Who are your favourites for the Semi Finals of the RWC at the moment...?

by maestegmafia Wed 3 Aug - 10:48

First topic message reminder :

The start of the Tri-Nations and an Ozzie loss to Samoa have added a few interesting permutations into the mix. ABs are still favourites by a country mile on current form.

Some people base their theories on History though and there are a few teams that have made semis and finals more often than others, will it all just be a little bit of history repeating?

The PI teams look stronger than ever, can they do it?

Is there an unexpected Dark Horse out there who could surprise us all...?

Pick Four Teams from the POLL of who you think will be the Semi Finalists.

by Artful_Dodger Wed 3 Aug - 15:20

beshocked wrote:red stag to answer your question yes they should.

Scotland really struggle with England outside Murrayfield. On the other hand if NZ conditions are like Scotland on the day....

If it rains.....

the artful dodger the difference is you rate the French highly after they repeatedly beat you. Quite possibly we underrate/underestimate you as a nation but I thought we would lose to you in the 6 nations.

I think Ireland are a good side. I don't hold any ill feelings.

Why do you keep going on about the record? I don't really care. The difference is you care more about beating England than England cares about beating you.

You have a good record against us. We have a good record against France. France have a good record against you.

The only differences are that England and France perform much better in world cups, perform better against the tri nations historically and have easier progression to the semis in the 2011 RWC than Ireland.

But if you dont care about Ireland beating England an astounding 7 out of 8 times, then why do you care about Irelands record against France?

by red_stag Wed 3 Aug - 15:20

beshocked wrote:Scotland really struggle with England outside Murrayfield.

You mean they struggle in Twickenham.

by **Biltong** Wed 3 Aug - 15:21

[quote="AsLongAsBut100ofUs[/quote]Perhaps he meant the Namibians? Whistle

[/quote]

Yeah.

by Thomond Wed 3 Aug - 15:22

Who cares about World Cup history? It is there to be changed and I think this "Ireland haven't performed well in WC" while correct is a terrible excuse.

by Mr Fishpaste Wed 3 Aug - 15:23

Boyne wrote:Its funny the way the English (nottins) are mouthing off big style because of their "pedigee" in world cups.

England have beaten Ireland once in 8 years. Home or away. A country with a huge population cannot compete with us really.

As for the 2007 world cup, we all know it was a complete fluke. Look at the team of nobodies they brought.

2003 was a great team mid you, but 2007 was a fluke.

The french will murder England in the quarter finals. And rightly so. Why? Becasue they have better players.

Scotland? Not going to waste much cyber space talking about Scotland.

As for Ireland. We are happy with the way things are set up now and where we are going.

Biltong can give it all that, because, as I said before, he is bricking it. And so all of them in SA should be.

Only the most foolhardy African would be dismissive of Ireland in the quarters.

The thumping they received against New Zealand shows there is nothing to fear there.

Smith is a joke and really should hang up his boots. Give me the welsh or irish backlines any day over the saffers. Pathetic at the weekend. Simply pathetic.

I see us ripping the Saffers to shreds in the QF to be honest.

Home record??? We havent played in South Af for ages, so I dont know where all this BS is coming from.

Bravado I think its called.

Anyway. The day is nearly upon us.

Bring it on.

"Only the most foolhardy African would be dismissive of Ireland's chances in the QF" Fair enough, but only the most foolhardy Irishman would be dismissive of the Boks' chances in the QF! That NZ and AUS thumped an experimental Bok team with a (shall we say 'unconventional') coach, doesn't say much if a Bok team with several experimental elements and the same coach defeated Ireland at home in their last meeting! To be so confident of a 'ripping' victory in the QF is, I think, also called bravado.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 3 Aug - 15:25

nottins wrote:
AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:But I do! No, really!

Good point, well made :-)

Me too! Missus is a stunnah. Rugby team too.

by beshocked Wed 3 Aug - 15:30

Artful Dodger what relevance has England's recent record against Ireland got to do with progression in the world cup of any side?

Can England even face Ireland before the semis? I don't think so.

The revelance of Ireland's poor record against France is that because you lose so many times to France you rate the French side highly. Consequently you think they will do well against England in the world cup.

Unfortunately you simply ignore France's poor record against England in recent matches and world cups.

Yes red stag last time I checked Twickenham is not in Scotland.

Thomond a typical response from a supporter whose side perform poorly in world cups. Is it really surprising you want to brush away WC history?

by **rodders** Wed 3 Aug - 15:30

Mr Fishpaste wrote:
"Only the most foolhardy African would be dismissive of Ireland's chances in the QF" Fair enough, but only the most foolhardy Irishman would be dismissive of the Boks' chances in the QF! That NZ and AUS thumped an experimental Bok team with a (shall we say 'unconventional') coach, doesn't say much if a Bok team with several experimental elements and the same coach defeated Ireland at home in their last meeting! To be so confident of a 'ripping' victory in the QF is, I think, also called bravado.

It's interesting then that it's not seen as bravado for the English to believe they'll reach a SF when the said experiemental BOK team which was thumped by Australia and NZ also thumped England at Twickenham?

by nottins Wed 3 Aug - 15:32

roddersm wrote:

nottins believe it are not I am not so insecure about our WC chances as to believe that it will be influenced by how many votes we get in a 606v2 poll.

You do seem to being concerned about it with your constant posts building up Ireland.

roddersm wrote:You just concern youself about England nottins and leave the worrying about Irelands chances to us.

I'll concern myself with what I want thanks, you don't decide o what subjects people post on. I don't see you telling the two Scottish posters to concern themselves with Scotland.

roddersm wrote:Also can someone please tell me how England v Ireland's head to head record keeps coming up in every debate regarding Irelands WC chances??

Dunno, perhaps you should ask the individual who keeps doing it.

by Boyne Wed 3 Aug - 15:32

Mr Fishpaste wrote:
Boyne wrote:Its funny the way the English (nottins) are mouthing off big style because of their "pedigee" in world cups.

England have beaten Ireland once in 8 years. Home or away. A country with a huge population cannot compete with us really.

As for the 2007 world cup, we all know it was a complete fluke. Look at the team of nobodies they brought.

2003 was a great team mid you, but 2007 was a fluke.

The french will murder England in the quarter finals. And rightly so. Why? Becasue they have better players.

Scotland? Not going to waste much cyber space talking about Scotland.

As for Ireland. We are happy with the way things are set up now and where we are going.

Biltong can give it all that, because, as I said before, he is bricking it. And so all of them in SA should be.

Only the most foolhardy African would be dismissive of Ireland in the quarters.

The thumping they received against New Zealand shows there is nothing to fear there.

Smith is a joke and really should hang up his boots. Give me the welsh or irish backlines any day over the saffers. Pathetic at the weekend. Simply pathetic.

I see us ripping the Saffers to shreds in the QF to be honest.

Home record??? We havent played in South Af for ages, so I dont know where all this BS is coming from.

Bravado I think its called.

Anyway. The day is nearly upon us.

Bring it on.

"Only the most foolhardy African would be dismissive of Ireland's chances in the QF" Fair enough, but only the most foolhardy Irishman would be dismissive of the Boks' chances in the QF! That NZ and AUS thumped an experimental Bok team with a (shall we say 'unconventional') coach, doesn't say much if a Bok team with several experimental elements and the same coach defeated Ireland at home in their last meeting! To be so confident of a 'ripping' victory in the QF is, I think, also called bravado.

Yes, but but but but.........

by red_stag Wed 3 Aug - 15:33

beshocked wrote:Thomond a typical response from a supporter whose side perform poorly in world cups. Is it really surprising you want to brush away WC history?

Maybe thats the reason who knows. We can just as easily point a finger the other way and say you are over hyping it.

For me the idea that things that happened in 1987, 1991 and 1995, 1999 could have any sort of bearing on the teams performances is nonsense. I do think 2007 will affect Ireland. Whether it motivates them or is a demon they haven't exorcised I can't say for sure. I can only say I expect us to do well.

by Boyne Wed 3 Aug - 15:35

Nottins, you are a gas man indeed. Just keep telling yourself that results dont matter in international rugby!

Its the taking part that counts.

Biltong: the SOUTH Africans (although ye have been known to employ Zimbabweans and others) are going down! DOWN I tells ya!!!!

Mwahahahahahhahahahhaha !!!!!!

Very Happy

by Guest Wed 3 Aug - 15:37

roddersm wrote:It's interesting then that it's not seen as bravado for the English to believe they'll reach a SF when the said experiemental BOK team which was thumped by Australia and NZ also thumped England at Twickenham?

Eh? England fans are constantly being told (on here etc) that we're not as good as we think we are and that we might fail in our ambitions.

by **rodders** Wed 3 Aug - 15:37

beshocked wrote:The revelance of Ireland's poor record against France is that because you lose so many times to France you rate the French side highly. Consequently you think they will do well against England in the world cup.

I rate french rugby highly because they've won more 6N than anyone else over the past decade as pointed out earlier. The French teams have also been very successful in the HEC. I'm glad your head to head record gives the English such a smug feeling of superiority but when it comes to actually winning silverware and preforming consistantly France have been far more successful than England in recent times.

Incedently I expect England to beat them should they meet in the QF.

by Thomond Wed 3 Aug - 15:38

Beshocked,I'm not brushing it away,I just don' think it's relevant. What does Ireland having a poor 2007 WC have to do with their 2011 WC? They have new mangement,new players and in many cases have the experience of winning bigtournamnets, be that the HC,The 6N or the Pro 12.

by **Biltong** Wed 3 Aug - 15:38

Boyne wrote:Nottins, you are a gas man indeed. Just keep telling yourself that results dont matter in international rugby!

Its the taking part that counts.

Biltong: the SOUTH Africans (although ye have been known to employ Zimbabweans and others) are going down! DOWN I tells ya!!!!

Mwahahahahahhahahahhaha !!!!!!

He who laughses last laughses the bestest. laughing

by Boyne Wed 3 Aug - 15:40

Thomond wrote:Beshocked,I'm not brushing it away,I just don' think it's relevant. What does Ireland having a poor 2007 WC have to do with their 2011 WC? They have new mangement,new players and in many cases have the experience of winning bigtournamnets, be that the HC,The 6N or the Pro 12.

Look, the English will cling to anything to give them something to feel smug about.

You see, its much like the 1966 soccerball world cup. French won it in 1998. You dont hear them bleating on about it!!!

steam

by **rodders** Wed 3 Aug - 15:42

nottins wrote:
roddersm wrote:

nottins believe it are not I am not so insecure about our WC chances as to believe that it will be influenced by how many votes we get in a 606v2 poll.

You do seem to being concerned about it with your constant posts building up Ireland.

What posts would these be? How is putting forward my reasons for Ireland reaching a SF different to any other nation?

There was a direct question asked as to why there was such confidence from the Ireland fans to which I have answered.

by Effervescing Elephant Wed 3 Aug - 15:42

May i just take this opportunity to congratulate Red Stag and Boyne on some fantastic wumming. It really is a pleasure to watch it done well. A few other lesser posters might like to take note. Sirs, i salute you! Who are your favourites for the Semi Finals of the RWC at the moment...? - Page 4 1710857839

Who are your favourites for the Semi Finals of the RWC at the moment...? - Page 4 1710857839

Who are your favourites for the Semi Finals of the RWC at the moment...? - Page 4 769663

by Boyne Wed 3 Aug - 15:44

biltongbek wrote:
Boyne wrote:Nottins, you are a gas man indeed. Just keep telling yourself that results dont matter in international rugby!

Its the taking part that counts.

Biltong: the SOUTH Africans (although ye have been known to employ Zimbabweans and others) are going down! DOWN I tells ya!!!!

Mwahahahahahhahahahhaha !!!!!!

He who laughses last laughses the bestest.

Man, you know SA will be favourites if we meet. In all seriousness, you are the mighty Springboks. We dont stand a chance.

Ireland has an ageing team. BOD POC ROG MOK all all past their best.

Leinsters win in the HC was a flash in the pan and we are on a downward spire.

Its clear to see we will be lucky to beat Italy.

We have no WC pedigree, chum, and in 1966 England won the world cup, innit.

Might as well go into hibernation now.

Or..................

by Guest Wed 3 Aug - 15:44

Boyne wrote:
Look, the English will cling to anything to give them something to feel smug about.

You really have to love the way this forum is going with comments like that. Well done Boyne. Crying or Very sad

by beshocked Wed 3 Aug - 15:45

roddersm wrote:
Mr Fishpaste wrote:
"Only the most foolhardy African would be dismissive of Ireland's chances in the QF" Fair enough, but only the most foolhardy Irishman would be dismissive of the Boks' chances in the QF! That NZ and AUS thumped an experimental Bok team with a (shall we say 'unconventional') coach, doesn't say much if a Bok team with several experimental elements and the same coach defeated Ireland at home in their last meeting! To be so confident of a 'ripping' victory in the QF is, I think, also called bravado.

It's interesting then that it's not seen as bravado for the English to believe they'll reach a SF when the said experiemental BOK team which was thumped by Australia and NZ also thumped England at Twickenham?

Sigh roddersm you still don't understand do you? England's poor recent records against Ireland and South Africa are irrelevant as England won't face either before possibly the semis though even then it's unlikely.

England are likely to face sides ranked below them and with worse records against them in the pool and quarter finals if England top the pool and France come 2nd as expected.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9225441.stm Do you really think the team listed in this link was experimental?

Red Stag and Thomond history generally tells you that the same teams compete for WC honours. Is it any surprise the usual suspects are England,France and the tri nations in the latter stages of world cups?

Roddersm it's a bit hypocritical of you to bring up the England vs Ireland record but call me smug when I point out England's record vs France. I think we have the pyschological edge over France like you do over us. The relevance to this thread is a likely meeting with France in my opinion.

Thomond I think Ireland have a good side but it will be tough for you to get past Australia or South Africa. Especially away from home. That's one reason why I rate England and France's chances of a WC semis above yours.

by Boyne Wed 3 Aug - 15:45

SafeAsMilk wrote:
Boyne wrote:
Look, the English will cling to anything to give them something to feel smug about.
You really have to love the way this forum is going with comments like that. Well done Boyne.

Thanks Milky! king

by **rodders** Wed 3 Aug - 15:50

Thomond wrote:Beshocked,I'm not brushing it away,I just don' think it's relevant. What does Ireland having a poor 2007 WC have to do with their 2011 WC? They have new mangement,new players and in many cases have the experience of winning bigtournamnets, be that the HC,The 6N or the Pro 12.

It's interesting Thomond that noone seems to think that France, Australia and NZ having disappointing WC's last time might be relevent? It must be another issue that just effects the Irish?

No one ever seems to bring up Englands 1999 WC performance in relation to their 2003 one either?

It seems in Englands case in 2003 their GS victory was a better indicator of their WC performance than their previous WC pedigree??

by Artful_Dodger Wed 3 Aug - 15:50

beshocked wrote:
roddersm wrote:
Mr Fishpaste wrote:
"Only the most foolhardy African would be dismissive of Ireland's chances in the QF" Fair enough, but only the most foolhardy Irishman would be dismissive of the Boks' chances in the QF! That NZ and AUS thumped an experimental Bok team with a (shall we say 'unconventional') coach, doesn't say much if a Bok team with several experimental elements and the same coach defeated Ireland at home in their last meeting! To be so confident of a 'ripping' victory in the QF is, I think, also called bravado.

It's interesting then that it's not seen as bravado for the English to believe they'll reach a SF when the said experiemental BOK team which was thumped by Australia and NZ also thumped England at Twickenham?

Sigh roddersm you still don't understand do you? England's poor recent records against Ireland and South Africa are irrelevant as England won't face either before possibly the semis though even then it's unlikely.

England are likely to face sides ranked below them and with worse records against them in the pool and quarter finals if England top the pool and France come 2nd as expected.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9225441.stm Do you really think the team listed in this link was experimental?

Red Stag and Thomond history generally tells you that the same teams compete for WC honours. Is it any surprise the usual suspects are England,France and the tri nations in the latter stages of world cups?

Roddersm it's a bit hypocritical of you to bring up the England vs Ireland record but call me smug when I point out England's record vs France. I think we have the pyschological edge over France like you do over us. The relevance to this thread is a likely meeting with France in my opinion.

Thomond I think Ireland have a good side but it will be tough for you to get past Australia or South Africa. Especially away from home. That's one reason why I rate England and France's chances of a WC semis above yours.

You are just talkihng the biggest load of s,hit to be honest, Englands record against Ireland and SA isnt relevant because England wont meet either before the semi's, but Irelands record against France is relevant even there is no way we could meet them before the final?

I mean really...

by Thomond Wed 3 Aug - 15:51

Beshocked,history is there to be rewritten.

by Boyne Wed 3 Aug - 15:53

I remeber beshocked being shocked after Engalnds last game.

Remember that beshocked buddy? When you predicted a thumping England victory on the old 606?

Remember? No?

by **rodders** Wed 3 Aug - 15:54

beshocked wrote:
Roddersm it's a bit hypocritical of you to bring up the England vs Ireland record but call me smug when I point out England's record vs France. I think we have the pyschological edge over France like you do over us. The relevance to this thread is a likely meeting with France in my opinion.

Beshocked firstly it wasn't me who brought up the England v Ireland record. In fact I haven't mentioned it. You weren't discussing Englands head to head with France which is relevent but patronising the Irish for rating France which is both smug and irrelevent.

by nottins Wed 3 Aug - 15:57

roddersm wrote:

It's interesting Thomond that noone seems to think that France, Australia and NZ having disappointing WC's last time might be relevent? It must be another issue that just effects the Irish?

No one ever seems to bring up Englands 1999 WC performance in relation to their 2003 one either?

It seems in Englands case in 2003 their GS victory was a better indicator of their WC performance than their previous WC pedigree??

And don't you think where Ireland finished in the 2011 6N is an indicator of what their RWC 2011 performance will be ?

by red_stag Wed 3 Aug - 15:57

Funny how NZ are overwhelming favourites if previous WC pedigree is the benchmark. They've not made a final in 16 years.

by beshocked Wed 3 Aug - 15:57

Boyne wrote:
Thomond wrote:Beshocked,I'm not brushing it away,I just don' think it's relevant. What does Ireland having a poor 2007 WC have to do with their 2011 WC? They have new mangement,new players and in many cases have the experience of winning bigtournamnets, be that the HC,The 6N or the Pro 12.

Look, the English will cling to anything to give them something to feel smug about.

You see, its much like the 1966 soccerball world cup. French won it in 1998. You dont hear them bleating on about it!!!

Boyne how often do you come into contact with English rugby fans?

How often do you come into contact with French football fans? It's hardly a fair comparison unless you lived in Paris for 10 years and London for the same amount of time.

The English football team are a joke I agree. The English rugby team have been in 3 RWC finals and won 1. You can hardly compare them.

Roddersm it's all relative. France still reached the semis. Australia and NZ still reached the quarter finals. They were disappointed true but they didn't crash out in the pool stages. England are always in the mix even if you underestimate us.

The artful dodger I see you are having difficulty understanding. You Irish rate the French highly because they frequently beat you. Due to this knowledge you think France will beat England in the world cup. You rate England lowly because you have beaten us a lot recently.

You conveniently leave out France's poor record against England.

Thomond we'll see.

by deadfred Wed 3 Aug - 16:00

France vs Wales
NZ Vs Samoa

by **rodders** Wed 3 Aug - 16:01

nottins wrote:And don't you think where Ireland finished in the 2011 6N is an indicator of what their RWC 2011 performance will be ?

Yes and we finished by thrashing the champions so it bodes well doesn't it?

by Thomond Wed 3 Aug - 16:02

red_stag wrote:Funny how NZ are overwhelming favourites if previous WC pedigree is the benchmark. They've not made a final in 16 years.

And were not knocked out in the quarters last time out.

by greenandpleasantland Wed 3 Aug - 16:05

well my tuppence is that it's hard to look past NZ and Aus. even with SA's handicap (otherwise known as PDV) they do have a core of strong experienced players. However i am very impressed with Ireland and could easily see them beating SA in the QFs.

As to the other the money seems to be a France v England QF and i think that we could ebat France....mainly becasue i wouldn't put it past Lievremont to cause the players to revolt and go on strike!
So for me:

NZ
Aus
Ire
Eng

by TheGreyGhost Wed 3 Aug - 16:05

Thomond wrote:
red_stag wrote:Funny how NZ are overwhelming favourites if previous WC pedigree is the benchmark. They've not made a final in 16 years.

And were not knocked out in the quarters last time out.

I guess the bookies didn't know who the referees would be when they put the odds together.

by **rodders** Wed 3 Aug - 16:05

beshocked wrote:
Roddersm it's all relative. France still reached the semis. Australia and NZ still reached the quarter finals. They were disappointed true but they didn't crash out in the pool stages. England are always in the mix even if you underestimate us.

Quite right and if you read back far enough you'll see I voted for England so I'm not sure how I've understimated you?

It is all relative but if both Australia and NZ are being backed by many to go two stages further than last time it seems odd that people feel the Irish are arrogant for feeling they might too?

by Thomond Wed 3 Aug - 16:06

We don't hold a grudge at all do we GreyGhost? Everyone's been victim to poor refereeing decisions,time to move on.

by Breadvan Wed 3 Aug - 16:07

roddersm wrote:
nottins wrote:And don't you think where Ireland finished in the 2011 6N is an indicator of what their RWC 2011 performance will be ?

Yes and we finished by thrashing the champions so it bodes well doesn't it?

Not really Headscratch

by nottins Wed 3 Aug - 16:08

roddersm wrote:
nottins wrote:And don't you think where Ireland finished in the 2011 6N is an indicator of what their RWC 2011 performance will be ?

Yes and we finished by thrashing the champions so it bodes well doesn't it?

So, beating England is more relevant than finishing 3rd in the 6N is it ?

by beshocked Wed 3 Aug - 16:11

red stag they have always got to the quarter finals at least. They are the no 1 team in the world and have won the world cup before. They also have home advantage. Their WC pedigree is far above that of Ireland's.

roddersm you are colleagues have repeatedly gone on about England vs Ireland. I am saying that I think you Irish think very highly of the French because of your record vs them. You have now eventually said the most important is England vs France. I agree.

Ireland have never reached the semis. NZ have one win,England one win, Australia two and South Africa two.

Boyne no I didn't because I don't think I did. I knew Ireland were favourites.

by Boyne Wed 3 Aug - 16:13

nottins wrote:
roddersm wrote:
nottins wrote:And don't you think where Ireland finished in the 2011 6N is an indicator of what their RWC 2011 performance will be ?

Yes and we finished by thrashing the champions so it bodes well doesn't it?

So, beating England is more relevant than finishing 3rd in the 6N is it ?

It is relevant to your chances.

by beshocked Wed 3 Aug - 16:16

Boyne how? We won't face Ireland in the world cup.

Ireland are a good side but I can't see them beating Australia or South Africa.

Writing off South Africa is just silly.

by Thomond Wed 3 Aug - 16:16

Our 6 Nations performance was poor,we except that. We were awful against Wales were okay against France(gave away a lot of penalties but attacked well) and scraped past Italy and Scotland. While a decison didn't go our way inthe Wales match,we didn't deserve to win and ultimately our backline failed to deliver. Though we may have lost two games in the 6 Nations we were close to victory in both and some positives could be drawn from the France game.

by **rodders** Wed 3 Aug - 16:17

nottins wrote:
roddersm wrote:
nottins wrote:And don't you think where Ireland finished in the 2011 6N is an indicator of what their RWC 2011 performance will be ?

Yes and we finished by thrashing the champions so it bodes well doesn't it?

So, beating England is more relevant than finishing 3rd in the 6N is it ?

No but your form at the end of the tournament is more relevent than your form at the start.

by Artful_Dodger Wed 3 Aug - 16:18

I think this article could be summed up by England fans taking exception to Irish thinking we can make the semi-finals, sad really.

by Boston Exile Wed 3 Aug - 16:18

Getting back to the original topic, the last 4 needn't be the best 4, that's the trick of having groups of unequal strengths and pointing teams in different paths. Simply put 2 groups the most likely questions are who will be first and who second (NZ/Fr, Aus/Ire). There are then 2 groups where there is a narrower margin between those likely to qualify and those who want to upset the party hence SA are probable winners but Wales/Samoa and Fiji all harbour aspirations. Similarly would anyone bet a significant amount upon who will qualify and in what order between Eng/Arg/Scotland? There are so many variables as to who is likely to meet whom at the playoffs, but that is the interest. I don't know where the upsets, big or small, will come from but it is likely there will be some and that's what makes a tournament memorable. At that point logical predictions start to unravel.

So choose 4 and you look no further than the top 5 or 6 in the world rankings. I'm just hoping someone outside that category crashes the party and makes this an interesting world cup we'll enjoy real time and on reflection.

Sad to see some of the wumming returning, hope this is just a blip.

Oh yeah I went for NZ, Aus, Scotland and Ireland - just for the fun of it, I'm probably miles out.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 3 Aug - 16:20

Artful_Dodger wrote:I think this article could be summed up by England fans taking exception to Irish thinking we can make the semi-finals, sad really.

Dodge, i asked the original question to be fair, and I'm Scots. I was/am genuinely interested in trying to get to the bottom of what seemed to me a disparity in views between Irish and non-Irish posters regarding Ireland's world cup prospects - think we got there about 100 comments ago tho! Laugh

by **rodders** Wed 3 Aug - 16:21

beshocked wrote:Writing off South Africa is just silly.

it would be if someone was actually doing it. Headscratch

I would say writing off Ireland was a tad silly too.

by greenandpleasantland Wed 3 Aug - 16:21

I have a sneaking suspicion about Ireland this time around. There may be a question mark about Ireland always being able to raise their game when playing England in erecent years but being unable to replicate that sometimes against other nations. However i did notice that Ireland seemed to be trying to work new styles of play into their game, especially in the way they defended that i think finally came to fruition against England.
For me i say give the ebenfit of the doubt for now and see how they go in the warm-ups. If they fail to perform or can't replicate that then maybe it was a blip but i think you will see an upwards trends from Ireland building to the opening of the WC.

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