eng get freebie to the semi.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:22 pm**

Pool A is a bit of a non event, otherwise they look fairly tasty.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:23 pm**

The happiest team right now would be the Pumas. All they have to do is beat Japan and they're in the QF's.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:23 pm**

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:21 pm Anyone know how the 1/4s line up from the groups?

Bet it's f**king A v B and C v D so Eng get freebie to the semi.

Could have a tasty NZ v SA quarter final though...

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:23 pm**

ASMO wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:20 pm SH sides might be a bit worried here. NZ playing France in France thats gonne be a big ask, Saffers and Ireland, probably an easier ask bit still not a gimme, Australia/Wales, both sides rebuilding, England looks like that more or less a bye, no disrepect to Argentina or Japan.

You'd think both Fra and NZ go through. If I'm clutching at straws, I suppose if Fra make the final, they won't meet NZ again until there but realistically, I suspect it now means the hard draw all the way for Fra.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:23 pm**

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 11:46 am
sturginho wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 11:42 am Stupid question, but how can there be 9 venues in 10 cities?

I thought the same thing.

I think it's the other way round actually - with two venues in Paris.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:27 pm**

What are you moaning about Torq. France are basically guaranteed to make the quarters. Argentina and Japan are both more likely to turn over England than Italy are to turnover France (unless the French implode, but then the pool wouldn't matter anyway).

Wales, Aus, Fiji looks the most competitive to me, with Fiji's constant improvements. Next up England Japan Argentina, Then SA, Ireland, Scotland.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:28 pm**

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:23 pm
Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 11:46 am
sturginho wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 11:42 am Stupid question, but how can there be 9 venues in 10 cities?

I thought the same thing.
I think it's the other way round actually - with two venues in Paris.

There aren't. Only Stade de France is listed for Paris. See my earlier post.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:31 pm**

This is a great draw for France. As has been said previously they are guaranteed to make the QF's, plus they get a decent pool match against the AB's, which is good for players and spectators alike. The RWC 2023 committee should be very happy. I wonder whether the opening match will be Fra vs NZ?

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:32 pm**

Raggs wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:27 pm What are you moaning about Torq. France are basically guaranteed to make the quarters. Argentina and Japan are both more likely to turn over England than Italy are to turnover France (unless the French implode, but then the pool wouldn't matter anyway).

Wales, Aus, Fiji looks the most competitive to me, with Fiji's constant improvements. Next up England Japan Argentina, Then SA, Ireland, Scotland.

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.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:32 pm**

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:31 pm This is a great draw for France. As has been said previously they are guaranteed to make the QF's, plus they get a decent pool match against the AB's, which is good for players and spectators alike. The RWC 2023 committee should be very happy. I wonder whether the opening match will be Fra vs NZ?

Almost certain.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:33 pm**

ASMO wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:20 pm
stemoc wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:20 pm
Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:17 pm Pool B is the pool of death
fuck off, it s always the pool with fiji in it.
I think Fiji are in with a shout there

3 years is a long time.
Wales can't get any worse tbh

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:33 pm**

So the likely full line up looks something like:
A
NZ
France
Italy
USA
Namibia
B
South Africa
Ireland
Scotland
Tonga?
Romania/Spain/Russia etc
C
Wales
Australia
Fiji
Georgia
Uruguay/Canada/Romanian/Spain/Russia
D
England
Japan
Argentina
Samoa
Uruguay/Canada

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:35 pm**

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:31 pm This is a great draw for France. As has been said previously they are guaranteed to make the QF's, plus they get a decent pool match against the AB's, which is good for players and spectators alike. The RWC 2023 committee should be very happy. I wonder whether the opening match will be Fra vs NZ?

If they want a vaguely competitive but inevitably victorious start for the hosts they'll go for Italy.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:36 pm**

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:32 pm
Raggs wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:27 pm What are you moaning about Torq. France are basically guaranteed to make the quarters. Argentina and Japan are both more likely to turn over England than Italy are to turnover France (unless the French implode, but then the pool wouldn't matter anyway).

Wales, Aus, Fiji looks the most competitive to me, with Fiji's constant improvements. Next up England Japan Argentina, Then SA, Ireland, Scotland.
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.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:36 pm**

Exeter the biggest winners here. Their Sweaties will all be available for league action rapido.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:38 pm**

Raggs wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:36 pm
Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:32 pm
Raggs wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:27 pm What are you moaning about Torq. France are basically guaranteed to make the quarters. Argentina and Japan are both more likely to turn over England than Italy are to turnover France (unless the French implode, but then the pool wouldn't matter anyway).

Wales, Aus, Fiji looks the most competitive to me, with Fiji's constant improvements. Next up England Japan Argentina, Then SA, Ireland, Scotland.
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.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:38 pm**

Springboks vs Springjocks in Pool B lol

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:39 pm**

Raggs wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:36 pm 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).

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:39 pm**

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:35 pm
Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:31 pm This is a great draw for France. As has been said previously they are guaranteed to make the QF's, plus they get a decent pool match against the AB's, which is good for players and spectators alike. The RWC 2023 committee should be very happy. I wonder whether the opening match will be Fra vs NZ?
If they want a vaguely competitive but inevitably victorious start for the hosts they'll go for Italy.

You'll recall what happened last time the French hosted a World Cup

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:40 pm**

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:38 pm Both Japan and Argentina could easily beat England, without stretching the imagination too much.

ASMO. Ban this one. Reaching for the mocker gods 3 years out FFS

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:40 pm**

Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:35 pm
Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:31 pm This is a great draw for France. As has been said previously they are guaranteed to make the QF's, plus they get a decent pool match against the AB's, which is good for players and spectators alike. The RWC 2023 committee should be very happy. I wonder whether the opening match will be Fra vs NZ?
If they want a vaguely competitive but inevitably victorious start for the hosts they'll go for Italy.

That was the match I was thinking they'd go for. Guaranteed French win plus a fellow 6N and European team to open a European RWC tournament.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:41 pm**

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:40 pm
Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:38 pm Both Japan and Argentina could easily beat England, without stretching the imagination too much.
ASMO. Ban this one. Reaching for the mocker gods 3 years out FFS

Says you who just cursed us with the All Blacks

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:41 pm**

sturginho wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:39 pm
Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:35 pm
Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:31 pm This is a great draw for France. As has been said previously they are guaranteed to make the QF's, plus they get a decent pool match against the AB's, which is good for players and spectators alike. The RWC 2023 committee should be very happy. I wonder whether the opening match will be Fra vs NZ?
If they want a vaguely competitive but inevitably victorious start for the hosts they'll go for Italy.
You'll recall what happened last time the French hosted a World Cup

For my sins, I was at all those ones.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:42 pm**

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.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:42 pm**

sturginho wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:41 pm
Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:40 pm
Paddington Bear wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:38 pm Both Japan and Argentina could easily beat England, without stretching the imagination too much.
ASMO. Ban this one. Reaching for the mocker gods 3 years out FFS
Says you who just cursed us with the All Blacks

Fair cop.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:44 pm**

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:42 pm 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.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:45 pm**

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:44 pm
Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:42 pm 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.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:49 pm**

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:45 pm
Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:44 pm
Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:42 pm 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.

That was my assumption too. Eng and Eddie will be p*ssing themselves.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:50 pm**

stemoc wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:38 pm Springboks vs Springjocks in Pool B lol

And the Shamboks as well. Group of Braai.

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:52 pm**

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!

Posted: **Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:55 pm**

This is a great draw for Australia, they're just about guarantee to make a SF.

NPR

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