grievous
Charlie Fox (21)
Going Home
Namibia
Ahh poor Namibia, truely holding the amateur candle after 4 pro tournaments. Its not all their fault, small population, lack of games against their peers, no money. Hoped they didnt make this WC to see if a Tunisia or a Morrocco would offer any else. The IRB need to get Africa sorted there are alot of countries playing now but at a very basic level and SA have to chip in a much bigger way than they are, Namibia do have some talented players, the 5/8 looks like he has a big future. Anyway, they have asked the IRB for help, lets see if they listen.
Canada
Accounted well today against the ABs but really, they should be trying to end the 80 pointers against them, they have been around long enough. Had a win and a draw they wouldnt be pleased with but did come back, need more pro players and sort their domestic comps.
USA
As above really, more solid squad with few pro players and got a win but still struggle in the set piece. Waiting for the potential we keep hearing about, maybe more gridiron athletes cross over, junior numbers are doing well and growing
Japan
Still no win but some great tries scored and a draw as they had in 03. Kirwan has done well in difficult circumstances but they are hosts in two WCs they need to be able to win games in this arena. Game still has a tiny profile at home, is this going to blow up in the IRB's faces? Have to learn to survive without palefaces.
Russia
Great debut. Big potential, have a pro league going, need more big games and provincial/club contact with the west of europe, this will help their technical flaws, nice to see a eastern european team that has backs that score tries. Dont see any team that can replace them for Eng in 2015.
Romania
No wins but some strong games, scrum as good as any, just dont have 80min in them, need some support from the IRB and big teams to play them in Bucharest as they do with Italy with their best players.
Georgia
Was expecting a bit more against Eng and Argentina, still offer nothing in the backs but a WC stalwart now.
Fiji
Isa lei Fiji, so disappointing after 07. FRU is holding the game back with infighting, poverty and corruption, a PI problem at the moment sadly. Another IRB headache but the new Pacific Rim tournament might helptheir cause
Samoa
They really let thier chances slip, Wales and SA were both beatable by them, some bad calls went their way, the after bitching is just not rugby despite them having a point on a couple of things
Tonga
Usually the poor relation of the 3 PIs but not this time, strong performance against NZ and then that win against France. But its the same PI theme, nothing between WCs because they cant get their players back from clubs then they just miss out in the WC, Tonga deserve to be in the quarters.
Italy
Still not there, its slowly slowly, maybe more 6nations consintency and grow a 5/8, demolished tonight against Ireland
Scotland
Always seems to have someone in their way, it was Argentina again. Got stuck in the classic NH penalty battle last night and couldnt cross the line, Eng did so they deserve to go on. Young squad, could do things in 4 years
Finalists
Eng
Mmmmm...we have seen this before, lackluster pool rounds then shazam, they are in a final. Doubt they have what it takes to win but could definately crawl into a final, Wilko is finding his target, he is still crucial 8 years after that awful night .
Wales
Could have their best WC ever but Ireland will be a test, good outside backs and back 3.
Ireland
Their performances have got better each game, building well, have the old heads. Can fall in a heap for no apparent reason but Im not seeing it, they should get to the semis at least
France
What on earth is going on? Its easy to say Eng should walk this but only a fool writes off the French. Are we turning into the French?????
Argentina
Led by their maestro, Kelly Slater look a like, Contepomi needs to find the target or they will be gone, can get over the try line but against the ABs you would think they have come as far as they can and thats not unexpected with their form of the last 4 years
SA
Wales & Samoa showed they can be beat but with a really good game plan, they will miss Steyne but their back row has to be stopped. It will be a very tough match. They can go all the way if they get some luck with the best they can play
NZ
So..Carter out and McCaw not looking 100%. The only things that have brought other teams into the race. Very beatable now but still incredibly hard at home at Eden park but they dont have the points machine of Carter now.
Australia
Want to feel confident but struggling, still havent had our finalsed side play because Barnes has to come in. OC is kicking better, Quade still worries me thats why Barnes is good as he talks and calms those around him, scrum just has to perform...not even dominate just not give away 3 points in front of the points, they have to be able to change a gameplan(that means have at least 2). They beat the Boks this year, they need to sit down and talk about that game, no point talking beyond this game as there is no rugby if we lose.
Namibia
Ahh poor Namibia, truely holding the amateur candle after 4 pro tournaments. Its not all their fault, small population, lack of games against their peers, no money. Hoped they didnt make this WC to see if a Tunisia or a Morrocco would offer any else. The IRB need to get Africa sorted there are alot of countries playing now but at a very basic level and SA have to chip in a much bigger way than they are, Namibia do have some talented players, the 5/8 looks like he has a big future. Anyway, they have asked the IRB for help, lets see if they listen.
Canada
Accounted well today against the ABs but really, they should be trying to end the 80 pointers against them, they have been around long enough. Had a win and a draw they wouldnt be pleased with but did come back, need more pro players and sort their domestic comps.
USA
As above really, more solid squad with few pro players and got a win but still struggle in the set piece. Waiting for the potential we keep hearing about, maybe more gridiron athletes cross over, junior numbers are doing well and growing
Japan
Still no win but some great tries scored and a draw as they had in 03. Kirwan has done well in difficult circumstances but they are hosts in two WCs they need to be able to win games in this arena. Game still has a tiny profile at home, is this going to blow up in the IRB's faces? Have to learn to survive without palefaces.
Russia
Great debut. Big potential, have a pro league going, need more big games and provincial/club contact with the west of europe, this will help their technical flaws, nice to see a eastern european team that has backs that score tries. Dont see any team that can replace them for Eng in 2015.
Romania
No wins but some strong games, scrum as good as any, just dont have 80min in them, need some support from the IRB and big teams to play them in Bucharest as they do with Italy with their best players.
Georgia
Was expecting a bit more against Eng and Argentina, still offer nothing in the backs but a WC stalwart now.
Fiji
Isa lei Fiji, so disappointing after 07. FRU is holding the game back with infighting, poverty and corruption, a PI problem at the moment sadly. Another IRB headache but the new Pacific Rim tournament might helptheir cause
Samoa
They really let thier chances slip, Wales and SA were both beatable by them, some bad calls went their way, the after bitching is just not rugby despite them having a point on a couple of things
Tonga
Usually the poor relation of the 3 PIs but not this time, strong performance against NZ and then that win against France. But its the same PI theme, nothing between WCs because they cant get their players back from clubs then they just miss out in the WC, Tonga deserve to be in the quarters.
Italy
Still not there, its slowly slowly, maybe more 6nations consintency and grow a 5/8, demolished tonight against Ireland
Scotland
Always seems to have someone in their way, it was Argentina again. Got stuck in the classic NH penalty battle last night and couldnt cross the line, Eng did so they deserve to go on. Young squad, could do things in 4 years
Finalists
Eng
Mmmmm...we have seen this before, lackluster pool rounds then shazam, they are in a final. Doubt they have what it takes to win but could definately crawl into a final, Wilko is finding his target, he is still crucial 8 years after that awful night .
Wales
Could have their best WC ever but Ireland will be a test, good outside backs and back 3.
Ireland
Their performances have got better each game, building well, have the old heads. Can fall in a heap for no apparent reason but Im not seeing it, they should get to the semis at least
France
What on earth is going on? Its easy to say Eng should walk this but only a fool writes off the French. Are we turning into the French?????
Argentina
Led by their maestro, Kelly Slater look a like, Contepomi needs to find the target or they will be gone, can get over the try line but against the ABs you would think they have come as far as they can and thats not unexpected with their form of the last 4 years
SA
Wales & Samoa showed they can be beat but with a really good game plan, they will miss Steyne but their back row has to be stopped. It will be a very tough match. They can go all the way if they get some luck with the best they can play
NZ
So..Carter out and McCaw not looking 100%. The only things that have brought other teams into the race. Very beatable now but still incredibly hard at home at Eden park but they dont have the points machine of Carter now.
Australia
Want to feel confident but struggling, still havent had our finalsed side play because Barnes has to come in. OC is kicking better, Quade still worries me thats why Barnes is good as he talks and calms those around him, scrum just has to perform...not even dominate just not give away 3 points in front of the points, they have to be able to change a gameplan(that means have at least 2). They beat the Boks this year, they need to sit down and talk about that game, no point talking beyond this game as there is no rugby if we lose.
