I can only presume in teaining 1/2p doesnt have the same levels of accuracy. He only takes long range pot shots for cardiff too.
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Rugby world cup
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Posted 7 months ago #
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I prefer the idea that they wanted to demonstrate an all or nothing attitude by powering over to score a try.
Well, sadly they found the answer to that one... Even NZ in that position would probably have gone for the points - the object of the game is to win, not be plucky losers.
and third place in the world rankings (although obviously meaningless) would be a nice stick to poke zokes with
I'd find a different stick if I were you. Whilst we possibly differ on why Wales lost, I think we both agree that we'd have preferred Wales to win, especially against that dismal performance by the French. They certainly deserve to be well above England in the rankings at present. I think they'll be a frightening team to face for the next few years if they can keep this up.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I think they'll be a frightening team to face for the next few years if they can keep this up.
Yes they look strong at the moment, but imagine if Adam Jones had done his calf in the first match and then Roberts or Phillips got broken. Wales have played well but have also been very lucky to have almost all of there top players available apart from Rees (and the man god obviously but I'm not sure he counts). If Hook Breaks suddenly the cover in 3 positions looks very very thin. If Wales wanted to dominate Europe and challenge the SH teams they need more strength in depth but given the structure in place and the pro player numbers its unlikely to happen.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Gatland admits to discussing faking an injury during the game on Satyrday to go to uncontested scrums. No doubt the IRB will impose some sanction on him, can you bring rugby into disrepute?
Think that he should of kept his council on this.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I don't see how you can sanction somebody for thinking about something, or even admitting to thinking about it. I'm thinking about some well dodgy stuff right now, and Richie Macaw is there too. Send the Rugby Disrepute Investigation Team around now...
Posted 7 months ago # -
hels - dodgy stuff with one R McCaw ?
Posted 7 months ago # -
Why TJ - does he have a twin ??
(oops better get back to my coffee)
Posted 7 months ago # -
Hels ask Pocock how getting humped by Mcaw feels
Posted 7 months ago # -
Hmm the IRB tanking says something.......
IRB World Rankings - 17 October 2011 Position (last week)
Member Union Rating Point
1(1) NEW ZEALAND 91.34
2(2) AUSTRALIA 86.49
3(5) FRANCE 84.79
4(3) SOUTH AFRICA 84.34
5(6) ENGLAND 81.58
6(4) WALES 81.10
7(7) IRELAND 80.65
8(8) ARGENTINA 80.28
9(9) TONGA 76.63
10(10) SCOTLAND 76.20Despite getting sent home in the quarters......england up two places, wales kicked again....... down two? Logic......??????
Posted 7 months ago # -
Just had a wire from my correspondent on the ground (brother's been in NZ for the whole thing, flying back on friday)
Atmosphere wasn't as good as the quarter final against Ireland, everyone was backing Wales after the red card but the French were so bad it was hard to get excited about anything.The French will get absolutely smashed in the final. They've already lost to New Zealand once and were beaten by Tonga. So far they only things they've done is beat a woeful England side and manage to somehow not lose to a Wales team who played with 14 men for an hour.
anagallis_arvensis - Member
I can only presume in teaining 1/2p doesnt have the same levels of accuracy. He only takes long range pot shots for cardiff too.That's what Tom reckons as well:
Halfpenny only kicks from long range because he's not very accurate. He can smash it miles but anything other than dead centre and it can end up anywhere.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Despite getting sent home in the quarters......england up two places, wales kicked again....... down two? Logic......??????
I think you need to go and have a look to see how the ranking are constructed.
Posted 7 months ago # -
4100!
Posted 7 months ago # -
glitchy
or maybe not
Posted 7 months ago # -
Actually looking forward to the 3rd place play off now.
Is this the biggest thread ever on STW?
France now my number one team.
deadlyd'arcy
Posted 7 months ago # -
Le Plastique! ^
Posted 7 months ago # -
Surely the problem with the NH is the lack of consistency. The top teams (in alphabetical order to prevent bias), England, France, Ireland, and Wales are capable of combining brilliance with abject displays. Or is that the beauty of NH rugby - that it is enjoyable precisely because it becomes difficult to predict. The last two 6Ns have shown that.
I felt bitterly disappointed with the Welsh result, but with the cold light of (several) days the conclusion was a simple one. They were perfectly capable of finishing France off even with only 14 men (more than England could say!!) but frankly bottled it. Frustrating and I'm only 1/8th Welsh!!
[agree with Boxfish]
I hope both sides are up for the 3 place PO - good luck Wales
Posted 7 months ago # -
Really would like France to put up a good show. Don't think they can win but they have panache and can play with style (they can also hide in their shell and be utter $hite).
But ABs just too powerful and now look covered in every area of the park.
Has Warbuton got a ban? Someone needs to deal with Pocock and he might be up to it.
Loved the Oz's whinging to the ref at every opportunity.
Posted 7 months ago # -
The AB seem to have this amazing ability to do simple things with unrivaled intensity. They seem to kick and play the percentages as much as any one (including the NH) but they have the ability to simply strangle the life out of the oppo - in fair ways and foul. It is also interesting that they are not simply a bunch of massive (protein infested) bulk monsters - they have power, yes, but a better balance of skill and panache than others.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Je suis plastique
d'arcymortelle
Posted 7 months ago # -
Gatland admits to discussing faking an injury during the game on Satyrday to go to uncontested scrums
I suggested that on here during the game.
Warburton has a 3 week ban. I expect Wales will play either Lydiate or Faletau at openside with Ryan Jones at 6 or 8.Posted 7 months ago # -
Faletau named on BBC sport ...big boots to fill...roll on 6Nations eh?
Posted 7 months ago # -
onehundredthidiot - Member
Has Warbuton got a ban? Someone needs to deal with Pocock and he might be up to it.
Yes, 3 weeks ban for Warburton.
I'm surprised that Pocock has git away with the punch he threw in the ABs game. A red card offence not so long ago....
Posted 7 months ago # -
never mind that shit look at this:Posted 7 months ago # -
Oh jeez, just what Welsh rugby needs.
Lets not concentrate on bringing talent through because we can always default to the Gav soap opera:
will he/won't be fit?
will he/won't he still be any good?
who is he sleeping with?And of course it will last until Xmas when Cardiff lose patience with him and he disappears off to do another TV show.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I think I've read a report where he said that he didn't have a good enogh position for a drop goal. I prefer the idea that they wanted to demonstrate an all or nothing attitude by powering over to score a try
Rubbish, he just sh!t out! Any player worth their salt that has been BL capped and is classed as a WC player would be able to DG from 25yds regardless of presssure, he would have made it happen.
I can only presume in teaining 1/2p doesnt have the same levels of accuracy. He only takes long range pot shots for cardiff too.
At least he has the nuts to have a go, it's this "Have a go" attitude is what many sides are missing form the N Hemisphere. It's all about the confidence.
Until Wales start winning the pressure games, they cannot be regarded as great. I was convinced that Halfpenny's final kick was going over...as it dropped below the crossbar by inches, it truly reflected where Welsh rugby is at right now. Almost there, but not quite.
If you want a pressure game try playing a game with a captain, forward and top class player down against a side that on it's day can beat anyone. Oh and they did not score a try and still we still end up only 1 point behind. Well done Wales I say! Oh and is this the same as saying that England are the golden child of UK sport? You can understand the dislike if people make half baked comments like this.
Yes they look strong at the moment, but imagine if Adam Jones had done his calf in the first match and then Roberts or Phillips got broken. Wales have played well but have also been very lucky to have almost all of there top players available apart from Rees (and the man god obviously but I'm not sure he counts). If Hook Breaks suddenly the cover in 3 positions looks very very thin. If Wales wanted to dominate Europe and challenge the SH teams they need more strength in depth but given the structure in place and the pro player numbers its unlikely to happen.
All if, but's and maybe's, still not be relevant - stick to the facts. None of it happened so t'sirrelevant. Strength in depth you say? Due to the coaching team and player development Wales now have THE strongest side in the NH and I beleive that this will show in the 2013 BL tour of Australia.
I applaud Gatland for comming out with truth about non contested scrums, and this may help the cause in the end. I hope the IRB pay attention to the fact that if their refs get it wrong the concequences are not only felt by the players.
Finally I applaud the nation for getting behind Wales, it's really good to see solidarity in these times of national segregation. It was a pitty that Wales did not get through but this was not for the want of trying, this is disappointment is felt by every Welsh person (and hopeflly a few others). We are not disappointed in the team (in Wales they are Gods!) but disappointed in the system (not even the ref!!!). It would have been easy to go to the 3rd ref but this would have gone against the memo. Rugby is a contact sport, sometimes big guys against small which ends up in scenarios like Warburton, however they are all ulitimatley rugby players and they know the risks and get paid accordingly. Look how many people have been killed or injured road riding, would you call that a dangerous sport?
Posted 7 months ago # -
Rubbish, he just sh!t out! Any player worth their salt that has been BL capped and is classed as a WC player would be able to DG from 25yds regardless of presssure, he would have made it happen.
What's rubbish? That I read a report or my opinion about wanting them to run ball.Posted 7 months ago # -
Finally I applaud the nation for getting behind Wales
+1
Certainly goes a long way towards burying the hatchet.
I will feel much better disposed towards England next time, I'm sure.
Group hug, everyone. Come on.. come close..
Posted 7 months ago # -
Konastoner - Member
I think I've read a report where he said that he didn't have a good enogh position for a drop goal. I prefer the idea that they wanted to demonstrate an all or nothing attitude by powering over to score a try
Rubbish, he just sh!t out! Any player worth their salt that has been BL capped and is classed as a WC player would be able to DG from 25yds regardless of presssure, he would have made it happen
Jones doesn't go for DGs very often, and he's in the position where he MUST kick one to get through - no wonder he wanted to get the best position he could. Jones is far from my favourite player but I don't think he did anything other than he normally does, so can't be criticised for playing his normal game.
Strength in depth you say? Due to the coaching team and player development Wales now have THE strongest side in the NH and I beleive that this will show in the 2013 BL tour of Australia.
Don't you see the lack of strength in depth then? No worthwhile tight head prop replacement, little depth at 2nd row or hooker, no decent replacement for Priestland (Hook and Jones were obviously not good enough!), not great depth in midfield, and struggling at full back. In the key areas, (TH prop, outhalf, midfield, FB) we only have ONE good player at the moment. A handful of injuries - which is all too likely - and we are relying on 3rd/4th choice players. Wales don't have strength in depth.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Oi! Gatland! Shut it!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/15350332.stm"He said very honestly today: 'One could have considered the possibility of taking a prop off and going to uncontested scrums'.
Not quite the same as saying " I considered the possibility....", is it?The former England coach Dick Best has told the BBC he is amazed Gatland did not cheat, as it goes on all the time in the sport.
I smell another inquiry....Posted 7 months ago # -
bump
Posted 7 months ago # -
you want a pressure game try playing a game with a captain, forward and top class player down against a side that on it's day can beat anyone. Oh and they did not score a try and still we still end up only 1 point behind. Well done Wales I say! Oh and is this the same as saying that England are the golden child of UK sport? You can understand the dislike if people make half baked comments like this.
Yes, it was a pressure game. And Wales lost. They missed 3 kickable penalties, a difficult conversion and also failed to organise a viable drop goal attempt given umpteen phases in the opponents half.
During the competition Wales played entertaining rugby and defended superbly. They should be proud of their performances. However, it's not just about pleasing the crowd, it's about winning games.
I have taken the day off on Friday to watch the game, then go for a ride. Now that the World Cup is coming to a close, my 2 year old daughter will probably be relieved not to find her Dad jumping round the living room, shouting and occassionally sinking to the floor and beating the carpet with his fists!
C'mon Wales!
Posted 7 months ago # -
Lonely just stumbled upon this huge thread! Being a passionate Welshman thought I'd throw my two penneth in...
I think the Wales boys have been bloody excellent both on and off the pitch. Playing he type of rugby that spectators were invented for!
As far as Warburtongate goes, I think the red was technically correct although a yellow would have been the appropriate punishment .... My gripe is the fact that no consideration, consultation with linesmen/ video officials took place. The decision. Made no bearing on us losing the game.... IMO the red card was the difference between Wales beating France by 20 points and beating France by 6 points. We will not win if we don't convert the points!
Anyway.... I've thoroughly enjoyed this tournament.... And , yes thre third place does matter (to me) and we will play with the passion that we would have the final.... (if not the same No 7!)
Cheers
AJ
Posted 7 months ago # -
still bickering, FFS!
i love rugby, lots of you on here know more than me... but as pointed out above..
and why didn't Phillips go nearer to the posts?
can somebody explain why players when going over for a try dont try and get nearer he posts? yes i understand if your right on the sideline near the flag and dive over you aint got much chance.
but like philips try against france he could have easily run further up towards the posts? yes you have opposing players running near you but jaysus little bit more effort or is the order to "get the ball down" regardless?
Posted 7 months ago # -
No he couldn't - he had a French player coming to cut him off. As Phillips is quoted earlier in the thread - he did his job, it was up to the kicker to do their's. Stephen Jones has been so reliable over the years, there was no excuse for a man of his experience to miss that kick.
Posted 7 months ago # -
No he couldn't - he had a French player coming to cut him off. As Phillips is quoted earlier in the thread - he did his job, it was up to the kicker to do their's. Stephen Jones has been so reliable over the years, there was no excuse for a man of his experience to miss that kick.
i totally understand what you are saying and jones should have slotted it over and so should have hook with those two pens.
BUT in general rugby terms....
even if you know you have a guy on the opposing team coming over, even if you were going to head to the posts and even if he did tackle you chances are you could still ground the ball?
Posted 7 months ago #
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