Egg chasers of the SMB

Arkle said:
Italy did indeed beat them 20-18. South Africa, like France, always seem to play unimpressively in world cups then pull off one decent result or get a lucky draw.

As for the quarters, we'll play the runner up of the Aussie/Wales group if we win ours and then the Kiwis in the semi. South Africa, assuming they finish second in their group, will more than likely face Ireland or Scotland in the quarters.
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jacko100 said:
no chance of that, it'll be winners or runners up from group D
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Shame. Someone out of Ireland or Scotland has more or less got a bye to the semis because they will beat SA like a ginger stepchild
 


Arkle said:
It's the kind of thing they'd do. On the face of it, the seedings make for an Aus vs NZ/England final anyway.
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Australia / England succeeding depends on a couple of things. One is England progressing from where they currently are to a better pattern of play. We have great strength in depth but the performances weren't cohesive enough in the 6N, but Jones is pointing us in the right direction so it's just a question of whether we get there. Australia is a question of whether they keep a strong squad together given the financial and organisational troubles they are having, and whether Cheika sorts out the tactics. Last summer it looked as if their players were threatened with a week's wages fine if they ever kick the ball instead of keeping it in hand. They didn't seem to notice that England has a decent defence and counter-attack.
 
Beery said:
Slightly off tangent, but my mates son has been selected for the Emerging Italians to tour to Uruguay with a view to him playing for Italy in this RWC, however as he has just signed pro-terms with Gloucester (he was at Hartpury this season) then he has had to decline due to missing Glos pre-season plus he would then be classed as a foreign player. Hes still only 21 so plenty of time for him, but would have been some experience playing against SA and AB's in Japan.
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meant to say he actually qualifies for England, Italy and Wales
http://www.englandrugby.com/news/jake-polledri-breakthrough-year/
 
Cockney Mackem said:
Australia / England succeeding depends on a couple of things. One is England progressing from where they currently are to a better pattern of play. We have great strength in depth but the performances weren't cohesive enough in the 6N, but Jones is pointing us in the right direction so it's just a question of whether we get there. Australia is a question of whether they keep a strong squad together given the financial and organisational troubles they are having, and whether Cheika sorts out the tactics. Last summer it looked as if their players were threatened with a week's wages fine if they ever kick the ball instead of keeping it in hand. They didn't seem to notice that England has a decent defence and counter-attack.
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I think you're right on both counts. Both, as with everyone else, look like works in progress when compared to the Kiwis.
 
That's a tough group for England that.

That said, while we could well lose to either France or Argentina, it's unlikely we'll lose to both (and if we did it would mean we were never serious contenders to begin with).
 
Cockney Mackem said:
Good luck to the lad - if he played 7 he'd have an even better chance, but if he makes the grade he could be the next generation 6 England are looking for. Or even Wales, mind their back row is really strong.
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He can play any back row position but size wise best at 6 or 8. He was the standout forward in the record breaking season for Hartpury in National 1 - won every game and only missed out on 2 bonus points!
 
Struts said:
Him, Mermoz, The Matavesi brothers and Van Dee Merwe on the books for next season combined with Takalua and (hopefully) a fully fit Nili Latu tearing up the carpet at KP next season, definitely renewing.
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I get cheap tickets through the rugby club so will get to the odd game. Massive push for European spots next season
 

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