Rugby Union

[Harvester]

Where will Eddie Jones go next - Japan?

Wales won 40-6, bye bye Eddie.

It will be an expensive bye bye unless he goes voluntarily, as his contract runs until the 2027 World Cup!

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

New Zealand ran in no less than 14 tries in the Friday game against Italy, but just missed topping the 100 point mark.

 

[Harvester]

New Zealand ran in no less than 14 tries in the Friday game against Italy, but just missed topping the 100 point mark.

They were very impressive, and completely outplayed Italy. France should have no trouble beating Italy to finish top of Pool A, meaning Ireland will probably play New Zealand in their QF!

 

[THC]

They were very impressive, and completely outplayed Italy. France should have no trouble beating Italy to finish top of Pool A, meaning Ireland will probably play New Zealand in their QF!

We still have to play Scotland first ahead of any such scenario and won't be taking anything for granted.

THC

 

[Red Onion]

We still have to play Scotland first ahead of any such scenario and won't be taking anything for granted.

THC

Not confident we will beat you but I’m anticipating a good battle!

 

[JamesT]

Not a good day for the East Europeans.
Georgia kicked away their chance to beat Fiji. Clock’s red, you’re attacking a tired 14 men, keep it in hand!
Romania showed the gulf between the best and the rest, losing 84-0 against Scotland.
Scotland’s task is now clear. Beat Ireland by at least 13 points and score 4 tries and they will be through.

 

[75A]

Just watched the Australia / Portugal game on ITV4, couldn't believe how biased the commentator was in favour of Portugal, it got to the point where I watched the second half with the sound off.

 

[Harvester]

Scotland’s task is now clear. Beat Ireland by at least 13 points and score 4 tries and they will be through.

Isn’t it a bit easier now? Just beat Ireland by 8 points or more, to deny them a loser’s bonus point, and both teams will finish on 14 points. Scotland then go through as group runners up, by the head to head result.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Isn’t it a bit easier now? Just beat Ireland by 8 points or more, to deny them a loser’s bonus point, and both teams will finish on 14 points. Scotland then go through as group runners up, by the head to head result.

I am sure that Ireland will also be fully conversant with the result requirements of this particular fixture.

 

[JamesT]

Isn’t it a bit easier now? Just beat Ireland by 8 points or more, to deny them a loser’s bonus point, and both teams will finish on 14 points. Scotland then go through as group runners up, by the head to head result.

Depends how high scoring a match it is. Ireland scoring 4 tries still gives them a bonus point, even if they lose by 8 points or more. It could end with the three teams on 15 points, which then puts points difference as the tie breaker.

 

[sannox]

I mean a high scoring match, where both teams get a bonus point and Scotland win by 21+ would send Ireland and Scotland through...

 

[JamesT]

I mean a high scoring match, where both teams get a bonus point and Scotland win by 21+ would send Ireland and Scotland through...

I don't believe it would. As Scotland are playing Ireland, a positive points difference for one team is a negative for the other. Both teams getting the try bonus and Scotland winning by more than 7 puts all three teams on 15 points.
The next tie-breaker is then points difference. As it stands, SA +117, Ireland +122, Scotland +97. If Scotland win by 8; it's +117, +114, +105, SA+Ire qualify. Scotland by 13; +117, +109, +110, SA+Sco qualify. A larger Scottish winning margin retains the two qualifying, through could result in Scotland winning the pool.
At this stage I can't see a path for both Scotland and Ireland.

 

[sannox]

I don't believe it would. As Scotland are playing Ireland, a positive points difference for one team is a negative for the other. Both teams getting the try bonus and Scotland winning by more than 7 puts all three teams on 15 points.
The next tie-breaker is then points difference. As it stands, SA +117, Ireland +122, Scotland +97. If Scotland win by 8; it's +117, +114, +105, SA+Ire qualify. Scotland by 13; +117, +109, +110, SA+Sco qualify. A larger Scottish winning margin retains the two qualifying, through could result in Scotland winning the pool.
At this stage I can't see a path for both Scotland and Ireland.

If Scotland win by a large margin (21+) and Ireland get LBP, then all teams finish on 15 points. Scotland would have best points difference and would be top. Second place is then decided on who won the match between those two remaining sides, in this case that would be Ireland. In any event you could get large odds on that happening. BBC is quoting that- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66914301

 

[JamesT]

If Scotland win by a large margin (21+) and Ireland get LBP, then all teams finish on 15 points. Scotland would have best points difference and would be top. Second place is then decided on who won the match between those two remaining sides, in this case that would be Ireland. In any event you could get large odds on that happening. BBC is quoting that- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66914301

Ah, I hadn't realised they reran the criteria from the start again once they'd identified the pool winner.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Noting all the postings that are based upon Ireland losing against Scotland, have Ireland not been as good as expected in their matches played so far that would give rise to such expectations?

 

[JamesT]

Noting all the postings that are based upon Ireland losing against Scotland, have Ireland not been as good as expected in their matches played so far that would give rise to such expectations?

No, there is no real expectation of such a win. But as a Scotland supporter, there must always be the hope.

 

[75A]

Speaking from Ireland, always expect the unexpected

 

[sannox]

Noting all the postings that are based upon Ireland losing against Scotland, have Ireland not been as good as expected in their matches played so far that would give rise to such expectations?

I very much doubt any result apart from Scotland going home to be honest - Ireland could well win the tournament. Scotland unlucky to be in a group with 2 of the best teams in the tournament.

 

[Harvester]

France very impressive, winning 60-7 against Italy this evening.

 

[dangie]

I was going to say judging by the score lines some of the matches have been pointless, but just the opposite has happened.

82-8, 71-3, 76-0, 96-0, 71-0, 96-17, 84-0, 73-0……..

I watch some of the rugby but wonder what is the point in these totally mismatched games?

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Ireland 36 .. Scotland 14

Having suitably immersed myself with the "what if" logic in the postings on this thread about the different permutations of the points that Scotland were going to win by, it was Ireland who scored six tries to the two by Scotland.

 

[75A]

Their next game is next Saturday against New Zealand.

 

[Harvester]

Their next game is next Saturday against New Zealand.

Ireland are going to be very hard to beat! I think they can go all the way and win this WC.

 

[Falcon1200]

Owen Farrell timed out from taking a penalty; Could anything be any more unprofessional and pathetic?!!

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Portugal beat Fiji 24-23, but Fiji obtained the point they needed to play in the quarter-finals. It means that Australia will now not progress to the quarter final stage.

Quarter Finals schedule
Wales v Argentina
Ireland v New Zealand
England x Fiji
France v South Africa

 

[75A]

Semi Final Schedule

Wales or Argentina v Ireland or New Zealand

England or Fiji v France or South Africa

 

[Ted633]

Ford benched and Farrell brought in for the qtr final. England have looked far better without Farrell in this tournament, I don't think I'm the only one with the view that Farrell shouldn't be playing.

 

[Harvester]

Ford benched and Farrell brought in for the qtr final. England have looked far better without Farrell in this tournament, I don't think I'm the only one with the view that Farrell shouldn't be playing.

Farrell did play in the last game (against Samoa). He will be remembered for his careless and amateurish timed out penalty attempt, lost points that could have cost England the match!

 

[Falcon1200]

Hopefully Farrell has now been taught how time works.

 

[SteveM70]

Hopefully Farrell has now been taught how time works.

And how to tackle