RWC pools taking shape

First topic message reminder :

Ireland: Pool D is already decided
   France
   Ireland
   Italy
   Canada (Q)
   Romania (Q)

Scotland: Pool B
   South Africa
   Samoa
   Scotland
   Asia 1
   USA (Q)

Pool C
   New Zealand
   Argentina
   Tonga
   Georgia (Q)
   Africa 1 (Madegascar/Namibia)

England/Wales Pool A
   Australia
   England
   Wales
   Oceania 1 Cook Is/Fiji
   Playoff Winner via the repechage (fr: lit. re-fishing [ed: Oops! re-draft. via Google translate)

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/index.html

I would be; normally there are four semi finalists

Scramble wrote:I would be; normally there are four semi finalists

Which is why I said 4 of that 5

You picked the top rated 5 ? How is that clever? Wales will be there (again) I'm not so sure about England.

Scramble wrote:You picked the top rated 5 ? How is that clever? Wales will be there (again) I'm not so sure about England.

Nobody said anything about clever. It's generally those sides who contest the business end of the tournament and (on top of that) England are at home. Fair play if you're betting on an upset mate. Good luck to you, but you probably should save your cash

Welcome to the forum, by the way!

Usually? You are using some unusual statistics then. Wales were there last time. And in '87.

Cyril wrote:I'd be extremely surprised if the semis aren't contested by 4 the following:

NZ
SA
Aus
England
France

wow, what an incisive prediction….you must know something the rest of the rugby world doesn't know   

2/7 isn't 'usually'. The other sides I quoted have made finals regularly as well.

You might be right (I take it you're a Wales fan) but I doubt it.

Scratch wrote:

Cyril wrote:I'd be extremely surprised if the semis aren't contested by 4 the following:

NZ
SA
Aus
England
France

wow, what an incisive prediction….you must know something the rest of the rugby world doesn't know   

Cheers scratchy. Glad you agree

France won't make it past the quarters.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:France won't make it past the quarters.

Really? I think they'll top Group D and should beat Argentina in the 1/4s.

Scramble wrote:Usually? You are using some unusual statistics then. Wales were there last time. And in '87.

Two semi-finals out of seven tournaments spanning a total of 24 years. I'll be rooting for Wales as per obviously but explain to me how you equate that stat to Wales 'usually' making the semi-finals.

England have made twice as many SF's as Wales and have contested three finals. France have made the semi-finals in every tournament save 1991 and also been involved in three finals. The SH's record at the tournament goes without saying.

So that's the usual mix, like it or not.

Forgot to add, I also have reservations about France replicating their usual success next year if form over the last three years is anything to go by. Many didn't take that into account when they tipped the French for another GS this year (based on the 'usual' outcome of the post-Lions tournament, not actual form). They're in a competitive group with Ireland and Italy who have closed the gap on them slightly in recent seasons.

Having said that, they played carp last time out and made the final. Got to love the logic of the situation when France are involved.

Knowsit17 wrote:

Scramble wrote:Usually? You are using some unusual statistics then. Wales were there last time. And in '87.

Two semi-finals out of seven tournaments spanning a total of 24 years. I'll be rooting for Wales as per obviously but explain to me how you equate that stat to Wales 'usually' making the semi-finals.

England have made twice as many SF's as Wales and have contested three finals. France have made the semi-finals in every tournament save 1991 and also been involved in three finals. The SH's record at the tournament goes without saying.

So that's the usual mix, like it or not.

England have won one in 24 years. Nothing to crow about.

Ireland have a mental blockage when playing France. The win a few months back cannot be underestimated as they had that hurdle to overcome and France also played well. If they beat France in Dublin next year that will be another psychological blow for Ireland. They'll then be heading into the world cup game having not lost to France since 2011. So the match next 6 nations is massive.

Scramble wrote:

Knowsit17 wrote:

Scramble wrote:Usually? You are using some unusual statistics then. Wales were there last time. And in '87.

Two semi-finals out of seven tournaments spanning a total of 24 years. I'll be rooting for Wales as per obviously but explain to me how you equate that stat to Wales 'usually' making the semi-finals.

England have made twice as many SF's as Wales and have contested three finals. France have made the semi-finals in every tournament save 1991 and also been involved in three finals. The SH's record at the tournament goes without saying.

So that's the usual mix, like it or not.

England have won one in 24 years. Nothing to crow about.

Wales haven't ever made a final. Ever. They will alway be in the next group until they do.

It would be a huge surprise if Sa and Nz don`t win there Groups.
France will have to try to win Group if they want to avoid Nz.
Group A may come down to points difference or number of tries
to decide it.
Nz with the monkey off there back and experienced side will get
to SF at least.
Probably then meet the Boks that could go either way
the other side of the draw.
Perm any 4 from Scotland,Argentina,Samoa.in the SFplus
Winners group A and D

Scramble wrote:

Knowsit17 wrote:

Scramble wrote:Usually? You are using some unusual statistics then. Wales were there last time. And in '87.

Two semi-finals out of seven tournaments spanning a total of 24 years. I'll be rooting for Wales as per obviously but explain to me how you equate that stat to Wales 'usually' making the semi-finals.

England have made twice as many SF's as Wales and have contested three finals. France have made the semi-finals in every tournament save 1991 and also been involved in three finals. The SH's record at the tournament goes without saying.

So that's the usual mix, like it or not.

England have won one in 24 years. Nothing to crow about.

That would be valid if we were talking about England's past exploits at WC's, which we weren't. The original point was about who's usually in the mix for the SF's

Cyril wrote:

Scramble wrote:

Knowsit17 wrote:

Scramble wrote:Usually? You are using some unusual statistics then. Wales were there last time. And in '87.

Two semi-finals out of seven tournaments spanning a total of 24 years. I'll be rooting for Wales as per obviously but explain to me how you equate that stat to Wales 'usually' making the semi-finals.

England have made twice as many SF's as Wales and have contested three finals. France have made the semi-finals in every tournament save 1991 and also been involved in three finals. The SH's record at the tournament goes without saying.

So that's the usual mix, like it or not.

England have won one in 24 years. Nothing to crow about.

Wales haven't ever made a final. Ever. They will alway be in the next group until they do.

England have done sweet FA since 2003 to rant about, but that won't shut the idiots who feel that being runners up in the 6 Nations is something great. Let's see how they feel after they are spanked 3 times in New Zealand. of course injuries other games impinging on putting out full teams will be the excuses, Wales have no fear of England why should they? In recent years we are the better team and still are. As for the post saying Wales are on a downward spiral!!! Really hahahaha

Yes Lancaster is well equipped for the tour to New Zealand as all England coaches tend to be - he has a full kitbag of excuses ready made up.

I'd personally rather be in England's position than Wales going into the World Cup. Being at home is obviously a huge advantage. 12 months ago we had a lot of questions about the team, I think now barring 1 or 2 positions still up for grabs the majority of England fans would name the same team. Wales seem to be doing the opposite which may bring an element of surprise but I prefer tried and tested.

Cyril wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:France won't make it past the quarters.

Really? I think they'll top Group D and should beat Argentina in the 1/4s.

Can't see that happening with the current coach,Schmidt will have France cracked by the time we play in the WC and it's at a neutral venue.France are an average team at the minute,they have good players so are always dangerous but as an Irish fan I know how badly a poor coach can handicap a team and France are sticking with him until the WC.

rainbow-warrior wrote:

Cyril wrote:

Scramble wrote:

Knowsit17 wrote:

Scramble wrote:Usually? You are using some unusual statistics then. Wales were there last time. And in '87.

Two semi-finals out of seven tournaments spanning a total of 24 years. I'll be rooting for Wales as per obviously but explain to me how you equate that stat to Wales 'usually' making the semi-finals.

England have made twice as many SF's as Wales and have contested three finals. France have made the semi-finals in every tournament save 1991 and also been involved in three finals. The SH's record at the tournament goes without saying.

So that's the usual mix, like it or not.

England have won one in 24 years. Nothing to crow about.

Wales haven't ever made a final. Ever. They will alway be in the next group until they do.

England have done sweet FA since 2003 to rant about, but that won't shut the idiots who feel that being runners up in the 6 Nations is something great.  Let's see how they feel after they are spanked 3 times in New Zealand.  of course injuries other games impinging on putting out full teams will be the excuses, Wales have no fear of England why should they?  In recent years we are the better team and still are.  As for the post saying Wales are on a downward spiral!!!  Really hahahaha

Except reach the final in 07 

To be honest I would say the ENG have the best chance of beating NZ this year. If they don't, NZ will go on another perfect year.

SA will lose in NZ and are in the same position as last year, the final match of the RC is in SA and they will probably be chasing the title oncemore.... meaning victory is less likely than if it was a one off match.

I think England can have a real crack at NZ and could sneak a win.

Wales have to be very very careful they're not given an absolute hiding here though... no halfpenny, no warburton. I fear it could get very ugly for them. The beast is awake and they're hungry.

fa0019 wrote:To be honest I would say the ENG have the best chance of beating NZ this year. If they don't, NZ will go on another perfect year.

SA will lose in NZ and are in the same position as last year, the final match of the RC is in SA and they will probably be chasing the title oncemore.... meaning victory is less likely than if it was a one off match.

I think England can have a real crack at NZ and could sneak a win.

Wales have to be very very careful they're not given an absolute hiding here though... no halfpenny, no warburton. I fear it could get very ugly for them. The beast is awake and they're hungry.

To be honest I think we are more likely to see England competitive for, say, 60 mins or so and then NZ pulling away. In the circumstances it wont be the worst result. If we catch them napping it could get interesting but that doesnt happen that often. The high tempo game we are playing at the moment can cause problems for anyone but I think the likely changes to the team and the lack of time available for them to train together is going to make it very hard to play to our best.