@nzzp said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
Weather forecast - warm but rainy.
Will Ireland handle it?
https://www.accuweather.com/en/jp/tokyo/226396/daily-weather-forecast/226396?day=4
It's cold compared to last week and the start of the tourney. I had to wear a long-sleeved jersey to work today for the first time this year, so I imagine the Irish will be loving it compared to earlier. If it is 22 degrees, then that is warmish, but not hot by any means.
I got offered a ticket, but it’s going with a work friend who isn’t a kiwi, and might be supporting Ireland.
There’s a strong chance I may punch them in the face if we lose.
Should I go anyway?
I’m wondering how well I’ll take it if it’s the ABs that get sawn off.
We have wine /watching events both days and I’m wondering whether I should actually go or not on Saturday.
Most of those people think I’m a relatively mild mannered bloke....
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@rotated said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@rotated said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
We can talk horses for courses all we like. But at the end of the day it's only Japan, and Ireland got found out by them. Shame on us if we can't beat any or all 3
Last time we went head to head against Ireland dominated the ABs. This was less than twelve months ago.
Ireland have conceded one try all tournament. Outside of one 20 minute window against the Boks there is limited evidence from the past 12 months that the ABs have the ability to crack this a good rush defence if fit, firing and confident.
They are a shadow of that side. They had recently beaten us on a cold narrow Soldier Field, the win at home (their first after over 100 years of trying) was their pinnacle. Since then their coach has announced he will stand down after the cup, they have been in poor form and lost to Japan, now they will face us in hot humid conditions at a tourney where so far assertive ball playing teams have fared well. I'm not saying they can't or won't win, but they will find it much harder to win at a RWC where their expectations are high, against our boys who Shag has been bringing along for this final challenge of an illustrious career, who knows how to win the cup
My only question after reading that is... would you have any Irishmen in a combined XV?
I don't know enough about them individually to say with any authority. But probably not many, if any. We have been experimenting for some time and I feel like we are ready to shock the world and bring out the dry powder
Without going past the front row:
@No-Quarter said in RWC: Japan v Scotland (Pool A):
Now crossing live to Japanese correspondent @gt12 for the crowd reaction. You still alive in there mate?
Ha ha, as usual no 4g service onsite. Just got home, and, well, what a fucking cracking game of footy. I'm hammered, brilliant atmosphere, both JP and Scot supporters doing it right.
I may add some thoughts tomorrow, but right now all I know is that Tony Brown has a future with withe ABs. That Japan team knows how to break down defenses, and they use a variety of means to do it.
They are just fun to watch, and with better players across the park, they'd be very very strong. I don't know that South Africa will be laughing about this result - if the japan team can win it's set piece (looking at the line out in particular tonight) then they could be dangerous next week.
It’s a very different atmosphere to the AB/SA game! Beer? No line. Merchandise? Huuuuuuuge line.
Anyone else here? I’m buying!
According to Yahoo here in Japan, they are going to wait until 6 hours before the match to make the final decision, which sucks for my sister who has a three hour train ride to get here, so it will be a busy afternoon if she wants to try to make it.
My assumption is that there is considerable clean up at the ground and they are seeing how much can be done before making the decision.
@Derm-McCrum said in RWC: Japan v Scotland (Possible) (Pool A):
@gt12 said in RWC: Japan v Scotland (Possible) (Pool A):
According to NHK the decision was meant to happen at 9am (JST) so they should announce momentarily.
You mean start to announce and then stop again?
Pretty much.