OT - Rugby World Cup

[pathfinder]

Originally posted by Growltigger:
Right, some teams have now got through to the quarter finals. Who do we think is going to win the World Cup.

And by the way, for you Americans and other aliens out there, rugby is a very interesting and exciting contact sport and is played by gentlemen with odd shaped balls

Well, a few of us Americans do have an idea...played #8 for several local US Army teams back when I had a working pair.

[Baron Grazic]

Hi Narf - Canada is in, but are yet to win a match, with their Last match tomorrow night against Tonga.

Wales defeated Canada - 41-10
New Zealand defeated Canada - 68-6
Italy defeated Canada 19-14

[narf poit chez BOOM]

well, despite my having about the same interest in sports as i do in bungee jumping, i have to say 'that sucks'.

[Joachim]

If Johnny gets is kicking back right then England are still the Favs, as much as I hate saying that as an Aussie.

[Thermodyne]

Originally posted by General Woundwort:

quote:

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Originally posted by Growltigger:
And by the way, for you Americans and other aliens out there, rugby is a very interesting and exciting contact sport and is played by gentlemen with odd shaped balls

You might be surprised to know that there is a rather active amateur rugby community here in the DC area. You see lots of cars with bumper stickers that read "Give Blood - Play Rugby".

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OH Ya, Rugby is alive and well in DC. Now there is a sport for the young and manly. For us old guys, it’s more of a trial by contact.

[Growltigger]

Yippee, good responses and interesting to see a non-partisan impartial Australian.

My personal view is that New Zealand have to be the favourites, unless Australia shake themselves down sufficiently and provided that England sort themselves out. If the English can, and if Mr Wilkinson's right foot can regain its magic touch, then we, I mean, England should be the favourites.

Still, it means this World Cup is damn finger-nail-chewing-seat-of-the-pants-stuff!!

And as for the hakas, did anyone see the All Black/Tongan game. The sight of 30 large Polynesians doing their hakas at each other is frankly enough to really make the bowels loosen.

Anyone ever wonder why these South Sea Islanders, used to palm trees and sun-kissed beaches, love getting it on in a game more associated with damp northern skies, mud and rain??

And Narf, the Canadians are yet to win a game, but they are tough lads who are getting better and better and better. Give it a few more years and maybe an Antipodean coach and your boys will be contenders with the best of them. After all, see how the Italians have come on since they joined the 6 Nations

[narf poit chez BOOM]

what's antipodean? i couldn't find it in the dictionary.

[Alneyan]

Either a resident of the poles or something diametrically opposed. I believe it would be an Aussie or a Kiwi in this specific case.

Hmm, not sure who will win, but as long as France is defeated. Perhaps even France - England, with the victory of the latter. Then the comments in France about this defeat could be interesting. *Smirks*

[ October 28, 2003, 16:42: Message edited by: Alneyan ]

[Growltigger]

Narf, Alneyan is partially right, "Antipodean" is what us English call any Australian or New Zealander, ie anyone who lives on the arse end of the planet the other side of England

The French are a funny old side, when they are good, they will beat anyone on their day, but like England, they often seem unable to get it together. A France/England match is always a good excuse for a bit of "Rule Brittania" etc.

Watching the World Cup, you have to give credit to the outsider teams such as Georgia, Uruguay, Japan, Canada, USA and the like. They dont half not give up fighting. A few more years and the World Cup 2007 could well be a really excellent display of hard matched rugby.

The next exciting match will be South Africa/Samoa. Watch this space for some anti-South African sentiments

[oleg]

Originally posted by narf poit chez BOOM:
well, despite my having about the same interest in sports as i do in bungee jumping, i have to say 'that sucks'.

Canada beat Tonga 24:7 !