Pool A - New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia

[Furball]

Hard to know what would happen if they met, but Chile at least showed some signs of being able to attack against better sides in their matches so far, even when coming up blank against England. Namibia the weakest side I've seen, although I've not watched Romania this WC and I've blocked that Australian horror show out of my mind. Even as a pom it remains too traumatising to think about.

I guess you could have a play-in style tournament just before the first round, held in the host country in the same way the T20WC does. Six teams, 2 groups of 3 with top two from each making it into the WC as bottom seeds in 4 groups of 4. Matches played alongside the warm-up games.

I enjoyed Chile v Japan.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Comprehensive from the ABs. No more flying under the radar. Now no injuries or cards before the 1/4s.

Can the Italians lift and upset the French though?

 

[Tom Flint]

If someone makes a tackle and is clearly struggling with the impact after and on the floor a couple feet from the back of the ruck, should they really be penalised for being in the way?
I know the Italian prop didn't seek medical attention after so wouldn't be an issue in that decision for the 3rd try

 

[Molehill]

Comprehensive from the ABs. No more flying under the radar. Now no injuries or cards before the 1/4s.

Can the Italians lift and upset the French though?

Erm…. No!! This is what happens if you let NZ play rugby and don’t tackle. The Irish won’t be so generous.

 

[MW1304]

Wtf is up with McKenzie's face. The little smile he does when he kicks is ****ing disturbing. Just an unfortunate looking guy.

 

[MW1304]

I've been watching for ten minutes and NZ turned over the ball and scored a try with every play. Brutal.

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

 

[ripper868]

Uruguay have just dived on a ball that had rolled less than 1m from the ruck as it squirted out. Play on says Barnes. Clear favouritism at play and Australia should be reinstated .

 

[ripper868]

From the 2 Runs Fainga'anuku has had, I don't ever want to tackle that man.

Quality from Barret letting Barnes know his half had knocked on over the line

 

[ripper868]

Uruguay with the nearly try of the tournament.

 

[ripper868]

Gotta give it to Uruguay, the inevitable is coming, but they are showing huge fight here.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Not fair that the ABs have to play a decent team after the Black Caps got to play minnows.

 

[ripper868]

Carn the Guayans

 

[ripper868]

Inevitable really, but, something for Australia to aspire to:

 

[Ali TT]

Game over already

 

[Ali TT]

Italy are naff but France playing rugby from another planet

 

[ripper868]

Yep, They've been very very good so far. 80% possession isn't by accident.

 

[ripper868]

I'm seeing chest contact and then the French 9 head butting the Italian shoulder, and if this was a try to win a knockout round with the team being penalised wearing a different colour jersey, I don't think that's even a penalty.

 

[Furball]

That is an outrageous kick

 

[ripper868]

Pretty sure that French try should be pulled back, there was definite head contact as the scrum engaged prior to the try.