Rugby World Cup!

[illithid]

The old foe...

Four more years

A lot of history... but is it water off a ducks back? water under the bridge? or water into wine?

Let's hope McCaw kicks a penalty in the dying seconds ala John Eales for the win...

[Kasmir]

I should have taken a bet as I said Aus/NZ final to anyone interested from the start. Not much of a prediction though I guess.

Despite the fact that the all blacks have cruised most games apart from maybe against the pumas, I would go for a Wallaby win by 5. Australia have had their bad game...

Would have been a travesty if NZ had lost against SA. That's the most convincing 2 point margin victory ever .

[DM Pun Pun]

This Rugby finals is such a big deal its going to be nationally televised in America.


Yes, we don't televise rugby here often on national television.

[Tsidkenu]

And my prediction for the final:

New Zealand by 6.

I just don't see how Australia, despite NZ's glaring world cup history, can beat their current side. I will be waking up at 3am tomorrow to watch it though, and I'll jump through the ceiling if the Wallabies actually manage to pull of a miracle win.

[illithid]

Optimistically I'm going to say 36-19 given the forecast is good for running rugby.

If the Wallabies can disrupt and slow the ball down for the first hour, then it might get real close as pressure mounts and become a case of discipline and penalties; but if they let the All Blacks find their rhythm early on, I think they'll be on a slippery slope to disaster.

[Tsidkenu]

My thoughts exactly, if the Kiwis do what they did in the Bledisloe cup!

[Tsidkenu]

NZ 34 def. AUS 17.

Well played New Zealand! A strong, well disciplined performance, and deserved World Cup victors.

Optimistically I'm going to say 36-19...

Almost hit that nail on the head!

[illithid]

Got a little nervy there. Everyone started to look tired at 60 mins, which shows how brutal it must have been in the middle, and though AUS got two tries the AB's probably always had more tricks up their sleeve than the Wallaby's. It will be interesting to see where Cheika takes this team though, they certainly look revitalised under him, and the culture seems a lot better, from the outside at least. Japan 2019 may see a strong Aus challenge, against a completely different looking All Black team.

McCaw (148), Carter (112), Nonu (102), Smith (94), Mealamu (132), Woodcock (118) - 706 international caps - Go have a well deserved beer