Pool D - England, Argentina, Japan, Samoa, Chile

[Molehill]

Japan are pretty garbage

Probably the weakest of the 3rd seeds in all the groups (Scotland, Fiji, Italy the others).

 

[Tom Flint]

Japan looked terrible against England but England looked just as bad for 60 minutes of that game. There really was nothing between them.
I think we are maybe underestimating them based on those 60 minutes where the ball was apparently "greasy" due to conditions and forgetting how good they can play pre wc.

 

[Molehill]

Japan looked terrible against England but England looked just as bad for 60 minutes of that game. There really was nothing between them.
I think we are maybe underestimating them based on those 60 minutes where the ball was apparently "greasy" due to conditions and forgetting how good they can play pre wc.

They got thrashed by Italy in a warm up. They were only close to England after 60 because England kept dropping it, but in the end it was pretty convincing. It would be a major surprise if they managed to beat Argentina who would have to play as poorly as they did against England to give Japan a sniff.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Probably the weakest of the 3rd seeds in all the groups (Scotland, Fiji, Italy the others).

It's worse than that; they were amongst the second seeds.

Given Ireland, France and Australia were the others I don't think anyone could claim with a straight face they weren't the weakest.

Except for yer Wobblies, obvz.

 

[Ali TT]

Japan up at the half against Samoa.

 

[Niall]

Japan up at the half against Samoa.

Samoa not the worst side here clearly as they would wallop a few but expected a little more from them nonetheless.

Not sure how good anyone is in this group is, but nonetheless winner takes all with Japan v Argentina ? Yes please.

 

[Molehill]

Not sure how good anyone is in this group is, but nonetheless winner takes all with Japan v Argentina ? Yes please.

Same with the Wales/Fiji group. But my suspicion is that Wales/England will make it to the semis and then provide a pretty stern test for those who have been battering each other against the best.

 

[Tom Flint]

Japan much better last night. I was impressed with their pack shading the battle despite being lighter. Got the balance between going through the phases, kicking and spreading wide spot on, fitness and kicking for posts all sound.

 

[Tom Flint]

A slight worry how they played better against 15 than 14 though

 

[Ali TT]

Siva tau > Haka

 

[ripper868]

Excellent try for Samoa there, out of almost nothing, great handling and support play.

 

[ripper868]

Samoa playing beautiful rugby here, England may have a little storm to weather in this next 10 before half time

 

[Ali TT]

Samoa playing beautiful rugby here, England may have a little storm to weather in this next 10 before half time

One of those sides when it gets loose they become more dangerous.

 

[wpdavid]

Samoa playing beautiful rugby here, England may have a little storm to weather in this next 10 before half time

Or they can concede a second try. Aren't Samoa supposed to be one of the weaker sides in the group? They're absolutely outclassing England here.

And there's the third try. It's a tough call between England's cricketers and this lot for the worst performance of the week.

 

[Ali TT]

Or they can concede a second try. Aren't Samoa supposed to be one of the weaker sides in the group? They're absolutely outclassing England here.

Try number 3.

Simple mistakes by England - moving out of the line on an attacking line-out then a terrible defensive box kick. The types of mistakes a poorly coached side make.

 

[wpdavid]

Try number 3.

Simple mistakes by England - moving out of the line on an attacking line-out then a terrible defensive box kick. The types of mistakes a poorly coached side make.

Surely you're not suggesting that Borthwick doesn't have a clue at this level?

 

[Ali TT]

Why has it taken so long to review this? If the next play happens, ie the conversion, it should be too late.

 

[ripper868]

England get away with one here...always kind of felt like a knock on, but that's not clear and obvious to me. At least they still have the pen advantage so can score it again.

 

[ripper868]

I hope they score under the posts to make ot 7 since they missed the con.

 

[ripper868]