Posted on 09/09/2023 21:58
After a good win for France against NZ last night, there have been relatively easy victories for Ireland, Italy and Australia today. This evening's game was supposed to be a close match. With England's Tom Curry being given a red card within the first 5 minutes it looked as if they were up against it, however George Ford has worked his magic and with 27 points sunk the Pumas. What a victory!!v
Posted on 16/10/2023 08:31
I agree with Moulesy that England have been very lucky in the draw. I didn’t expect them to win the quarter final, tbh. I wish them well in their semi with my fingers firmly crossed.
Farrell’s inconsistency lets him and the team down at times and I don’t think he was missed much during his suspension. George Ford filled the gap excellently and didn’t let the clock run out!
NZ surely have to be the favourites now.
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Posted on 16/10/2023 09:16
M has a point, up until the last match England have been pretty much a one trick pony using that kicking game in armoury for some time. The reason why the caterpillar is to be outlawed is because of the part it plays in this tactic, it buys rime and give protection to the kicker, usually the SH. Now the games this weekend have seem some brilliant alternative tactics being employed,
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Posted on 16/10/2023 10:32
Hopefully not too difficult to decipher my last post but basically what I’m saying is that the very best coaches do their research on the opposition and find tactics, some novel, to beat them. England have been so predicable in recent years with the kicking game, they now need to be creative and find those specific tactics to beat SA otherwise we will be ‘Faffed’ like we were in the final of the last World Cup. Faff used that kicking game then to its best advantage but I’m not sure that repeating it over and over again, by either side, will be the best approach, for players or spectators alike, this time judging from what I saw last night.
Oh, and the powers that be recognise the boring nature of the ‘kicking game’ so have moved to ban the caterpillar. The 50-22 is also a good addition as it requires precice kicking not just a hoof up and chase. That idea came from RL. What about the goal line drop out! The jury is out on that rule.
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Posted on 16/10/2023 07:12 by ExtuggerYour comments Moulesy are nonsense (apart from caterpillar rucks - which are being banned soon) and you obviously don't understand the game of Union. The reason for kicking is for territory and inviting the kick and chase tactic. Last weekend we were treated to 4 magnificent games of rugby - the likes of which will probably never be seen again. It's because of the introduction of League players and coaches into the Union code that high tackling has become prevalent, dangerous and requiring a change in the laws - Union players being, in general, bigger, taller and stronger. Fact.
Instead of trying to 'rubbish' the game, try (excuse the pun) embracing it and understanding it. Yes, the All Blacks look strong, so too the 'Boks and it will take and enormous effort for both England and Argentina to make the final.
Posted on 16/10/2023 17:51
Jonray - in my (much younger!) days I played a lot of rugby, both codes, so I've got a fair idea about the rules and I do know what I'm talking about! I'm certainly not rubbishing the game - the 4 quarter finals were all fantastic entertainment. But I stand by my comments about the England team and I think even the hardiest supporter would be pushed to rate them ahead of any of the other 7 teams involved for entertainment and flowing rugby.
I don't understand your comments about league players being the cause of high tackling, don't think many of the cards given have been against former league players have they?
I do agree that the 50-22 rule has encouraged accurate kicking and the drop out between the posts is better than yet more set scrums.
But, good luck to England - they'll need it against the springboks. Can't see anything stopping the All Blacks now.
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Posted on 16/10/2023 19:16
High tackles existed during my RU playing days but that definition of a RU high tackle has change in recent years for very obvious reasons and these have absolutely nothing to do with RL.Yes, the RL definition is slightly different and probably better in my opinion and certainly more like I experience in my Union playing days of yesteryear..
Posted on 16/10/2023 21:15
After 4 closely fought and thoroughly entertaining quarter finals I think the better side won in each case. However I cannot envisage England beating the Springboks, or the All Blacks looking either, so it will be a Southern Hemisphere final, but what a contest that should turn out to be!!
Posted on 17/10/2023 07:29
Miraculous efforts and outcomes do happen in rugby. I could name quite a few instances and these are very special and one reason which makes rugby so appealing for me. Now it's England's opportunity to put in a real Herculean effort and prove us wrong, you just never know it could happen. Winning is sometimes in the belief that this is just possible.
Posted on 20/10/2023 22:04
Words fail me too, Nellie! 😉 The ABs were phenomenal, will that suffice? Even though it doesn’t do them justice! Don’t recall the Pumas actually breaking through their line of defence. If England don’t win tomorrow they won’t be coming home just yet but will have to play that unenviable third place game against an embarrassed Pumas. Let’s hope they do win mind but what a monumental effort will be needed to beat the ABs!
Posted on 17/10/2023 07:29 by mickysfMiraculous efforts and outcomes do happen in rugby. I could name quite a few instances and these are very special and one reason which makes rugby so appealing for me. Now it's England's opportunity to put in a real Herculean effort and prove us wrong, you just never know it could happen. Winning is sometimes in the belief that this is just possible.
nelliethehooker
Caravanner from Cumberland