Thread: Any Rugby Union Fans?

So the World Cup is taking place in the UK at the moment and the first major shock of the tournament was the Springboks losing to Japan.

The Japanese played superbly and thoroughly deserved their victory.

That's now 5 defeats from their last 8 games for the Boks!!

Didn't see it, been a bit busy with work things. That's certainly a bit of a shock though. I've always enjoyed that free-flowing running brand of Rugby that Japan plays so good on them for taking out a major team, but I feel for the Springboks.

I was at the Australia/Boks game in Brisbane a month or two back - where Australia came back from behind to win right at the end. That had to hurt. I wonder whether their confidence is just a bit low at the moment?

James.

Enjoying the rugby so far. What a win for Japan and they certainly deserved it.

The second Japanese try was special with some lovely backline interplay and showed the Boks how a backline should play.

It seems to me that the Bok game plan hasn't evolved from the 80's. Big bruising forward play trying to smash through the opposition and when they do get the ball, they kick it away.

There was quite a debate when the squad was selected as many felt that there were too may older players and not enough youngsters.

Well, I didn't want to say but I agree with you there - it's all about kicking. I'd like to see the Boks develop more of a running game to be frank.

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Well, I didn't want to say but I agree with you there - it's all about kicking. I'd like to see the Boks develop more of a running game to be frank.

James.

That's the issue with the coach, Heyneke Meyer, he comes from the Blue Bulls and that's the way they have always played their rugby.Trying to out-muscle the opposition instead of using finesse.

If Japan can beat Scotland, then it will set up this group for an interesting conclusion.

The Boks have always tried to out muscle their opponents with the rest of the world embracing professional sport and rugby players becoming athletes the Boks can no longer dominate a lot of sides up front, I saw Wales beating them during the Autum international in Wales and they dominated the Boks at the breakdown and were more physical than the Boks they are going to have to change their game for sure.

100% spot on Jamie.

A good result for Wales in beating Uruguay 54-9 which makes it 3 from 3 for the home nation teams.

The AB's are now leading Argentina after the Argies were ahead at half-time.

So the latest world rankings have been published...

1. All Blacks
2. Australia
3. England
4. Wales
5. Ireland
6. South Africa

The All Blacks had good hard fought win against Argentina yesterday.

Games coming up this week includes Scotland's opening fixture against the Bok slayers, Japan. Italy vs Canada could be an interesting game and then from the pool of death, England vs Wales on Saturday. Whoever wins that clash "should" go on to secure a quarter-final spot along with the Aussies.