Quote:
Originally Posted by undercoverbrother
Oct 10 - Eng v Aus
Oct 19 - NZ v Ire
Oct 20 - Wales v France
Oct 20 - Jap v SA
I think England, NZ, Wales & SA go through.
I think if the French the French can get it right on the day they can go through.
I think SA have far too much meat up front for the Japanese, and when SA pull from the bench there is no quality drop. Japan looked good against Scotland, but SA don't play defense lice Scotland.
Aussies do not have enough structure in their game to beat a well drilled England team. It could happen, but all 23 would need to have a blinder.
Ireland, yeah boys pack your bags.
All of this is thrown out the window if the officiating remains horrible.
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I agree with your picks. Hopefully the games are close and we get an upset or two though. It will be interesting if the extra rest will help or hinder. Crazy Ireland NZ is a quarter final when many had that as the final.
The officiating was great in the Scotland Japan game. He was consistent in the breakdowns, kept the game moving, communicated well, and called penalties appropriately. The best part was when he basically told the TMO to bugger off on a high tackle saying the attacker went in low and there would be no penalty. If that is the standard for the finals we will be fine.