Sir Rols Posted October 29, 2023 Report Posted October 29, 2023 (edited) So, just when the All Blacks get red carded, one man down, behind on the scoreboard, and thus become a worthy underdog to cheer on (rare for me), their fightback falls short. Sigh… congrats South Africa I guess. All in all, to me at least, a pretty flat tournament. But that’s no reflection on the hosts. Apart from their crowd control failings back in week one, and their anthem “experiments” also way back then, it’s been pretty solid since - good atmosphere and once the knockout rounds started, just about every match was thrilling and close. Just a pity, for me personally, that not a single knockout game went the way I’d hoped for. But that’s sport. Most of what disappointed me can be slated to the IRB. It was too long - that “rest week” in the pool rounds really dragged it out - it almost feels like an entire season since it all started. I’m optimistic that ‘27 in Oz will fix that, with four more teams in six pools, and one week shorter. Should be non-stop pool action then, like a FIFA WC. So much has been said of the draw. But it really did suck. Good for England to make the most of their luck. Shameful Oz couldn’t even muster that advantage. I feel for France, Ireland and Scotland all having had to face an extra handicap at their best chance in ages to really shine. At the end of the day, can’t blame the real Tier 1 nations, the Kiwis and Afrikaaners, for being so passionate and excellent at their national game. The Tier 1.5 nations all have it in them to beat them on their day, but likely lack that X Factor of national passion and support to do so consistently. I think everyone hopes the IRB makes more than token efforts to nurture the Tier 2 and developing unions in the future. I like the idea of the Pacific Cup, with Japan, Fiji, the US, Canada and (was it Tonga or Samoa?), that the IRB are going to get going. I just wonder if it will be commercially viable to survive past the establishing years. Anyway, Merci France! Looking forward to returning back in July-August next year for what I hope will be a cracker, vintage Olympics. Edited October 29, 2023 by Sir Rols Quote
Australian Kiwi Posted October 29, 2023 Report Posted October 29, 2023 That was a disappointing morning. Ended up wishing it was more of a bloodbath from the outset so i could have gone back to bed. Agree @Sir Rols - absurdly long competition. They need to tighten up. That said, bring on 2027. ABs winning on Australia soil will make the victory even sweeter. 1 Quote
Scotguy II Posted October 29, 2023 Report Posted October 29, 2023 The new government is being urged to bid for the 2035 World Cup and bring the tournament home to NZ 1 Quote
Sir Rols Posted October 29, 2023 Report Posted October 29, 2023 Who would’ve thought… Eddie Jones resigns as Wallabies coach after 10-month nightmare Good riddance! 1 1 Quote
Alexjc Posted November 1, 2023 Report Posted November 1, 2023 On 10/30/2023 at 12:45 PM, Sir Rols said: Who would’ve thought… Eddie Jones resigns as Wallabies coach after 10-month nightmare Good riddance! There's a recently laid off coach nearby that's looking for a job... Quote
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