Rugby world cup Japan 2019 Discussion Thread

With the Rugby World Cup less than 15 days away I would love to see which teams interest you most in seeing and any predictions for group winners overall winners

Group A
JAPAN, RUSSIA, SAMOA, IRELAND, SCOTLAND

[b]GROUP B

NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA, ITALY NAMIBIA, CANADA
[/b]

GROUP C
[b]FRANCE, ARGENTINA, ENGLAND, TONGA, USA[/

GROUP D
AUSTRALIA, FIJI, GEORGIA, URUGUAY, WALES

Definitely the most wide open world cup since ive started watching rugby in 1991
With at least one of the big side going to be out before the quarter finals
As much as I'll be cheering on my beloved Scotland i believe that new Zealand will complete a hat trick of wins

The award for the most unimpressive predictions incoming, can’t see the winner coming from anyone bar England, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia!! Lol. But seriously it’s fairly open but seeing as it is in Japan i’d favour the Southern Hemisphere teams. If I had to pick a winner would go New Zealand.

Thanks for the thread Babelover!!

These are my picks for group qualifying:

GROUP A
IRELAND
JAPAN

GROUP B
NEW ZEALAND
SOUTH AFRICA

GROUP C
ENGLAND
FRANCE

GROUP D
WALES
AUSTRALIA
** Don't discount GEORGIA**

Something needs to be done about the BBC and their decision making! A minimalist approach to this competition (and the Cricket WC) while investing in ensuring they protect the Football WC and Euro Champs (the PL of course) DCMS have to open an investigation and produce a report on the decision making process of the BBC, and - if necessary -impose upon them, a minimum output of every top end competition - whatever the sport! They seem more keen to force the Corporation to carry the cost of over 75's license fees. I see the logic, but still!

Shock of the tournament this time round - Canada overcome Italy!

^ You seem to be ignoring the fact that the tournaments you talk about have competitive TV rights bidding processes.

ITV won the exclusive rights to the Rugby World Cup

(16-09-2019 19:30 )SecretAgent Wrote:  ^ You seem to be ignoring the fact that the tournaments you talk about have competitive TV rights bidding processes.

ITV won the exclusive rights to the Rugby World Cup

I know that Secret, but equally, we don't know how much of our money, the BBC was willing to bid?? They could bid a nominal amount they know damn well would not compete, but will say they tried hard. We don't know any different. I question slightly, the argument that such matters are commercially sensitive, coming from an organisation that isn't commercial, but kept afloat by threat of prosecution. I wonder if they offloaded the commercial arm, how much that would generate?? Anyway, won't spoil my enjoyment of every kick! I just stand on principle that is all!

First scandal to hit the World Cup before a ball been kicked, as Wales Assistant coach Rob Howley is sent home for alleged breach of betting regulations. How much of a blow that is to Wales' chances remains to be seen but I would think Howley has been instrumental in Wales' successes along with Gatland.

Former Wales captain and scrum-half Howley left Wales’ training camp on Monday and will be investigated over a possible breach of World Rugby’s regulation six which covers anti corruption and betting.

Welsh Rugby Union statement reading: “The WRU can confirm that Rob Howley has returned to Wales to assist with an investigation in relation to a potential breach of World Rugby regulation 6, specifically betting on rugby union. The decision was taken to act immediately in light of recent information passed to the WRU.
“No further details can be provided at this stage as this would prejudice the investigation. If required an independent panel will be appointed to hear the case. Rob has co-operated fully with our initial discussions and we would ask that the media appreciate this is a difficult and personal matter for Rob and that his privacy is respected before an outcome is reached. Warren Gatland has consulted with senior players and Stephen Jones will be arriving in Japan imminently to link up with the squad as attack coach.”

t is understood Howley is alleged to have contravened regulation six by placing bets on rugby union. Players at all levels as well as agents, match officials, disciplinary personnel, coaching and backroom staff, owners and directors involved at the highest level are banned from betting on any rugby match.
World Rugby’s regulation 6.3.1 is as follows:
“No Connected Person shall, directly or indirectly, bet and/or attempt to bet on the outcome or any aspect of any Connected Event and/or receive and/or attempt to receive part or all of the proceeds of any such bet and/or any other benefit in relation to a bet.”

These are my picks for group qualifying:

GROUP A
SAMOA
JAPAN


GROUP B
NEW ZEALAND
SOUTH AFRICA

GROUP C
ENGLAND
ARGENTINA

GROUP D
FIJI
AUSTRALIA
** Don't discount WALES**

(18-09-2019 09:08 )babelover48 Wrote:  These are my picks for group qualifying:

GROUP A
SAMOA
JAPAN


GROUP B
NEW ZEALAND
SOUTH AFRICA

GROUP C
ENGLAND
ARGENTINA

GROUP D
FIJI
AUSTRALIA
** Don't discount WALES**

Wouldn't be discounting Ireland ether fella.

(18-09-2019 09:08 )babelover48 Wrote:  These are my picks for group qualifying:

GROUP A
SAMOA
JAPAN


GROUP B
NEW ZEALAND
SOUTH AFRICA

GROUP C
ENGLAND
ARGENTINA

GROUP D
FIJI
AUSTRALIA
** Don't discount WALES**

Some interesting picks there for sure!! Fiji ahead of Wales?? Not sure the Howley issue will have that degree of impact on their chances! No Ireland either....Samoa taking their place?? That is one hell of a shout. I think Ireland will win the group!! In actual fact, I reckon the Aussies might find it hard enough to progress from Group D

Almost 2 million tickets sold - 75% The first match Japan v Russia cracking game to kick things off. Bing it on!! Really excited now!!