Rugby world cup thread

QuestShield

I'd love to see it happen they are well capable, but I think the semi's perhaps.

Donnacha

I'd be happy to top the group then anything can happen!! Schmidt can find a way!!

nheather

There seems to be a big inquisition over whether England should have kicked for goal to level the score.

Personally, I think it was the right decision - should have been pushing for a win, not a draw and besides it would have been a very difficult kick.

What was wrong was to immediately field the ball to the guy on the wing who was practically on the line with nowhere to go - any surprise that he got bundled into touch.

England's problem was keeping hold of the ball - they kept giving it away far too easy.

Cheers,

Nigel

Greg Hook

I'd agree with that. Going for a try to get a win rather than a draw was the correct decision. But as you say what was total madness was to give the ball to the guy on the wing. It was clear for anyone to see that Wales would immediately barge them over the line.

It was a great match to watch, just a shame the hosts will be out in the group stage.

gibbsy

England lost the game the minute they took Ben Youngs off. Bit of arrogance from Lancaster thinking that Wales were beaten perhaps and wanting to wrap him up in cotton wool ready for the Aussie match. I thought he must have been injured and must admit I was really surprised and somewhat delighted that England had made such a terrible mistake.

Wales up to 2nd in the IRB rankings and England have slipped to 6th.

nheather

We have a South African on the project at work.  How we all laughed when they were beaten by Japan.  Looks like he will be having the last laugh as SA proceed to the final stages and England go home.

So much for O2's 'Giants' advert.  That's a big marketing budget that was wasted.

Cheers,

Nigel

mentasm

Youngs was (and is) injured. That's why they took him off. The bigger question was why they decided to change the midfield and fly half, as Farrell was having a stormer and the reshuffle did no favours. Story of Lancaster's tenure though, needless substitutions based more on the time on the clock than a feel for the game.

Amph

Understand the negativity to some extent but I still think England are in with a shout. If I had to chose out of England or Wales to beat Australia, I wouldnt put it past England.  Now there's even more reason to do so.

Then there's Fiji. Welshman that count their chickens where those fellas are concerned, should be very careful.

gibbsy

Youngs has an ankle injury but may be available against Australia. As for Wales James Hook and Gareth Anscombe have been called into the squad, both having been with the pre tournament camps. It is also hoped that Liam Williams will be available for the Australia match. Hopefully Wales will field a strong team against Fiji for a bonus point win. A group of death deserving of the billing and at the moment it's England that is knocking on the door of the mortuary.

Tom1986

@nheather @Greg Hook

Admittedly I had a few to drink on Saturday night, and I refuse to watch the end of the game again (for obvious reasons!), but you both mentioned:

It was never fielded to "the guy on the wing" was it?

It was a lineout, they chose a 'safe' option to the front of the line giving Wales the chance to push them over the line. But it was never a winger or "the guy on the wing" was it?

A better option was a middle of the line ball which would give them a better attacking platform, the problem was that they didn't trust Webber's throwing to do it! But you'd know all about the reason why we're missing a decent lineout option huh @Greg Hook

Please feel free to refresh my memory if I missed a winger having the ball after the lineout??

By the way, for what it's worth, the decision was the right one, hit the corner, drive over the line. Not worth the risk of missing the kick and having the same question asked just the opposite way around.....