[FTS]

It's already kicked off. The opening ceremony was held, and Argentina squared off against the host nation, France. In what could be called an upset, Argentina manage to score the only try of the match, and hold off France to claim a 17-12 victory.

Next match ups are:

New Zealand vs Italy
Australia vs Japan
England vs U.S.A.

[FTS]

What a bunch of one-sided matches.

New Zealand walloped Italy 76-14. New Zealand just getting sloppy towards the end. Douggie Howlett went away with a hat-trick and the record for New Zealand's all-time try scoring record. Dan Carter also took the record for New Zealand's all-time point scorer. Some brilliant tries scored by New Zealand.

Australia weren't to be outdone, thoroughly trouncing Japan 91-3. Australian flanker Rocky Elsom came away with the record for the quickest hat-trick by a forward in RWC history.

And in a match that spoke more to England's flaws their ability, they managed a 28-10 victory over the U.S.A. England were given many, many chances, but struggled to take advantage of them.

There are some good matches in the next batch:

Canada vs Wales - should be a good one, similar teams with back to basics rugby. Wales being the more polished side should come away with the win.

South Africa vs Samoa - another good match to watch. South Africa are definitely the favourites in this match, but Samoa should make it interesting at least.

Scotland vs Portugal - should be a good one. Scotland would be the favourites, and should win if they stay on their game.

Ireland vs Namibia - expect Ireland to win this fairly easily. Namibia are fast, but Ireland has a much better program.

But definitely, if you have access to any of the matches, they should be good'uns.

[Relientk101]

Originally Posted by Kepa

What a bunch of one-sided matches.

New Zealand walloped Italy 76-14. New Zealand just getting sloppy towards the end. Douggie Howlett went away with a hat-trick and the record for New Zealand's all-time try scoring record. Dan Carter also took the record for New Zealand's all-time point scorer. Some brilliant tries scored by New Zealand.

Australia weren't to be outdone, thoroughly trouncing Japan 91-3. Australian flanker Rocky Elsom came away with the record for the quickest hat-trick by a forward in RWC history.

And in a match that spoke more to England's flaws their ability, they managed a 28-10 victory over the U.S.A. England were given many, many chances, but struggled to take advantage of them.

There are some good matches in the next batch:

Canada vs Wales - should be a good one, similar teams with back to basics rugby. Wales being the more polished side should come away with the win.

South Africa vs Samoa - another good match to watch. South Africa are definitely the favourites in this match, but Samoa should make it interesting at least.

Scotland vs Portugal - should be a good one. Scotland would be the favourites, and should win if they stay on their game.

Ireland vs Namibia - expect Ireland to win this fairly easily. Namibia are fast, but Ireland has a much better program.

But definitely, if you have access to any of the matches, they should be good'uns.

That doesn't speak well to The World Cup winners Reputation

[FTS]

Originally Posted by Relientk101

That doesn't speak well to The World Cup winners Reputation

Exactly. If they don't get themselves together, it might be hard for them to make it to the semi's.

---

So, Wales beat Canada, South Africa beat Samoa, Scotland beat Portugal, and Ireland beat Namibia. No upsets.

But man, the game to watch was South Africa vs Samoa. CRAZY. The score ended up being 59-7, but that really doesn't reflect the match. Basically South Africa tried to show dominance early, but Samoa wouldn't let them. It was a very physical game.

The thing that let the game down was the ref. The ref was VERY lenient towards South Africa. South Africa should have been one man down in the middle of the first half due to a blatant mid-air attack at the man, not the ball. Should have been a yellow card. Then in the second half, a Samoan try was disallowed for being offside, but he wasn't.

In the end, though, South Africa made less mistakes, and had much more stamina, and took the score up to 59 late in the game.

The Wales vs Canada match was very interesting in the first half. Canada actually had the lead heading into the second half. But Wales regathered and took the match 42-17

The other scores were Scotland over Portugal 56-10, and Ireland over Namibia 32-17.

The next match is tomorrow, Argentina vs Georgia. Argentina coming off the win over France should be favourites to win.

[steggz]

Never underestimate the power of the Pacific Island teams (Samoa, Tonga, Fiji) These guys are normally big, fast and skillful. Always a pleasure to watch. No-one from the Northern Hemisphere has impressed so far, especially Ireland and England. But the big 4 Southern teams (SA, NZ, Aus and Argentina) have all started well. Yes, SA weren't terribly convincing vs Samoa, but their form going into the Cup was pretty impressive. NZ are still favourites, and Australia will rise to the occasion, just like in '03. They weren't in the best form then, but almost won it.

It should be an interesting cup.

[FTS]

Originally Posted by steggz

Never underestimate the power of the Pacific Island teams (Samoa, Tonga, Fiji) These guys are normally big, fast and skillful. Always a pleasure to watch. No-one from the Northern Hemisphere has impressed so far, especially Ireland and England. But the big 4 Southern teams (SA, NZ, Aus and Argentina) have all started well. Yes, SA weren't terribly convincing vs Samoa, but their form going into the Cup was pretty impressive. NZ are still favourites, and Australia will rise to the occasion, just like in '03. They weren't in the best form then, but almost won it.

It should be an interesting cup.

The thing that sucks, to me, is that they put England, S.A., Samoa, and Tonga all in the same pool. Samoa should definitely be in a different pool, I think.

But yes, it'll definitely be interesting. Well, more interesting once we get to the quarters.

[steggz]

The problem is that the pools are worked out about 12-18 months beforehand. they need to be a little closer to the tournament before they do the pools.

[FTS]

Originally Posted by steggz

The problem is that the pools are worked out about 12-18 months beforehand. they need to be a little closer to the tournament before they do the pools.

Ah, definitely.

By the way, seeing as I couldn't get on last night, here are some updates.

Argentina beat Georgia, 33-3
Tonga beat U.S.A., 25-15
In a REALLY close game, Fiji beat Japan, 35-31
And Italy beat Romania, 24-18