Rugby - This, That and Everything

[kilabee]

Someone is making a killing off those Tongan and Samoan flags in Auckland .
I am pretty excited about the comp but the ticket pricing was way out of my league. $135 for the cheap seats at AB's vs Tonga.A couple of my mates flagged tickets and used the money to buy new TVs. I am going down to the cloud to take in a game and a band at some stage.Might as well make the  most of it while its on.

[kilabee]

Not the expected team for the opener-


Israel Dagg, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Isaia Toeava, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Victor Vito, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Sam Whitelock, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Cory Jane

Be interesting how they go though.Could be devastating if Nonu and SBW gel in the midfield.

[maorifulla]

I really like the team myself, bit of size out on the wings. I actually like Kahui on the wing as well

Looks like there are a lot of players who are gonna be getting some game time in

Im glad they have gone with an almost 100% full strength side

[Growler]

not worth risking some against those big Tongan boys!

[Ngati_Grim]

France -Samoa final.

^ I agree Growler. Woodcock's already on the way out!

[Growler]

Argentina & Samoa!

I want them to cause a few upsets

[kilabee]

Anyone care to guess the AB's top 15?
Also Georgia to beat Scotland for a roughy at the TAB

[maorifulla]

Argentina & Samoa!

I want them to cause a few upsets

yeah hard bro, im hoping the argys pull a one on the poms

Samoa and the pool of death will be epic

got me tickets to the fiji samoa game at eden park

[kilabee]

If there is a few upsets in the first couple of rounds there could be some hell games going on. Pool scoring system is the sane as super 15 so Bonus points might come into play.

[Growler]

Pool B and D!  some fucking good games!

[Spigalau]

Is it madness appointing a guy with a history of depression the head coaching job of the Blues ?

[SteddieEddie]

"groan"

[Zarkov]

Is it madness appointing a guy with a history of depression the head coaching job of the Blues ?

He's in the right job.

[Tandoori]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/7624760/Hansen-insists-test-not-all-about-Henry

[SteddieEddie]

^^ Looking forward to the game, should be very interesting

AB's by 13

[Zarkov]

If Argentina win, Graham Henry better run for the hills.

[SteddieEddie]

Those Pumas are a well coached side!

They will be a real force in a few years

[Equity]

I dont think they will, not until they have a more professional domestic competition that can bring players through. From what I understand, correct me if Im wrong, the only professional rugby players are the pumas, the national team, no one else gets paid and they all have day jobs. Pretty hard to improve / recognise / bring forth new talent without the support there...

[hambam]

what do you guys think about Steve Hansen replacing Julian Savea with Hosea Gear for the game against South Africa?

[Growler]

Defensive stregth.

[SteddieEddie]

Defensive strength.

This and as Hansen said Savea has been busting his gut to get up to AB standards so he needs to refresh

[SteddieEddie]

What a game of rugby!!

Holy shit that was some game, had to crack a couple of beers @ 8am to calm myself

[kilabee]

Yeah that was a cracker.Everyone out on there feet at the end.

[Xenolightning]

Fantastic Explanation of (not so) Forward Passes:

[Reaper_Joe]

Not long to go now