If your team fails to win the RWC who would you like to see win?

First topic message reminder :

If your team fails to win the RWC who would you like to see win?

I'd like to see France Win if England fail

BATH_BTGOG wrote:I just looked up famous wins for Ireland vs the All Blacks on the web and I can't seem to find anything?

It's a pity you're not wearing your change kit against us next month then because we would have been near certain to break our duck against the "All blacks" next month....

Good comeback

BATH_BTGOG wrote:Good comeback

Only pulling your leg Bath I know it will be a tough one against the English AB's too

If NZ can't win it then I would choose a NZ coached team. Probably Wales cause they love rugby and it would make all those fans that put the big hate on Gatland have to suck it up. Mind you I agree.

Anyone but the Aussies - we'd never hear the end of it

Welshjohn told me that if Wales dont win he'd like to see New zealand win....

aucklandlaurie wrote: Welshjohn told me that if Wales dont win he'd like to see New zealand win....

Was that before or after GreyGhost voted for England?.....

Mr Bounce wrote:Anyone but the Aussies - we'd never hear the end of it

You'll never hear the end of it??? I'll never stop celebrating!!!! So that's it then, we agreed, we both want the aussies to win!!!

nganboy wrote:If NZ can't win it then I would choose a NZ coached team. Probably Wales cause they love rugby and it would make all those fans that put the big hate on Gatland have to suck it up. Mind you I agree.

No team has won the WC without an indigenous coach. Doesn't look good for Wales and Australia.

Every omen or record is important until it's not. I can't imagine the coach can't be a foreigner will last for long, even if it survives this tournament.

"No team has won the WC without an indigenous coach. Doesn't look good for Wales and Australia."...

Well the boks won it with Eddie Jones coaching their backs....

I said Ireland as I love it when the celtic nations do well - and I've pretty much accepted that Wales ain't going to win it.

Otherwise it would be Argentina or Saomoa/Fiji as if they won (or got to the final) it would be amazing for expanding the game and bring much needed money into their leagues.

OzT wrote:"No team has won the WC without an indigenous coach. Doesn't look good for Wales and Australia."...

Well the boks won it with Eddie Jones coaching their backs....

No they won it despite Eddie jones coaching their backs.

Here's a question - would a NZ victory remove an element of excitement that surrounds the World Cup - i.e. the "can NZ finally do it?" that generates interest in the tournament.

Personally though I really hope its the All Blacks if not us.

I really hope they don't win. Probably my least favourite team.

leinsterbaby wrote:I really hope they don't win. Probably my least favourite team.

Really? I love how much they love the sport. They've sent coaches and players around the world improving the standard of rugby and they have been such a constant force for last decade. Been to see them play live on several occasions and they are just a team I love to watch.

Stag NZ won the tournament in 1987 and they pretty much dominate World Rugby year in year out. I really don't think many (sane) people question whether they 'can' do it or not.

This year in particular there's a bit of added hype because they are playing at home but for me wondering whether the all blacks can win isn't what generates extra hype, rather it's wondering who can stop them winning it.

roddersm wrote:Stag NZ won the tournament in 1987 and they pretty much dominate World Rugby year in year out. I really don't think many (sane) people question whether they 'can' do it or not.

This year in particular there's a bit of added hype because they are playing at home but for me wondering whether the all blacks can win isn't what generates extra hype, rather it's wondering who can stop them winning it.

That is rather well put Roddersm.

roddersm wrote:Stag NZ won the tournament in 1987 and they pretty much dominate World Rugby year in year out. I really don't think many (sane) people question whether they 'can' do it or not.

This year in particular there's a bit of added hype because they are playing at home but for me wondering whether the all blacks can win isn't what generates extra hype, rather it's wondering who can stop them winning it.

Yea thats a good point. Well said actually

I don't normally root for the favourites but I'd be really pleased if New Zealand won the World Cup. For me it's that a small nation (in terms of population / playing numbers) has been such a force in the game for so long. What's not to admire about that?

But I'd still prefer France to win!

red_stag wrote:Here's a question - would a NZ victory remove an element of excitement that surrounds the World Cup - i.e. the "can NZ finally do it?" that generates interest in the tournament.

Not for me Stag. It will still be the world cup, which is a big prize in all sports.

I also doubt having broken the drought that they will go on an inevitable run of consecutive victories, as Rugby is more competitive than many sports (league for instance).

red_stag wrote:

leinsterbaby wrote:I really hope they don't win. Probably my least favourite team.

Really? I love how much they love the sport. They've sent coaches and players around the world improving the standard of rugby and they have been such a constant force for last decade. Been to see them play live on several occasions and they are just a team I love to watch.

Yes they do play nice rugby, yes they have been dominant. However, as a result I reckon they have too much power in the world of rugby and maybe even too much influence on how the game is played. I reckon this influence sometimes extends to some referees.

I reckon that there is no conincidence that rugby has evolved to suit NZ style of play just before a WC. The shift in dominance between SA and NZ was very rapid and coincided with rule changes. I recall Graham Henry being one of the biggest advocates of radical reforms post last WC.

I also find it nauseating that you will rarely find a AB admitting to foul play. It's always an accident or unintentional.

Also there always seems to be a reason why NZ lose in the WC out of their control, they were poisoned, Wayne Barnes cheated them, England stole their jersey etc.

well to be fair to the kiwis leinsterbaby, 2 of the above 3 excuses may have valid groundings....

And they, I feel, have been the dominant force for quite a while in rugby. Which then makes victories against them so much sweeter when it happens.. as I am sure wil happen again next week as we did beat them on our last meeting.... ho hum ho hum....

OzT wrote:well to be fair to the kiwis leinsterbaby, 2 of the above 3 excuses may have valid groundings....

And they, I feel, have been the dominant force for quite a while in rugby. Which then makes victories against them so much sweeter when it happens.. as I am sure wil happen again next week as we did beat them on our last meeting.... ho hum ho hum....

I'm looking forward to that game very much.

leinsterbaby wrote:

red_stag wrote:

leinsterbaby wrote:I really hope they don't win. Probably my least favourite team.

Really? I love how much they love the sport. They've sent coaches and players around the world improving the standard of rugby and they have been such a constant force for last decade. Been to see them play live on several occasions and they are just a team I love to watch.

Yes they do play nice rugby, yes they have been dominant. However, as a result I reckon they have too much power in the world of rugby and maybe even too much influence on how the game is played. I reckon this influence sometimes extends to some referees.

I reckon that there is no conincidence that rugby has evolved to suit NZ style of play just before a WC. The shift in dominance between SA and NZ was very rapid and coincided with rule changes. I recall Graham Henry being one of the biggest advocates of radical reforms post last WC.

I also find it nauseating that you will rarely find a AB admitting to foul play. It's always an accident or unintentional.

Also there always seems to be a reason why NZ lose in the WC out of their control, they were poisoned, Wayne Barnes cheated them, England stole their jersey etc.

No no no. There is always a reason why they lose. And it does not have anything to do with the skill or quality of the other side. Never has. Never will. Full stop.

I haven't heard an excuse for 2003 though. Suzie the Waitress in 1995, Wayne Barnes in 2009. What were the others?

Rob B wrote:
No no no. There is always a reason why they lose. And it does not have anything to do with the skill or quality of the other side. Never has. Never will. Full stop.

Well considering the AB's generally have more skill and quality than the other sides it's likely that more often than not that won't be the the reason for them losing....

Don't think they were favorites in 2003, wasn't England the favorites that year?

OzT wrote:Don't think they were favorites in 2003, wasn't England the favorites that year?

True

red_stag wrote:I haven't heard an excuse for 2003 though. Suzie the Waitress in 1995, Wayne Barnes in 2007. What were the others?

Playing a fullback at centre?

Kiwi - yea and that can work for so many World Cups too

OzT wrote:Don't think they were favorites in 2003, wasn't England the favorites that year?

I'm not sure that they were favourites in 1999? Certainly not overwhelming favourites anyway. Certainly they were big favourites in 1995 and 2007.

roddersm wrote:

Rob B wrote:
No no no. There is always a reason why they lose. And it does not have anything to do with the skill or quality of the other side. Never has. Never will. Full stop.

Well considering the AB's generally have more skill and quality than the other sides it's likely that more often than not that won't be the the reason for them losing....

Absolutely - its the weather, the referee, the colour of the jerseys, they had an off day, they had to travel too far, had a bad draw. You guys have never beaten them so I guess there is a lack of first hand knowledge...

Rob B wrote:Absolutely - its the weather, the referee, the colour of the jerseys, they had an off day, they had to travel too far, had a bad draw.

Tell me about it Ireland have these problems all the time

I think Ireland however know how to give credit when its due (except maybe against England)...

Rob B wrote:I think Ireland however know how to give credit when its due (except maybe against England)...

Now now Rob, Sean Fitzpatrick gave "Full credit to the opposition" in every after-match interview he ever did

Rob B wrote:I think Ireland however know how to give credit when its due (except maybe against England)...

Sorry 2008 is too long ago to remember right now....

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Rob B wrote:I think Ireland however know how to give credit when its due (except maybe against England)...

Now now Rob, Sean Fitzpatrick gave "Full credit to the opposition" in every after-match interview he ever did

The players always did and still do, it's just the gormless whinging fans!

Actually Sean Fitzpatrick was sitting on a panel the other day where he said he thought Qude Coper was the best player in the game today. The man has gone up in my estimation!

Rob B wrote:

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Rob B wrote:I think Ireland however know how to give credit when its due (except maybe against England)...

Now now Rob, Sean Fitzpatrick gave "Full credit to the opposition" in every after-match interview he ever did

The players always did and still do, it's just the gormless whinging fans!

Actually Sean Fitzpatrick was sitting on a panel the other day where he said he thought Qude Coper was the best player in the game today. The man has gone up in my estimation!

Agree completely except re Cooper he is over rated. Fun to watch but a few tricks short of a magic box.

Rob B wrote:

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Rob B wrote:I think Ireland however know how to give credit when its due (except maybe against England)...

Now now Rob, Sean Fitzpatrick gave "Full credit to the opposition" in every after-match interview he ever did

The players always did and still do, it's just the gormless whinging fans!

Actually Sean Fitzpatrick was sitting on a panel the other day where he said he thought Quade Coper was the best player in the game today. The man has gone up in my estimation!

Be warned, when he's on an English panel show he says nice things about English players too

Ever the diplomat is Fitzy since retirement.

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Rob B wrote:

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Rob B wrote:I think Ireland however know how to give credit when its due (except maybe against England)...

Now now Rob, Sean Fitzpatrick gave "Full credit to the opposition" in every after-match interview he ever did

The players always did and still do, it's just the gormless whinging fans!

Actually Sean Fitzpatrick was sitting on a panel the other day where he said he thought Quade Coper was the best player in the game today. The man has gone up in my estimation!

Be warned, when he's on an English panel show he says nice things about English players too

Ever the diplomat is Fitzy since retirement.

Coopers from NZ and so is half the England squad though.

Which half is that?

It's amazing how often 1/2 turns out to be about 3/35 when you actually sit down and do the sums!

leinsterbaby wrote:

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Rob B wrote:

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Rob B wrote:I think Ireland however know how to give credit when its due (except maybe against England)...

Now now Rob, Sean Fitzpatrick gave "Full credit to the opposition" in every after-match interview he ever did

The players always did and still do, it's just the gormless whinging fans!

Actually Sean Fitzpatrick was sitting on a panel the other day where he said he thought Quade Coper was the best player in the game today. The man has gone up in my estimation!

Be warned, when he's on an English panel show he says nice things about English players too

Ever the diplomat is Fitzy since retirement.

Coopers from NZ and so is half the England squad though.

What would he have to gain? Justin Marshall was on it as well. And Martin Johnson. They all said the same thing. And count the number of All Blacks not from NZ. Anyway off topic.

I picked Samoa

If Scotland do not win it I would like an under dog to win it. Can not get excited about NZ winning it, as they are so good all the time and I like the minnows to win - I think they will though ;-)

Rob B wrote:


Coopers from NZ and so is half the England squad though.

What would he have to gain? Justin Marshall was on it as well. And Martin Johnson. They all said the same thing. And count the number of All Blacks not from NZ. Anyway off topic.[/quote]

I was joking he is a good panelist.

Rob B wrote:

leinsterbaby wrote:

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Rob B wrote:

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Rob B wrote:I think Ireland however know how to give credit when its due (except maybe against England)...

Now now Rob, Sean Fitzpatrick gave "Full credit to the opposition" in every after-match interview he ever did

The players always did and still do, it's just the gormless whinging fans!

Actually Sean Fitzpatrick was sitting on a panel the other day where he said he thought Quade Coper was the best player in the game today. The man has gone up in my estimation!

Be warned, when he's on an English panel show he says nice things about English players too

Ever the diplomat is Fitzy since retirement.

Coopers from NZ and so is half the England squad though.

What would he have to gain? Justin Marshall was on it as well. And Martin Johnson. They all said the same thing. And count the number of All Blacks not from NZ.

One.