Rugby World Cup

[Schumi]

how did Scotland get on?

Laboured to a comfortable win.

[Soko]

O Gara is an extremely poor place kicker too.


Sure.

[Flea]

O Gara is an extremely poor place kicker too.

Yes the team were bad, but this comment made me laugh. O'Gara is top class. The ball handling was pathetic, we got a try that wasnt a try, and I dont think anyone else will get caught out as easily again as the one Trimble scored. But the players wont need to be told it wasn't good enough.

[DvB]

It makes sense to me.


Knowing the task facing us to qualify from what is easily (on paper) the toughest group, that team knew exactly what was required of them in this & the upcoming Georgia games to give ourselves the impetus to tackle the two heavyweights afterwards, to me it stank of a lack of professionalism that they produced such an all round poor performance!

In the second half to have only scored a try that clealry never was & penalty try against the worst team in the tournament is quite frankly unacceptable if this team has any ambitions of progressing!

Then again maybe we're just simply not as good a team as we thought we were & the poor attitude & application came through in last nights performance!:(

Personally i'm hopimng they realise the standard is unacceptable & they'll raise the bar for the next game, TBH its probably a good thing now its Georgia, i'd hate to be facing France or Argentina so soon!

[endabob1]

We peaked in March & we will be lucky to get out of the group, I certainly don't expect it.

[Dodge]

Ireland now need to beat both France & Argentina as will be very difficult to get through on points difference.
If we beat France we'll be through. (Presuming everybody gets 5 point wins v Namibia and Georgia). Even France getting 2 bonus points in a defeat to Ireland will still see Ireland through

if we want to avoid New Zealand in the QF, we'll need to beat both. As was the case before Argentina beat France

[osarusan]

Ireland now need to beat both France & Argentina as will be very difficult to get through on points difference.

It will all come down to bonus points.

If you score 4 or more tries, you get a bonus point.

If you win by 8 points or more, you get a bonus point.

We did both against Namibia, while France/Argentina did neither against each other.

We need to beat Argentina by more than 7 points, and if we lose to France, lose by less than 8. We need to score as many tries as they do, against us and other teams. Then aggregate points wont matter as we'll have an extra bonus point.

[Dodge]

If you score 4 or more tries, you get a bonus point.

If you win by 8 points or more, you get a bonus point.


Thats wrong. You get a bonus point for scoring four tries or for losing by 7 or less. You don't get anything for winning by more than 8

Presume everyone gets 5 points v Namibia and Georgia.

If the three big games go as follows, we'll be through even if we lose heavily to Argentina

Arg v Fra (4 points to Arg, 1 point to Fra)
Ire v Fra (4 points to Ire, 2 points to Fra) - unlikely that Fra will score 4 tries and lose ti a team that don't score 4
Ire v Arg (5 points to Arg, 0 to Ireland)

[joeSoap]

It will all come down to bonus points.

If you score 4 or more tries, you get a bonus point.

If you win by 8 points or more, you get a bonus point.

We did both against Namibia, while France/Argentina did neither against each other.

We need to beat Argentina by more than 7 points, and if we lose to France, lose by less than 8. We need to score as many tries as they do, against us and other teams. Then aggregate points wont matter as we'll have an extra bonus point. You don't get a bonus point for winning by 8 points or more. You can only get a maximum of 5 points from every game-4 for winning and one bonus point for scoring 4 or more tries.

If you lose by 7 or less you get a bonus point.

Maximun points for winning a game-5. (4 for victory, plus 1 for 4 or more tries)
Maximum points for losing a game by 7 or less points-2. (1 for losing by 7 or less, 1 if you score 4 tries.
Maximum points for drawing a game-3. ( 2 for draw, and 1 for scoring 4 or more tries).

[osarusan]

Thats wrong. You get a bonus point for scoring four tries or for losing by 7 or less. You don't get anything for winning by more than 8


Sorry, you're right, and Joe Soap too. That is what I meant actually-to deny Argentina a bonus point by winning by more than 7, while claiming that same bonus point against France should we lose, will be the crucial point.

[Dodge]

Sorry, you're right. That is what I meant actually-to deny Argentina a bonus point by winning by more than 7, while claiming that same bonus point against France should we lose, will be the crucial point.

No it won't. If we beat France the minimum points we'll have is 14, and the maximum they could possibly get is 13. Beating France is the crucial bit

After that game we can think of other options

[osarusan]

No it won't. If we beat France the minimum points we'll have is 14, and the maximum they could possibly get is 13. Beating France is the crucial bit

After that game we can think of other options

Beating France is the crucial bit to winning the group, I agree.

But, I said "should we lose" to France.

Of course the best thing is to win the game and win the group, but I was replying to Pete, who said




Ireland now need to beat both France & Argentina as will be very difficult to get through on points difference.

I was just talking about qualifying from the group.

[onceahoop]

Knowing the task facing us to qualify from what is easily (on paper) the toughest group, that team knew exactly what was required of them in this & the upcoming Georgia games to give ourselves the impetus to tackle the two heavyweights afterwards, to me it stank of a lack of professionalism that they produced such an all round poor performance!

In the second half to have only scored a try that clealry never was & penalty try against the worst team in the tournament is quite frankly unacceptable if this team has any ambitions of progressing!

Then again maybe we're just simply not as good a team as we thought we were & the poor attitude & application came through in last nights performance!:(

Personally i'm hopimng they realise the standard is unacceptable & they'll raise the bar for the next game, TBH its probably a good thing now its Georgia, i'd hate to be facing France or Argentina so soon!

Agree with most of that DvB. But we're a way better team than that.
It appeared to be a lack of mental preparation as much as anything. Dropped passes, too much turnover ball when players got isolated. We were so much on top in the first half hour that we weren't prepared for a backlash. Yet everyone knows that in every game you play no matter what code and no matter how much on top you are, the opposition will have a go at some stage if for nothing else but their pride.

We then tried to run the ball from our own twenty five instead of playing to our strengths which, for this team, has been O'Gara kicking for position and sending the opposition back. Our pack never got the maul going either. It was just inept. Why??? Well you could argue that it's come a month too soon for the Northern Hemisphere clubs. Previous Cups in the Northern hemisphere have started in October. The advantage is with the Southern teams. Some of our players haven't played since March while the Ausies, Kiwis and Boks have just come off the Tri Nations.

The number of games played prior to the tournament was totally inadequate. In soccer it's believed that it takes up to five games at least to get match fit and sharp. For a squad of thirty players to play just 3 games is ludicrous. David Wallace, who in fairness is just back after injury, was not at the races. O'Sullivans inexplicable decision not to provide cover for him could come back to haunt him.

Tom McGurk was on Gerry Ryan this am. He claims that the squad spent so much time in the gym that they only started ball work three weeks ago. The evidence of the gym work is there for all to see in their increased bulk. So too the lack off ball work.

[joeSoap]

It's all a part of a masterplan....

[Dodge]

The number of games played prior to the tournament was totally inadequate. In soccer it's believed that it takes up to five games at least to get match fit and sharp
So we should be spot on for the France game? That'll do me...

[paul_oshea]

...to fool the argies and france that we are crap?

they are doing a good job so.

Lads, to be honest I wouldn't worry about this performance, we arent going to get past the quarters anyhow, but we will play a lot better in the big matches.

[OneRedArmy]

...to fool the argies and france that we are crap?

they are doing a good job so.

Lads, to be honest I wouldn't worry about this performance, we arent going to get past the quarters anyhow, but we will play a lot better in the big matches.Paul, there's a lot of confused logic in your post.

To even get through to the quarters, we are going to have to play at a level that will make us good bets to get even further in the tournament.

I don't believe Argentina are a much better team than France (regardless of Fridays result) and I still think we have a better chance of beating Argentina than France.

You wouldn't perhaps be led by having tickets for the second placed team in our Group playing the winner of New Zealands group?

We'll either win the pool (can't see it myself) or come 3rd.

[paul_oshea]

You wouldn't perhaps be led by having tickets for the second placed team in our Group playing the winner of New Zealands group?

I could be, but I can honestly see us drawing with argies ( losing to France, getting same amount of bonus points, but losing on on points against ) and not even getting to the quarters - note I just said we wont go further than the quarters, not that we will definitely get there.

On that, I could also see us beating france and losing to argentina, with max bonus points taken for all teams does that not mean we would also finish second, assuming that we dont lose to argentina by more than we beat france?

[Dodge]

On that, I could also see us beating france and losing to argentina, with max bonus points taken for all teams does that not mean we would also finish second, assuming that we dont lose to argentina by more than we beat france?

Do you have my posts blocked or wha? ;) If we beat France, we're through and France are out. Regardless of margins etc.

[OneRedArmy]

I could be, but I can honestly see us drawing with argies Brave man to predict a draw in rugby, its not the GAA!

You'll get great odds for that.

[Torn-Ado]

Yes the team were bad, but this comment made me laugh. O'Gara is top class. The ball handling was pathetic, we got a try that wasnt a try, and I dont think anyone else will get caught out as easily again as the one Trimble scored. But the players wont need to be told it wasn't good enough.

Great kicking from his hands, great passing and attacking play but his kicking from the ground can be shoddy. If the angle is anyway challenging, he'll miss. Against Italy in the six nations he couldn't buy a score.

[paul_oshea]

Brave man to predict a draw in rugby, its not the GAA!

You'll get great odds for that.


Ora, I can see a last minute penalty/drop goal from the argies to draw it ;)

[pete]

All I can wonder if what have the Ireland squad been doing for the last 10 weeks of preparation? :confused:

All of this will be forgotten if Ireland qualify for the quarter finals.

I know he has been our most successful coach but IMO O'Sullivan should resign if we do not get at least get to the quarter finals. Triple Crowns are all very well but not getting past the WC group stages in 2 finals is failure given the resources available to the team.

[Soko]

Great kicking from his hands, great passing and attacking play but his kicking from the ground can be shoddy. If the angle is anyway challenging, he'll miss. Against Italy in the six nations he couldn't buy a score.


The mitre ball is a pos, like kicking a baloon


But continue to harp on about his kicking, the rest of the performance was a cracker

[joeSoap]

The mitre ball is a pos, like kicking a baloon


But continue to harp on about his kicking, the rest of the performance was a cracker The mitre ball may be a 'pos' whatever that is, but it's no excuse.

Especially as they're using Gilbert balls, the same as the 6 nations ball, official IRFU ball and one that O'Gara is most comfortable with.

[DvB]

The mitre ball may be a 'pos' whatever that is, but it's no excuse.

Especially as they're using Gilbert balls, the same as the 6 nations ball, official IRFU ball and one that O'Gara is most comfortable with.

A far better ball to kick with as well, especially for penalties etc, tends not to drift as much in the air for longer kicks.

[Dodge]

The mitre ball may be a 'pos' whatever that is, but it's no excuse.

was trying to figure that out for myself. Couldn't figure out what it could be a typo for

[osarusan]

pos - piece of sh.....sh....sh..................excrement.

[Dodge]

Ah, I see. I'm so old now...

[gustavo]

lets hope pos' cautious predictions turn out to be a pos .

[joeSoap]

Thanks for that....

[OneRedArmy]

Here's the team I'd like to see for Georgia (fully expecting Eddie to, wrongly, pick the same team as v Namibia)

Murphy

Horgan
Trimble
O'Driscoll
Carney

Wallace
Stringer

Ferris
Wallace
Best
O'Connell
O'Kelly
Best
Flannery
Horan

Of the team against Namibia, only Hayes would be rested, the rest dropped.

I can dream I suppose...

[Dodge]

I'd play most of the team that played namibia but I'd drop Hickie for Murphy(maybe Carney) and have Horgan come in for Trimble. In the pack I'd drop Best for Flannery.

[joeSoap]

Murphy

Horgan
O'Driscoll
D'Arcy
Carney

O'Gara
Reddan

Young
Flannery
Best

Quinlan
O'Connell

Best
Wallace (at 8)
Ferris

I'd like to see how Quinny would cope at second row, as that's where O'Sullivan used him against Scotland. David Wallace there purely for game time. Reddan represents a far better option than Boss imo

[PinBallWizard]

terrible pack there Joe...Thats the one area where Georgia will be strong...we have to compete up front with them.

[joeSoap]

England have dropped D'Allaglio for the SA game. Easter comes in for him.

[pete]

In the pack I'd drop Best for Flannery.

I agree. Best has errrr not been at his best :o in recent games. He does not deserve to start. I can't see him make any other changes (Horgan excluded) if in fact he makes any changes

Squad morale will surely drop if players put in rubbish performances & continue to get picked.

[OneRedArmy]

terrible pack there Joe...Thats the one area where Georgia will be strong...we have to compete up front with them.
I actually love the pack Joe picked. Just because its different doesn't mean it wouldn't work.

At worst it gives a few lads, like Donncha, a kick in the hole.

As for R Best, you get what you see. He's more reliable than Flannery (stats back this up) but he will never be a ball carrier. Flannery deserves a chance at least as on his day he's a match winner.

[Sumac]

Irish team has just been announced. Horgan in for Trimble
1 Marcus Horan
2 Rory Best
3 John Hayes
4 Donnacha O'Callaghan
5 Paul O'Connell
6 Simon Easterby
7 David Wallace
8 Denis Leamy
9 Peter Stringer
10 Ronan O'Gara
11 Denis Hickie
12 Gordon D'Arcy
13 Brian O'Driscoll
14 Shane Horgan
15 Girvan Dempsey

[joeSoap]

Hope this doesn't come back to bite him with injuries...

[endabob1]

That's the problem, if we had beat Namibia well, you can rest players, if you rest players now it looks like they are being dropped and possibly singled out. Personally I'd have been looking to cull a minimum of 5 players from Namibia but O'Sullivan clearly wants his "best" XV to play as much as possible.

I'd have drafted in Murphy, Horgan, Flannery, O'Kelly maybe given Carney a run on the wing with Trimble moving in to partner O'Driscoll and given one of the reserve props a run out.

[OneRedArmy]

O'Sullivan's tactic appears to involve the team a team that is clearly not performing magically finding its form in the space of 6 days.

Eddie's inate conservatism kills us again.

[passinginterest]

I'd have drafted in Murphy, Horgan, Flannery, O'Kelly maybe given Carney a run on the wing with Trimble moving in to partner O'Driscoll and given one of the reserve props a run out.

I think with the starting line up he's picked the bench has to be given a run early, otherwise if we pick up injuries the replacements will be going in cold.

The full bench needs to be utilised, starting at half time and giving as many as possible at least 25 minutes.

Unfortunately O'Sullivan is unlikely to do this and injuries will most likely come back to haunt him.

I really, really, really, hope the poor performances are like a modern day Ali, rope a dope trick, as soon as we face a complacent France or Argentina we step up to a whole new level.

[strangeirish]

Press Release
International Rugby Board (IRB) Rugby World Cup 2007

Following complaints to the IRB about the All Blacks being allowed to motivate themselves by performing the ‘Haka’ before their games,other nations were asked to suggest pre-match rituals of their own. The IRB Rugby World Cup 2007 Organizing Committee has now agreed to the following pre-match displays:

1) The England team will chat about the weather, wave hankies in the air and attach bells to their ankles before moaning about how they invented the game and gave it to the world, but no one appreciates them.

2) The Scotland team will chant “You lookin’ at me Jimmy?” before each of them smash a bottle of beer over their opponents’ heads.

3) The Ireland team will split into two, with the Southern half performing a Riverdance, while the Northerners march the Traditional route from their dressing room to the pitch, via their opponents dressing room.

4) Unfortunately the Committee was unable to accept the Welsh proposal to form a choir and sing Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Unusual”.

5) Argentina will unexpectedly invade a small part of opposition territory, claim it as their own “Las In-Goals-Areas” and have to be forcibly removed by the match stewards.

6) Two members of the South African team will claim to be more important than the other 13 whom they will imprison between the posts. These two will then go about selecting the best parts of the pitch to settle on and claim that they have been there for centuries.

7) The Americans will not attend until almost full time. In future years they will amend the records to show that they were in fact the most important team in the tournament and Hollywood will make a blockbuster film called ‘Saving Flanker Ryan’.

8) Five of the Canadian team will sing La Marseillaise and hold the rest of the team to ransom.

9) The Italian team will arrive in Armani gear, sexually harass the female officials and then prepare pasta dishes, which they will flog to the crowd for a fortune.

10) The Japanese will shock fans buy demonstrating how to capture a whale for scientific research by harpooning an opposition prop.

11) The French won’t have a pre-match display and will simply hide in fear in the dressing room for the whole match.

12) The Australians will have a BBQ on their side of the field and invite the opposition over before the game. The food and alcohol will be in abundance and by the start of the game no-one will remember what they came to the stadium for. After some streaking, the singing of dirty songs and the occasional chunder everyone will go home thoroughly convinced it was a bloody good night.

13) The Moroccan team will quietly pray during the
first half and then launch suicide attacks against the opposition after the break.
Unfortunately, this strategy works well for the first game only, after which Morocco is forced to withdraw from the Rugby World Cup due to lack of players.

14) Samoa will prepare a huge feast in the middle of the pitch by digging a large hole and filling it with burning embers. They invite the opposition over by saying, “We’d like to have you for dinner”. It’s only when the opposition get to the pit that they realize
there is no meat and that they are the dinner!

Hopefully, with these policies now in place, further problems is this area of the game should cease to exists.
Regards,
Syd Miller
IRB Chairman
THE INTERNATIONAL RUGBY BOARD
Huguenot House 35-38 St Stephen’s Green Dublin 2 Ireland
Tel: 00 353 1 240 9200 • FAX: 00 353 1 240 9201

[OneRedArmy]

Funnier when it was last circulated in 2003........;):D

[onceahoop]

Strangeirish. I'm lost for words.

Oh yeah; Bring back Flannery and the rolling maul.

[strangeirish]

Funnier when it was last circulated in 2003........;):D
Ah sure a bit of regurgitation never hurt anybody.:)

[shakermaker1982]

just back from Bordeaux. After watching Slovakia the night before and in a deep depression I thought at least we'll rack up the points against Namibia....... awful. O'Gara had an off day and Hickie couldn't catch a cold. We'll be lucky to get out of the pool now - all depends on how they react in the Georgia game because we need some sort of momentum going before heading up to Paris, they must know by now that the french are gonna come out guns blazing and if we're not prepared we could get a beating.

[pete]

O'Sullivan has created this situation all by himself. Because his first choice team in such shocking form he really has no other option than to pick his best team for every game now. While his strategy of long squad training sessions has worked for the 6 Nations (Ireland train so much together they like a club side) it may be flawed for the WC where the squad would have to spend 4 months together if they get to the final.

:(

BTW i noticed TV3 got massive TV viewing figures for Sundays which is a surprise until you realise anyone without Setanta only had the other option of UTV. Watching Sport on UTV makes TV3 appealing :eek:

[ifk101]

Georgia look very useful ....