First game is a clash of the titans.
France v New Zealand.
Two of the favourites for the whole tournament in Pool A.
The draw has worked out in such a way that all the genuine contenders are in pool A and B. Pools C and D consists of mediocre and in many cases hopelessly out of form sides.
Expect hosts France, defending champions South Africa as well as New Zealand and Ireland to go well and potentially Scotland too if they find their best level.
At this point my money is on South Africa to win the tournament but it could change as things progress.
Good man Snooks, I was planning a thread for the World Cup myself!
Many of the favourites for the trophy come in to the tournament with not great form behind them! England, New Zealand and Australia actually seem vulnerable to an early exit! The draw making pools of death haven't helped, and although the timing of the draw does need addressing - way to soon before the tournament actually starts - I wouldn't want a format that looked like it helped the biggest nations to progress. We don't want a 'closed shop' as Cricket has sought to create. I still expect the 'big boys' to escape their respective pools!
Scotland have - for the first time in a long time - if ever, an opportunity here, if 'expectation' doesn't bite them. Ireland have to be among the favourites also, but we have been here before.......ie Georgia, and kudos to them for that performance!
A dark horse is harder to come up with I think, as is a banana skin which could see one (or more) of the big tier 1 nations fall
I have the feeling the French won't get it all their own way against the All Blacks but I do think if teams perform to their RFU rankings, Ireland should go pretty close. I fear an early England exit could spell trouble for Borthwick, but certainly a Northern hemisphere is due, it would be nice.
HORNBALL, what did you make of theFarrell saga?
Result:
France 27-13 New Zealand
An impressive win for France and for the rest of the Northern Hemisphere teams. Somehow, I don't think NZ will let it get them down for too long, and put other teams to the sword to qualify, but I think France have made their intentions, for this tournament pretty clear: Ignore us at your peril.
France are one of the top contenders for the cup.
They have world class players throughout the team, and the best in the world at scrum half and no8.
And they have home advantage.
New Zealand by comparison have a light weight team who can get pushed around.
Italy could put on a good performance this afternoon against Namibia. After all Namibia have never won a world cup match.
If Italy fail to win they aren't good enough to play in the 6 nations.
p.s. one of the Italian wingers is a dead ringer for that escaped prisoner (just saying)
Just the start the tournament needed with a cracker last night between France and New Zealand. France laid down a marker for sure, but in this group, NZ - despite a first night falter - have an 'easy' task to progress!
Italy did overcome Namibia in the end first up today, but were pushed by a decent Namibia performance. Yes they were limited in pattern play, but the endeavor they showed, and the handling skills will stand them in good stead, If - and it is a big if - they have a proper fixture list to come in the future?? One big thing on the IRB to - do list still for all tier 2 Nations.
As I write this, after a very early kick up the kyber from Romania, Ireland are running riot! Still England V Argentina (Eng be afraid...be very afraid) and Australia V Georgia (same goes for Aus) to come this evening. What a tonic from the usual Saturday viewing frustrations
Here come the worse ever England team in their match tonight.
After several embarrassing matches in the 6 Nations lets hope for some sort of improvement.
My expectations are low.
I'm going for the reverse psychology strategy of predicting an England loss
