2006-11-11 11:02:37 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Rugby
It only confirms that the ABs are the one truly consistent side in the world. They appear so far ahead of the rest because the others alternate between the sublime and the ridiculous (with the possible exception of Ireland). Teams like the Pumas and Italy have made huge strides, but unfortunately they cannot be considered true contenders for WC honours. However, any of the top 5 teams on the day are capable of beating even the awesome ABs. My vote would still be with the ABs to take it. However, don't underestimate partisan support in France, Ireland have the team and skills, the Aussies are never to be under-estimated (although they are building) and my heart is with the Bokke (when they click as a team, beware...). I'm afraid England have too much ground to make up, but at least they appear to have bottomed out (I think). Anyway, I'm looking forward to some awesome rugby matches!
2006-11-11 22:15:31 · answer #1 · answered by baobabjim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This will be the most one sided world cup ever, the All Blacks will be running away with it. Most of the squad that are in the autumn internationals will still be there next year, The all blacks defence this weekend was amazing, giving the french no time to do anything. England might even be knocked out in the group stages, which would be a shock, but unless things improve dramatically then they will struggle, Scotland, Ireland and Wales are all improving constantly and i expect to see one of them in the semi finals, the boks will flop this time and aussies don't have enough time to rebuild fullly to put up a credible challenge. France will be hurting after the humiliation inflicted on them, they'll recover but I think the semi's is the best they will do.
Personally I want Scotland to win, but the chances are pretty slim.
2006-11-12 16:48:03 · answer #2 · answered by Travellin Bry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
England have no chance they way they looked today and neither did SA, so that group is wide open at the moment!
Scotland played well, but the Romanian defence was crap!
Ireland looked very good and stand a good chance, as do wales, who started with 14 changes from last week. The only regular player on the field today was Duncan Jones, we also have a good few younger players coming up, who are playing very good, so that looks good!
Italy are improving all the time, they did well against the Aussies, but France were poor!
If the Pumas had more competitive games, they could be a threat, but as they only play teams such as Japan and USA, they don't get enough high level of games!
As for NZ, what can you say, they were awesome, as things stand at the moment, they will take some beating!
2006-11-11 19:32:21 · answer #3 · answered by Welshchick 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that any of this will matter. Rugby world cups tend to throw up some shocks. Last time NZ losing to the aussies and France being so poor against England in the semi's. And in previous world cups the likes of the France - all blacks semi when France came back from behind. Anything could happen in a year. Can't wait.
2006-11-13 07:32:54 · answer #4 · answered by Drew1080 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Will it be possible for the new England team to compete in their defence of the Rugby World Cup without a good kicker?
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it virtually impossible to win matches nowadays without picking up points from conversions & penalties?
Charlie Hodgson doesn't seem to do it for me & he is inconsistent every time. Why does Robinson persist with him? Or do you think he's hoping Wilkinson will come back in time to take over for the World Cup like a trump card.
Has he something up his sleeve? Will Hodgson ever come good?
Can't see England getting the right mix before the start of the 2007 cup.
Ireland look good but you are right the All Blacks seem different class.
2006-11-12 04:06:37 · answer #5 · answered by frankobserver 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No team has ever retained the World Cup...and it doesn't look like that will change...England were really poor today.
Ireland looked like a good side today, but playing an unknown South Africa side, it's hard to say how good Ireland are going to be.
Wales...will do well if their players stay injury free...they don't have good enough replacements otherwise.
And New Zealand...unless they choke, like they have several times in the past, they wil win the World Cup.
There is no side to match them for technical skill, raw talent, power, pace and any other facet of the game!
2006-11-11 19:13:18 · answer #6 · answered by Mr Glenn 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It tells us that the northern hemisphere challenge is pretty much over before it has even started. New zealand look mighty even before the World Cup, and are getting up a real head of steam. They will take some beating, and if they play anything like their recent results show, they will take the trophy back south of the equator.....however, we said that in 1999 and look what happened!
2006-11-12 13:03:28 · answer #7 · answered by The Global Geezer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing, in the world cup the teams will be completely different and hopefully in the case of England they will have a new coach who has some idea of forward play
2006-11-12 09:00:31 · answer #8 · answered by Stephen P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That England have no chance in retaining their title
2006-11-12 18:46:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋