Rugby World Cup - New Zealand 2011

[Seymore Pucks]

Its been going for 10 days now and why I don't expect anyone to care, but I would just like you all to know how well Canada played the other day when they beat Tonga, which they were never expected too. 
Canada have improved alot as well as most of the 'minnows' and the game against the big rugby nations have been competitive and sometimes very close scores. 
If New Zealand (All Blacks) do not win this cup I might move to Canada lol.
Yeah well done Canada.

[oldrugbyguy]

The game against France was closer then the score showed. Biggest game is against Japan as if Cananda can get third in division they get invite to next shortened entries world cup.

[Gerald The Duck]

Yeah Canada has done very well so far.

I watched the whole game vs France, and it was an extremely close affair. The commentating team was praising Canada's heart and tenacity throughout the game and the score was close until very late in the match.

Canada really did have a legitimate chance to win that game vs France but they gave away too many penalty kicks and missed too many of their own. Fatigue might have been a factor at the very end as well, but they definitely showed that they belonged.

They have 9 days off to rest up before they tussle with Japan. That's an essential game to win because as old said it gives automatic entry into next world cup, and the commentators were also saying that beyond that you get more exhibition games vs the best nations, which is essential to improve as a country.

If I come off sounding like a rugby expert, it couldn't be further from the truth  . The France game was only the 2nd game of rugby I've ever watched, but it's got me hooked and if there's ever future games on TV I'm sure to give them a look. I'd highly recommend if you've never tuned in before, give it a chance, it can be a very exciting sport.

[Seymore Pucks]

Yeah Canada has done very well so far.

I watched the whole game vs France, and it was an extremely close affair. The commentating team was praising Canada's heart and tenacity throughout the game and the score was close until very late in the match.

Canada really did have a legitimate chance to win that game vs France but they gave away too many penalty kicks and missed too many of their own. Fatigue might have been a factor at the very end as well, but they definitely showed that they belonged.

They have 9 days off to rest up before they tussle with Japan. That's an essential game to win because as old said it gives automatic entry into next world cup, and the commentators were also saying that beyond that you get more exhibition games vs the best nations, which is essential to improve as a country.

If I come off sounding like a rugby expert, it couldn't be further from the truth  . The France game was only the 2nd game of rugby I've ever watched, but it's got me hooked and if there's ever future games on TV I'm sure to give them a look. I'd highly recommend if you've never tuned in before, give it a chance, it can be a very exciting sport.

Thanks for your comments.  Glad you guys are getting some coverage too.  No offence to Canada's effort against France but they wont try to hard until the knockout stage.  We play them on Saturday and they are fielding a 2nd string foward pack.
To be honest although rugby can be exciting at times its nothing compared to rugby league (sort of a simlar game but faster) or hockey.  The closest thing Toronto and NZ have is the media and the fans disecting every facet of their repsective sports.

Japan and Canada will be are great game and will be a sell out too.

[Nik]

I gave watching the France-Canada game a bit of a go. Couldn't for the life of me figure out the rules of it. Still, have to give the players credit for it as some of the players looked more facially mangled than any hockey goon, football player or MMA fighter I've ever seen.

[Seymore Pucks]

I gave watching the France-Canada game a bit of a go. Couldn't for the life of me figure out the rules of it. Still, have to give the players credit for it as some of the players looked more facially mangled than any hockey goon, football player or MMA fighter I've ever seen.

Most fans, players and refs struggle to understand the rules too sometimes.

[Arn]

I gave watching the France-Canada game a bit of a go. Couldn't for the life of me figure out the rules of it. Still, have to give the players credit for it as some of the players looked more facially mangled than any hockey goon, football player or MMA fighter I've ever seen.

Most fans, players and refs struggle to understand the rules too sometimes.

The rules are understood by most, it's the interpretations of them that tend to cause the problems. In rugby there's a big difference between the northern and southern hemisphere in the way the game is played and therefore the way the referees interpret the rules.

It makes for an interesting clash when north plays south and teams often change their game plan to deal with whoever is refereeing!

[Seymore Pucks]

I gave watching the France-Canada game a bit of a go. Couldn't for the life of me figure out the rules of it. Still, have to give the players credit for it as some of the players looked more facially mangled than any hockey goon, football player or MMA fighter I've ever seen.

Most fans, players and refs struggle to understand the rules too sometimes.

The rules are understood by most, it's the interpretations of them that tend to cause the problems. In rugby there's a big difference between the northern and southern hemisphere in the way the game is played and therefore the way the referees interpret the rules.

It makes for an interesting clash when north plays south and teams often change their game plan to deal with whoever is refereeing!

Was going to use the word interpretation too, but also the rules have changed just about every year for the the last ten years.  Then sometimes they will try some rules changes in one comp and not the other.  Regardless alot of penalties are called during scrums, rucks and mauls and most of the time you can not see the infringement on TV or the stands.  Bring back rucking, sort out the scrums and bring day time test matches back to New Zealand. 

The biggest game this weekend is not All Blacks V France.  Thats just the entree for the WARRIORS V storm NRL Finals....CAN'T WAIT.

[ThatLeafsFan]

Gunna watch the game, I like the pre-game stuff so far lol

[Stumpy]

The Finals are set: New Zealand vs. France. This is the match I was hoping for, but on paper it looks like New Zealand is a heavy favorite. Despite advancing to the championship game, France has looked downright ugly at times, dropping two games in the pool stage and barely beating out Wales in the semifinals while outnumbering them 15 to 14 for most of the game. New Zealand also beat France handily in the pool stage, 37-17. The one advantage France has going into this game is they are healthier, as the All Blacks are without their top two flyhalves, including Dan Carter, who most contend is the top player in the game.

[Seymore Pucks]

The Finals are set: New Zealand vs. France. This is the match I was hoping for, but on paper it looks like New Zealand is a heavy favorite. Despite advancing to the championship game, France has looked downright ugly at times, dropping two games in the pool stage and barely beating out Wales in the semifinals while outnumbering them 15 to 14 for most of the game. New Zealand also beat France handily in the pool stage, 37-17. The one advantage France has going into this game is they are healthier, as the All Blacks are without their top two flyhalves, including Dan Carter, who most contend is the top player in the game.

Dan Carter is a little over rated IMO opinion but still a very good player.  Colin Slade who went down a groin injury was probably a blessing in disguise as Cruden is way better.  Out tight 5 should domnite the French like we did against Australia last weekend, but the French have upset us numerous times in the past and are actually the last team to beat the AB's at Eden Park.  Pretty much the whole CBD is been shut down for foot traffic.  Its going to be huge here on Sunday night...can't wait!