Re: Bobs' break down on the world cup chances of the major teams (this is gospel, motherfuckers)

On Mar 19, 8:35 pm, "hamishd" <Hamish.D...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Mar 19, 10:37 am, "grant" <grant.cairncr...@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:



On Mar 18, 10:15 pm, "Bobs" <mcaula...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Only 6 months from the WC now, and we all know that everything in the
rugby world revolves around this fucking tournament. A shame really,
but that's the facts. Anyway, here's my breakdown of the teams

NEW ZEALAND - Clearly the favourites, with a core of superstars and
the rest of the team made up of world class players. Add in their
depth and a dedicated coach, and it's hard to look past this team. But
then again, that's been said before.

Strengths: Everywhere on the park, from 1 to 15 really. But most of
all I think their ability to break out and score from anywhere is the
thing that kills most teams.

Weaknesses: A bit of a monkey on their back, and a huge expectation.

Odds: Clear favourites, and must go in with 50% odds.

FRANCE - Playing at home, and with some potent mongrel forwards, they
wont be just making up the numbers. Expect a strong showing from the
home team, because they wont want to be knocked out in the quarters.

Strenghts: Playing at home of course. Strong forward pack, and
potentially dangerous backs depending on what team turns up.

Weaknesses: If they face the All Blacks, they need to get over their
hero worship. Plus we all know that the french are inconsistant.

Odds: My second team. Home court advantage will mean a lot...ask the
japies in 95. 20% odds

SOUTH AFRICA - Bunch fucking forwards, bunch of granny killing
motherfuckers. The only forward pack to really put any heat on the
ab's in recent times. A pity their backs are a bunch of stodgy
bastards.

Strengths: THeir forward pack will crush most teams, which means they
can play ten man rugby because most other team will be back peddling.

Weakesses: Their forward power will be enough against the likes of
Australia, but not the Frogs or All Blacks. Hopefully they've found a
couple of dashing backs.

Odds: My third team. 15% odds.

IRELAND - Good balanced team, with a devastating midfield and some
excellent locks. They'll push a lot of teams, but wont get to the
final.

Stengths: As above, their backs run excellent angles and they have a
great coach.

Weaknesses: Heinous scrum, but more importantly I think they lack the
x-factor that will get them through to the final 4.

Odds: 5% odds.

AUSTRALIA - Too old, and too overpaid. This team wont be repeating the
2003 showing.

Strenghs: Experience, and some excellent backs. And Australian mental
toughness.

Weaknesses: The worst forward pack in the top 8. They''ll be pushing
for a semi-final spot simply because they;re Australians. But not this
time.

Odds: 5% odds.

The likes of England, Wales, Argentina, Scotland etc are long shots.
England might even sneak into a semi if they're really cunning, but no
further. 5% odds for one of these at best.

Expected semis.

NZ v Australia
France v South Africa

Final

NZ v France

I largely agree Bobs - except in 1 crucial aspect.

I think the Irish will top Australia in a 1/4 final and go onto a
semi.

Unfortunately for Ireland (and possibly the AB's) the loser of the
Ireland France pool game will face the ABs in the 1/4s

You are 100% spot-on Hamish.

I just got my copy of the RWC07 draw out & see that it is extremely
likely that NZ will play one of Ireland, France or Argentina in the
1/4's. Which again shows just how much influence the draw has in the
RWC final result given both France & Ireland would be rated in the top
5 nations at the moment & Argentina wouldn't be far out of the 5
either.

So, a luck with the draw Wallaby side just may well make the semis on
that basis. The way Oz teams are playing in the S14 at the moment
suggests that, on current form, they would be most unlikely to beat
either of Ireland or France in the NH.

Cheers,

Grant.
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