2007 Rugby World Cup

[2020hindsight]

Last I heard he was 50/50.

Perhaps it is John Connelly's way of putting doubt in the opposition minds.

Time will tell.

Anyway I havn't seen to much of Berrick Barnes as I am a Waratah's supporter.

Can't wait to see Beale next year and hopefully in the next world cup. He seems to have been having some outstanding games for the RAMS.

Bodes well for future years particularly if Barnes is any good as well.

**** !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WISH I knew what you are talking about lol.
m8, I used to play field hockey (you know that game where we just beat PNG 35 nil whatever )
played international!! - HK football club F team against the Macau boys C team ( Ma - cowboys).
and also ( as I mentioned elsewhere ) I played one game of union and broke my ankle lol
was in the army at the time so had to fire grenade launchers and rifles etc with my leg in plaster lol.

but getting back to your point,,, I'm not keeping up with the references to Beale etc - up to you if you want to explain it to me
gotta feeling it won't affect tonight lol

so yugood things go

 

[Duckman#72]

New Zealand to win.

They've really set themselves this campaign. Almost Australia like. Just building momentum. I can't see them choking this time.

Duckman

 

[2020hindsight]

New Zealand to win.

They've really set themselves this campaign. Almost Australia like. Just building momentum. I can't see them choking this time.

Duckman

jeez Duck,
you been breathin in those nappy fumes again ?!!!
no bludy way mate
they'll be the "unplaced favourites" - mark my words

lol the beauty of gambling your cred when you don't have any to start with
is that you've got nothin to lose

:bier::viking::aus:

 

[Enoch]

**** !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WISH I knew what you are talking about lol.
m8, I used to play field hockey (you know that game where we just beat PNG 35 nil whatever )
played international!! - HK football club F team against the Macau boys C team ( Ma - cowboys).
and also ( as I mentioned elsewhere ) I played one game of union and broke my ankle lol
was in the army at the time so had to fire grenade launchers and rifles etc with my leg in plaster lol.

but getting back to your point,,, I'm not keeping up with the references to Beale etc - up to you if you want to explain it to me
gotta feeling it won't affect tonight lol

so yugood things go

Larkham is giving the international scene away after the world cup.

Hence we need to develop younger guys for the flyhalf position to still remain competitive Beale is a hot new prospect who has a wonderful passing game and can do amazing things on his feet.

Being an Aboriginal he is naturally gifted with lots of agility.

I have played rugby and sport with Aboriginals in the past and man given the right coaching these boys can play. Just mention the Ella boys and you should understand what I mean (Although as mentioned previously I have only seen snippets of the Ella's playing)

 

[Enoch]

I am off to get organised for the Rugby.

I think it begins in 15 mins.

Enjoy.

 

[2020hindsight]

32-20
ray for the good guys raaayyyy
boo for the bad guys boooooo

 

[Enoch]

If only they played the second half as they did in the first half.

Some pleasing aspects none the less. Particularly Barnes display in the 10 and his drop goal. Australia has genuinely lacked a drop goal expert for as long as I can remember.

Still think NZ are favourites with Oz and SA threats.

Duckman the over confidence of NZ is probably their biggest weakness.

I think the Aussies will come out firing in the Semies.

I am off to bed.

Go you goooood thing.

 

[2020hindsight]

Gee Mortlock's shoulder is a worry.

don't people say, (those who know what they're talking about lol) that when you're picking a team, the first person you pick is the goal kicker, and the second person is the reserve goal kicker.

I mean "the pom team" didn't beat us last time - it was Johnny Wilkinson imo . Make that Johnny Wilkinson OBE.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonny_Wilkinson
I notice (in wiki lol - the authority in all matters everywhere about anything) that he may come back this tournament - implied anyway (?)

I notice that we might be playing the poms soon
http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/16/2033954.htm

Due to an unhappy litany of injuries[2] - variously, of the knee ligaments, arm, shoulder and kidney - he did not appear again for England after the World Cup until 1,169 days later in their opening game of the 2007 Six Nations Championship against Scotland on February 3, 2007. In his comeback England match, Wilkinson scored 27 points in the game (a record in the Calcutta Cup) and was awarded Man of the Match.[3] The following week against Italy, he became the highest point-scorer in the history of the Five/Six Nations Championship.

Despite missing the season's last Premiership game against Bath Rugby, Jonny made the England squad for the summer tour[22] and scored 5 points in the first test's record 58-10 loss to South Africa[23]. He scored 17 points in the second test, which England lost 55-22[24]. In the first of three warm up tests before the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, Jonny had an impressive game, scoring 17 points (7 conversions and a penalty) in the 62-5 demolition of Wales[25].

Due to a non-contact ankle injury sustained in training[26], Jonny was not included in the teams for the opening games of the World Cup against United States and then South Africa[27].

Wallabies brush past plucky Wales

Flying high ... Wallabies centre Mat Giteau celebrates scoring the opening try for Australia in Cardiff (AFP: Adrian Dennis)
Australia scored four tries to two to record a staunch 32-20 victory over Wales in their Rugby World Cup Pool B match at Millenium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday morning (Australian time).

A polished first-half display from the injury-affected Wallabies set up the win, with young fly half Berrick Barnes and dazzling full-back Chris Latham starring for John Connolly's side as they took to the break ahead at 25-3.

Australia's win looks likely to pit them against defending champions England in the quarter-finals with Wales set to come face-to-face with the awesome Springboks should they progress.

"Wales flung everything at us but you have to give our defence credit," said man-of-the match Latham.

"We are still just warming up into the tournament and are not perfect for the moment."

Drew Mitchell performed well starting on the wing in place of the injured Adam Ashley-Cooper while the withdrawal of skipper Stirling Mortlock at half-time with a shoulder complaint will give compound Connolly's injury headache.

But it was the individual performance of Barnes, called into the side on Saturday to replace injured veteran Stephen Larkham, in only his second Test and his first start for the Wallabies that was the highlight with a measured performance much beyond his years.

Barnes stepped into Larkham's shoes without hesitation and showcased his silky skills to set up Mat Giteau for the opening try before showing composure and maturity to slot a drop goal in the 23rd minute.

Mortlock scored Australia's second, before Latham scored in the shadows of the half-time break to cap a commanding first-half performance from the Wallabies.

Wales returned to the field in the second half with renewed vigour and scored in the 45th minute through number eight Jonathan Thomas, with substitute full-back James Hook providing the extras and adding a penalty goal to reduce the gap to 12 points.

But Latham put the result beyond doubt with 20 minutes left to play, when he produced a hallmark chip and chase play putting Welsh fly half Stephen Jones under enormous pressure.

Jones spilt the towering bomb to allow Latham to re-collect and power to the line, scoring his second for the match, with Mat Giteau's conversion putting the tourists ahead by 19 points.

The Wallabies were forced to endure a spirited fightback from the Welsh in the final stages, conceding a try to Colin Charvis and lucky not to concede more points.

But Australia managed to hold off the hosts with Drew Mitchell and Nathan Sharpe both spending time on the sidelines in the final 15 minutes after being issued yellow cards.

The win now puts the Wallabies in the box seat to win their pool, with their only remaining fixtures against Fiji and Canada set to provide few concerns prior to the quarter-finals stage.

Australia: 32 (C Latham 2, M Giteau, S Mortlock tries; Mortlock 2 conversions, penalty goal; Giteau conversion; B Barnes drop goal)

Wales: 20 (J Thomas, C Charvis tries; J Hook 2 conversions, penalty goal; S Jones penalty goal)

Drew Mitchell and Nathan Sharpe both yellow carded.
Trying to remember if these misdemeanours accumulate.
or does "what happens on one field, stay on that field "

 

[Edwood]

NZ may have been favourites but SA looked v strong in holding the cup holders to 0 & move up to top spot in my view - defence will win the Cup & SA will be the team to beat. Aus let in 20 points - against Wales...

 

[Porper]

NZ may have been favourites but SA looked v strong in holding the cup holders to 0 & move up to top spot in my view - defence will win the Cup & SA will be the team to beat. Aus let in 20 points - against Wales...

S.Africa were playing nobody in England, English rugby is in disarray (and I am passionately English) so can't see anything in their performance.

Let's face it New Zealand are head and shoulders above any team in the tournament (no disrespect to the Aussie team).If All Blacks don't do there usual and choke they will win the cup no doubt.

 

[2020hindsight]

(tonight England v Samoa 11.15pm )

TOMORROW 10.00pm Aus V Fiji
then 12.30 am All Blacks v Scotland.

Guess we get to see 10 minutes of the Matildas first ( ladies soccer starts on SBS at "9.50pm" - who knows when it really kicks off )

and from last week (does anyone ever listen during school music lessons in Aus?) lol - tone deaf bludy nation that we are :-
Wales v Australia @ Cardiff
Advance Australia Fair
Australian National Anthem before the Aus v Wales RWC game 15/9/07 in Cardiff, Wales

 

[Edwood]

uh-oh - Larkhams picked up an infection on his knee & could be out for 2 games

 

[2020hindsight]

uh-oh - Larkhams picked up an infection on his knee & could be out for 2 games

they knobbled him you reckon ??
Thanks God that Barnes is a great / exciting replacement - big boots to fill of course. - Against Canada it won't matter ...(we've won the pool anyways) ..

PS I still can't understand why Fiji don't do better - we whipped em - I just don't understand how lol -
maybe they just can't tackle for 90 minutes ?
Was great last week when Lote Tuqiri (Fijian himself) got the ball - and it was winger on winger -

Wingers got the ball more than they had in all previous matches

http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/26/2044480.htm
Wallabies rest key players against Canada

George Smith will skipper the Wallabies against Canada this weekend. Australia has named a mainly second-string team for their World Cup pool match against Canada in Bordeaux on Saturday, to save their best players for the quarter-finals.

With the Wallabies already assured of finishing at the top of the pool B standings, coach John Connolly opted to give his best players a rest to avoid the risk of further injury.

Connolly included four of his first-choice players, flanker George Smith, lock Nathan Sharpe, wing Lote Tuqiri and utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper, but the rest of the team were players on the fringe of selection.

"Having won the pool we have a great opportunity to rest a few players and give some of the other squad members some exposure to the World Cup," Connolly said.

"We've already experienced injuries on this tour and providing some more game time for players outside of the regular 22 will stand us in good stead if we need to call on them later in the tournament."

Australia have been hard hit by injuries during the tournament, with wing Mark Gerrard already back home, fly half Stephen Larkham undergoing two knee operations in the past week and captain Stirling Mortlock partially dislocating his shoulder.

Larkham had been hoping to play off the bench against Canada but was ruled out until at least the semi-finals after he went under the surgeon's knife again on Monday (local time) when his knee became infected following complications with the first operation.... etc

Latham best fullback in the world ...

http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/24/2041406.htm
Chris Latham is back in a big way for the Wallabies.

The full-back is at his third World Cup after being the second string number 15 in 1999 and 2003 but now he's rated the best in the world and he's been showing why he has that billing in Australia's opening matches.

Yet British commentators are finding fault with the fact that he plays with his socks down near his ankles.

Commentators on both radio and TV in Britain have raved on about him not looking the part because his socks aren't neatly in place. Anyone would think that to play good rugby one should have one's socks perfectly displayed.

They're blaming AFL players for this terrible intrusion into the finer points of rugby....etc

 

[arminius]

emgland v tonga will be worth watching. the poms are pooing their tight little pants, and the tongans will be full of confidence, coming within a few points of S Africa II.

upset of the century in the making.

 

[2020hindsight]

england v tonga will be worth watching.

yep - what a weekend coming up - wouldn't be dead for quids
World In Union 2007 Video

Katherine Jenkins
Rugby 2007 World Cup
All Angels G4
Johnathon Ansell
Lesley Garrett
Aled Jones
Roberto Alagna

 

[2020hindsight]

Here's a memory that could do with some erasing 2003 - Aus vs UK in final in Aus - Wilkinson's drop goal

 

[arminius]

what do you blokes reckon. is the world cup tv show on ch 10 the most boring talkfest ever to grace the screens. 85 games each week and we get bugger all highlights. theres no problem with rights cause they show some.
the blokes on the panel are ok, 'cept bill woods, but for gods sake, show us some play between the minnows of world rugby. its not about the wobblies.

and, its on late, im always tired, semi-comatose, and need some pep if im gonna stay up and watch a bit. the show puts me to sleep, then i wake up dribbling on my pajama shirt.
rant over.

invest in gold, iron, ree, dye, and you cant go wrong.
but of course what do i know....

 

[2020hindsight]

and, its on late, im always tired, semi-comatose, and need some pep if im gonna stay up and watch a bit. the show puts me to sleep, then i wake up dribbling on my pajama shirt.

arminius, what a picture you paint, lol

this weekend is a bit of a non-event yes (in the union that is) - vs Canada - having said that , if we go down, we deserve to be booted out of the comp
Still - there's only the small matter of a couple of grand finals locally lol.

As you yourself said - England vs Tonga should be ok though. -
- pyjama shirts should stay dry that night lol

 

[Shane Baker]

and, its on late, im always tired, semi-comatose, and need some pep if im gonna stay up and watch a bit. the show puts me to sleep, then i wake up dribbling on my pajama shirt.
rant over.

QUOTE]

Foxtel IQ if you can get it

 

[2020hindsight]

Aus finally fired against Canada - but took a while, a long while , lol

Watched the first half of Fiji vs Wales
Fiji backs were having a whale of a time - and I see it's a big upset that they went on to win - so Aus and Fiji go through presumably.

but gee is Fiji's scrum a worry
weird - they look like bludy giants to me.

We play England next
-Wilkinson included - even if a bit rusty apparently - by his standards anyways.

SHEESH - get a load of how many time Wilkinson is mentioned when they talk of the UK "team" lol. - one man band . !!

http://abc.net.au/news/sport/rugbyunion/
Wallabies account for brave Canada
Sun Sep 30, 2007 0:51am AEST

Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell scored twice to take his World Cup tally to seven as unbeaten Australia completed their Pool B campaign with a 37-6 win over Canada in Bordeax this morning (Australian time).

http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/29/2046851.htm
England seals quarter-final clash with Wallabies
Posted Sat Sep 29, 2007 7:04am AEST


Now Australia: Andy Farrell of England (r) celebrates with team-mate Jonny Wilkinson after scoring his try against Tonga (Reuters: Philippe Wojazer)
Reigning champions England advanced into the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a 36-20 victory over Tonga in their winner-takes-all Pool A clash at the Parc des Princes in Paris this morning.

They now face Australia, in a repeat of the 2003 final, for a place in the last four in Marseille on October 6.

England, who were 3-10 down early in the first-half, led 19-10 at the break thanks mainly to two Paul Sackey tries, the wing following up his double in last weekend's 44-22 win over Samoa.

Centre Mathew Tait and replacement back Andy Farrell, with his first England try, then crossed Tonga's line in the second-half.

Jonny Wilkinson kicked 16 points to leave the fly half just five short of Scotland great Gavin Hastings's World Cup record of 227.

"We did the basics right but it was a tough night. They have a lot of skill. It could have gone either way but we became strong at the end," said Wilkinson.

"I still need to improve. But if you had told me this morning that we would win by a few points and qualify for the quarter-finals, we would have taken it.

"But we still have a long way to go."

Even before kick-off the intensity of this match was made clear with England eyeballing their opponents as the Tongans went through their traditional pre-match challenge.

But it was the Pacific Islanders who took a ninth minute lead when fly half Pierre Hola kicked a 45-metre penalty after England wing Mark Cueto had held on in the tackle.

However, minutes later Tonga infringed and Wilkinson made no mistake with the easy chance to level the scores.

Tonga though deservedly scored the game's first try in the 17th minute.

Sukanaivalu Hufanga's searing break inside the 22 saw him brush aside tackles from Cueto and Sackey. Despite Olly Barkley doing his best to cling on, the outside centre went over for a try which Hola converted.

Tonga, thrashed 101-10 by England at Twickenham in the 1999 World Cup in the teams' only previous meeting, then saw their advantage cut within minutes when Wilkinson's cross-kick was held by the diving Sackey as he slid over the line.
Although Wilkinson missed the conversion from wide on the right, Tonga were now just 10-8 in front.

England, thanks to a poor Tonga clearance kick and a knock-on, then enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure in the underdogs' 22.

But they wasted scoring opportunities when hooker George Chuter knocked-on and Barkley missed a close-range drop-goal.

Wilkinson, whose drop-goal secured England's victory in the final four years ago, showed Barkley how it should be done with a 31st minute effort that put his side a point up.

England's next score came out of nothing when with Samoa just yards from the champions' line, Hola's pass was dropped by wing Tevita Tu'ifua.

Sackey collected the loose ball and ran the length of the field for a try which put England two scores in front even despite Wilkinson missing the difficult conversion.

Wilkinson, early in the second-half, was off-target with a penalty before Hola kicked one of his own to put Tonga within striking distance.

However England, in an open match, soon found themselves in Tonga's 22.

Although it seemed Cueto had botched a try-scoring chance by not passing, England did see Tait exploit an overlap out on the left in the 57th minute to score their third try.

This time Wilkinson added the extras and England had a comforting 26-13 lead heading into the final quarter.

Then former Great Britain rugby league captain Farrell went in under the posts against a tiring defence before Wilkinson's second drop-goal nudged England further in front.