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| Dere 'mlaen Cymru!.............. ........until the quarter finals at least (Pic : Guardian) |
The Rugby World Cup kicks off tomorrow, with all the home nations involved of course. I'm not much of a rugby fan to be frank - I'm more into football - but I believe I know just enough about the sport to make a prediction on the outcome.
The kick off times might be a bit inconvenient for the large European and African audiences, but the Antipodeans have had to deal with that every time the tournament has been hosted in the north - fair's fair.
Only five nations are realistic contenders for the trophy : New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England and France. Many believe this World Cup is New Zealand's to lose. Call me lazy if you want, but I can go along with that.
A best case scenario for Wales and Ireland are kind draws in the quarter finals (depending on their results in their respective pools) that might open the door to the semi's or even the final itself but that's a long shot. Whether Scotland can get that far depends on their result against Argentina.
This Welsh side appear to be the best prepared ever for a World Cup. I think they can and will exorcise some Oceanian demons this time around....touch wood.
Pool A
New Zealand
France
==========
Tonga
-----------------
Japan
Canada
Pool B
England
Argentina
==========
Scotland
------------------
Georgia
Romania
Pool C
Australia
Ireland
===========
Italy
------------------
United States
Russia
Pool D
South Africa
Wales
===========
Fiji
----------------
Samoa
Namibia
Quarter Finals (winners in bold)
Australia v Wales
England v France
South Africa v Ireland
New Zealand v Argentina
Semi Finals
Australia v England
South Africa v New Zealand
Third Place Game
England v South Africa
Final
New Zealand v Australia
The kick off times might be a bit inconvenient for the large European and African audiences, but the Antipodeans have had to deal with that every time the tournament has been hosted in the north - fair's fair.
Only five nations are realistic contenders for the trophy : New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England and France. Many believe this World Cup is New Zealand's to lose. Call me lazy if you want, but I can go along with that.
A best case scenario for Wales and Ireland are kind draws in the quarter finals (depending on their results in their respective pools) that might open the door to the semi's or even the final itself but that's a long shot. Whether Scotland can get that far depends on their result against Argentina.
This Welsh side appear to be the best prepared ever for a World Cup. I think they can and will exorcise some Oceanian demons this time around....touch wood.
Pool A
New Zealand
France
==========
Tonga
-----------------
Japan
Canada
Pool B
England
Argentina
==========
Scotland
------------------
Georgia
Romania
Pool C
Australia
Ireland
===========
Italy
------------------
United States
Russia
Pool D
South Africa
Wales
===========
Fiji
----------------
Samoa
Namibia
Quarter Finals (winners in bold)
Australia v Wales
England v France
South Africa v Ireland
New Zealand v Argentina
Semi Finals
Australia v England
South Africa v New Zealand
Third Place Game
England v South Africa
Final
New Zealand v Australia
I think you've got it about right . However France have always been New Zealand's bogey team so its just possible they might beat them in the qualifiers and that would change things dramatically.
ReplyDeleteMind you Samoa is Wales Bogey team
Hmm I wouldnt be to sure of England's chances, I know luck always seems to be on their side in the tournaments, but there is nothing special about this time In my opinion, they have no creativity.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments guys.
ReplyDeleteGlyn - New Zealand do have a tendancy to choke don't they? They'll be hung out to dry if they do so in their own back garden. That's a pretty big motivator. Likewise overturning Wales's record against the Pacific Islanders is a big motivator too. It would be typically Welsh to beat South Africa then lose to Fiji or Samoa (or God forbid both).
Cymro - England's route to the semi's is quite easy. I don't see them playing anyone significantly better than them until then. That said I can't see England beating any of the southern powerhouses either. There's a lot to be said for discipline and enthusiasm over creativity (sometimes).
now that we have witnessed Ireland defeat Australia , games have already changed dramatically . So i'm guessing NZ V Ireland Final possibly England may edge out Ireland ,, but The green machine is playing passionate atm , don't think England will prevail && Australia defintely won't beat SA in the quarters , France also will not beat NZ in the Qualifier . NZ to win the final (= Tamia .
ReplyDelete