The Rugby World Cup

[Neil Hawkins]

I would say that now the fun begins, I don't believe any of the top teams were playing at their best so far. The game between USA and Japan was probably the first 'good' game of rugby I've seen this tournament. E

The Japanese winger was brilliant, as was the Australian you yanks have bribed into playing for you!!

Seems every team has to have a Kiwi or an Aussie playing for them, don't they play real Rugby anywhere else in the world?

On a more serious note the stats have AUS on top of the total points scored list in front of NZ, England and France which I believe to be the top four at present in the cup, with Ireland, France and South Africa close behind.

Ireland has inched above Aus in the world rankings which will make this weekends game very interesting.

Neil

[Jay Bell]

Seems every team has to have a Kiwi or an Aussie playing for them, don't they play real Rugby anywhere else in the world?

Absolutely. Thankfully for us, we're able to teach those Kiwi and Aussie members how to play as well.

[BigJon]

Ireland has inched above Aus in the world rankings

as was the Australian you yanks have bribed into playing for you!!

YEAH! GO O'driscoll! Neil, have you finished looking down your spectacles at us? Yeah , Us Americans down here...

[Maro]

As a POM living in Oz it is excruciatingly painful to watch the Aussie broadcast shows - they are so parochial it is unreal - the whole point about commentary is to be impartial - not this lot!

The print media is even worse!

THe Aussies have no chance - NZ V Eng/France Final

[Kimpatsu]

From today's Guardian:
Dan Rookwood and agencies
Thursday October 30, 2003
England have escaped serious punishment for briefly fielding an extra player during their World Cup win over Samoa last weekend.

Despite several members of a reactionary Australian press calling for England's expulsion from the tournament, the Rugby Football Union have been fined £10,000 for misconduct relating to that incident, which if deemed more serious could have incurred a points deduction.

At one point England had 16 players on the pitch. Dan Luger was sent on as a replacement for centre Mike Tindall who was still on the pitch receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, fitness advisor Dave Reddin has been suspended for two matches for misconduct, a charge relating to his abusive clash with fourth official Steve Walsh during the same match.

World Cup judicial officer Brian McLaughlin said he took into account the fact that both the RFU and Reddin admitted guilt.

The England squad released a statement saying they would accept the verdicts and would now be focusing on their next pool match against Uruguay in Brisbane on Sunday.

[larsen_huw]

Tony,

To wrap that story up, Steve Walsh has recieved a 1 match ban for his part in the 'altercation'.

[PeteBoyes]

Steve Walsh's ban meant that he couldn't referee today's game between France and USA.

As I type this USA are winning the 2nd half 7-0. Only trouble is they are 26-0 down from the 1st half.

[PeteBoyes]

oops! France have just scored again

[larsen_huw]

WOW. A match between France and the USA ....

Who to cheer on?????


GO REFEREE!

[Steve Williams]

England 111
Uruguay 13

[Kimpatsu]

Originally posted by Steve Williams
England 111
Uruguay 13

Worth repeating as often as possible.

C'MON WALES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Cheers,

Mike

[Vapour]

I just realised that all the British Isles teams made it through.

[Iain]

Way to go Wales! No a win, but a moral victory at least. Actually, I'm kind of glad they lost. Now England doesn't have to play NZ, and those grubby South Africans are going to get stomped (here's hoping). Too bad Wales has to loose against England next week.

[Neil Hawkins]

Australia - Ireland was a good game, but Australia are not playing well enough to beat any of the good teams at the moment. Pure luck that they didn't go down.

Not looking good for the finals.

Neil