Rugby League World Cup 2013

[ozbrother]

Aussies should win....but will they??

Poms will lift at home, Kiwis a very strong squad.

How's the care factor??

[mike]

Not really that interested but I'll watch some of it. Is it on fta?

[TheNuclearOne]

Pretty keen, especially now the weekly fix is gone. We'll win tho the short in goals and other lil nuances will test us. .

[liptout]

Not really that interested but I'll watch some of it. Is it on fta?

its going to be one of the 7 digital channels Mike, think 7mate??


on another note, did i hear that the Italian team beat a near full strength pommy team?? or were they not that strong the poms??

[PeteyD]

Well it was 'Italy' but full of NRL players with Italian sounding names. And they did beat England, don't know what strength though.

[Captain Nemo]

Well it was 'Italy' but full of NRL players with Italian sounding names. And they did beat England, don't know what strength though.

@ $34/1.....
;)

[PeteyD]

Were you on em? That is good odds for a 2 horse race ... hmmm

[Waddzy]

I would say $34 would have to be to win the cup surely.

[PerryGroves]

How's the care factor??

Not high but at least it's not cricket.

[ozbrother]

The England loss to Italy was treated as a trial I believe, making sure to rotate through the full squad.

They'll be stronger than that...the Burgess boys will rip in I'm sure.

[sms316]

Worst type of World Cup ever.

[Captain Nemo]

Were you on em? That is good odds for a 2 horse race ... hmmm

No.
:(

[Captain Nemo]

I would say $34 would have to be to win the cup surely.

Nope, that was to win the game.
England apparently had a fair lineup.

[TheNuclearOne]

Tate snatches the right centre p[osition due to being a specialist on that side. Good on him, he won't let us down.

[AndyP]

Did I see that some pools have 4 sides and others have 3 sides, meaning sides will play a different amount of games? That's laughable.

[Captain Nemo]

Whats so funny about that?
They should just have 1 pool
Aus, N.Z, G.B & whoever....

[AndyP]

I'm wrong, they play the same amount of games by plucking out a random extra game against a side from the other 3-side pool. It's a bizarre fixture.

[Captain Nemo]

Yep, stupid.
Why not grab 2 more countries Canada/Russia/whoever and complete the pools...

[sms316]

Tate snatches the right centre p[osition due to being a specialist on that side. Good on him, he won't let us down.
Until he breaks his neck again.

[mike]

Did I see that some pools have 4 sides and others have 3 sides, meaning sides will play a different amount of games? That's laughable. Yeah it's not ideal. How do they sort out the pools in the AFL world cup?

[sms316]

Yeah it's not ideal. How do they sort out the pools in the AFL world cup?
16 teams in the last Australian rules world cup.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Football_International_Cup

[AndyP]

The AFL isn't pretending that it is a global sport that needs a World Cup.

The cup SMS is referring to is for countries where the sport is developing.

[backintheswing]

Yeah it's not ideal. How do they sort out the pools in the AFL world cup?

This made me laugh!

[mike]

Andy, tbh I have zero interest in international rugby league. I just couldn't pass up an opportunity to sink the boot into AFL

[AndyP]

mike, what's bigger for you out of Origin and Premiership? I get the vibe that Origin is bigger for a lot of people.

[wazandnic]

Yep, stupid.
Why not grab 2 more countries Canada/Russia/whoever and complete the pools...

I read a good suggestion the otherday... just have every other country wanting to play, play off in a round robin scenario the winner then joining Australia, NZ and England in a Quad series.

Makes sense to me.

[Captain Nemo]

16 teams in the last Australian rules world cup.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Football_International_Cup

Thats gold, and Aus arnt even World Champions!!!

[AndyP]

:roll:
They don't play in it, Titty, because as I said it is a development competition.

[sms316]

:roll:They don't play in it, Titty, because as I said it is a development competition. Australia would probably be competitive though.

[Captain Nemo]

Deosnt matter, they still arnt the Champs!!
:lol:

[Captain Nemo]

Australia would probably be competitive though.

Yeh, they would go ok.
Depends if Fev got involved or not.... ;)

[wazandnic]

Thats gold, and Aus arnt even World Champions!!!

Actually just read the wiki article and noticed Australia don't even participate. The Austrlaian Football Cup where Australia doesn't perticipate... I guess kind of like the American Baseball World Series where the rest of the world don't participate! ;)

[mike]

mike, what's bigger for you out of Origin and Premiership? I get the vibe that Origin is bigger for a lot of people. Ah you don't visit the league forums much huh. My views on that are well documented. Premiership is EVERYTHING. Origin is an irritating mid season disruption to the real fight for supremacy.

[mike]

Some people put origin above the premiership. Depends which state you support.

[ozbrother]

We all know who put Origin first.

[IamViva]

shitty surface for the opening game both teams struggling aus more so in the begining

[TheNuclearOne]

Gee it's an entertaining game now tho.

[Peter]

Is this the weakest Australian team in a while?

[3oneday]

Why weak? Can't believe you guys watched :)

[IamViva]

i think the team selection is a bit off. i dont understand why farah got the nod, lewis is suitable for the 'utility' spot. i question how well coached the aussies are with sheens and furner, that has been my opinion since sheens got the job

[TheNuclearOne]

i think the team selection is a bit off. i dont understand why farah got the nod, lewis is suitable for the 'utility' spot. i question how well coached the aussies are with sheens and furner, that has been my opinion since sheens got the job

I agrree on both counts tho there was a couple of nice set moves last night.

I enjoyed the stouch tho, it was spirited and the Poms were quite competitive. The top two Burgess boys give the Poms a lot. It's a pity It's a pity Sam gets caught up in dirty play a bit too much at times, he's a superb footballer.

[mike]

i think the team selection is a bit off. i dont understand why farah got the nod, lewis is suitable for the 'utility' spot. i question how well coached the aussies are with sheens and furner, that has been my opinion since sheens got the jobHe selected arguably the world's best left winger on the right. What an idiot.

[IamViva]

He selected arguably the world's best left winger on the right. What an idiot.
out of curiosity would you pick morris a head of boyd?

[simmsy]

That field last night was laughable. How they think that is a world class venue when players can't change direction without sliding out.

Piss weak.

[mike]

out of curiosity would you pick morris a head of boyd?You're not the type to ask stupid questions. Why start now?

[mike]

Also picking Tate over Jennings? wtf. Seriously? If Jennings was a Queenslander and Tate a Blue can you imagine the uproar?

"It's a conspiracy!!"

[sms316]

Also picking Tate over Jennings? wtf. Seriously? If Jennings was a Queenslander and Tate a Blue can you imagine the uproar?"It's a conspiracy!!" Hopefully Tate will break his neck in the next game. Problem solved.

[TheNuclearOne]

Also picking Tate over Jennings? wtf. Seriously? If Jennings was a Queenslander and Tate a Blue can you imagine the uproar?

"It's a conspiracy!!"

Sheens picked Tate because he was the only right centre specialist in the squad. He had an error free game, made a heap of tackles and got away a couple of offloads. While there are more brilliant players around Tate never lets you down. Morris would be a chance of getting in ahead of Jennings too due to the fact he's played quite a few good games for NSW on the right now. The guy who would be most suited there doesn't have the heart and sting to play rep footy.

Boyd was picked to retain his left side tried and proven combination with Inglis. It's been gold in Origin and is to potent to ignore. Boyd never lets Australia down and was solid as always last night. The only less than good rep game i've seen him have was when an on fire Uate pumped him one Origin.

Incidently Brett Morris had a massive game on the right wing and seemed right at home. Fair chance these two are now entrenched as our number one wing pairing as is.

Word is there will be about 7 changes next game as Sheens gives everybody a go, the opposite of what Stuart used to do. I dare say we will see Jennings or Morris trialed on the right centre. Maybe we'll see Hayne on the wing too, or fullback. The right centre spot will be an ongoing battle i'd reckon. It's all about getting the right combination for the end games now. Last nights team went ok once they shook some rust off, but they need to play the full 80 minutes in the finals.

Sam Tomkins is a top player, he will be well suited out here.

[IamViva]

You're not the type to ask stupid questions. Why start now?

was a legit question, i know you are/were a fan of boyd when he was at dragons... would you split the dynamic of boyd and inglis to put morris in who you believe is a better player?


Also picking Tate over Jennings? wtf. Seriously? If Jennings was a Queenslander and Tate a Blue can you imagine the uproar?

"It's a conspiracy!!"

sheens is an idiot for picking morris out of position yet you want to pick jennings a left side centre out of position at on the right? :shock:

if lyon would man up he'd be there so :p

[mike]

All good points.

Yes I rate Boyd but he has the ability to play anywhere in the backline. Both left and right he's at home and Inglis would be the same. Put them on the right. I'd still pick Jennings over Tate. Or yes Josh Morris. Anyway I don't really care that much.
Tbh I watched the game but also didn't watch it. Was reading and only glimpsed at the tv every so often. Tompkins impressed me. Good footwork on a shitty surface.

[TheNuclearOne]

Inglis is much better suited on the left with his huge right hand fend. He's definately lose a big weapon on the right.

Tomkins footwork was good for sure, he had less drama than most on the surface. I look forward to seeing him over here.

[ozbrother]

I was questioning Farah's bench selection also, but he was strong when he came on.

[TheNuclearOne]

I was questioning Farah's bench selection also, but he was strong when he came on.

He did actually combine well and Sheens was happy apparently.

[Peter]

Why weak? Can't believe you guys watched :)I'm in London.There just seemed to be a fair few out of form players or guys struggling with injury.Assuming we both make the final I think we will really struggle against NZ.

[ozbrother]

Maybe we can cut them a little slack being the first game. The rust was pretty obvious.

I'm sure the defence will tighten right up and guys like Inglis will wake up later in the tournament.

[Peter]

I was ignoring the rust from not playing in a while, and they still won so I shouldn't be too critical.

Inglis looked like he might still be struggling with a bad knee, as did Slater.

The forward pack didn't really seem to have a lot of punch either, although the Poms were strong up front.

[mike]

From another forum.



http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/yumbotto/tackle1_zpse66f2d67.png (http://s512.photobucket.com/user/yumbotto/media/tackle1_zpse66f2d67.png.html)
http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/yumbotto/tackle2_zpsc7b9eb9a.png (http://s512.photobucket.com/user/yumbotto/media/tackle2_zpsc7b9eb9a.png.html)
http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/yumbotto/tackle3_zps52270cc6.png (http://s512.photobucket.com/user/yumbotto/media/tackle3_zps52270cc6.png.html)
http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/yumbotto/tackle4_zpsadaa447c.png (http://s512.photobucket.com/user/yumbotto/media/tackle4_zpsadaa447c.png.html)

[Captain Nemo]

We won didnt we?
We will keep winning, nothing to worry about...

[sms316]

From another forum.http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/yumbotto/tackle1_zpse66f2d67.png (http://s512.photobucket.com/user/yumbotto/media/tackle1_zpse66f2d67.png.html)http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/yumbotto/tackle2_zpsc7b9eb9a.png (http://s512.photobucket.com/user/yumbotto/media/tackle2_zpsc7b9eb9a.png.html)http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/yumbotto/tackle3_zps52270cc6.png (http://s512.photobucket.com/user/yumbotto/media/tackle3_zps52270cc6.png.html)http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t325/yumbotto/tackle4_zpsadaa447c.png (http://s512.photobucket.com/user/yumbotto/media/tackle4_zpsadaa447c.png.html) +1 to old mate at the bottom

[Captain Nemo]

Glass jaw?

[Eldrick]

Lol @ SBW

[wazandnic]

Lol @ SBW

Just saw it... Cracker!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5ePJET2Rw8

[mrbluu]

Downside of 7 having the rights to the world cup is we have to listen to Andrew Voss again....**** he is annoying!!!

[PeteyD]

Just saw it... Cracker!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5ePJET2Rw8

Haha what a knob.

Best one is still the Fijian running with the ball in one hand and having it pop out with the line open.

[ozbrother]

Those shallow in-goal areas are a bit of a joke...pretty embarrassing though.

Not sure why they don't standardise the field dimensions...looks like there's plenty of room to extend the dead ball line if they wanted to.

[Ron Burgundy]

Just saw it... Cracker!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5ePJET2Rw8 That's sensational. Mildly disappointing that it didn't happen in the final.

[TheNuclearOne]

Those shallow in-goal areas are a bit of a joke...pretty embarrassing though.

Not sure why they don't standardise the field dimensions...looks like there's plenty of room to extend the dead ball line if they wanted to.

The Poms prolly say the same about our deep in goals lol

[ozbrother]

I'm hearing Burgess only got one game for the hit on Thaiday...if so, unbelievable!!

[sms316]

I'm hearing Burgess only got one game for the hit on Thaiday...if so, unbelievable!! He should have got a medal.

[Captain Nemo]

He should have got a medal.
And man of the match....

[mrbluu]

He should have got a medal.


And man of the match....


+10000000000000000000000

[IamViva]

it's a conspiracy

[ozbrother]

Thaiday didn't get the chance to be third man in.

[TheNuclearOne]

Thankfully it wasn't one of the Blues, they'd be out for weeks copping a knock like that.

[popper81]

Thankfully it wasn't one of the Blues, they'd be out for weeks copping a knock like that.

Don't listen to the wankers above... Little ***** & empty cabinets.

[TheNuclearOne]

Don't listen to the wankers above... Little ***** & empty cabinets.

:D

[ozbrother]

It's only for another 2 or 3 weeks.

As long as we don't hear "Ai-yai-yippy-yippy-ai" if the Aussies win.

[ozbrother]

Cannot believe Luke Lewis diving for that kick through. Why??

32 points in front in a group game with 12mins to play....kick was always long, wet ground, shallow in-goal, no protective hoarding in front of a concrete wall. It was always gonna end in tears.

[TheNuclearOne]

I doubt the score or conditions were even close to his mind chasing that ball. They aren't there because they hold back.

[ozbrother]

If those factors weren't in his mind they should have been. All the players know that there's no protection at the end of those English grounds. He didn't play it very smart and I reckon he'd say the same.

[TheNuclearOne]

You're completely missing the point. The same scenario would have happened if the ball had a friendlier bounce and he'd have just scored. A Jennings type Grand final try, same risk and potential outcome. Grand final vs Kiwi's, 60 seconds to go and similar scenario or slightly more favorable - is anyone going to hold back?

They simply need to remove the risk, whatever it takes. It's absurd this type of incident is even possible, and as i said rest assured it's possible even scoring a try under similar circumstances.

It's just luck of the draw how they impact.

[mike]

What happened?

[TheNuclearOne]

1.05

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMBle622wn4

[ozbrother]

You're missing the point that the risk was there and the players know it. Agree that the risk shouldn't have been there at all and I believe that there should be thick padding at the end of those grounds and not cardboard thin advertising covering a concrete step. But it is there and it's more often than not the case in England. Comparing the risk to the Jennings GF try is wrong because the potential risk and outcome were totally different. The game was well won and there wasn't a shitload of room behind a large in-goal area like there is at the Olympic Stadium.

The impact was unlucky and if it was in a crucial match situation you'd call him a hero for giving it a go. I agree that these guys got where they did by not holding back, but going for it in this case wasn't smart and even if he scored the miracle try, so what, in the context of that game and indeed the tournament. He was a certainty to play in the final when they get there and all it achieved was an early flight home and lots of rehab.

[ozbrother]

You're missing the point that the risk was there and the players know it. Agree that the risk shouldn't have been there at all and I believe that there should be thick padding at the end of those grounds and not cardboard thin advertising covering a concrete step. But it is there and it's more often than not the case in England. Comparing the risk to the Jennings GF try is wrong because the potential risk and outcome were totally different. The game was well won and there wasn't a shitload of room behind a large in-goal area like there is at the Olympic Stadium.

The impact was unlucky and if it was in a crucial match situation you'd call him a hero for giving it a go. I agree that these guys got where they did by not holding back, but going for it in this case wasn't smart and even if he scored the miracle try, so what, in the context of that game and indeed the tournament. He was a certainty to play in the final when they get there and all it achieved was an early flight home and lots of rehab.

[ozbrother]

I am a fan of the bloke and applaud his courage and the side will miss him. He was unfortunate....I'd hate to see it happen to another of our lot in the next nothing match.

[TheNuclearOne]

I do know what you're saying but hindsight is 100% too. He could easily have come out of it unscathed. All three players ended past the barriers, unfortunately for Lewis he was at the front. This shows there is a definate problem.

I just hope they do something about it now. A player should be able to go hell for leather without getting injured by rubbish too close to the in goal. Players are actually competing for spots in the finals run on team too, hard to see them throttling back. That extra bit of magic and effort could invigorate or reinvigorate a Test career.

[ozbrother]

I've watched it a few more times now on your link and it wasn't that easy for him to pull out it. He was pretty committed early but the kick was always long.

I remember watching the Kangaroo tours over there as far back as 1982 and they've never done a thing to fix the problem. They can't do anything about the stadium size obviously, but where the f**k is the padding?? Incredibly dangerous.

[ozbrother]

A couple of typo's there...hope it makes sense.

[TheNuclearOne]

I've watched it a few more times now on your link and it wasn't that easy for him to pull out it. He was pretty committed early but the kick was always long.

I remember watching the Kangaroo tours over there as far back as 1982 and they've never done a thing to fix the problem. They can't do anything about the stadium size obviously, but where the f**k is the padding?? Incredibly dangerous.

For sure mate, for sure. They could asurely set it up a lil better.



Regarding the kick, could it be possible he hoped for a bounce and planned to flick it back in lieu of everything falling perfect? I agree it the kick was always long but he kept on the hammer. I ponder if he hoped for a freak bounce.

[ozbrother]

Check it out...the whole discussion sounds a bit familiar...:)

http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/stadium-fears-at-rugby-league-world-cup-after-luke-lewis-injury-horror/story-fndujljl-1226752860017

[TheNuclearOne]

Check it out...the whole discussion sounds a bit familiar...:)

http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/stadium-fears-at-rugby-league-world-cup-after-luke-lewis-injury-horror/story-fndujljl-1226752860017

Hahaha, basically all of our points brought up and agreed with. Good stuff.

[ozbrother]

We know our stuff eh??

I reckon all the sides in the World Cup need to make some noise about this. Otherwise it's just our lot viewed as the "whingeing Aussies."

[TheNuclearOne]

For sure. Someone needs to gag our team manager too.

[IamViva]

****in slater... his passing game is inept in the green and gold.

[TheNuclearOne]

Oh dear


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnwbMkwUhDw

[Jarro]

Aus vs Fiji should be a good game.

Hopefully we don't get any injuries.

NZ Vs England will also be a ripper ...... hope they both belt the living snot outta each other !

[TheNuclearOne]

NZ vs England i am very much looking forward to. Should be a fascinating match up.

[mike]

Might watch my first wc game tonight. What time and what channel?

[Jarro]

10:30 Seven Mate

[TheNuclearOne]

Very entertaining match.

[Peter]

I thought England got a few lucky calls in that first half, but are playing well.

What a try for NZ. Ridiculous.

[TheNuclearOne]

They did get the best of the calls. I can't help but think their over optimism/looseness in attack will lead to enough errors to lose it for them from here. I am however cheering for them.

[Jarro]

The Kiwis have been rattled a bit ..... making way too many errors.

Their kicking game is pretty shitty as well.

[Peter]

Wow.

[TheNuclearOne]

Man i am pissed the poms lost that. They could have won it 5 times. I look forward to whupping the Kiwi's.

[mrbluu]

The England #7 cost them the game!!!

[ozbrother]

Sinfield's defensive option on Johnson will be keeping him awake at night.

[mike]

Dunno about that. Johnson was going to score no matter what Sinfield did.

[Jarro]

The England #7 cost them the game!!!

He also set up the Burgess try and kicked a few goals.

I hardly think he was the sole reason they lost.

[PeteyD]

Soft high shot at the end of the game.

[ozbrother]

Dunno about that. Johnson was going to score no matter what Sinfield did.

Don't think so, he came up way too quick. Left a big hole in the line.

I hear he had a great game though.

[dc68]

Talk in the paper about Slater coming in for the final. I love Billy but the team is better with GI at the back.

[Peter]

Anyone watching this?

Amazing skills from Australia.

[IamViva]

how good are the dead ball lines? 3ft drops and all, suprised manu didnt do himself a mischief.

australia are playing well

[Peter]

Manu and Morris. Ridiculous stuff.

Australia have been close to perfect. Kiwis never in it.

[JADO75]

Gallen man of the match for mine, he was relentless all night. Aussie Aussie Aussie!

[IamViva]

kiwis may have played their GF against England, australias defense was great.

[dc68]

Some cracking play from the Roos in that game!!!

[ozbrother]

Just as well they sorted out that issue with the in-goals.

Great win Australia...incredible defence.

[TheNuclearOne]

Just as well they sorted out that issue with the in-goals.

Great win Australia...incredible defence.

Hahaha, did they ever!

The Aussies were close to flawless, what a super effort. We've finally found Jarrod Haynes position, NSW really should have him running on at right centre next year. He's had a standout game there every time in the WC including the big one. He went ok there the couple of games NSW gave him a few years ago too. Slater had a big game, especially considering he only just beat an injury to play.

I saw a fair bit of press yesterday of how the match would be Inglis vs SBW for the mantle of worlds best. Greg wasn't even playing in the position he's upped his ante in and would probably be behind Smith and Thurston regardless. After one season back SBW as impressive as he was definiately isn't vying for the top spot at this stage imo.

Thurston 4 MOM's in what, 6 games? The guy is a legend.

[TheNuclearOne]

Player ratings

http://www.nrl.com/world-cup-final-player-ratings/tabid/10874/newsid/75602/default.aspx

[mike]

Manu and Morris. Ridiculous stuff.What happened? I only watched the first half.

[TheNuclearOne]

They had ugly impacts with the fence behind the 31cm in goals.

[Jarro]

They had ugly impacts with the fence behind the 31cm in goals.

Vatuveis in particular looked terrible !!

What a joke to have the ingoals that narrow.

Great game from the Aussies anyway .... worth getting up early to watch.

[TheNuclearOne]

Vatuveis in particular looked terrible !!

What a joke to have the ingoals that narrow.

Great game from the Aussies anyway .... worth getting up early to watch.

I just stayed up, with Jimmy (after the Corona) :D

Def worth watching.

[PeteyD]

The in goals are that small because it is a soccer pitch?

Was it a waste of 4 weeks to get a repeat of the ANZAC test?

[Ron Burgundy]

I fell asleep on the couch and missed it last night. Woke up in time for the rugby though luckily. Have avoided this thread all day so I could watch the replay now.

I agree with everything said on here. Brilliant by the Aussies. Simply too good in every department. Those drop offs behind the in goals are inexcusable. Morris and Manu were very lucky to avoid serious injury. I know they're soccer fields so the in goals are short, but what's the point of the huge drop offs?

[PerryGroves]

I know they're soccer fields so the in goals are short, but what's the point of the huge drop offs?

Could be something to do with getting access to the under pitch heating. Whatever it is, unacceptable for our game.

[Ron Burgundy]

Could be something to do with getting access to the under pitch heating. Whatever it is, unacceptable for our game. Sounds plausible. I wonder how they hide it for EPL games.

[Jarro]

The in goals are that small because it is a soccer pitch?

Was it a waste of 4 weeks to get a repeat of the ANZAC test?

Ask the players from the other participating countries.

I'd say they were glad to be invited along.

[PeteyD]

I am sure they were Jarro. Along with Manchester for getting to see the final.