World Cup 2007

[wolfy]

As this event is almost upon us I thought a new thread should be added so all WC discussions could take place here rather than on other rugby threads.

As a starter what do the rugby goaters think of the England training squad below.

England's 47-man World Cup training squad:
Forwards: Steve Borthwick (Bath Rugby), George Chuter (Leicester Tigers), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers), Lawrence Dallaglio (London Wasps), Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers), Nick Easter (NEC Harlequins), Perry Freshwater (Perpignan), James Haskell (London Wasps), Andrew Hazell (Gloucester Rugby), Ben Kay (Leicester Tigers), Magnus Lund (Sale Sharks), Lee Mears (Bath Rugby), Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers), Tom Palmer (London Wasps), Tom Rees (London Wasps), Mark Regan (Bristol Rugby), Simon Shaw (London Wasps), Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks), Matt Stevens (Bath Rugby), Phil Vickery (London Wasps), Dan Ward-Smith (Bristol Rugby), Julian White (Leicester Tigers), Joe Worsley (London Wasps), Kevin Yates (Saracens).

Backs: Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby), Olly Barkley (Bath Rugby), Mike Catt (London Irish), Danny Cipriani (London Wasps), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Andrew Farrell (Saracens), Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons), Shane Geraghty (London Irish), Andrew Gomarsall (NEC Harlequins), Dan Hipkiss (Leicester Tigers), Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Josh Lewsey (London Wasps), Olly Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons), Shaun Perry (Bristol Rugby), Peter Richards (Gloucester Rugby), Jason Robinson (Sale Sharks), Paul Sackey (London Wasps), David Strettle (NEC Harlequins), Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons), Mike Tindall (Gloucester Rugby), Fraser Waters (London Wasps), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons).

[NotAnIDOYet]

As this event is almost upon us I thought a new thread should be added so all WC discussions could take place here rather than on other rugby threads.

As a starter what do the rugby goaters think of the England training squad below.

England's 47-man World Cup training squad:
Forwards: Steve Borthwick (Bath Rugby), George Chuter (Leicester Tigers), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers), Lawrence Dallaglio (London Wasps), Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers), Nick Easter (NEC Harlequins), Perry Freshwater (Perpignan), James Haskell (London Wasps), Andrew Hazell (Gloucester Rugby), Ben Kay (Leicester Tigers), Magnus Lund (Sale Sharks), Lee Mears (Bath Rugby), Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers), Tom Palmer (London Wasps), Tom Rees (London Wasps), Mark Regan (Bristol Rugby), Simon Shaw (London Wasps), Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks), Matt Stevens (Bath Rugby), Phil Vickery (London Wasps), Dan Ward-Smith (Bristol Rugby), Julian White (Leicester Tigers), Joe Worsley (London Wasps), Kevin Yates (Saracens).

Backs: Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby), Olly Barkley (Bath Rugby), Mike Catt (London Irish), Danny Cipriani (London Wasps), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Andrew Farrell (Saracens), Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons), Shane Geraghty (London Irish), Andrew Gomarsall (NEC Harlequins), Dan Hipkiss (Leicester Tigers), Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks), Josh Lewsey (London Wasps), Olly Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons), Shaun Perry (Bristol Rugby), Peter Richards (Gloucester Rugby), Jason Robinson (Sale Sharks), Paul Sackey (London Wasps), David Strettle (NEC Harlequins), Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons), Mike Tindall (Gloucester Rugby), Fraser Waters (London Wasps), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons).


Certainly the talent is there but I doubt that Sir Clive's preperations are. England went into the last world cup as prepared as any team could be, they played the style of rugby each game demanded and no one really begrudged them winning.

The team are not in a good way at the moment, too much coming and going in key positions, too much pressure to play certain people regardles of form (Farrell, Wilkinson?) and not enough grunt up front to play the southerners at the moment.

[wolfy]

Certainly the talent is there but I doubt that Sir Clive's preperations are. England went into the last world cup as prepared as any team could be, they played the style of rugby each game demanded and no one really begrudged them winning.

The team are not in a good way at the moment, too much coming and going in key positions, too much pressure to play certain people regardles of form (Farrell, Wilkinson?) and not enough grunt up front to play the southerners at the moment.

I have some concerns over the number of injured or returning from injury players added to some of the more senior players in the squad and then it all starts to look a bit thin.

[True Blue Jack]

It should see you through to the last 8 as group runners-up. I might see if I can get tickets for the quarter-final match at Marseille on 6 Oct. I can feel a replay of the last 6 Nations match coming on!:PDT_Xtremez_28:


I've just looked at the fixtures list properly for the first time. Whatever happens, I think a NZ v S. Africa final is almost inevitable. All eyes on the Tri-Nations then . . .

[Northern Monkey]

Why name a 47 man squad? Quite frankly that is fcuking ridiculous and how can you man manage such a huge number of 'potential' players? I'm sure the rugby buffs amongst you could name the final squad-ish now.
:PDT_Xtremez_30:

[POB]

Whatever happens, I think a NZ v S. Africa final is almost inevitable. All eyes on the Tri-Nations then . . .

I would love England to win, but don't really think they have much chance, however:

Go Kiwi!!!

[True Blue Jack]

Why name a 47 man squad? Quite frankly that is fcuking ridiculous and how can you man manage such a huge number of 'potential' players? I'm sure the rugby buffs amongst you could name the final squad-ish now.
:PDT_Xtremez_30:

The training camps over the next few weeks are the last chance for the hopefuls to prove they should wear the shirt. There is nearly always at least one new face that rises to the challenge.

Here is Wales's 41-man training squad:

BACKS: Aled Brew, Lee Byrne, Gareth Cooper, Gavin Evans, Gavin Henson, James Hook, Dafydd James, Thomas James, Mark Jones, Stephen Jones, Kevin Morgan, Sonny Parker, Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips, Jamie Robinson, Tom Shanklin, Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Thomas, Shane Williams.

FORWARDS: Huw Bennett, Colin Charvis, Ian Evans, Ian Gough, Richard Hibbard, Chris Horsman, Will James, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Duncan Jones, Alun-Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones, Michael Owen, Alix Popham, Matthew Rees, Rob Sidoli, Gavin Thomas, Iestyn Thomas, Jonathan Thomas, Rhys Thomas, T Rhys Thomas, Martyn Williams.

A couple of new names, but I reckon I could pick the starting 15 now.

[rugby then work]

Certainly the talent is there but I doubt that Sir Clive's preperations are. England went into the last world cup as prepared as any team could be, they played the style of rugby each game demanded and no one really begrudged them winning.

The team are not in a good way at the moment, too much coming and going in key positions, too much pressure to play certain people regardles of form (Farrell, Wilkinson?) and not enough grunt up front to play the southerners at the moment.

The talent available to Ashton is nothing like the talent available Pre 2003 world cup. The team going into that tournament was already widely regarded as the best team in the world and was coming off the back of equaling the longest winning streak ever seen in world rugby (the "A" team loss in Marseille stopping the team taking the record all the way through the world cup). The England team of the time was settled, playing very well and hugely confident, all much to do with the way Sir Clive managed (not coached mind) the build up to 2003 after the 1999 world cup.
This team on the other hand is full of inexperience, are rightly struggling for any sort of confidence and to a large extent unsure who is going to be picked for the next game. Ashton has to be given the time Woodward was given, to win this world cup would be a miracle but like Woodward before him I believe Ashton can take stock and plan a campaign to compete in 4 years time.
To do that he is right to include some old heads amongst the youngsters, he's been lampooned in the sports press for his inclusion of Dallaglio but I believe that players of his pedigree can do nothing but inspire the younger players around him (especially Haskell who he plays alongside at club level).

Was going to write loads more but kids need putting to bed so I'll save it ‘til later.

[Plumber]

Don't know why your bothering to talk about it, we all know the ALL BLACKS have the competition already sown up.


GO KIWI

[True Blue Jack]

I would love England to win, but don't really think they have much chance, however:

Go Kiwi!!!


Don't know why your bothering to talk about it, we all know the ALL BLACKS have the competition already sown up.


GO KIWI

I bl00dy hate immigrants!!:PDT_Xtremez_32:

Especially when they are right

[rugby then work]

Don't know why your bothering to talk about it, we all know the ALL BLACKS have the competition already sown up.


GO KIWI

Might as well close the thread then:PDT_Xtremez_15:

Personally I think the AB's will choke it again.

[rugby then work]

As we now have this World Cup thread I thought I'd reply to to Auchtermuchty post on the Tri Nations thread (http://www.e-goat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=6946&page=2)here instead.


QUOTE=auchtermuchty

Only at sea my dear tommo, only at sea!

Then again Frank Hadden keeps saying it'll be OK because we play NZ at home. Now correct me if i'm wrong, I may be, but have the Jocks EVER beaten NZ?

I have SA for the tri-nations, I'm buggered if I know why though!!



Scotland have played New Zealand 25 times Stats below:

NZ wins = 23
Scotland wins = 0
Draws = 2

Not good reading for the Jocks.

[auchtermuchty]

Latest rumbling coming from the Joke RU.... oops, I meant Jock RU, is they may field the second team against the AB's to ensure the full first team are available for the Italy game which they class as their qualification must win game.

Personally, I dont see much to pick between either first or second string Jock teams at the moment, neither is very strong. I know the same could be said for a lot of the teams in this competition at the moment. Not many of those teams are claiming they are gonna win it thought!!

[rugby then work]

The Jocks will certainly need to field their strongest team against the Italians, I've a sneaking suspicion that the 2 teams from that group advancing to the next stage will be NZ and Italy.

[tommo9999]

No we won't!! We'll batter all the other teams and beat england in the final by 40 points. RWC 2007 is Scotland's to lose.

Honest.

[Ex-Stacker]

I personally think either the Saffers or AB's will win it, our squad is too full of inexperienc and, I'll admit, not too much ability. Yes, they're all professional but they seem to be lacking basic skills when under pressure.

I also think the fixtures are benefitting the higher tier teams, as there is generally a weeks break for England,NZ,Aus,SA et al between fixtures compared to teams such as the Spams & Italy who are having 4 or 5 days between games.

I'm not looking forward to this years evens as much as the las one, probably cos we've got no chance, but I'll always have the memories of 22 Nov 03. ........Sitting in my living room in Elgin, waking Mrs Ex up when Robbo scored, leaving straight after to play for Lossie against Helensburgh in the cup (getting narrowly beaten, if some fat prop forced to play on the wing had passed instead of being held up 2 metres short we'd have won!!!)....going down to Elgin that night on the pi55 wearing an England top & the only person getting any crap was one of our PTI's wearing an Aussie top.

At least this year, I can watch it in the pub!!!:PDT_Xtremez_30:

[Cake or Death]

NZ always peak before a world cup and they have peaked, they wont win, neither will england. South Africa will win, against australia in the final

[rugby then work]

With Henson ruled out of the WC, Wales got a bit of better news yesterday, it looks like Stephen Jones is going to be fit in time for the start of the tournament.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/6917756.stm

But I still think Hook is the better 10.

[wolfy]

With Englands warm up games complete Wales beating argentina and Scotland due to play there warm game, what do we now think of the odds for a Home country having any success this time.

[tommo9999]

After watching the performance of the Scottish pack against Ireland I'm more hopeful than I was. If we can maintain that kind of intensity, we could make the quarters, maybe even the semis if we are really lucky.

[rugby then work]

England have announced their team to play against the USA on Saturday. No JW due to injury (again). He twisted his ankle during training (Link (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6977477.stm)).

England:

15 M Cueto (Sale)
14 J Lewsey (Wasps)
13 J Noon (Newcastle)
12 M Catt (London Irish)
11 J Robinson (unattached)
10 O Barkley (Bath)
9 S Perry (Bristol)
8 L Dallaglio (Wasps)
7 T Rees (Wasps)
6 J Worsley (Wasps)
5 B Kay (Leicester)
4 S Shaw (Wasps)
3 P Vickery (Wasps, capt)
2 M Regan (Bristol)
1 A Sheridan (Sale)


Replacements: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), P Richards (London Irish), A Farrell (Saracens), M Tait (Newcastle).


Looking like better news for the Irish though LINK (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/6977474.stm)

[wolfy]

England have announced their team to play against the USA on Saturday. No JW due to injury (again). He twisted his ankle during training (Link (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6977477.stm)).

England:

15 M Cueto (Sale)
14 J Lewsey (Wasps)
13 J Noon (Newcastle)
12 M Catt (London Irish)
11 J Robinson (unattached)
10 O Barkley (Bath)
9 S Perry (Bristol)
8 L Dallaglio (Wasps)
7 T Rees (Wasps)
6 J Worsley (Wasps)
5 B Kay (Leicester)
4 S Shaw (Wasps)
3 P Vickery (Wasps, capt)
2 M Regan (Bristol)
1 A Sheridan (Sale)


Replacements: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), P Richards (London Irish), A Farrell (Saracens), M Tait (Newcastle).


Looking like better news for the Irish though LINK (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/6977474.stm)

Kinda what i expected, still not sure about Sheridan at the highest level but he is still learning, he's just gotta do it quickly.

[LlanClan]

After watching the performance of the Scottish pack against Ireland I'm more hopeful than I was. If we can maintain that kind of intensity, we could make the quarters, maybe even the semis if we are really lucky.

Taxi for Mr Tommo!!

[wolfy]

So as the RWC 2007 is about to start in a few hours time what are the predictions for the last four an final.

mine are:

Aus V NZ, SA V FRA semi's

with

NZ V SA final.

[gemarriott]

oh dear how sad never mind

[I Look Like Kevin Costner]

Les Bleus......Le SH*TE!!!

HA, HA, HA!

[Tashy_Man]

Cracking match and never thought i'd say this but well done the arggies.....

Lets hope tommorrows games follow suit......giving wins for Italy, Japan and (spit) USA.....I can but dream

Crack on....................:PDT_Xtremez_09:

[I Look Like Kevin Costner]

Cracking match and never thought i'd say this but well done the arggies.....

Lets hope tommorrows games follow suit......giving wins for Italy, Japan and (spit) USA.....I can but dream

Crack on....................:PDT_Xtremez_09:

Somehow I don't think so.:PDT_Xtremez_19:

French, Argies & Irish are defo, the "Pool of DEATH" after tonight!!!

[uber pikey]

What a great win for Argentina today, it really boosted me.
USA, USA, USA etc........................:PDT_Xtremez_42:

[auchtermuchty]

OK here's my take on the first round of games for the home nations......

England
At best this was an abject display by an over-confident bunch of primadonna's. It was disjointed, disorganised and disgusting. If Rees and Barkley are taken from that side the result if far from certain. Luckily its in the books as a win. Bring that performance to the Samoa game and you lose. That would be the end of your tournament as by then the 'boks will have kicked that team for 40 points, with Habana on another hat-trick.

On the up side, Lewsey showed flashes of being himself in a white shirt. He'll, England for that matter, need more than flashes.

Scotland
I wonder if Frank Hadden let his side watch the demolition of a side in blue by a rampant AB team? Was it too much like a premonition? To be fair even before the tournament the Jocks said they were targeting the Italy game as the must win. Even so, Italy scored 2 tries against an Impressive AB team and Scotland allowed PORTUGAL to cross, FFS! Again nobody expected Scotland to loose but they didn't perform and although it wasn't a full first XV - it wasnt far away. In Scotlands defence I think they may have been told to go out and enjoy themselves - at least I hope they were. It appeared they were issued velcro gloves in the tunnel, nobody seemed to want to pass and everyone was going for the line.

Guys, you better wake up and quick. That performance didnt scare Italy, had the Kiwi's laughing and even Romania were raising an eyebrow.

Ireland

As bad as I thought England and Scotland were, if you take all the bad bits and roll them together - you get Ireland. This was easily the worst performance by a winning side that I saw all weekend. They threw the ball around with complete disregard for a target. when they were actually passed to, they dropped it. They got worse as the game went on. Indeed they, not Namibia, were flattered by the score line. Namibia can hold there heads high after harrying Ireland into a lot of the mistakes in the second half.

Wales

This is the game I cant comment on as I only saw the scores, but I'm going to! I'll wager that an AWFUL lot of our troggy bretheren were upset at half time. Canada were always going to be a tough opener for a team that had been misfiring. So well done Wales for pulling it together in the second half. To be fair they now look best positioned to qualify from the teams already mentioned, beating Japan should be a formality. Fiji - we'll it'll depend if there is anything for the moody islanders to play for by the time they meet as to how close that game is.

[Bluntend]

So as the RWC 2007 is about to start in a few hours time what are the predictions for the last four an final.

mine are:

Aus V NZ, SA V FRA semi's

with

NZ V SA final.

Swap France with Argentina and you could be spot on.

I thought the All Blacks performed really well. I didn't catch all of the Aus/Japan game (only managed to get the 1st half) but thought Australia made pretty heavy work of it. I knew the final score before watching the match and was surprised at how slow the Aussies started. I'm guessing all the excitement happened in the second half.

So for now its an NZ vs SA final with my money on NZ.

[Scaley brat]

Get away with you, it will be a Wales v RSA final, Wales snatching the win by a Shane Williams try in the dying moments of the game !

England will do well, they'll finally go out to Wales in the semi's. :PDT_Xtremez_28:

[Bluntend]

England will do well, they'll finally go out to Wales in the semi's. :PDT_Xtremez_28:

From what I saw, England can't do any worse. You hang onto your hopes for Wales though - optimism is a great quality.

:PDT_Xtremez_30:

[Scaley brat]

From what I saw, England can't do any worse. You hang onto your hopes for Wales though - optimism is a great quality.

:PDT_Xtremez_30:

If we start Peel and Thomas it could happen....... your just so negative sometimes Blunty ! :PDT_Xtremez_15:

If we use Henson, providing his hair mousse can take the battering, you lot might as well go home now. England have had it, especially without Wilkinson to carry them ::P:

[Bluntend]

If we start Peel and Thomas it could happen....... your just so negative sometimes Blunty ! :PDT_Xtremez_15:

Nah, I got a letter before the contest kicked off from the New Zealand Immigration Department - If I want citizenship, I can't support any other team than the All Blacks.

Go Kiwis !!

[Scaley brat]

Nah, I got a letter before the contest kicked off from the New Zealand Immigration Department - If I want citizenship, I can't support any other team than the All Blacks.

Go Kiwis !!

Isn't that treason ? :PDT_Xtremez_42:
I think they still hang you for that ! Even if they were a part of the common wealth :PDT_Xtremez_31:

[Dave-exfairy]

If we start Peel and Thomas it could happen....... your just so negative sometimes Blunty ! :PDT_Xtremez_15:

If we use Henson, providing his hair mousse can take the battering, you lot might as well go home now. England have had it, especially without Wilkinson to carry them ::P:

Henson isn't in the squad!!!!!!!!!

[Dave-exfairy]

Wales

This is the game I cant comment on as I only saw the scores, but I'm going to! I'll wager that an AWFUL lot of our troggy bretheren were upset at half time. Canada were always going to be a tough opener for a team that had been misfiring. So well done Wales for pulling it together in the second half. To be fair they now look best positioned to qualify from the teams already mentioned, beating Japan should be a formality. Fiji - we'll it'll depend if there is anything for the moody islanders to play for by the time they meet as to how close that game is.

Was in a VERY bad mood, was close to walking out it was that bad a display. Stephen Jones (Times or Independant journo) tips Wales for the semis if not the final!!!
I can dream.

[auchtermuchty]

Possibly good news for England.......

Schalk Burger cited for tackle (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/rugbyworldcup2007/nosplit/today111.xml)

[wolfy]

Possibly good news for England.......

Schalk Burger cited for tackle (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/rugbyworldcup2007/nosplit/today111.xml)

To be Honest I think England need more than Schalk Burger missing if they are going to get a result.

[auchtermuchty]

I agree, but its a start.

[rugby then work]

It's all over now so thread closed.