Rugby World Cup 2011 - Page 15 - Clubhouse

Cake

pirate

17/10/2011 at 13:22

That doesn't bode well for the final?

David Jones 39

17/10/2011 at 13:25

Looking back on it now, Wales lost to both France and South Africa because we didn't convert pressure kicks into points (penalties, conversions and drop goal opportunities). Even against Ireland we missed a couple of penalties that should have gone over and although it didn't matter to the result, it might have done.

No. 1 priority for the Wales management and coaching staff must be to make Priestland into the sort of nerveless kicker that every successful international team must have (no.2 must be to find another quality tight head prop for when Adam Jones retires or is injured).

Like you Nemo, I really hope France give it 100% on Sunday and turn on the attacking style that has made them irresistable at times over the years. They certainly have the players, but I agree that it may need the long overdue departure of Lievremont before it happens.

Personally, I don't think the ITV commentary has been that bad, although I agree the studio pundits (with the exception of Fitzpatrick) have tended to "toe the party line" far too much. For Friday, there's always S4C and subtitles if you need them !

Badly Drawn Bloke

17/10/2011 at 13:26

I'm with you in hoping it's a good game at least Nemo. Though I expect if NZ score early, then it will be a serious kicking. We know how fickle the French support is and the team don't play well from behind.

Yes, FB - he really knows how to motivate his squad doesn't he? Though I find it odd the other sides get a kicking in the press for a night out in the pool stages, yet some of the French squad think it's a good idea to go out a week before a final. Me, sour grapes? Too right

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

17/10/2011 at 13:32

Well I agree with ML on this one. I don't think you can go out and celebrate getting to the final after a game like that. You should be thanking God or whoever and working on playing properly for the next match. All joking aside they probably are the worst French team I've seen and yet they're in the final when better French teams from the past have fallen short. Bizarre!

I hope that PSA can get some team spirit back and I'll accept an unsuccessful 6N if they start playing some proper running rugby again.

I'm going to be a nervous wreck by Sunday!

fat buddha

18/10/2011 at 09:49

interesting comment from Warren Gatland

no doubt the WRU will have strong words with him and his coaching squad for that, but at least he's being honest and I'm so glad we haven't got a "Propgate" scenario as that would do the Welsh squad immense damage when they are at the top of their game.

at the top level, games are won by margins and there is always some underhand stuff going on that neither the ref, supporters or the TV picks up. I think it was Brad Thorne who came in on a tackle on one of the Ozzies and gave the tackled player a clatter in the chops. In the scheme of things it looked innocuous, but on slow replay, you could see there was some "marginal" intent to give the player a smack. Dallaglio picked that up on the commentary but didn't elaborate....

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

18/10/2011 at 10:18

Interesting stuff, FB!

Looks like France will be playing in white again - boo

Cake

pirate

18/10/2011 at 12:44

FB very interesting and very good of Gatland to be so open and honest about it. As in most things I'm thinking the jorno's had a lot longer conversation asked a lot of questions some of which were a bit stupid and focused on what he said after they got there quote for the day.

Ratzer

18/10/2011 at 14:06

Wow, is it really a crime to think about cheating but not actually do it? I don't know how many things I'm going to get banged up for when the thought police come to get me!

I've watched NZ Aus highlights a few times now - couldn't see the real thing because I was racing. Strengely the highlights seem to show the Kiwis applying constant pressure, but not turning a huge amount of it into points. On the flip side, the Aussies couldn't apply much pressure, and therefore could get barely any points. Probably, therefore,a much closer match than many make out.

My predictions for the coming matches? Aus on Friday and NZ on Sunday.

What are Wales going to do about the missing openside and tighthead?

fat buddha

18/10/2011 at 16:24

Wales have stuck with Paul James in the front row, brought Ryan Jones in at 8 and moved Faletau to the flank in place of Warburton. Gethin gets the captaincy.

RunningInPleasePass

18/10/2011 at 17:14

Tickets still available from wru.co.uk for the match at the stadium.

Free tickets that is.

Cake

pirate

18/10/2011 at 17:25

FB you might be needing the training at the moment perfect excuse to swim down to NZ and get in the game? For a lad off your caliber you should be there in time for the kick off?

Ratzer

19/10/2011 at 09:26

Why didn't they switch to Mitchell? He's not even on the bench. I like Ryan Jones at 8, but I've never seen Faletau at 7. Gethin is a good call for captain. A-W Jones looks like he's having a rest. Hook is back at 10 after his under performance against France - not that anyone could kick that day. I hope he does have a run this time.

Definitely not going to the Stadium on a Friday for a 3/4. I can't imagine there will be many enticed. Might have to work from home though.

So, how do the French play if they want to have a chance?

fat buddha

19/10/2011 at 11:35

I think the French will need to play loose and fast - if they get locked into a forward battle, they'll lose. they've always been a good counter attacking team so that's what they need to do. this is the final - they have nothing to lose by adopting a different style to that they have used so far.

the real question is how much ball NZ will let them have - they'll keep it pretty tight and Henry is a shrewd tactician so will know where their threat lies so will have his defence sorted.

somehow I don't see NZ choking this one

Cake

pirate

19/10/2011 at 12:09

FB has been spot on as always on this one. You keep the ball and not only do you have a better chance of scoring points but you make sure the opposition don't score anything. I think France can raise there game and make this a close encounter but I just don't see them being able to do it from the way they have played so far this year. They need to go wide and make sure they aren't in a front row battle or it's going to be a very one-sided game.

Nemo you will be pleased to know I'm going for New Zealand for this one. Given I've said against France since the group games and every time I've been wrong there is no way you can lose.

Ratzer

19/10/2011 at 12:53

The French don't have weight in the pack, but they've always had strength, speed and skill. I think Dusautoir is underrated (except by the French), and likewise many others in their pack. Pop one ball out of a tightly held situation and the French will have it and move. Can NZ really rely on a tight game? Historically NH teams have won in the pack and lost out in the backs when playing SH teams (1991 final, anyone?), yet this is why France have often had the better of the All Blacks, having a pack tested against England, Ireland and Wales, and then those skilful backs. Unfortunately they have also been destroyed by them, on those days when they decide they can't figure out what they're doing.

So I'm not so sure that NZ will play it tight. What they will have noted is that 9-10-12-13 for France ain't particularly world class. Run Sonny Bill up through the centre channels and keep the French central backs out of position so they can't maintain a defensive line. Do that for thirty minties, rack up about forty points, and then settle in to a tight match.

France? Quick hands to Clerc and Medard. Get to the breakdown before the best back row in world rugby (debatable...), and see if you can't get them to commit offences (and be noticed doing it). Then kick your points. Keep stretching things wide to keep the play broken, and launch through the gaps. Mostly, however, try to run with the ball!

I do hope it's a good match, even though I can't imagine it. Is that still because of residual feelings that the Welsh should be there?

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

19/10/2011 at 13:07

Cake wrote (see)

Nemo you will be pleased to know I'm going for New Zealand for this one. Given I've said against France since the group games and every time I've been wrong there is no way you can lose.

Cheers, Cake!

I've no idea of what tactics the French should use and I don't think we've ever had a proper free-running type of rugby final. Can't realistically see NZ losing this one, unless SBW gets himself sent off for another dubious tackle!

Just really hope to see France play some positive rugby and not to be annihilated - wibble

Oh and maybe Clerc could score one more try to be top try scorer

fat buddha

19/10/2011 at 13:39

" I think Dusautoir is underrated (except by the French)"

I agree although he's not been on best form this RWC - he was my pick as top forward of the last 6N. when he's on song he's as good as any flanker out there.

the French 2nd rows are good in the lineout but really don't offer a lot around the park; likewise the props are good scrummagers but poor going forward with the ball. the front 5 of NZ are better which is why I think they can play it tight plus they rarely give turnovers.

" those days when they decide they can't figure out what they're doing" - that really is the French achilles heel. you never know which French side will turn up on the day. they can be outstandingly brilliant or bloody woeful (v Tonga for example).

there's something within the French psyche that seems to go awol at times

hey ho - let's get Friday out of the way 1st. need to see if I can stay at home to watch or watch it at the orifice. anyone know if it's being streamed live so I can watch on my PC??

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

19/10/2011 at 13:45

ITV1 were provisionally going to show it so I guess they still will as a home nation is involved. I think you can watch it on their website according to the blurb:

Online

ITV.com/rugbyworldcup will bring you live coverage of every match, and offers you the chance to chat live with fellow fans during all games. The site also features match highlights, exclusive video and the latest news

fat buddha

19/10/2011 at 13:50

cheers for that LN - will watch at my desk then. I see there's also an iPhone app for it as well but won't bother with that

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

19/10/2011 at 13:54

No problem, FB.

We have a big screen at work so we might have that on. One of my managers is a rugby fan so he'll find some way of justifying it