Rugby Union World Cup 2007

[CortezTheKiller]

Well that's ireland out. A pretty good performance by Argentina. I don't think Scotland's prospects look to good against them

Nope. Think you'll be starting as second favourites. Paterson's goalkicking means you have a shout though, because he can punish any indiscretions with points.

I think we're in pretty serious danger of there being no northern hemisphere teams in the semis for the first time ever, which would be a kick in the nads.

 

[Manly]

i think the semis will be all for england, although id love to be proved wrong...

 

[aussie1st]

I don't see Argentina losing, we basically should have 4 SH teams in the semis. Although I'd love to see the ABs knocked out by the French in the quarters. Either way that game has big bearings for the loser. France lose, then the host is out, ABs lose and the favourites are out.

 

[w3lshrugby]

Yep, can't see the French overturning the ABs, although it will be a close game. Argies have been my tip as finalists since last year, and I can see them overcoming Scots, and the Saffers (due to Saffers big clash with the fijians)

 

[CortezTheKiller]

The French shouldn't win, but then they shouldn't have won in 1999 either. You never know with them, it could be one of those occasions when the cosmos is perfectly alligned & everything they touch turns to Rugby gold.

Equally though they could be shredded up front and lose by 40.

 

[Shevchenko]

most people are talking about New Zealand winning the cup every time theyve entered the World Cup and every time except 87 theyve dissapionted, South Africa have the edge two easier games than what their counterparts will have, this will be the first real test for New Zealand given that your allowed to one slip up, the French have had theirs and NZ I believe bares the chokers tag

 

[aussie1st]

Argh stupid call by the selectors. They picked Turinui to replace Lyons, should have been either Beale or Cross as he offers nothing at the International level.

 

[Shevchenko]

Aus vs Eng, Englands only chance will be by upsetting the wallabies tight five but Aus to win by 15 or more, France vs NZ, this is France's tournament to lose, depending on how Carter plays will determine the outcome France will have to pull of a 99 miracle, the odds are stacked against them but if France can lead the game into the 30th min NZ may have an uphill battle

 

[w3lshrugby]

Predictions:

Aus 34 - 12 Eng (HT: 18 - 9)
NZ 27 - 31 Fra (HT: 17 - 16)
RSA 41 - 32 Fij (HT: 23 - 19)
Arg 36 - 15 Sco (HT: 21 - 9)

 

[aussie1st]

If France had home advantage the odds would be much better, here they are asking for the exact miracle of 99 playing at a neutral ground against the ABs with little hope of winning.

My tips, Wallabies, ABs, SA, Arg.

 

[w3lshrugby]

Woops, did I put France as winners!!! I meant NZ by the way, 31 - 20 not 27-31 to the Francs.

 

[CortezTheKiller]

I'd say England are the most likely of any of the underdogs to cause an upset. The Aussies are clearly worried because there's been a lot of talk in the press about England being "dirty", telling Paddy O'Brien to look out for our cheap shots off the ball (which is cobblers, with the size of our pack we don't need cheap shots to physically better the Aussie forwards) and then obviously O'Neill telling us how much all Australia hates the English. I do have horrible visions of big Stirling running right over the top of Tait though; I think there was a case for Hipkiss starting at 13, especially with Farrell crocked now.

I still think it'll be an all southern hemisphere semi-final line up, but only really the yarps v Fiji is a lock. As I said before, with a place-kicker of Paterson's quality Scotland have a chance if they keep things tight and you can never totally write-off the French.

 

[Leicester Fox]

yeah i agree on Hipkiss, I am a bit biased though he's not had many games in an England shirt so he hasn't had a chance to show what he can do and i would have liked to given him a go, still tait wasn't too bad against the Tongans and hopefully Catt will play well and use his experience to wind up the aussies. We really need Wilkinson to kick them out of the game and hopefully Robinson to produce a bit of magic and we've got a chance.

I think the French will beat NZ, I can't see them going out of the tournament in Wales for some reason!

 

[barmyarmy]

Well '99 was a neutral ground - I should know cos I was there!
If the AB's could have picked any qf opponent I'm sure France would have been pretty low on their list. Still expecting an AB victory but an upset is definitely possible.

 

[Leicester Fox]

What a performance! YES!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOO!!!!!!!!!! knew we'd do it. Way too cocky before the game, what a way to welcome a new era under Ashton Brilliant and i'll be off to the semis. WOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!