2019 Rugby World Cup

[Fulcrum29]

 

[theratman]

Enjoying this, like the stats based analysis. Thanks!

 

[skimread]

Those who remember the warmup between the teams will have noted that Japan kicked the ball away, a lot. They didn't kick many balls away during the pool phases except against Russia, so I guess they will adapt to a new gameplan come the Springboks on Sunday.

Japan flyhalf is rather shitty at kicking. I am guessing they will spread the ball to the wings as fast as possible. That will make our 11,14 and 13s defense crucial.

 

[Enzo Matrix]

Japan flyhalf is rather shitty at kicking. I am guessing they will spread the ball to the wings as fast as possible. That will make our 11,14 and 13s defense crucial.

Japan have fast wingers. We have faster ones

 

[skimread]

Japan have fast wingers. We have faster ones

Senatla and Dyantyi are faster. I don't think our current 2 wingers are faster than the Jap wingers. Kolbe has good off the mark acceleration and world class stepping but his top speed isn't that fast. Mapimpi has strength on his side but he isn't the fastest to change direction.

You forget our wingers do the rush defense so that is a big gap they have to make up if the opposing flyhalf decides to kick to the wingers or the rush defense fails.
Our back 3s tackling technique is probably some of the worst of all teams at this WC. In a world cup with red cards given easily that is risky.

 

[Fulcrum29]

Senatla and Dyantyi are faster. I don't think our current 2 wingers are faster than the Jap wingers. Kolbe has good off the mark acceleration and world class stepping but his top speed isn't that fast. Mapimpi has strength on his side but he isn't the fastest to change direction.

Like the Japanese wingers, they aren't fast, but they accelerate and step. Bryan Habana was fast and Australia's Koriobete is fast and for some reason, the European players are really fast and the Barrett's seems to be born fast.

Japan's Akihito Yamada is fast, but he wasn't picked for this Rugby World Cup, and is currently playing Top14.

 

[Fulcrum29]

Japan flyhalf is rather shitty at kicking. I am guessing they will spread the ball to the wings as fast as possible. That will make our 11,14 and 13s defense crucial.

It depends where Yu Tamura's head is at. Bad game against the Springboks, bad game against Russia, had a bloody good game against Ireland and Samoa and was iffy against Scotland. Japan like to double down on their wingers. They line 11 and 14 up side to side and play their centres up to the blindside.

 

[Sl8er]

ENG vs AUS:
Head - ENG
Heart - AUS
As much as I like EJ, I'd like it more if Cheika [of all people ] sent him home.

NZ vs IRL:
Head - NZ
Heart - IRL
NZ simply can't win another WC. It's someone else's turn. SH's record is just too perfect

 

[Creag]

So Neil Andrews proudly chimes that if you are using Dstv Now, you need to get in 10 minutes before kick-off

What utter epic fail!

 

[SlowInternet]

In my opinion the 2 best games of the weekend will be the ones of today. England and NZ to win.

 

[gregmcc]

Looking forward to the games today.
Hoping Aus & Ire win, but mostly likely it will be Eng & NZ

 

[Speedster]

In my opinion the 2 best games of the weekend will be the ones of today. England and NZ to win.

I think you're right on this. From a purist, neutral point of view today's games should be far better than tomorrow

 

[Agent_Smith]

So Neil Andrews proudly chimes that if you are using Dstv Now, you need to get in 10 minutes before kick-off

What utter epic fail!

Weirdly, that actually doesn't surprise or shock me.

 

[Sinbad]

Weirdly, that actually doesn't surprise or shock me.

I'm in

 

[cn@]

Why so many empty seats in the stadium??

 

[gregmcc]

Looks packed to me. Can hardly see a empty seat.

 

[rietrot]

Australia gonna win.

 

[Agent_Smith]

 

[Agent_Smith]

Oh dear. This is going pear for Australia very quickly.

 

[gregmcc]

Australia gonna win.

Guess not