So We Are All Expecting NZ to Win, Right?

Understandably as an Englishman living in England the build up to the RWC has been all from the home countries PoV, with the media all talking about England's, and then the rest of the 6N''s sides chances.

But let me just double check, we are all still expecting NZ to retain the title, right?

They've lost twice since the last RWC, have been no1 in the rankings for the whole four years and even when they've spent 75mibs losing a game, they still come back and win them.

So take away national pride etc, we are all still expecting New Zealand to win aren't we?

Yes for me.

There's about a 50% chance of NZ winning the whole thing, and 50% chance it being AN Other.

And by that, I don't mean NZ will definitely make the final and then 50% chance against who they're playing - their knock out could equally occur anywhere from QF onward, but most likely semi or final.

Yes.

Just like every other World Cup.

So fully expect them to win, but also to expect the unexpected!

NOPE...

I EXPECT Wales to win..

But that doesn't mean it will be so..

Well The SRU has promised us Scotland fans the win, so I feel sorry for the rest of you - as you are going to be disappointed :-)

I would think we are at that stage where only the oft forgotten Polynesian island of Food poisoning can beat New Zealand

Nope, it's definitely going to be England and Burgess will be the tournament's top try scorer..

We all know it depends on two questions: When will NZ play France? And will Wayne Barnes be the ref?

Poorfour wrote:We all know it depends on two questions: When will NZ play France? And will Wayne Barnes be the ref?

Hopefully the quarter-final. If Ireland beat France- which I hope happens. If France beat Ireland and win the group, they avoid New Zealand until the Final and to be honest I don't expect them to get that far whether they win the group or not.

NO. I was expecting them to at least get to the semi final maybe final. But i also expect them to fall at the last hurdle.

Every team will be out there wanting to win the RWC. And no team is going to roll over and give them an easy ride.

The reality is there for all to see.

But, this is sport, teams lift themselves, have the bounce of the ball and referees influence match results

All New Zealand has to do is not have an off day, hope referees don't influence match results and not have too much of the bounce go against them.

Then they will win.

And of course there are injuries too worry about, and they have to do that three times in the knock out phase

They sure are favourites by some margin. That can act against you, complacency can set in a bit and slip ups happen. The All Blacks have been favourites for every RWC.

They haven't won them all, who knows who's game will be underestimated this time.

NOT according to the Daily Telegraph still awaiting NZ team announcement,ENGLAND it seems are the only team being covered.

It is an English newspaper!

NZ v France final is mouthwatering but my money has been on the Aussies for 6 months

Aye

The Aussies look very handy. Below the Kiwis any team in the top ten of the rankings can take games off each other on their day.

Namibia and Uruguay final for me, cant pick a winner though

Shifty wrote:Namibia and Uruguay final for me, cant pick a winner though

cmon Shifty, surely your taking the píss?

yappysnap wrote:So take away national pride etc, we are all still expecting New Zealand to win aren't we?

Yes

Shifty wrote:

Shifty wrote:Namibia and Uruguay final for me, cant pick a winner though

cmon Shifty, surely your taking the píss?

Yes I am, but I do think Ireland wil win it. Argentina in the quarters, a shock win against South Africa in the semis when theres no pressure on them. Then they play England in the final.

I don't think it's going to suit the All Blacks. The open, pacey style they like to play doesn't match knock out high stakes footy. They like to exhaust teams, run them ragged and then Boomfa! pounce often with two or three quick strikes taking the game away from the dead legs of the opposition.

Why won't this happen? First, nerves. Everybody gets them. It makes those 51/49 miracle balls into 49/51 nearly-does it misses.

Secondly, the tempo of world cup games is slower. The officals are under pressure and they tend to whistle more. A team with fresh legs can't be stretch and broken.

Thirdly - what's on the line. A team that might be tuckered out and gasping will find an extra reserve when the Holy Gail is on the line. That means the half gaps aren't there, the breakdown is slower and more tackles stick.

Fourthly, All Blacks under pressure - even with the demons lifted last time out, they'll feel the heat. Every single one of them will be wondering... will it happen again...

I also can't help but think they've bottled their selection. McCaw isn't the force he was. Carter hasn't been the force he was for some time. And Conrad Smith? My grandma's donkey plays better footy in the midfield.

This is all just a theory of course. They might walk it.

McCaw isn`t the force he was?after 142 matches that surprises you?HAVE you actually watched him this season?he is still among the best there is.[his rating in tests has been
8 or 9 out of 10]
Your Grandma`s donkey must be very good,that Squad is very good and you can bet
like all teams they`ve been holding back.
NOTHING is a given France and Wayne Barnes in the QF again ?put money on it.
England only claim is home advantage hardly bothered Nz or SA in the past,Wales
are only 1 loss behind them in ALL the matches they`ve played.
NO TEAM will walk it BUT NZ have the right idea this time one game at a time,NO side
has done it back to back[won the RWC]
BUT the NZ squad gives a lot of combo`s for breakdown even a McCaw/Cane 7`s
double act if required.

Wayne Barnes has controlled the All Blacks 7 times by my count since 2007. They have a 57% win rate under him excluding that game.

I guess you could probably say statistics bear a weight of evidence that the old joker-chokers don't quite get his style. Something to work on!

I see the ABs have the Pumas first up, their toughest pool match under the watchful eye of the Barnsenator. Bring it on mate! I can't wait. How many times do you think McHoodwink will get pinged for not rolling away or his hilarious comedy-fall into wrong side of the ruck? Could he see yellow? Ha! Just yanking your chain mate! Seriously though, I've been watching and I reckon he's a yard or two short of a full canter these days. He's more of a 7 and three-quarters than an out and out fetcher now though right?

What's the rule on cumulative yellow cards in the world cup again?

Like Michael Jones and Richard Hill he`s adapted his game still first to the breakdown now
he does the Graft,Kieron Reid the running about.IF you like stats he`s seen Yellow twice
in 142 games !!!!
Daily Telegraph is an ENGLISH Paper BUT when it says RWC2015 that SHOULD cover
ALL teams NOT forever going on about Burgess or Cipriani.

Shifty wrote:

Shifty wrote:

Shifty wrote:Namibia and Uruguay final for me, cant pick a winner though

cmon Shifty, surely your taking the píss?

Yes I am, but I do think Ireland wil win it.  Argentina in the quarters, a shock win against South Africa in the semis when theres no pressure on them.  Then they play England in the final.

I guess if no-one else is willing to talk to you, you can always count on your own company!

emack2 wrote:Like Michael Jones and Richard Hill he`s adapted his game still first to the breakdown now
he does the Graft,Kieron Reid the running about.IF you like stats he`s seen Yellow twice
in 142 games !!!!
Daily Telegraph is an ENGLISH Paper BUT when it says RWC2015 that SHOULD cover
ALL teams NOT forever going on about Burgess or Cipriani.

Mate! I hear your passionate cry from down there. Don't lose your juice! I reckon he's a weak link, but that's me calling it on the basis of the domination the twin trawlers gave him in Sydney. He didn't look to flash!

Let's just see how it pans out and if I'm wrong, I'll parade around Trafalgar square in a pair of kiwi boxers made out of one of your impressive new flag designs

Not sure what you're on about with the Telegraph!? I only pick the big colourful papers with the naked sheilas inside! There's a tip there!

Boo!

ebop wrote:Boo!

Holy hell. Ebop's deposited something in his shorts. Laundry!

Haha, this will be fun

emack2 wrote:Like Michael Jones and Richard Hill he`s adapted his game still first to the breakdown now
he does the Graft,Kieron Reid the running about.IF you like stats he`s seen Yellow twice
in 142 games !!!!
Daily Telegraph is an ENGLISH Paper BUT when it says RWC2015 that SHOULD cover
ALL teams NOT forever going on about Burgess or Cipriani.

They ll cover what sells. In England they ll lean towards the England team in Aus they ll write about Aus. Get yourself the Times S Jones likes NZ.

donglewood wrote:

ebop wrote:Boo!

Holy hell. Ebop's deposited something in his shorts. Laundry!

And oh yes! He likes it! The thumbs are up!

Time for calm though now, if you're getting this worked up a few weeks out, what'll you be doing when it's finals time?

There's not the level of expectation in NZ this time around about our chances. It's good, refreshing. We've learnt anything can happen at RWCs.

On the Torygraph though - there's a piece a couple of weeks back with that fanny flattering Jock Geech'n McIan singing the Wallabies praises and swearing blind the Pom's and brotherhood-of-the-leeks will be wetting their shorts at the prospect.

I always imagine he's casting a wry smile whenever he compliments someone. Notice his lavish praise for Carter and McCaw. No way can a thinking man's rugby almanac think that for real.

New Zealand always expects and rightly so. The last RWC was on home territory and the expectation weighed a little too heavily then and they almost blew it. They are looking good IMO. However there are potentially 5 or 6 teams who would like a say in who wins. Good luck

donglewood wrote:

donglewood wrote:

ebop wrote:Boo!

Holy hell. Ebop's deposited something in his shorts. Laundry!

And oh yes! He likes it! The thumbs are up!

Time for calm though now, if you're getting this worked up a few weeks out, what'll you be doing when it's finals time?

 Fail

ebop wrote:

donglewood wrote:

donglewood wrote:

ebop wrote:Boo!

Holy hell. Ebop's deposited something in his shorts. Laundry!

And oh yes! He likes it! The thumbs are up!

Time for calm though now, if you're getting this worked up a few weeks out, what'll you be doing when it's finals time?

 Fail

I've put you off your game? shucks, sorry. Damp towels for Ebop! Laundry!

RubyGuby wrote:New Zealand always expects and rightly so. The last RWC was on home territory and the expectation weighed a little too heavily then and they almost blew it. They are looking good IMO. However there are potentially 5 or 6 teams who would like a say in who wins. Good luck

Like I've said. Hard to look past England at home.

donglewood wrote:

ebop wrote:

donglewood wrote:

donglewood wrote:

ebop wrote:Boo!

Holy hell. Ebop's deposited something in his shorts. Laundry!

And oh yes! He likes it! The thumbs are up!

Time for calm though now, if you're getting this worked up a few weeks out, what'll you be doing when it's finals time?

 Fail

I've put you off your game? shucks, sorry. Damp towels for Ebop! Laundry!

Boo!

It may be hard for you Dongle but they have had a couple of subdued performances recently and Saturday is becoming a bit of a must win

RubyGuby wrote:It may be hard for you Dongle but they have had a couple of subdued performances recently and Saturday is becoming a bit of a must win

You want to get Ebop on your team! nothing subdued about that guy!

In all frank and fairness though, England have shot down the rankings like a ... like a ... thing that's really shot down the rankings inexplicably. Down to 6th today. Shows what a lottery they can be I guess. Does anyone think they're worth 6th spot? not me.

Nah, the Wallabies have won every World Cup on UK soil. It is a long straw to grasp but i'm holding tight and hoping they keep that record intact.

But more than likely it will be the AB's.

When you`re not playing then another side is likely to jump in isn`t it?i`m to cynical to
believe ANY result in RWC year.
Australia have concentrated on showing 2014 was misleading they had Home advantage
in the RC for the crucial two matches Nz,and SA.[I PREDICTED the result when the draw
was announced]
Wales won and lost too Ireland,England the same too France,does anyone REALLY think
the England/Ireland match will be anything but a training workout for both sides.
All those BOK injured are suddenly in tip top physical condition WHAT
a SURPRISE another CON JOB like 2007 and 2011.
NOTHING you`ve seen this year will have ANY bearing on the RWC games they will
be decided by Penalties and Yellow cards as always.
Boks with Morne Steyn kicking them anyone?
Times online isn`t free so don`t read and a Rugby critic worst than Chris Rattue
no thanks.Even for an Anglo-Scot like me that's too much to take.

I'd say they are individual favourites but I'd add its more likely someone will beat them.

They were a better side or at least they were far better than the next best sides in 2007 and 2011.

Notch wrote:

Shifty wrote:

Shifty wrote:

Shifty wrote:Namibia and Uruguay final for me, cant pick a winner though

cmon Shifty, surely your taking the píss?

Yes I am, but I do think Ireland wil win it.  Argentina in the quarters, a shock win against South Africa in the semis when theres no pressure on them.  Then they play England in the final.

I guess if no-one else is willing to talk to you, you can always count on your own company!

In Braveheart the Irishman said "An Irish is forced to talk to god to find his equal".
I'll talk to myself because I'm smarter than the person I'm talking too... Oh wait hang on...

yappysnap wrote:Understandably as an Englishman living in England the build up to the RWC has been all from the home countries PoV, with the media all talking about England's, and then the rest of the 6N''s sides chances.

But let me just double check, we are all still expecting NZ to retain the title, right?

They've lost twice since the last RWC, have been no1 in the rankings for the whole four years and even when they've spent 75mibs losing a game, they still come back and win them.

So take away national pride etc, we are all still expecting New Zealand to win aren't we?

No. Too many teams to expect any single one to win. NZ are favourites but I wouldn't say I expect them to win, certainly not over 50% certainty

ChequeredJersey wrote:

yappysnap wrote:Understandably as an Englishman living in England the build up to the RWC has been all from the home countries PoV, with the media all talking about England's, and then the rest of the 6N''s sides chances.

But let me just double check, we are all still expecting NZ to retain the title, right?

They've lost twice since the last RWC, have been no1 in the rankings for the whole four years and even when they've spent 75mibs losing a game, they still come back and win them.

So take away national pride etc, we are all still expecting New Zealand to win aren't we?

No. Too many teams to expect any single one to win. NZ are favourites but I wouldn't say I expect them to win, certainly not over 50% certainty

I agree. I think this is very close to call. The ABs are very good. Clearly. But I think the gaps between the top teams are not so large. To me, this RWC could go a number of different ways.

Shifty wrote:

Notch wrote:

Shifty wrote:

Shifty wrote:

Shifty wrote:Namibia and Uruguay final for me, cant pick a winner though

cmon Shifty, surely your taking the píss?

Yes I am, but I do think Ireland wil win it.  Argentina in the quarters, a shock win against South Africa in the semis when theres no pressure on them.  Then they play England in the final.

I guess if no-one else is willing to talk to you, you can always count on your own company!

In Braveheart the Irishman said "An Irish is forced to talk to god to find his equal".
I'll talk to myself because I'm smarter than the person I'm talking too... Oh wait hang on...  

I talk to those little voices who keep telling me to pull the wings off butterflies.........