There is your upset....awesome Ireland!

First topic message reminder :

Only the Irish could do this....lose 4 in the summer, appear unconvincing against USA, makes you wonder if this was always their plan, save everything for this game and let them have every ounce of Irish dog. The pack was outstanding. Defense wins matches. Healy is a nailed on Lion.

Of course this means that they should win the group and play Wales or Samoa in the quarters, the winner of which will now probably face England or France in the semi. Aus meanwhile will face the Boks and then the ABs in the semi.

If Wales win tomorrow night there will almost certainly be a NH team in the final. SH sides go down. Anything can happen in this RWC. Ireland just showed the way.

Wish i was in Auckland or Dublin tonight.

McCalman in for Pocock? What is a McCalman anyway? The guy is a complete nobody who's never done anything. Poor old Tatafu couldn't buy a straight line out throw, and McCabe got held up every time he ran the ball. After 5 mins the missus and I played a drinking game... every time the commentators said "penalty Ireland" you took a drink. I took her to hospital at half time.

Full Credit wrote:McCalman in for Pocock? What is a McCalman anyway? The guy is a complete nobody who's never done anything. Poor old Tatafu couldn't buy a straight line out throw, and McCabe got held up every time he ran the ball. After 5 mins the missus and I played a drinking game... every time the commentators said "penalty Ireland" you took a drink. I took her to hospital at half time.

maestegmafia wrote:L

I don't read or write on this forum to converse with argumentative, pedantic trolls like you who only wish to try and annoy people who differ in opinion.

My point has been clearly explained, you disagree, that doesn't bother me no matter how much it bothers you.

Luckily they have a setting on this forum that allows people like you to be ignored.

I am not a troll or a wum and never have been. If the moderators think what i've said has been inappropriate then they'll delete it, but if differences in opinion don't interest or bother you then I really don't see what the point of using an internet discussion forum is.

You are right that you have clearly explained your opinion, but you haven't acknowledged any of the criticisms of it, but just re-stated it and accused me of being a wum for taking issue with it.

If you're not happy to have an opinion challenged then you have no right to express it.

I'm a massive Ireland fan and I say it was an upset! Come on, we've been playing like drains for the last six weeks and Aussie are the TriNations champions!

But, at the same time, I did predict it in SportGuru. Australia are vulnerable if you don't let their halfbacks have any space. Scotland and Samoa have beaten them and there is a bit of mental vulnerability when they go behind against the 'minnows' as they see us! More pressure if you're expected to win, so when it goes wrong its harder for them to work their way back into the game.

In saying that, I didn't expect us to hold them tryless and I thought it could have been a hammering if we conceded a few early points.

Reading the Aussie press at the moment is a hoot - unforgiving bunch, aren't you?

I agree that this is being built up as a bigger 'upset' than it in fact always that the potential to be. Ireland have beaten the Wallabies eight times before this - most recently 2006 and snatched the great draw in 2009. Half of the squad are Lions.

Leaving aside inexplicably poor recent form, what was really surprising about this? Fancy pants strike running is great to watch, but you really need the ball to do that.

The wiser Aussie commentators were ringing the alarm bells the moment they heard that Pocock was out.

I was never a Quade Cooper fan, and he did throw that idiotic pass down on the Ireland line. I think as long as he is Out Half, Australia will be somewhat vulnerable.

As a neutral, and using the form book as a guide (and their muted performance against England in Dublin) I thought Ireland would play ok but ultimately be outclassed by the Australians. I tuned in expecting a lesson in running rugby from the Wallabies in a one-sided but entertaining game.

Instead I got a dogged determined Ireland with a magnificent gameplan which put the Wallabies off their game, put pressure on their key players and ultimately took the points. A big WELL DONE to the men in green.

Geez, but you guys can carry on about nonsense.

Does it matter whether some see it as an upset and other don't? It is all merely opinions.


Commiserations to Australia and well done to Ireland.

End of.

doctor_grey wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Ireland have a good mix of experience and exuberance, they also have a number of players who have closed out plenty of finals at club level. Australia do not.

Didn't Queensland win the Super 15 final this year?

I do agree the Aussie press is pretty over the top. Rather silly, which is why I shared that article.

The reds are the only Aussie team to do anything in a decade at super 15, munster and Leinster have dominated the Heineken cup during the same period

biltongbek wrote:Geez, but you guys can carry on about nonsense.

Does it matter whether some see it as an upset and other don't? It is all merely opinions.

Commiserations to Australia and well done to Ireland.

End of.

Biltong, er, this whole thread is about the extent to which this result involved the form book being torn up.

Shouldn't you be a bit more chilled today? The Bokke looked impressive in their match.

George, I am very chilled, all i am saying is whether some see it as an upset and others don't is a matter of opinion.

Full Credit wrote:McCalman in for Pocock? What is a McCalman anyway? The guy is a complete nobody who's never done anything. Poor old Tatafu couldn't buy a straight line out throw, and McCabe got held up every time he ran the ball. After 5 mins the missus and I played a drinking game... every time the commentators said "penalty Ireland" you took a drink. I took her to hospital at half time.

Did you drive?

maestegmafia wrote:

whocares wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

iso wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

iso wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:That was not an upset.

Ireland are a great team that have been off form.

Have more respect mate.

There was approx 10 points different between the two in the rankings, this was an upset.

As I said they have been off form, only playing well sporadically in the last twelve months. That is reflected by them being ranked eighth in the world.

But to think Ireland are not as likely to beat Australia as NZ, SA, France, Samoa or England is just in accurate and disrespectful to Ireland.

Not they would care right now, they won.

There is a difference between fact and sentiment. Respect is earned, not given, prior to the game Ireland had no right to be considered on an even keel. After the game they have now earned that right.

Your statement is a matter of opinion not fact.

you are entitled to value the strengh of a team based on 2 great performances over the last 12 month dismissing the other games as "off-form"... guess this is your opinion. would I have the same attitude, I would just remember the last win of france in nz and dismiss the recent poor games against autralia, england etc. of course on that basis, there will be no upset if france beat nz in 1 week time. In the real world, it would be an upset though, nothing to do with respect or anything , but just because it would go against all odds (not bookies one, but facts such as players, recent results etc)

My point if you read back through the thread is that Ireland have been a very good side for ten years. This is not a flash in the pan win. Therefor it is not an upset.

Upsets are when a team that has never achieved anything of note suddenly beats a team that has achieved a great deal.

Mmm, isn't that an opinion not a statement of fact?

Jeebus christ what is all this fuss about? If the 8th ranked side beat the 2nd ranked side then that is an upset. End off.

How big an upset depends on your point of view but it is an upset non the less.

I thought we might win today but that was more out of hope than expectation. I have faith in our players but our form has been pants so that was definitely a win against the form book.

biltongbek wrote:George, I am very chilled, all i am saying is whether some see it as an upset and others don't is a matter of opinion.

Biltong, why do you feel it necessary to write this. This is an opinion board, you are not the arbiter of what is or is not noteworthy. Much as you clearly think you have some proprietary rights over what is discussed on this board you actually don't. Your numerous posts , invariably authoritative and full of 'facts' are just as valid as anyone elses, your opinions, which hold as much or as little weight as anyone elses, just as interesting. If you don't like the discussion steer clear of it.

You are all missing the point. This RWC has been characterised so far by lots of close games when the underdog was going to 'upset' the order of things.....of course 'upset' is entirely subjective but nevertheless i would think sportguru would tell us that most people expected Aussies to win especially after Ireland's recent dismal performance, their defeat is therefore, an upset, albeit entirely relative to your point of view. it isn't a diss to Ireland to suggest that they have won against the odds and caused an upset at RWC. Oversensitive Irish fans need to stop taking themselves so seriously and recall they just lost 4 on the bounce.

roddersm wrote:Jeebus christ what is all this fuss about? If the 8th ranked side beat the 2nd ranked side then that is an upset. End off.

How big an upset depends on your point of view but it is an upset non the less.

I thought we might win today but that was more out of hope than expectation. I have faith in our players but our form has been pants so that was definitely a win against the form book.

Keep playing like that and a semi or better is on the cards...Ireland are one of the few sides who can completely buck the trend and if they have found such a rich vein of form and a ay to play (used the maul very well against us in the 6Ns) then everyone best watch out

Thanks for the vote of confidence Gatts.

The win for me today was maybe the greatest in Irish rugby history, that I'm aware off anyway . Absolutely amazing to beat the Tri nations champions away from home in a RWC game. And we denied them a bonus point!

However the reality is that we have played 2 won 2 and haven't even qualified for the QF. I'm not looking past Russia or Italy and I expect they will be very tough games and no matter who we meet in the QF, should we make it, will be a top side capable of beating us.

Today was amazing but next week it starts all over again!

I disagree.

It was MUCH more importnat than that!

My prediction in may was RU, quarter v Boks, end of.

Your boys confirmed that for me in the summer and if i didn't know better i would say it was almost contrived, that Aus got sucked in by bad form and didn't expect the Emerald green to fire. Was BOD playing up against USA...indicating he was really crocked to suck them in further. i said last week Ireland are one of the fews than can just turn up and blow their oppo away, raise their game for the occasion. but then in BOD you have the general.

Anyway that is all surmise, what is important is that you have guaranteed a 1/4 final spot - Russia will be physical but no test, and Italy will throw it at you but you guys will prevail comfortably. i liked ROG steadying SEXY as Catt did for Eng when Jonny was under the cosh in the 2003 RWC v Wales.

I epxect you will face Wales and i have to say i expect us to win. But either way you have a NH home nations side in the semi to face France or Eng.

You will rightly feel that you can get all the way there right now

Enjoy the craic!

Gatts wrote:

biltongbek wrote:George, I am very chilled, all i am saying is whether some see it as an upset and others don't is a matter of opinion.

Biltong, why do you feel it necessary to write this. This is an opinion board, you are not the arbiter of what is or is not noteworthy. Much as you clearly think you have some proprietary rights over what is discussed on this board you actually don't. Your numerous posts , invariably authoritative and full of 'facts' are just as valid as anyone elses, your opinions, which hold as much or as little weight as anyone elses, just as interesting. If you don't like the discussion steer clear of it.

Gatts, what on earth is your problem?

Where do I give myself the proprietory right over what is discussed?

I provided my opinion on what I thought of people accepting it was an upset or not.

I do not see why this is creating an issue in the first place.

If one guy says it is an upset, and another guy says it is not, and I say it doesn't matter, what is the issue?

Gatts I think you are getting ahead of yourself sir!

Good luck against Samoa tomorrow, that is a massive game!

Biltong SA looked impressive today, you must be a happy camper? Today was a good day for the old men eh?

Gatts wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

whocares wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

iso wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

iso wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:That was not an upset.

Ireland are a great team that have been off form.

Have more respect mate.

There was approx 10 points different between the two in the rankings, this was an upset.

As I said they have been off form, only playing well sporadically in the last twelve months. That is reflected by them being ranked eighth in the world.

But to think Ireland are not as likely to beat Australia as NZ, SA, France, Samoa or England is just in accurate and disrespectful to Ireland.

Not they would care right now, they won.

There is a difference between fact and sentiment. Respect is earned, not given, prior to the game Ireland had no right to be considered on an even keel. After the game they have now earned that right.

Your statement is a matter of opinion not fact.

you are entitled to value the strengh of a team based on 2 great performances over the last 12 month dismissing the other games as "off-form"... guess this is your opinion. would I have the same attitude, I would just remember the last win of france in nz and dismiss the recent poor games against autralia, england etc. of course on that basis, there will be no upset if france beat nz in 1 week time. In the real world, it would be an upset though, nothing to do with respect or anything , but just because it would go against all odds (not bookies one, but facts such as players, recent results etc)

My point if you read back through the thread is that Ireland have been a very good side for ten years. This is not a flash in the pan win. Therefor it is not an upset.

Upsets are when a team that has never achieved anything of note suddenly beats a team that has achieved a great deal.

Mmm, isn't that an opinion not a statement of fact?

I didn't say that was a fact.

Rodders, i am happy about the improvements they have made. We were under the cosh in the breakdowns against Wales, and the springboks said in interviews they will focus on respecting possession more, and they did that.

I think a number of the forwards played really well and upped their game today.

roddersm wrote:Gatts I think you are getting ahead of yourself sir!

Good luck against Samoa tomorrow, that is a massive game!

Biltong SA looked impressive today, you must be a happy camper? Today was a good day for the old men eh?

we will see...your pack was extraordinary 1-8. best front row perf i have seen for years and in my view Healy is going to be world class.

I thought SA looked very impressive Biltong and I'm glad now that we have put ourselves in the position to possibly avoid you in the QF, should we make it.

Not that I'm keen on playing an on form Wales (or Samoa) of course but the Boks seem to be finding form.

Russia are the only opponents I'm worried about right now though!

Rodders, if all goes according to form, the quarter finals are going to be great hard fought matches.

SA vs Oz
Ireland vs Wales
Nz vs Scotland/Argentina
France vs England

Many old rivals will battle it out, and only the NZ quarter is a pretty sure thing, the other three could be anyone's

Morning folks, or should I say Top of the morning to you.

What a big night.

Congratulations to all the Irish youre team played a gutsy,accurate,clever game,and I could easily citicise the convicts,but to do so would not be honest to irish achievement..

Ireland won on the field and absolutely slaughtered the bars in Auckland last night...

biltongbek wrote:Rodders, if all goes according to form, the quarter finals are going to be great hard fought matches.

SA vs Oz
Ireland vs Wales
Nz vs Scotland/Argentina
France vs England

Many old rivals will battle it out, and only the NZ quarter is a pretty sure thing, the other three could be anyone's

Would be great to see Scotland win their remaining matches and qualify top of their pool. They could do it...! I would fancy their chances against France, likewise if England find some form again they might give the ABs a run for their money.

Cheers Auckland

Theres no easy quarter finals for me Biltong! But I'll wait until we get there before I worry about it!

Right now we're two games away from an early flight home and after 2007 I won't be counting any chickens!

Scotland won't win the pool. It's looking like Argentina will beat the Scots in the fight for second place. Scotland really are looking poor and toothless.

IronMike wrote:

Full Credit wrote:McCalman in for Pocock? What is a McCalman anyway? The guy is a complete nobody who's never done anything. Poor old Tatafu couldn't buy a straight line out throw, and McCabe got held up every time he ran the ball. After 5 mins the missus and I played a drinking game... every time the commentators said "penalty Ireland" you took a drink. I took her to hospital at half time.

Did you drive?

Pushed her in a wheelbarrow, I was in no hurry to get home.

Full Credit wrote:McCalman in for Pocock? What is a McCalman anyway? The guy is a complete nobody who's never done anything. Poor old Tatafu couldn't buy a straight line out throw, and McCabe got held up every time he ran the ball. After 5 mins the missus and I played a drinking game... every time the commentators said "penalty Ireland" you took a drink. I took her to hospital at half time.

I'm trying to laugh at this loss, but I don't think I've ever remained so angry the day after a game, even one's where I played and was sh-t. I hope our guys are angry. All this 'anyone but the Wallabies' crap from our cousins - its time to take it personally, get offended, and work out how to stick it up their ....

And breathe two three four

Commiserations Boomer, but if its any consolation I was wearing my Driza bone.

aucklandlaurie wrote: Commiserations Boomer, but if its any consolation I was wearing my Driza bone.

While shouting for the Irish, Laurie?