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[phisheep]

Well, here we go folks. Here's where our Six Nations regulars join up with the rest of Rugby-GAF for six weeks of tantalising, thunderous, error-strewn, exquisite and probably pretty wet Rugby Union.

Official site here.

Pools and Teams

(pre-tournament world rankings in brackets. By some fluke all and only the top 20-ranked teams are in the finals.)

Pool A: Australia(2), England(4), Wales(5), Fiji(9), Uruguay(19) - there's always a "pool of death" and this is it

Pool B: South Africa(3), Samoa(12), Japan(13), Scotland(10), USA(15) - expect a very tight tussle for second place

Pool C: New Zealand(1), Argentina(8), Tonga(11), Georgia(16), Namibia(20)

Pool D: France(7), Ireland(6), Italy(14), Canada(18), Romania(17)

Where to watch it

Well, obviously at the match if you can, or at a convenient rugby-friendly pub. But failing that, there's a useful-looking list of broadcasters here.

In Wales all matches are on ITV - in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland some are on ITV and some on ITV4. All matches livestream on ITVplayer.

Pre-tournament betting

New Zealand 13/10, England 9/2, South Africa 13/2, Australia 9/1, Ireland 39/4 (from oddschecker 15 Sept)

NeoGAF Allegiances

This is bound to get all partisan from time to time, so here's a handy list of who supports whom (so you know which kind of argument you are getting into!). Let me know if you want to be added or to switch allegiances after your team gets knocked out - or if I got you wrong. Wonder if we can get at least one of each ...

Argentina -
Australia - chicko1983, PhantomZone, bobnowhere, FaceTurn, Dynamite Shikoku, HolyCheck, Becminion
Canada - Dr Campino, Hieberrr, master15
England - Google, Nothus, FortuneFaded(?), Any Questions, jufonuk, CyclopsRock, LTWheels, Crab(?), Showaddy, ghostlight_ross
Fiji -
France - itchyass86, BaronLundi, Alx, jufonuk's wife, Cucurbitacée, Kuntz, Kurtofan
Georgia -
Ireland - Clegg, DottyHead, Hank Scorpio, Macadinho94, TetraxShards, derdriu, Griss, kharma45, RoryT, operon, SoundLad
Italy -
Japan -
Namibia -
New Zealand - BanGy.nz, LiquidSolid, KingSnake (by proxy), Lach, SamualDude, catfish, feezel, PrawnyNZ, Arondight, Dazza, Random17, Griffer, KiwiLannister
Romania - KingSnake (by proxy)
Samoa -
Scotland - weekev, CCS, affleck1981
South Africa - Ganzlinger (by proxy), ninjabat, Macadinho94, Rayven_king
Tonga -
Uruguay - X05
USA - ISWThunder, BigGreenMat, Talonz, Hunter S.
Wales - phisheep, omikaru, EdwardTivrusky, Succinct Verbosity, Acheteedo, Musha_Soturi, SHarris78, JP

unidentified so far - Zero2kz, Trevelyon, Goodlife (Wales?), boingball (NZ?), The Second Spitter, kmag, FDC1, mastadon (Eng?), pulsemyne, Yen, Humidex, LabouredSubterfuge (Eng?), Ruruja, D4Danger, Mindwipe, Niven (Wales?), danthefan

Matches

Dates and times are UK local. If watching from overseas, note that daylight saving here ends on Sunday 25th October (going from BST to GMT) so take care to check times where you are.

Fri 18 Sep 20:00 - A – England (35) v (11) Fiji
- Fiji crossed twice in 2 minutes, England were turned over 11 times, so naturally England won with a bonus point

Sat 19 Sep 12:00 – C – Tonga (10) v (17) Georgia
- Blood and thunder in the middle of the park. Georgia took their chances, Tonga didn't.
Sat 19 Sep 14:30 – D – Ireland (50) v (7) Canada
- a seven-try steamroller that show up the massive gulf between tier one and the rest which makes the world cup boring and predictable ...
Sat 19 Sep 16:45 – B – South Africa (32) v (34) Japan
- ... followed by a demonstration that with guts and determination and belief that gulf is entirely imaginary. GO JAPAN! Wow!
Sat 19 Sep 20:00 – D – France (32) v (10) Italy
- the natural order restored. Competent display by France against injury-hit and somewhat ragged Italy.

Sun 20 Sep 12:00 – B – Samoa (25) v (16) USA - lacklustre game throughout
Sun 20 Sep 14:30 – A – Wales (54) v (9) Uruguay
- good Uruguay defence and Welsh errors kept the scoreline down. Welsh injuries worrying.
Sun 20 Sep 16:45 – C – New Zealand (26) v (16) Argentina
- super contest, a masterclass in attack and defence covering every aspect of the game. Excellent refereeing too.

Wed 23 Sep - 14:30 - B - Scotland (45) v (10) Japan
- nothing in it at half time, then Scotland went wild
Wed 23 Sep - 17:00 - A - Australia (28) v (13) Fiji
- dominant start from Australia, though Fiji pushed back after about 50 mins. No bonus point here. Lots of Pocock.
Wed 23 Sep - 20:00 - D - France (38) v (11) Romania
- slow, erratic start for France. Pulled away after a yellow card for the opposition. Can they do it against 15 players? Don't know.

Thu 24 Sep - 20:00 - C - New Zealand (58) v (14) Namibia
- well, that went about as expected

Fri 25 Sep - 17:00 - C - Argentina (54) v (9) Georgia
- Gorgodze in the sin bin = 21 points and game over.

Sat 26 Sep - 14:30 - D - Italy (23) v (18) Canada
- super game to watch for neutrals. Minutes 14-17 played out in real time like a highlights clip of any other match.
Sat 26 Sep - 17:00 - B - South Africa (46) v (6) Samoa
- SA back to their brutal best. Something must be done about those driving mauls, because Samoa didn't do it. Williams is nippy though.
Sat 26 Sep - 20:00 - A - England (25) v (28) Wales
- "Twickenham Stadium annihilated by giant fucking dragon"

Sun 27 Sep - 12:00 - A - Australia (65) v (3) Uruguay
- bit of a walkover that
Sun 27 Sep - 14:30 - B - Scotland (39) v (16) USA
- USA ahead at half time with some impressive play - after which Scotland woke up a bit
Sun 27 Sep - 17:00 - D - Ireland (44) v (10) Romania
- except for a late consolation try this was all Ireland (and a very good Ireland). Romanians probably knackered with all that tackling.

Tue 29 Sep - 17:00 - C - Tonga (35) v (21) Namibia
- good entertaining match, thrills and spills and neat attacks. Could easily have gone the other way.

Thu 01 Oct - 16:45 - A - Wales (23) v (13) Fiji
- all-action non-stop stuff. Fiji dominant in scrum and open play, couple of Welsh breaks scraped them through. Heart-in-mouth time.
Thu 01 Oct - 20:00 - D - France (41) v (18) Canada
- 17-12 and two tries apiece after 20 minutes, and Canada kept running and never gave up. A gem of a game despite the scoreline.

Fri 02 Oct - 20:00 - C - New Zealand (43) v (10) Georgia
- It may have been 43-10, but NZ playing like a rusty chainsaw rather than a scalpel. Best bit Georgia pulling level after 6 mins.

Sat 03 Oct - 14:30 - B - Samoa (5) v (26) Japan
- Samoa indisciplined. Japan rampant in first half and protective in second. Puts them second in the table.
Sat 03 Oct - 17:00 - B - South Africa (34) v (16) Scotland
- all rather too much for Scotland. Except for one wild breakaway try they were never in it.
Sat 03 Oct - 20:00 - A - England (13) v (33) Australia
- in the Pool of Death there is always a ritual slaughter, this was it and comprehensively.

Sun 04 Oct - 14:30 - C - Argentina (45) v (16) Tonga
- big rumbustious game, brave display by Tonga but Argentina ruled it
Sun 04 Oct - 17:00 - D - Ireland (16) v (9) Italy
- surprisingly off-colour display by Ireland. Not yet looking like world-beaters. Italy missed Parisse when he went off.

Tue 06 Oct - 17:00 - D - Canada (15) v (17) Romania
- Canada were cruising home at 15-0 then spectacular comeback from Romania.
Tue 06 Oct - 20:00 - A - Fiji (47) v (15) Uruguay
- Uruguay brave (2 tries and good inventive play) but foolhardy (2 penalty tries against, 2 yellows). Fiji awesome. Also fighting.

Wed 07 Oct - 17:00 - B - South Africa (64) v (0) USA
- USA got a proper second-half stomping
Wed 07 Oct - 20:00 - C - Namibia (16) v (17) Georgia
- A tense thriller this one, right down to the wire.

Fri 09 Oct - 20:00 - C - New Zealand (47) v (9) Tonga
- second half tryfest following tighter-than expected first half. Tonga so nearly got there on 40 minutes with wonderful maul.

Sat 10 Oct - 14:30 - B - Samoa (33) v (36) Scotland
- totally nailbiting game for both sides, all go-go-go and never more than a score in it. Great for neutrals if any.
Sat 10 Oct - 17:00 - A - Australia (15) v (6) Wales
- a game of heroic defence. Australia didn't cross the line once. Wales did three times, but every time held up, even with AU down to 13.
Sat 10 Oct - 20:00 - A - England (60) v (3) Uruguay
- ... in which we learned that England's best centre combination is definitely anyone but Barritt and Burgess, which we knew all along


Sun 11 Oct - 12:00 - C - Argentina (64) v (19) Namibia
- hugely entertaining game all round despite the scoreline. Super 81st minute finishing try from Namibia plus ceremonial failed conversion.
Sun 11 Oct - 14:30 - D - Italy (32) v (22) Romania
- Was all Italy to start with, then the final whistle came 15 minutes too early for Romania's comeback. Italy automatically qualify for Japan 2019
Sun 11 Oct - 17:00 - D - France (9) v (24) Ireland
- Tense old tussle all the way through. Ireland bossed turnovers and set piece and open play, but also lost 3 players injured.
Sun 11 Oct - 20:00 - B - USA (18) v (28) Japan
- a fitting end to the pool stages. Thoroughly enjoyable lively atmospheric match played for pride.

Sat 17 Oct - 16:00 - QF1 - South Africa (23) v (19) Wales
- tremendous game, no quarter given. Late du Preez try took it.
Sat 17 Oct - 20:00 - QF2 - New Zealand (62) v (13) France
- a great team smashing through a poor one. Exult in NZ, weep for France.

Sun 18 Oct - 13:00 QF3 - Ireland (20) v (43) Argentina
- Breathe in. From min 20 to min 45 Ireland pulled back from 0-17 down to 17-20. Breathe out again.
Sun 18 Oct - 16:00 QF4 - Australia (35) v (34) Scotland
- a driving, compelling both-way spectacle of a match. Heartbreaking end for Scotland, Aus challenged to the limit.

Sat 24 Oct - 16:00 - SF1 - South Africa (18) v (20) New Zealand
- A proper match, with rain and everything. NZ gave away penalties like candy in first half, big old tussle in second. One yellow card each.

=== HERE ENDETH British Summer Time ===

Sun 25 Oct - 16:00 - SF2 - Argentina (15) v (29) Australia
- Australian tries v Argentine penalties, but a lot closer than the scoreboard says

Fri 30 Oct - 20:00 - 3rd place playoff - South Africa (24) v (13) Argentina
- a spirited game, but SA just too much especially in defence

Sat 31 Oct - 16:00 - FINAL - New Zealand (34) v (17) Australia
- New Zealand are out of sight. Oh no they're not. Ooh it's tight, then Carter and Barrett nail the coffin shut

New to Rugby?

There's a newbies guide here - though it is quite a lot to digest.

So here's a trimmed-down guide:

Rugby is a very simple game with some rather intricate rules. The simple bit is there are 15 players a side and three ways of scoring -
(1) a try - worth 5 points - by putting the ball down over the opponents goal line (optionally followed by a conversion, worth an extra 2 points, by place kicking the ball over the crossbar)
(2) a drop goal - worth 3 points - by drop-kicking the ball over the crossbar. Any player can do this at any time, but it is not as easy as it sounds
(3) a penalty kick - worth 3 points - a place-kick over the crossbar following an infringement by the other team, taken (usually) where the infringement happened

At any time, any player who is in front of the ball-carrier or kicker is offside and out of the game. So, no forward passing. And there's no blocking and no tackling except the ball-carrier.

And that is basically it. Everything else is fiddly little rules and restarts and so on, which you'll pick up as you watch. Simple game.

 

[Dr Campino]

Might try to catch some of the matches, sucks with the time difference though. Either way, go Canada and ABs!

 

[ISWThunder]

Not that they'll make any real noise, but the USA Eagles seem to be peaking right now. They have found a competent flyhalf in MacGinty that can get the team in a successful pattern and is strong from the tee.

In the past, if they lost a guy of LaValla's skill set, they'd be devastated. This year, they actually have some horses, like Durutalo and Barrett that can step in and be productive in the back row alongside Manoa.

They still run a very basic offense and are nowhere close to the tier one programs, but they are a physical group and they'll be quite fun to watch, especially against Japan and Samoa.

 

[Clegg]

Here for the New Zealand choke; they do it every World Cup. Even did it in the one they won.

 

[Zero2kz]

I personally just started playing Rugby about a month ago and had the opportunity to purchase tickets to go to the UK with my team to see some games.Unfortunately couldn't comfortably afford it. I'm bummed.

 

[Trevelyon]

Why is England as the host nation being so underplayed?

 

[Ganzlinger]

Since my country never qualifies, let's go boks!

 

[phisheep]

Why is England as the host nation being so underplayed?

They've had a pretty woeful run of form in the Six Nations, winning only once since 2003. For a country with so many resources that isn't good. Plus, it's a very difficult group they are in.

 

[Omikaru]

I don't fancy Wales' chances in escaping the group stage thanks to injuries. Beyond that I'm pretty much following New Zealand and Ireland in this tournament, on the expectation that Wales isn't going to get farther. If they do (and that means against all odds England are out of their own tournament), then party on!

 

[EdwardTivrusky]

To my shame i only really follow Rugby around the big tournaments but i do get fully into it and there's a few ex-forces guys at work that love it so there's always some great banter going around the office.
How are Wales looking with the recent injuries? I know we were strong in the run-up to the tournament but we're looking a bit fragile from the few articles i've admittedly skim-read only.

 

[Google]

Why is England as the host nation being so underplayed?

Where are they being underplayed? If England fail to win their group and make it to the final it will be seen as failure. For the past couple of World Cup's we've not had any real chance of winning and made one final and got further than we should have last time (with that team...)

We beat Ireland a couple of weeks ago pretty convincingly and come in off some good performances. We just need to find a couple of good patterns at 9 and 10 and we'll do well.

They've had a pretty woeful run of form in the Six Nations, winning only once since 2003. For a country with so many resources that isn't good. Plus, it's a very difficult group they are in.

I'm not sure the Six Nation's form really counts. It's such a weird competition and it's incredibly competitive. I'd argue that Wales in the Six Nations (in Cardiff) is a much tougher proposition than Wales at home in the World Cup group game.

 

[phisheep]

How are Wales looking with the recent injuries? I know we were strong in the run-up to the tournament but we're looking a bit fragile from the few articles i've admittedly skim-read only.

Halfpenny of course is a huge loss - mostly for his kicking. Williams probably a better attacking fullback but well short of match practice because of injury. Front row is a bit below par. On the other hand Tipuric is probably the best he has ever been.

 

[Goodlife]

Halfpenny of course is a huge loss - mostly for his kicking. Williams probably a better attacking fullback but well short of match practice because of injury. Front row is a bit below par. On the other hand Tipuric is probably the best he has ever been.

Wouldn't be surprised if we saw him in the back line before the tournament ends

 

[itchyass86]

Can't wait for the first match - England vs Fiji can't come soon enough. I'll be rooting for France as always though.

 

[Nothus]

Definitely going to make sure I watch all of the south sea island nations - those guys play the most entertaining rugby imo.

Obviously will watch England's games - hoping rugby league convert Sam Burgess tears it up.

Also looking forward to seeing another rugby league convert Israel Folau in the Australian side.

 

[X05]

Not much of a rugby fan, but since we actually made it I'll watch our matches at least

Spoiler

we are so fucked, group of death indeed

 

[phisheep]

Not much of a rugby fan, but since we actually made it I'll watch our matches at least

Spoiler

we are so fucked, group of death indeed

Yeah, that's kind of a sucky group for you to end up in. Good luck - may the best team win and all that, but also may the not-best teams give us some memorable matches and moments. I'll be watching with interest, as I have absolutely no idea how you guys play.

 

[DottyHead]

Waiting for this one. Come on Ireland do it for Paul.

 

[weekev]

Come on Scotland!

Spoiler

at least get out the group

 

[TheSecondSpitter]

They should just play
Aus vs Eng
Eng vs Wales
Wales v. Aus

Skip the rest of the pool matches and go straight to the knock phase.

Picks:
A: WAL, ENG
B: RSA, SCO
C: NZ, ARG
D: IRL, FRA

QF:
WAL v SCO: WAL
RSA v ENG: RSA
NZ v FRA: NZ
IRL v ARG: IRL

SF:
WAL v RSA: WAL
NZ v IRL: NZ

F:
WAL v NZ: WAL.

 

[phisheep]

They should just play
Aus vs Eng
Eng vs Wales
Wales v. Aus

Skip the rest of the pool matches and go straight to the knock phase.

I don't think it is quite that simple. There'll be a real tussle for second place in pool B, and possibly in C, and while pool D looks predetermined we've no idea which order it will finish in. And besides, Italy have beaten both France and Ireland in the last two years.

Shall I put you down as Welsh?

 

[boingball]

Well, the group stage should be no problem for the All Blacks. I expect them to lose in the SF against France who then will lose the final against SA, Oz or England (don't have an idea who will survive that side of the bracket yet).

 

[CCS]

Come on Scotland!!!

 

[TheSecondSpitter]

I don't think it is quite that simple. There'll be a real tussle for second place in pool B, and possibly in C, and while pool D looks predetermined we've no idea which order it will finish in. And besides, Italy have beaten both France and Ireland in the last two years.

Shall I put you down as Welsh?

Not Welsh.

 

[Hank Scorpio]

Up for Ireland.

Hoping for some upsets during the group stages so it's not completely predictable.

 

[BigGreenMat]

Wish I was going but it isn't in the cards. Played high level in the states but have no illusions about our chances. Will probably root for Ireland.

 

[Macadinho94]

Lets go Ireland! Hopefully Healy is raring to go (We'll need him) and god based Schmidt has something up his back pocket.

 

[Arondight]

NZ seem to have it easier that the rest. lol at A.

 

[chicko1983]

NZ seem to have it easier that the rest. lol at A.

It makes it even sweeter when they choke!

Aussie here. We were the first team to win it twice, and well surprise a few to be the first team to win it three times!

Cmon Aussies, cmon wallabies!

 

[PhantomZone]

Lets go Australia!

 

[BanGy.nz]

Wish New Zealand had a stronger pool, I'd give anything to be in the pool of death instead of the Wallaibies.

 

[LiquidSolid]

NZ seem to have it easier that the rest. lol at A.

A competitive group stage is actually an advantage, cause it gets teams battle hardened for the knockout stages. It's one of the disadvantages of consistently being the number 1 ranked team in the world, you usually get the easiest pool.

I'm not too confident about our chances. I'm sure a number of obnoxious people will try to rub the "choke" bullshit in our faces if we lose, even though we got that monkey off our back 4 years ago and one or two losses per season isn't unusual at all for us but whatever.

Things going against us is that we're missing our first choice 10 (Cruden), our game plan seems pretty poor at times (particularly around the breakdown) and a few of the guys are in pretty poor form. Read in particular went from being one of the best players on the planet a couple of years ago to being pretty average, just seems like he's gotten really hesitant ever since he had some concussion problems early last year. And Savea got fat over the last 6 months.

Still, Big Bad Brodie Retallick is an absolute beast. Aaron Smith is the best halfback to put on a black jersey in a long, long time. Nonu's in the form of his life. Milner-Skudder is an absolute find. DC isn't the player he was 10 years ago and Cruden overtook him but he's still class. McCaw's still an incredible player and leader. And this is an AB team that knows how to win (as shown in the 2011 final, Ireland in 2013 and a few other times when they've closed out close wins). Go ABs.

As for the rest of the pools, Pool A should be a fun watch. Wales probably won't make it, not with the injuries they've picked up recently, but the idea of Australia or England missing out on the quarters is fun. I'm backing Ireland to win Pool D because France are the most inconsistent team in the world and are bound to screw up at least once in that pool. And I think Samoa should take second place in Pool B, though this Samoan team doesn't look quite as good as the one from a couple years ago.

Oh and we really need a Rugby OT. It's ridiculous that there's a Six Nations OT but nothing for the Rugby Championship, Super 15 or any of the other comps/tours. If no-one else is willing to make one, I guess I can.

 

[KingSnake]

I'm joining this. I actually wanted to go for a weekend to see a game or two, but I didn't really find a good schedule combined with the remaining tickets and my work schedule, so I'll watch it in front of the TV. Nice too see Eurosport transmitting this even in Austria.

As for my favorite teams: New Zealand and Romania (although it doesn't have any chance).

 

[Talonz]

$200 to stream the Rugby World Cup in the US. Get bent NBC.

 

[TetraxShards]

Put me down for Ireland. Really hope we do ourselves justice.

 

[Hunter S.]

These times are horrible in the US. I hate when tournaments and the olympics are in Europe. Boo!

 

[Hieberrr]

FUCK YEAH, CANADA!

 

[ninjabat]

Not really feeling the older players in the squad. However win or lose, I'm 100% behind the boks!

 

[affleck1981]

Another for Scotland here! As usual, I've got that feeling of hope that will probably be smashed in the first few minutes after we start playing.,,

Still, love the World Cup - hope there's some great matches!

 

[Lach]

First contact with Rugby was arriving in New Zealand overtired after an 18 hour journey and being forced by my host family to watch All Blacks vs. Springboks for some tri nations game.

So yeah put be down for the All Blacks...

 

[SamualDude]

Gotta support my home team! Go All Blacks!

 

[Random17]

Looking forward for some revenge for the CWC... no choke this time please.

 

[Deleted member 1235]

add me to NZ!

aww yeah. I've got tickets to the quarter final in cardiff. unfortunately as a Kiwi supporter, this is highly likely going to be NZ vs France (possibly ireland). However if it's a NZ/France Quarter final.... this is our traditional bogey team and early exit from the World cup. hearts will be in mouths the entire game.

Put me down for Ireland. Really hope we do ourselves justice.

If NZ shits the bed, I'm throwing in with the Irish, you guys are earning it currently. May you die a fiery death if you somehow come up against us in the Quarter, but best of luck till you meet us

 

[FortuneFaded]

England got this.

 

[Any Questions]

Gonna be glorious. Am hoping for quality games, fair refs and sensible decisions and from England I want to see clean games and no penalties. The errors recently have cost us games.

If we play clean and well you never know!

 

[phisheep]

I've tried to slot everyone into the OT list, let me know if I got anything wrong.

Oh and we really need a Rugby OT. It's ridiculous that there's a Six Nations OT but nothing for the Rugby Championship, Super 15 or any of the other comps/tours. If no-one else is willing to make one, I guess I can.

We do. I've always been reluctant to create one being as I know bugger all about rugby outside of Wales - but happy to give it a go if you'd like me to. I'll need a bunch of help from others though.

I'd aim to get it up for 1st November, day after the World Cup ends.

 

[feezel]

Another All Blacks supporter here. Can't wait for it all to start, but there's going to be some sleepless nights.

If we don't win I'm hoping to see a new champion. Ireland or Wales would get my support if we're knocked out.

 

[BaronLundi]

Thanks the OT Phisheep! Looking forward to watching this world cup with nothing at stake as a supporter.

<_<

>_>

 

[CCS]

I've tried to slot everyone into the OT list, let me know if I got anything wrong.



We do. I've always been reluctant to create one being as I know bugger all about rugby outside of Wales - but happy to give it a go if you'd like me to. I'll need a bunch of help from others though.

I'd aim to get it up for 1st November, day after the World Cup ends.

If you want to do it, I've made a rugby thread on another forum before so I'd be happy to help out

OT, who else is going to matches and what are you seeing?

 

[phisheep]

Thanks the OT Phisheep! Looking forward to watching this world cup with nothing at stake as a supporter.

<_<

>_>

Sorry Baron, you have been rumbled. Still, it is probably wise not to stake anything ..