The Big Game - Who Will Win

[marc71178]

They may have a boost over Oz for beating them recently, but the knock-out stages are one game only, and all that matters is who wins on the day.

Would you from this stage take NZ being played off the park twice, but winning?

At this stage, for me, it goes beyond talent and prior results.

 

[Tim]

Sure there's a chance that Australia can win, i've never written them off.

But how can you say that talent is not a factor from here on in? these matches decide the men from the boys & as far as im concerned NZ outclass Australia all over the park except for George Smith.

 

[Kimbo]

I was thinking in the earlier stages of the World Cup that Aussie would take it out. Just because it was wide open with favourites England showing they perhaps peaked too early, and Aussies know how to win and just always bloody do...

But Aussie has struggle against Scotland and Ireland also, NZ looked fairly strong against SA, so on form, I'll go with NZ... and to win the World Cup. But if it doesn't happen it won't be a great surprise, theres always doubts with NZ in all sports...

 

[marc71178]

I never said talent wasn't a factor, but I did say the winning from here goes beyond merely the most talented.

Any of the 4 teams could win it, and I wouldn't like to suggest who will.

 

[PY]

If we're talking about the tournament then I'd probably go for France......saw them against Ireland and they were awesome. I dislike the French intensely as a team but they looked like they were peaking at the right time.

 

[Blewy]

I think the French will win it, as for their opponent i think alot depends on how the aussie attack goes, it has obviously been a bit hit and miss so far this world cup but there defence has been pretty solid conceeding only 1 try(from memory, could be wrong) so i think if the attack gets going then Australia will win, if not then the AB's will get home, but as for the final, unless i see something majorly different from the last couple of weeks the WC will be on its way to France...

 

[Tim]

For neutral fans of rugby, France v NZ would be the ideal final.

 

[Neil Pickup]

Australia v England. Lots of beer. Even more swearing. Lots of penalties.

And Australia 15-14.

 

[marc71178]

And why not England v Australia - one of the oldest rivalries in sport?

Or France v Australia - a team every Englishmen wants to lose against a team every Englishmen wants to lose?

 

[marc71178]

Australia v England. Lots of beer. Even more swearing. Lots of penalties.

And Australia 15-14.

*points out to Neil that for this to be the case, Wilkinson either misses a lot of penalties or a conversion, neither of which are very likely *

 

[Neil Pickup]

*points out to Neil that for this to be the case, Wilkinson either misses a lot of penalties or a conversion, neither of which are very likely *

The try was in the corner and there was a sudden 73mph crosswind gust.

And most of the penalties are given in un-kickable positions..

 

[James]

I'm picking Australia to win due to the fact that they always beat us when it comes down to the important games.

Only a fool underestimates Australia.

 

[Blewy]

James raises what i think is the big point...

Everytime Australia have been underestimated they always rise to the occasion...

 

[James]

Exactly Blewy.

Seems as though everyone has written Australian off completely - at least in New Zealand anyway.

Wait and see time I guess... not long now...

 

[Tim]

err isn't that what Australia do when we face them in the cricket? so why can't we expect to beat Australia in the rugby?

 

[Cloete]

err isn't that what Australia do when we face them in the cricket? so why can't we expect to beat Australia in the rugby?

well you have every reason to.... but the point is the number of times australia get up and win these games is amazing. not saying they're gonna win this one though. also when New Zealand toured over here they gave australia the same sort of treatment, australia were expected to beat them comfortably but thanks mainly to Fleming New Zealand got over the line with their brains and hearts rather than on natural talent, the same may happen here.

 

[marc71178]

Current odds to win the WC:

NZ 11/10
Eng 2/1
Fra 4/1
Aus 7/1

Methinks that 7-1 is massive and will be taking a piece of that!

 

[marc71178]

Australia don't have a chance...how the hell were they 9-9 with Scotland after more than 50 minutes?

Don't you just hate it when comments turn round and make you look a tad silly?

Like I said, the past games had no bearing on today, and my 7-1 Australia to win the thing looks a lot nicer...

 

[marc71178]

But how can you say that talent is not a factor from here on in? these matches decide the men from the boys & as far as im concerned NZ outclass Australia all over the park except for George Smith.

And in defence, Australia out-classed NZ here. A great show of determinated defence, a bit like when England won in NZ earlier this year. After that game, I seem to remember Campese had a few things to say about England relying on kicking...

 

[Mr. P]

Yeah go home all you kiwis, we beat you fair and square.

You guys are so pathetic, what with your haka and all. :saint: