Rugbology Sept 7 2023

Quick taps : RWC draw is absurd : Will there be RWC upsets? : How long will Blackadder stay in one piece? : Eddie forgot to pack a goalkicker : Southland Boys win national XV title !!!

RWC !!!

Finally, just 2 sleeps and it’s all on ! It’s taken a while to get here but clean the big flatscreen, setup the skybox to record all, stock the fridge, service the lazyboy and set your texting groups up.

Whilst we’ve always known the opening game will be very tough, both teams have key players missing via injury, both will still make the Quarterfinals so apart from some bragging rights, the only thing really on the line is the AB’s 100% pool game winning record. Given Fozzys ability to achieve firsts, I’d think this record will go.

France will be super hyped at home, are full of world class established players and play with a clinical, slick, consistent and disciplined approach that eluded the French sides of the past. Unless the occasion gets to them (they are French after all) and they get a bit carried away, it could be a tough night for All Black fans.

This is of course dependent on which AB team turns up as they’ve developed a new found level of inconsistency over the last few years. Missing in action one week then unbeatable the next - hopefully this Saturday, it’s the latter. As for the actual team selection, given the injuries to Lomax, Brodie, Frizzell and Jordie the replacements are expected with the possible exception of Dalton P. Bit of a curveball as he’s generally a 7 but perhaps Fozzys looking for a bit more lineout height as Lukes a bit of a short-arse at 6. Basically, it comes down to the pack going forward, dominating at the breakdown and at least gaining set piece parity. Smith and Ritchie need to step up and we need to stay out of card trouble …………… hmmmmmmm.

Anyway, as a rugby fan, it’s our 4 yearly Rugby Christmas and even on the first weekend there’s a feast of key matchups apart from France v ABs.

England v Argentina - On form the Argies should win but they can be as temperamental as the Poms can be unorganised. Both teams are likely to keep it tight so don’t expect an exciting game.

Wales v Fiji - Fijis big chance to set their campaign alight. Sadly, they lost their quality 10 to injury during the week but if they can stay focused for 80, they could well topple the Leekeaters who quite honestly have been as poor as the Poms this year.

Australia v Georgia - An opportunity for the wrestlers to make a statement as the Wallys are another team struggling for form. The potential issue for Georgia is can their backs deliver as their forwards surely will but I’d expect Eddies boys to get the job done simply because they will play a bit more rugby.

South Africa v Scotland - very tough first up for the Jocks who are a team having a great year but unfortunately are rewarded with a place in the pool of death - well, likely theirs anyway. I’d expect the Boks to have too much power up front despite a standard gritty effort from the Jocks.

Injured and out of RWC.

Who will the 3 wise men draft in to replace Narawa ? I vote for a big loose forward so my moneys on Samipeni Finau who should’ve been there from the start.

Really feel for Fiji who lost Muntz their talented and key first five. They’ve built a lot of their play around him and he’s a very handy goalkicker - something Fiji hasn’t always had.

Ireland lost one of their starting props Healy but are pretty bullish about their depth so no problem, I guess.

Will the Boks miss Handre Pollard ? As promising as Libbok looks, Pollard is world class and I reckon will be missed.

NPC.

Wellington the only unbeaten side but the rest are all having their moments which is producing a bunch of interesting results and upsets. Manawatu won their first game in a couple of seasons and then shot up to Eden Park and celebrated by tipping up the Rangitoto Yanks who then ventured all the way down to Invercargill and smacked the Penguinrooters. The Magpies, Harbour, The Mooloo, The Naki, The Mako, Hori BOP and the Taniwha are all taking bites out of each other which is making the comp interesting which in my mind is not broken nor unfit for purpose as the NZRU would have us believe - a bit costly maybe, but still a national rugby nursery.

Enjoy the opening weekend and remember …… pass it on !

And lastly something for my state house rugby mates …………… UP THE WAHS !!!!!

cheers
Rod - the Rugbologist.