Knockout Stage - General Discussion

[Zinzan]

Originally Posted by Somerset

With the way Cooper's playing at the moment and Ioane only just returning from his injury, I don't think its unreasonable to call Beale the most dangerous and dynamic player Australia have. I actually think it'd be a shame if hes ruled out though it'd certainly assist the ABs.

Lol, it will be more of a shame if the AB's fail to win the WC for the thousandth time, I'll take any help I can thanks

What would be your starting XV Somerset?

[Somerset]

Originally Posted by zinzan12

Lol, it will be more of a shame if the AB's fail to win the WC for the thousandth time, I'll take any help I can thanks

What would be your starting XV Somerset?

Woodcock, Mealamu, O.Franks, Thorn, Whitelock, Kaino, McCaw, Read, Weepu, Cruden, Kahui, Nonu, Smith, Jane, Dagg; Hore, B.Franks, A.Williams, Vito, Ellis, Donald, SB Williams

If it were personally up to me I'd play Weepu at 10 but I can't see that happening. I also get the impression Donald will play on the bench; don't think Cruden will be risked as the only specialist 10 in the 22. SBW can cover wing and centre, and Jane can switch to fullback if Dagg's unable to play 80 minutes, so that should be sufficient cover. Cowan's been rather average throughout the tournament so I've actually included Ellis on the bench.

[Burgey]

Originally Posted by zinzan12

Beale freaks the hell out of me, such a dangerous open field runner. Would be a massive leg-up to the Blacks if he is ruled out.

He ghosts past defenders a la Brett Kenny.

Loathe to mention him in the same sentence as God, but that's who Beale reminds me of.

[BoyBrumby]

Originally Posted by HeathDavisSpeed

Pocock was superb at the breakdown against the Yarps, but got away with blue murder. His hand was on that ball so many times and Bryce Lawrence didn't pick up on any of 'em. Turnovers on the Yarp goal line and on the Aussie goal line executed with the perfect combination of guts and cynicism. Gotta hope the ref for the SF will be a bit more alive at the breakdown than Lawrence. All I ask for is a balanced refereeing display, and Lawrence didn't give that IMO. Easily cost the Saffers the 3 points they would have needed for a win.

The Saffers have taken it in good spirit tho.

Petition To Stop Bryce Lawrence Ever Reffing A Rugby Game Again | Facebook

Over 28,000 signed up already.

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Originally Posted by BoyBrumby

The Saffers have taken it in good spirit tho.

Petition To Stop Bryce Lawrence Ever Reffing A Rugby Game Again | Facebook

Over 28,000 signed up already.

Might sign up myself. Was an awful display.

[Hurricane]

I really don't know who is going to win out of France and Wales. Does anyone have any comments to back up a prediction...

[Somerset]

Originally Posted by BoyBrumby

The Saffers have taken it in good spirit tho.

Petition To Stop Bryce Lawrence Ever Reffing A Rugby Game Again | Facebook

Over 28,000 signed up already.

Haha, now at 38,000...and people said NZ over-reacted to Barnes in 2007...

[Somerset]

Originally Posted by Hurricane

I really don't know who is going to win out of France and Wales. Does anyone have any comments to back up a prediction...

Wales should favourites in my view. I mentioned shortly after France's victory that they've often failed to put two strong perfomances together back-to-back in WCs, particularly remembering their efforts following dramatic upsets against NZ in 1999 and 2007. Wales look really strong and have played well all tournament while France's unpredictability makes them hard to back IMO, despite a good win over England.

[KiWiNiNjA]

Originally Posted by Somerset

Woodcock, Mealamu, O.Franks, Thorn, Whitelock, Kaino, McCaw, Read, Weepu, Cruden, Kahui, Nonu, Smith, Jane, Dagg; Hore, B.Franks, A.Williams, Vito, Ellis, Donald, SB Williams

If it were personally up to me I'd play Weepu at 10 but I can't see that happening. I also get the impression Donald will play on the bench; don't think Cruden will be risked as the only specialist 10 in the 22. SBW can cover wing and centre, and Jane can switch to fullback if Dagg's unable to play 80 minutes, so that should be sufficient cover. Cowan's been rather average throughout the tournament so I've actually included Ellis on the bench.

Ind33d.

Have wanted to see a 9-10 of Ellis-Weepu since Carter went down, but it's not going to happen.

[ripper868]

Good Ole Schalk:

[BoyBrumby]

Bloke's a worm. Least favourite sportsman this side of Maradona.

[Quaggas]

Like the two guys pointing and sticking up their hands at the end there. "Wake up, ref!"

[Somerset]

Originally Posted by Somerset

Woodcock, Mealamu, O.Franks, Thorn, Whitelock, Kaino, McCaw, Read, Weepu, Cruden, Kahui, Nonu, Smith, Jane, Dagg; Hore, B.Franks, A.Williams, Vito, Ellis, Donald, SB Williams

If it were personally up to me I'd play Weepu at 10 but I can't see that happening. I also get the impression Donald will play on the bench; don't think Cruden will be risked as the only specialist 10 in the 22. SBW can cover wing and centre, and Jane can switch to fullback if Dagg's unable to play 80 minutes, so that should be sufficient cover. Cowan's been rather average throughout the tournament so I've actually included Ellis on the bench.

Originally Posted by All Black selectors

The All Blacks coaches have made three changes to the starting XV for the Rugby World Cup Semifinal match to be played against Australia at Eden Park, Auckland on Sunday night (NZT).

Starting XV: 1. Tony Woodcock (81), 2. Keven Mealamu (90), 3. Owen Franks (29), 4. Samuel Whitelock (23), 5. Brad Thorn (57), 6. Jerome Kaino (46), 7. Richie McCaw – captain (101), 8. Kieran Read (34), 9. Piri Weepu (54), 10. Aaron Cruden (7), 11. Richard Kahui (15), 12. Ma’a Nonu (64), 13. Conrad Smith (53), 14. Cory Jane (29), 15. Israel Dagg (10)

Reserves: 16. Andrew Hore (60), 17. Ben Franks (14), 18. Ali Williams (71), 19. Victor Vito (12), 20. Andy Ellis (24), 21. Stephen Donald (22), 22. Sonny Bill Williams (12)

[centurymaker]

OMG

[KiWiNiNjA]

Well, it was always going to be that team if Kahui and Dagg were fit.

But good job nevertheless.