Rugby World Cup

[mattybhoy]

I'm surprised a thread hasn't been started already on this, athough I know many on here are soccer fans and don't go for the egg chasing..

I thought I'd ask for peeps predictions on the quarter finals? I for one can't wait for the games, 3 out of 4 have the potentially to be crackers.

I'm going for All Blacks, South Africa, Ireland & England to go through to semis. Though the Ireland,Wales & Aussie S Africa games could go either way.

A question what I have from you guys in the North. Will you be supporting Ireland or does it not concern you that much? And has the change of anthem helped people from the north accept the team?

[Snowy79]

I think most proper Rugby fans don't care about Nationalities when it comes to a good game. I'm as proud a Scot as you'll get but still recognise England as a pretty good Rugby team and I'd certainly back them. That said there's something about a team like Tonga etc with a tiny population that can still give the big boys a scare. It's not like football where a good team can be bought and supporters are almost brain washed into supporting only their team.

[Jaffa]

Guys from the north....., its an all Ireland team, it is not a southern Ireland team. I do understand what you mean about the anthem though, I think it helped a bit but most supporters from the north have always supported the sport and not the flags and anthems.

I will be up early Sat morning cheering them on all the way, I think they will beat Wales but it could go either way.

my other picks would be.

NZ - easily
OZ - tough but by at least 7 points
ENG - easily

btw....I know eff all about rugger...

@snowy...Tonga V France will be a lasting match for me...they were so up for it, they goaded France that much at the end to go for the scrum that France actually did, could have been a major howler decision, penalty or try didnt matter so what were France thinking...

[mattybhoy]

Fair play to ya & thanks for reply. No offence meant at all. I just happened to be talkin in the pub the other day with my pals about Irelands call, then it went onto playing tests in the north rather than always in Dublin. Fully aware its an all Ireland team bud and I think its absolutely marvelous - like the cricket. I'd have it in the football too, we might actually get to major championships then!

By the way, Tommy Bowe & Rory Best have been huge so far & I think Bowe may have a say in what happens Sat. My 3yr old 'Tommy' insists on being called Tommy Bowe at the minute.

[Jaffa]

No offence taken at all m8, I was just having a jiggle.

I don't follow rugger much (egg chasers as you said ) but its the world cup so I watch it.

I thought Ire were fantastic against OZ, their tactics were superb, get in their face and hold them up, don't let them go to ground and start a new passing session.....then hit them were it hurts by busting right through them.

Go Ireland go. Best of luck to Eng for next game also...I would cheer on Wales too but you can't support both teams in a game.

[mattybhoy]

Fair play Wales a tremendous performance. All the very best for the semi's.

Ireland made too many mistakes, but that Welsh defence was unreal. Great game - shame that wasn't the semi.

[bowie]

What a game by wales, bloody awesome. Now come on the French!

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk

[lfc4life]

England been embarrassed by the smelly french! mon ami

[mattybhoy]

That's not a great English team there Sam. Like the football their chances were being talked up.. France are not great and were there for the taking. If Wales play anything like they did today they will beat the French.

[maca]

France have been rubbish before todays game and england took it for granted they'd go through. been a poor england team right from the start of the world cup maybe a new manager is needed ??
good luck wales for the semi's

[Bulld0g]

You really don't like the English at all do you matty

[nara]

Martin Johnson's teams play boring percentage Rugby.

This result can only be good for the future of the game.

[gopher7]

Well done Wales & France.

[mattybhoy]

Martin Johnson's teams play boring percentage Rugby.

This result can only be good for the future of the game.

That's been the English way since Woodward Nara, but to be fair it's won them a world cup.

[mattybhoy]

You really don't like the English at all do you matty

Na it's not that mate, it's just living in England and listening to the press and people building up England into world beaters. Happens every world cup (rugby & football), every Euro champs. It doesn't seem to happen as much with other sports..

And when they get knocked out it goes the other way. It's either someones fault or they are the worst side in the world..

Anyway, alas les bleu!