Rugby World Cup 23 October 2011
October 23rd, 2011 at 8:36 am by David FarrarOnly one topic today. Our first Rugby World Cup Final in 16 years.
A few months ago most of us were braced for disappointment. We had been through this before. The All Blacks peaked too early or choked or something, and we lost.
But then as the pool play got underway, our optimism has risen and risen. We won all four games convincingly, scoring 240 points and conceding just 49. We picked up a bonus point for every game, meaning we scored at least four tries.
In our pool France barely qualified. If Tonga had beaten Canada, France would have not made the quarter-finals.
England was the only unbeaten team in Pool B, but lost at the quarter-finals, as did Argentina.
Amazingly in Pool C, Australia finished second behind Ireland. That gave us hope for the semi-final.
Pool D has the Springboks win all their games, but they held Wales off by one 1 point. They were arguably our biggest threat, but then they got knocked out by Australia despite playing the stronger game. I think it was at this point that things were really looking good. We were confident we had Australia’s measure, and sure enough they couldn’t score a try against New Zealand in 80 minutes.
So today is the day, starting at 9 pm, where we’ve got the best chance since we won the inaugural trophy to regain the title World Champions. Of course the result is far from guaranteed. France can play amazingly effective rugby when they hit top form. They have twice before beaten us at Rugby World Cups. But tonight, it should be the All Blacks’ day.
What are your picks for the score or margin? I’m saying the All Blacks by 13.
Related posts:
- Rugby World Cup 10 October 2011
- Rugby World Cup 9 October 2011
- Rugby World Cup quarter-finals
- Rugby World Cup 16 October 2011
October 23rd, 2011 at 8:42 am
ABs by 30.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 8:47 am
Two hopes
Vote:1. We win and win graciously
2. Any journalist who says we only have to turn up to win or that France are unworthy finalists be fired on the spot for insufferable arrogance.
October 23rd, 2011 at 8:48 am
Good summary David – I pick 11 points to ABs
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 8:51 am
We are going to the game and am planning to ( as a fan) to win gratuitously and lose quietly
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 8:51 am
France will probably change their game plan 3 times to try and unsettle. As long as we adapt accordingly, I have AB’s by 20+.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 8:54 am
There’s a preview here; the All Blacks should win, and could win well; but shoulds and coulds matter for nothing in a one-off match
http://keepingstock.blogspot.com/2011/10/rwc-final-previewed.html
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 8:56 am
http://whoar.co.nz/2011/commentwhoar-how-i-want-the-rugby-world-cup-final-to-play-out/
(excerpt:..)
‘..i would like france to come out and play a blinder for the first half…
..and for that half to end with them with a healthy lead..’
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 8:59 am
The French will be fired up, but if we keep our discipline, be sure and steady up thru the middle, and tackle em hard first quarter, the AB shock and awe will kick in. Best way to beat France is to disrupt their equilibrium and hold on to the ball. By 10 points.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:16 am
Of course Phil wants France to win; the Left is pinning it’s election hopes on Les Bleu
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:22 am
Let’s hope as patriotic New Zealanders that we taste sweet success. Let’s not show that fortress NZ nastiness that can permeate our opinions- like just expecting to turn up to win. Probably win by 15 points for NZ
Vote:Remember, rugby is not a worldwide game like football. Just think of the USA,Russia or even China if they were at NZ’s level.Won’t rate a mention in 90% of the world.
Great for NZ after an annus horriblus year. Let not some of our negative nellies rubbish our brief time on the headlines.
NZ has been a more pleasant nation over the last three years, hopefully November 26 will affirm that.
October 23rd, 2011 at 9:23 am
I’ll say John Key by a landslide.
Oh yeah, the All Blacks will win as well. But how long will the bender last in New Zealand for?
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:23 am
Same four semi finalists as 1987, same finalists as 87, same result as 87. ABs by 20. However, as SA, Aus, and England aren’t going to win I don’t mind too much if we lose. (Well, maybe a little more than that.)
One last thing, at $7 at the TAB France are looking tempting – they are a better team than that.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:25 am
All Blacks to beat France 33 points to 10.
National to beat Labour 55 points to 27.
Great way to end a year…..
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:30 am
I won’t pick a winning margin, I just want them to win.
Oh alright, by 8 points.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:42 am
Well written summary DPF. As much as I’d like to see France play their top game, I think the ABs will smash them and France will look like the team they were in pool play. I mean what have they done since? Suffocated a 14 man wales. I think France will capitulate at 20 mins and go through the motions, possible even lose someone for dirty play.
ABs by 30+ easily.
I don’t know why anybody is worried. ABs haven’t gone into this one thinking they just have to turn up (like last 5 world cups). They have played a game plan (and team) designed specifically for each opponent. Henry has sat in the background and let the on field leaders run the game (as opposed to previous “leadership teams” whose job was to relay his one dimensional instructions). We also have players covering and on the bench that completely change a game plan (SB, Weepu, etc) rather than just add freshness to plan A. Vive la France, but see ya.
Go the ABs.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:51 am
One point would be enough, but for my health and blood pressure, I would like the ABs to be up by 20 at halftime and then kick on.
The RWC has been awesome, good on you NZ for getting behind the Cup. I love the black flags everywhere, the spirit in which both versions of the anthem is being sung, the elevation of Piri to cult hero…I could go on.
I hope that we will be gracious regardless of the result, kind to Quade Cooper next time we play him (as we as a nation have completely worked him over, no need to do that again), efficient in our public transport, and completely dominant in the loose, at scrum time and on the the score board.
Go the ABs
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:53 am
My guess is the All Blacks will run up maybe 270 for 8 on an easy Eden Park pitch. SBW to smash the Frogs around a bit towards the end.
The Frogs may struggle with the new ball, but if they play well, they might reach 251 all out.
So the All Blacks to win by 19 runs.
Hope the Umpires have a good game.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:01 am
NZ 28, France 13
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:06 am
Why the fuck was the moonbat Turei ebven asked her opinion on this story:
Who the hell does she expect to pay for this information to be “provided to visitors”? Muggins here I guess.
The implication of what the stupid bint is saying is that anywhere someone has been killed, we should never revisit and tiptoe around. FFS, can these people say anything more stupid.
What’s the bet, had it been a US navy person who had died, instead of a fellow green traveller, she wouldn’t be saying the same things….
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10761102
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:22 am
The All Blacks are the more motivated team, they are simply hungry to win and win big. All this chatter about targeting McCaw will only motivate the All Blacks more. I predict France again will play well for the first 20 minutes or so and then the All Black machine will kick into gear and crush them with a substantial win of convincing proportions. Perhaps our greatest All Black team ever.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:40 am
I’ve backed France -5.5
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 am
I’d *love* to see the ABs win, but am wary of the French … they have a habit of taking us out when we least expect it. Go the men in Black!!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 am
ABs by 21. Frogs tryless.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:34 am
The French had a good 20 minutes against an abysmal England then struggled once England raised their game to average, would have lost to Wales if they’d kicked their opportunities.
$10 at the TAB might tempt me, but nothing less than that. If France play really well they can keep the gap to 20, but of all the top teams they’re the least fit.
AB’s by 30.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 am
“..# Inventory2 (6,911) Says:
October 23rd, 2011 at 9:16 am
Of course Phil wants France to win; the Left is pinning it’s election hopes on Les Bleu
..
if you read the match preview..you wd know of course..that that is untrue…
..but hey..!..it is a kiwiblog comments-thread..eh…?
..and i don’t think the world cup result will influence the election in the simplistic-sense you think..
..but one thing this rugby-fest has brought clearly into focus is the chasms between the haves and the have nots…
..unable to afford tickets…(a grand for a finals-ticket..?..)
..only able to watch a few games on free-to-air..
..(their only other option to pack like sheep at mustering into some cheerless-blackhole of a ‘fan-zone’..
..(btw..when was that lure for the mug-punter-taxpayers..the ‘family-friendly fan-zone’..images of mum’s ‘n dads with pushchair/holding clutching little people..when was that concept/bullshit officially dropped..?
..to be replaced by ghastly throwbacks to the public-bar/booze-barns of decades past..
..decidedly unfriendly family fan zones..
..where the peasants could go to swill & scream..)
this rugger-fest has brought those wrongs even more sharply into focus than before…
..and they will be a clear factor in influencing the election result..
..and to my eyes..mana looks best to profit from this..
..mainly because their policies reach out to/address the poor/those suffering..
.(.a group studiously ignored by both national and labour…
..since the heydays of that toxic rogernome…)
..this mana-meme is what is new/different…and this this is what will decide the election result..
..not the results of a rugger-match..
..(and steel yrslves for the backlash over how much money has been pissed up against the wall in this little rugger-exercise/party..eh..?
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:41 am
I predict a rout.
AB’s to be up by 2 tries after 20 mins and the frogs to give it up.
Something like 42 to 8 final score.
Interesting the media playing on the history of filth by the French, will be interesting to see if they are hard enough to try that on today. Who to get red carded first? a frog for an eye gouge or a Black for breaking the frogs jaw?
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:50 am
Statistically (based on the rounds) we must win, but if France do, then they deserve to. Vive la NZ!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 12:02 pm
All Blacks by 20.
In saying that im a nervous wreck. I gave up a ticket to the final to sit alone in my man cave. i may even be nude and covered in peanut butter, havent decided.
As for the “kiwis are arrogant cause they think they will win”. fuckin hell, can we never be confident? do we always have to apologise? bookies have already paid out on an all blacks win.
its like mike tyson at his peak about to face anthony mundine! something would have to go seriously wrong for us to lose.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 12:06 pm
” i may even be nude and covered in peanut butter”
Tell us how that works out, won’t you dime!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 12:11 pm
The score will be 25-9.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 12:20 pm
All blacks by plus 30. I am picking somewhere in the 40 point range for All Blacks and somewhere around 10-16 for France. The biggest winning margin ever in a final RWC in a definite.
Whaleoil captures the mood with these great pictures
Vote:http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2011/10/on-this-day/
October 23rd, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Just put $100 on at the TAB for New Zealand to win by 11-20 points.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@mattyroo
I agree. Turei and the Greens are a few fronds short of a fern. But let’s not let them ruin our day.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 12:31 pm
We already know how this French team plays – we’ve had a preview of this game already. France will fight hard and I’m picking they’ll get a couple of tries. The ABs will absorb the pressure and twist the tournaquet gradually and pull away to a 25 point victory but France will fight hard almost to the end until they’ll run out of gas.
Of course no surprise that MNIJ wants France to win – anything to dent Key’s popularity. World Cup form does affect elections. Shipley learned that the hard way in 1999.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 12:32 pm
On ALL Blacks form… ALL Blacks with three tries two converted kicks three penalty kicks… 28 points
The French two penalty kicks… 6 points … an All Black whitewash.
The French will succumb early to All Black pressure loose structure and make mistakes. expect dust ups.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
You may all want to review things in light of this:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10761067
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Think we only got two tries against the Puma…..
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 1:09 pm
No problem BlueGriffon; the Clark Curse was broken on 8/11/2008.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Who cares about the Rugby.
We always win the Haka.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Has anyone seen Big Bruv since last Sunday night?
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Sitting at work in Greenlane, i can see the supporters mainly dressed in black heading to town already.
Vote:I think i will head home to watch the fun.
October 23rd, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I think the margin will be in the twenties. I think the All Blacks could easily win by a bigger margin but they will purposefully not take the risks for rewards as is usual for them but will exercise a very deliberate discipline to minimise risk.
Even if the All Blacks post a big lead by half time I doubt they’ll loosen up in the second even though a big margin seems more probable to me than a tight result.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 1:46 pm
BlueGriffon
Was that absolutely necessary?
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 1:52 pm
… and to hell with the score.
What time for the first brewski??
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Can I revise my prediction in view of the airbrushed UN Grinch’s attendance.
Surely the Mongolians could have organised a new outbreak of the Black Death just for her.
We will lose the Haka and the Frogs will win by 5 points.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Johnboy
Klerkula is the black death.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
As long as she isn’t the death of the blacks.
Perhaps that’s her plan and JK will get the fallout.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 2:04 pm
“I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
There was only ever two games to worry about, Australia and South Africa. Ireland made it only one, and having done that, by beating Australia, they made it none to worry about. Even though Australia had won the tri-nations I thought it was obvious they couldn’t win from their performance at the cup.
Especially Cooper. He’s a liability to Australia. A mole long embedded by NZ.
The only threat there ever was to the All Blacks in the competition is the proven history that being the best team isn’t a gaurantee of winning a rugby game and especially so at the world cup.
P.S Wayne Barnes is an incompetent who should not be engaged to officiate at such a level.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 2:05 pm
I repeat; the Clark Curse was broken on 8 November 2008, when John Key won the last General Election. Fear not, ye of little faith; the Men in Black will prevail despite Helen Clark’s attendance at the match.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Hallelujah IV2!!!
Faith knows no limitations!
I shall depart on that glorious note and flagellate myself for being a doubter by getting on with the bathroom renovations!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Inventory2 (6,914) Says:
October 23rd, 2011 at 9:16 am
Of course Phil wants France to win; the Left is pinning it’s election hopes on Les Bleu
All this proves is how completely fucking retarded the average mum and dad voters are.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
TDM,
Vote:Now!
October 23rd, 2011 at 2:41 pm
AB’s will come out firing and completely blow away the french. They will be up by 30 points at half time with the full time score up by 50 points.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Masterley
I’m surprised you’ve got any supplies left given that the world was meant to end (again) last week!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Egad, there are some unrealistic expectations for score margins in the above posts.
Every final bar the first has been a dour, *Conservative* affair.
I would love to see free-flowing, *Liberal* rugby, but I doubt this will come to pass.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Scott, would that be classically, neo-classically or socially liberal rugby you would like to see?
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 3:13 pm
thedavincimode
Well the game of union as it is could only be described as socially conservative, what, with all the rules and formalities and the endless penalties and scrums. Not as bad as gridiron though.
On the other hand, I suppose the game of league would conform to the idea of a more socially liberal game.
I suppose if you let them fight it out without rules, then all the rich ones could buy uzis and mow down their opposition but that might puncture the ball, which would be a bit of a let down.
So all you conservatives out there, what you are actually watching out there is a sporting homage to the lefties
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Sport.. is the only time the right give their vote of support to a team full of left leaning Maori and Polynesians.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 3:26 pm
In spite of a tight turnaround, Tonga weren’t good enough to beat the Canadians who played pretty good physical footie.
AB’s by 12……….or 30+
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@Scott, I think you’re overlooking Aus v France in 1999 which Aussie won 35-12. Every other final has had either SA, England or both, so let’s say that there’s never yet been a boring final if those two teams are absent!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Dazza – Tonga had a second-string side for the Canadian game due to political pressure to give the whole squad a run.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 3:41 pm
“Sport.. is the only time the right give their vote of support to a team full of left leaning Maori and Polynesians.”
Kiwiblog… the centre-right blog that the left just can’t stay away from.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Kia Ora
Sometime between 2300 and 0000 hours NZ time, I expect to see the All Blacks lift the Web Ellis Trophy.
http://willsheberight.blogspot.com/2011/10/rugby-world-cup-final-2011-all-blacks.html
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 3:48 pm
I was having a nightmare where I found myself nude in bed, and I was looking at a mirror on the ceiling and I discovered that I am a ginger.
Vote:Quickly I sat up, found my pants and looked in the pockets to find my driver’s licence photo and it was that same colour, ginger.
I felt myself being very depressed, downcast, sitting in a chair. But it’s a wheelchair. That means, of course, besides being ginger, I’m also disabled. I said to myself, aloud “This is impossible! It’s impossible that I should be ginger and disabled”
“It’s the pure and holy truth,” whispers someone from behind me. I turn around, and it’s my boyfriend. Just what I needed. I am a homosexual and on top of that, with an Australian boyfriend.
Oh my God. Ginger, disabled, gay with an Australian boyfriend and HIV-positive.
The telephone rings. it’s my brother. He is saying, ‘Since Mum and Dad died the only thing you do is hang out, take drugs, and laze around all day doing nothing. Get a job you worthless arsehole’
Mum? Dad? Nooooo … Now I’m also an unemployed orphan. I try to explain to my brother how hard it is to find a job when you are ginger, disabled, gay with an Australian boyfriend, are a drug addict, HIV positive and an orphan, but he doesn’t get it.
Frustrated, I hang up. With tears in my eyes, I go to the window to look out. I see I live in a State Housing slum area. There is rubbish everywhere.
Besides being ginger, disabled, a fairy with an Australian boyfriend, a drug addict, HIV positive, orphaned & unemployed, I live in a shitty neighbourhood.
At that very moment my boyfriend approaches and says to me, ‘Sweetie pie, my love, my little ginger heartthrob, grab your French flag & blue jersey, it’s time to go. The World Cup game starts in a couple of hours.’
Say it isn’t so!!! I can handle being a ginger, disabled, drug-addicted, homosexual who is HIV positive, orphaned, unemployed & lives in a slum, & has an Australian boyfriend. But please don’t tell me I support the French.
October 23rd, 2011 at 4:01 pm
I’ll put it out there 69-17 to the ABs. Going to come out firing and the French wont be able to stop the Black tide. Sure they will get a couple of lucky tries due to the open nature, but this one is for the record books.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Your Aussie boyfriend is just confused from that big slobbery french kiss you gave him the night before nasska.
Aussie’s are like that. Easily confused. Shit look who they picked for a coach and a number 10!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 5:31 pm
“support to a team full of left leaning .”
But not from the Left.. they want them desperately to loose.. they would rather rob their left leaning players of glory.. in the hope of gaining a few miserable votes from the countries post match depression.
But it ain’t going to happen.. Go the All Blacks.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Hagues, good to see you and I agree about the score and how the ABs will play it.
Vote:Loved your rant Nasska, nothing could be worse. you missed out in your nightmare of being a liabor supporter and kissing goofy.
October 23rd, 2011 at 5:52 pm
Great article from my uncle about the 1987 All Blacks.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/5835617/Behind-the-scenes-at-a-great-world-cup-victory
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 5:57 pm
Wow. It is staggering how many people think this is going to be a 50 point blowout! A little respect for the opposition wouldn’t go amiss sometimes New Zealand…(Ali ‘The Comedian’ Williams that means you as well..)
Vote:I think a few of you may be surprised at how tight this game could be….It is, after all, a World Cup final.
October 23rd, 2011 at 6:31 pm
My 5 year old…reminds me of what the game is about …..he got up this morning….got out his drawers Black trackpants, his All Black Teeshirt and his All Black Cap….tied his All Black flag around his neck like a superman cape and has been hassling me since 10am how long to the game…..absolute love of the All Blacks and his loves rugby
I think All Blacks by about 10 point…
I have loved the RWC…the passion, spirt and atmospere of the RWC has been wonderful…the colours that have been around….I would love to see it back in 20 years
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 6:38 pm
I got respect for the French, its just that as I read it we are just going to be far too good on the day. Given the history there is every possibility that the French could actually push us, or even win. But I just think, today is our day to play to our potential and really put it to them. I think that even though its the final we have prepared well and are prepared to go out and play positive attacking rugby and not give the French… or the ref… an opportunity to spoil the party.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 6:47 pm
Its going to go off in town
every man and lady and his/her dog /sheep, electric device is heading to town
Party hard Auckland
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 7:13 pm
So David
Vote:What does the All Black success or failure have to do with you ? – do you have influence or control over the outcome? – I suspect that you see value in “basking in the glory of other peoples achievements” – you use “we” too liberally.
Else you are deluded!
October 23rd, 2011 at 7:46 pm
AB’s just arrived.
Vote:From Kenneth ave to the ground the crowds were applauding the team bus.
Go the ABs
October 23rd, 2011 at 8:07 pm
I live in the neighbourhood of this game. My daughter wobbled to the event on 6 inch heels and half naked as were all her friends. Bloody hell. At least she knows to scarper if the result goes bad.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 8:29 pm
The characteristics that lead a Rugby team to success are generic. They are aspirant or existant in most of the competing countries and cultures. To ascribe a special National or Cultural claim of exclusivity or exception here is absurd. So Many deluded !
Vote:#ViVaLaDeluded
October 23rd, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Go the ABs. Are we turning a Nelsons eye to the involvement of two injured players in the current team.. Mills and Dan. I thoughts the rules precluded this. Guess the rules go out the window to win the cup.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:01 pm
So its begun.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:43 pm
sphincters all nice and taut/tight…?
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:55 pm
hey phules back!
Fuck off phule!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:55 pm
We need Dan Carter…..
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 9:59 pm
RF
Vote:Please define “we” – and if you claim yourself “included”, how would Dan benefit you?
October 23rd, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Well, not long into the second half, and France scores a converted try to close within a point. Can the All Blacks live up to their “Champion Chokers” tag yet again ? I’ve got all doom and gloomish and believe that they can. OMG.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:15 pm
The royal we. Negative thoughts not permitted on this blog.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:19 pm
Can only be “We” if you have contributed – Royal or not – stake your claim.
Vote:#ViVaLaDeluded
October 23rd, 2011 at 10:26 pm
Else has nothing to do with you!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:44 pm
So all you Baskers – tell me why you deserve the bask in the Glory ?
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Bingo !!!!!
A win is a win
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:46 pm
John Key and the government did it!! Hey, its about as relevent as the Rena crap from Labour and the Greens.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Thank fuck for that
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:48 pm
Man that was hard work. Phew!
Congratulations to The All Blacks!!
Well played the French.
Thought Haley Westenra sang beautifully.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:49 pm
Blooming ‘eck that was nerve wringing. Big effort by France, their defence was superb through out the game.
I was well impressed with the cleverness of NZ’s try at the time, now I’m really really glad of it.
Frances attack didn’t scare me until Weepu made the biggest mistake of the night. Boy, I bet he’s the most relieved person in the country right now – missing all his kicks and gifting France their opportunity. Phew.
France surprised me, they could have won that. Another world cup game where kicking was the difference – only in this case it was everyone missing.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 pm
valeriusterminus gets the award for biggest douche bag of the night
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:55 pm
Are you a horrible person in real life, or just the internet? Go make a friend you sad sack.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:55 pm
As predicted- tight as hell! I still can’t believe how many people got sucked into thinking this was going to be a 50 point romp! It’s a bloody World Cup final, they are always tough and hard fought!
I hope Ali Williams and co can finally show some class and respect for the French in victory. They certainly didn’t show it at that disgracefully arrogant press conference during the week.
All that aside, even though I’m not a supporter- Congrats to the All Blacks. They finally have that monkey off their back!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Oh me of little faith. Mea Culpa, mea maxima culpa. And now the heart rate and blood pressure can start to come down. Too bloody close for my liking, and we know what French team turned up tonight, the good one !
Well done the All Blacks, but three bloody cheers for the French, that was a mighty performance. Where did the team that somehow fumbled their way past England and Wales go !
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 10:58 pm
I must say watching a replay Morgan Parra may rightly feel a little hard done by- Any other team in World rugby would have been down to 14 for that….But you know what you’re getting with the All Blacks…’Protected Species’ and all that….
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:00 pm
Longknives..just fuck off you sad dick.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Plenty of mates – but I do not see my worth by their eyes – try it, you will be liberated.
Vote:Hey – just remember that a key principle of Rugby is that it is just as valid to stop the other guys from achieving as it is to achieve yourself – not the kind of world I want for my kids – or have made for ourselves!
October 23rd, 2011 at 11:05 pm
they didn’t deserve to win..
..the french were the ones who showed all the flair/sparkle..
..they played a blinder..
..the all blacks were lead-footed in comparison…
..there is certainly no room for gloating..
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:06 pm
Valeriusterminus
Time you were recalled to your secure unit. Meds at 7am.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Can anyone hear Labours toilet flushing !!!!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:11 pm
It isn’t me that is deluded. Follow the reason and show where it falters.
Vote:#ViVaLaDeluded
October 23rd, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Typical Lefty mindset; no one gains without someone else losing. We cant be happy without it somehow coming from gloating over French pain.
On the contrary, most people here will credit France with playing well, and are just happy WE got there in the end.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 pm
Pauleastbay- Just calling it as I see it mate. If McCaw had been kneed in the head and K’O'd you would be howling and wailing from here to kingdom come…admit it!
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:18 pm
philu, there is something wrong with your keyboard (or its driver), it is spitting out full-stops and commas instead of words.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:20 pm
Please only use “WE” with providence
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:23 pm
Longknives, the knee was accidental. Always looks worse in slow motion, and McCaw is not a dirty player.
Eastbay- Get some help with that anger problem.
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:26 pm
Philu.
Vote:Two words – sod off.
October 23rd, 2011 at 11:37 pm
given that to even suggest the french wd come close pre-match was to be laughed at and called a cheese-eating surrender-monkey…
..extravagent ‘gloating’ has been the theme…
..and mccaw did knee that player in the head…
..and it looked deliberate…
..and mccaw was lucky he wasn’t sent off..
..and all the game stats confirm it was the french game…
..these are some of the reasons not to gloat…
..but i don’t even really like rugby..and i was on the edge of the seat…..
..it was really exciting..
..but most of the excitement did come from the french..
..it must have been a grinding hell for the real fans..
..phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:October 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 pm
Thank Christ I don’t have an account at Betfair;
Vote:With ten minutes to go they had the Frogs paying $4.30. I would have unbundled my entire account.
Betfair is a predominantly English outfit and it is interesting that their punters had a hell of lot more confidence in the All Blacks than I had at that time.
How do I know?
I was so nervous that I came downstairs to my computer to see what the odds were. I couldn’t bear to watch the game.
October 24th, 2011 at 12:00 am
At our TAB nobody picked the correct score.
Vote:Those with 8-8 and 8-6 each got $3323.40.
October 24th, 2011 at 12:04 am
Same here Tauhei…. at half time those $7 odds for the French were tempting. But I stood firm (luckily) and cleaned up on ABs 1-10 ($5.50 odds all week)
Vote:October 24th, 2011 at 12:09 am
Awesome.
Vote:French played a massive game.
Weepu cost us a dozen points.
Fucking happy at result tho.
Scotch bottle suffered horribly.
October 24th, 2011 at 12:10 am
So – is anyone here going to teach their kids to impede those whom have similar aspirations?
Vote:Or will Rugby die an inevitable death??
October 24th, 2011 at 12:22 am
Methinks
Vote:#RugbyIsWrong
October 24th, 2011 at 12:29 am
haha thats gold
Vote:MNIJ comes on and says France -5.5
then he gets called on “wanting France to win”
some kiwibloggers dont know how point starts work eh?
October 24th, 2011 at 12:34 am
Fuck off philu. It was fair (and intense) play, good sportsmanship and refereeing, who the fuck are you to say they didn’t deserve to win?
Vote:October 24th, 2011 at 12:39 am
Ignore the trolls… Misery loves company. Don’t give it to them.
Vote:October 24th, 2011 at 12:46 am
A rhetoric for the banal..
Vote:“So kid – see those guys – they want to score tries – but so do you – so you gotta stop them – so that you can score betta than them! hey might be you brothers – but you betta than them! – your worth will be measured by you doing more goals than them – get in their face and do it kid!”
October 24th, 2011 at 7:50 am
valeriusterminus
Well, as the great commentator Rabbs Warren famously said, “You’d complain at a funeral.”
There’s a right time to make a point, and there’s a right time to keep your mouth shut, and let others enjoy reveling in the essence of being human.
You appear to have difficulty distinguishing between the two.
Vote:October 24th, 2011 at 8:01 am
i’m not the only one there brave-wolf…
..face it..they won despite choking…
..they looked the most professional/on top of it..during the haka…
..when the most exciting phase of all black play came from woodcock…ya hafta wonder..eh..?
..tell me one sequence where the all blacks seemed in control…?..where they sparkled in any way..?
..all the class/flash/sparkle came from the great/open/attacking rugby played by the french..
..the all blacks were very very lucky to win…
..and going on the game stats..and the game itself..
..the french should be holding that cup..
(i mean even mccaw thinks it was not good rugby from the all blacks..
..it was ‘just good enough’…)
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:October 24th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
yawnnnn……who really cares…except for a bunch of navel gazing kiwis.
The rugby world cup is a piddling event and our national obsession with this game is rather embarrassing.
Not much more than 33 million watched the game today —-less than the audience for your average English Premiership League game.
RWC —utter waste of money to keep the plebs distracted from the issues that matter.
Here is an honest debunking of some of the hype that has surrounded the RWC
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/michael-burgess/news/article.cfm?a_id=701&objectid=10761073
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