With the warm-up internationals for the World Cup getting into swing, the BTL underdoggers are out in force. Flair reckons that Scotland will beat France by 40 points; BorderBoy doesn’t seem very sure about getting out of the group in the Cup at all, whereas Deebee thinks South Africa shouldn’t even bother getting on the plane. And everyone is underdogging New Zealand. SBT just hopes there’ll be a chance to travel and party, and lots of turnstiles.
Me, I’m confident that Ireland will beat Italy this weekend as we have FIVE starting Ulstermen, including an Ulster captain, and another Ulsterman on the bench. But I am also not entirely sure we’ll make it out of the group, and very doubtful we’ll get any further than the QFs (again). There’ll be a serious and detrimental lack of Ulstermen on the WC sides, just you wait and see.
As for Wales, I’ve just asked the mister if he thinks they’ll beat England this weekend. Long pause. Scratching. “Yeeaaah … but I don’t think it’s gonna be a good game.” What an optimist!
Onna telly this weekend
Saturday 5th August
| New Zealand v Australia | 03:35 | Sky Sports Action |
| Scotland v France | 15:15 | Prime Video |
| Wales v England | 17:30 | Prime Video |
| Ireland v Italy | 20:00 | RTÉ2 / Prime Video |
| Argentina v South Africa | 20:10 | Sky Sports Action |
Ovally Balls 
TRY Doris (I think; it was while I was feeding the dog).
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Oh, and Italy have picked up a yellow card somewhere.
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TRY McCloskeeeeeyyyyyy!
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Libbok’s just missed another penalty.
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21-3 at HT. Italy hit by injuries, and Ireland failing to make the most of several opportunities as previously noted.
Hendo’s having a good game, as is Stockdale. Our Stuart not having his best, apart from the try: a couple of uncharacteristic handling errors. Herring good. Tom O’Toole: not sure, think he gave away a penalty at the first scrum.
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I’ve just seen the replay of the Italian yellow card (Fischetti), and it’s very amusing, because as soon as the ref’s back is turned, Fischetti makes a very emphatic Italian gesture in his direction.
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Arg leading 10-3 going into half time. Mostert got a yellow on 37mins (didn’t see what for).
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Ireland looking scarily efficient at the moment.
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Try Italy!
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Ha, I like the juxtaposition of the last 2 comments.
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SA start the 2nd half with a try. Mapimpi finding space on the wing. Libbok converts
10-10
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One Ulsterman off (O’Toole) and one on (Stewart). McCloskey makes an excellent turnover.
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Stockdale needed to go lower there.
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Hendo off for Beirne.
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Another SA try. Moodie on the end of a cross kick.
10-15
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Cian Healy’s sneaked on when I wasn’t looking.
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It would be something to have Frawley at 10 and Doak at 9. They are practically identical twins.
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TRY Healy!
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He seems to have lost a contact in the process.
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What a crap kick from Crowley!
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I could do without the closeup of Healey trying to dig a contact out of his eye 🤢
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TRY Meloncello!
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TRY Doris again!
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Something strange has happened to the video. Looks like it’s slightly in slo-mo, or missing frames, or something.
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So
Ireland > France > Scotland > Wales > Italy > England
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33-17 at the final whistle. Fairly disappointing from Ireland, but you could see the result of Farrell saying that all players on the wider squad would get game time, and the resulting chaos.
Italy must be worried about injuries. Meloncello went off in tears, which bodes badly for him.
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Anyone fancy a wee dram of fizzy Marmite?
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Well, I would be a lot happier if I was Scottish. or Welsh.
On a positive not, the misfiring Canberra Raiders won again this morning, keeping their chances of making it to the last eight play phase of the NRL, and so Giving me something to watch into September.
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Caught most of second half of Wales vs England .. gee England were poor. Ruck speed was funereal…. and even then 9 took ages to get there…. Wales tackled well – Gatland style.
Ireland vs Italy – perfectly acceptable outing …. a win, no obvious bad injuries…. wait and see on Conan and O’Brien, Casey seemed precautionary.
Performance wise – Doris, Crowley and Casey, O’Brien (while on) plus Henderson and McCarthy.
From Munster POV – Crowley was pretty good at 10. Nothing spectacular but competent – we got to see Frawley…. who looked like what he is …. a 2nd 5/8th put at 10. Handy sub but not going to start….
Back luck for Menoncello – didn’t seem much in it but you could tell he knew straightaway he was cooked.
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Just watched the England Wales game in full on rugby24, after barely seeing any yesterday with dodgy streams. Not quite as horrible as I have been reading on the graun etc. There was more invention and half breaks in the first half than pretty much the whole of the last year put together, and Big Joe was not as useless as is being alleged either. Definately saved at least one try. Malins is more of a worry positionally, don’t think either of them should make the squad. Kelly absolutely non-existent, he shouldn’t either. Marchant was England’s best player on the day. Smith looked lively too, we know he is only emergency back up, but it was more good experience for him, he was throwing his weight around a bit, shouting at people, which is a good sign I think.
Assume all the dropping the ball was part of the game plan.
Worried about hookers if George gets injured, I wouldn’t have either Blamire or Dan anywhere near the test team until they can sort their throwing in out, hope Tom Dunn is keeping fit .
Rest of pack a bit meh, Ludlam good as ever without quite being mind blowing, and Genge worked his ass off around the park, one particularly good try saving tackle in the corner , not bad for a prop over an hour into a test match.
Well done Henry Thomas.
Care was Ok, JVP looks a bit clueless at times, not enough spice to him, in my humble. Are we really going into the world cup with Ben Youngs or young Ben mk 2 as first choice ? oh well.
England presentation at the ruck is dreadful, and has been for years, other teams seem way better at getting quick clean ball, and there isn’t enough disruption slowing down oppo ball from them either.
Still don’t think Steward is all that he is cracked up to be, superb in the air, but elswhere suspect, and he never looks that quick, altho i was surprised by his little break in the first half, he showed some really good footwork. He really needs two wings who are experienced and rock solid defensively, I would be looking at May and Watson.
Wales deserved the win, and on yesterdays showing are in a better place. Welsh granny going to be coming into play soon maybe, and grandad on one side was born in Paris, so I guess thats like a spread bet :)
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Looks like our Henry is going to become “Sladewas#42″”
The only player in the squad with guile and vision combined……………..oh, well
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…………….it looks like there will be little attempt at expansive play in the important games
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looks like Johnny done too. Slade a more surprising omission tho, but injuries etc…..
Personally would rather see Val Rapava Ruskin, Zak Mercer, Underhill , Tom Dunn and Harry Thacker in there as well. Hey ho.
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Greetings all, I’ve watched 2 games (and a few minutes of Bloody-Slow II) and clocked several results in this lead-up to the RWC…
ABs sweeping all before them when full-strength and playing under-prepared opposition fielding sub-optimal XVs but not entirely convincing for the demanding kiwi fans. Foster on a hiding to nothing as coach with much of the country (not just those 1-eyed Canterbury supporters!) wanting to see how Robertson will go once he takes over. Watched all of the games V Boks and Bloody-Slow I when they were pretty-much full strength and saw some real pastries regarding handling and pace but again, it is relative to the opposition XV on the day. Plenty of powder being kept dry, methinks.
Orstraylia… opinion clouded by hatred of Eddie Jones but they look to be on an upward curve. Whether they can sustain it is anyone’s guess. Can’t doubt their passion and intent but they looked like they need a bit of conditioning in the forwards; definite signs of verve and inventiveness in the backs. Who knows with that lot?
Boks looked as formidable as ever (from watching that 1 match v ABs) and sure to make a contest of the latter knock-out stages.
Argies I haven’t seen, but results suggest they are knocking on the door. Whether the door opens remains to be seen.
Had to smile at the NH results from the weekend: sounds like a great comeback by Scotland but was it a case of a settled XV pegging back a scratch squad with no great history together? Not sure how Steve (call me Steve) Borthwick sleeps at night as he doesn’t seem to have a clue what personnel to persevere with and seems to have a very old-fashioned view as to how the game should be played. Stuck in the past.
Ireland still ranked #1 with the expected demolition of Italy, no reason to change the opinion that they are likely finalists. Lots of depth, large, talented forwards and fast, inventive backs and a positive attitude to moving the ball. Their pool looks dangerous and could be settled by SA/Ire/Scot results against Tonga who might just cause an upset that decides who progresses.
Hope all OvallyBallers are well and mostly happy. I’ll probably turn up again once RWC is underway. All the best to everyone.
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Must admit I didn’t think we’d beat Argentina this weekend, given how unimpressive our ‘A’ side was against them in Joburg, but that’s two very good wins for the ‘B’ side in the last month – could there method to the madness of constantly switching up teams and combinations as we head to the Big Cup? I hope so. There is good depth in most positions, although my worry, as lamented last week, is that we stick with Faf-Pollard at 9-10, which won’t be great for attacking rugby. Faf’s form has fallen away in the last year or so and Pollard hasn’t played in months, so it’s very risky using them. However, with Libbock being so wayward off the tee, you’re also risking defeat in tight games if you’re not kicking at least 80%. Squad being announced tomorrow, which will cause outrage, angst, celebration and cynicism in equal measure down here.
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New Zealand World Cup squad:
Forwards:
Props: Ethan de Groot, Fletcher Newell, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax
Hookers: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Dane Coles,Codie Taylor
Locks: Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Tupou Vaa’i
Back row: Sam Cane (Captain), Ardie Savea, Shannon Frizell, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i
Backs:
Scrumhalves: Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard
Flyhalves: Richie Mo’unga, Damian McKenzie
Centres: Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili
Wings: Mark Telea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa
Fullbacks: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan
Apparently de Groot is the only specialist TH in the front row selection, which could be a little risky, especially in the first match against France. Dane Coles probably only plays in the Namibia and Uruguay matches, barring injury to the other two hookers, good locks and decent back row. Backs are as you’d expect – excellent!
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Well, in contrast to my Twitter feed, I’m not convinced Wales are world-beaters just yet, but they do look fit and like they know what they are trying to do. It was an awful display from England, but the squad selected looks ok. I’m absolutely mystified as to why Mercer isn’t in there, but other than that no real surprises (never been much of a Slade fan, though Merry Christmas Everybody is ok).
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Pffft!!
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Chuffed! I secure a ticket for the last Ireland warmup game vs Samoa in Bayonne. One of the best rugby stadium in France. The stadium is only a 5 minutes walk from the center with zillions small bars and restaurants, there should be a terrific atmosphere, even if it’s only- and I doubt it- the B teams. KO time: Aug 26, 9pm.
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Nice going, Flair! Am envious.
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Thaum, the price was right too: 69 € for an excellent seat in the middle about half way up. I just hope the locals show up en masse as they sing quite well some great songs. Am sure there’ll be plenty of Irish anyway. Should be fun.
The Top-14 will have resumed the previous week with an exciting Bayonne vs Toulouse ( minus their big guns, of course, but still…) but I should still be in Paris by then.
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Ach, you know, Flair, we have dreams and songs to sing. :-)
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Topical for Dorset residents:
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That rendition got on my nerves long before the end, but never mind.
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Thaum (and everybody else). Have you seen any of the videos put up by The Midnight Special? Seems like it was a late night cross between Top of The Pops and the Old Greay Whistle Test. They’ve got loads of stuff on their site, from the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Blondie, King Crimson, Genesis, James Brown and loads more. You can either watch individual songs or whole episodes.
Here’s Davy boy.
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And Ronson was a helluvan underrated guitar player.
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Thaum, can’t wait to hear the Fields of Athenry in Bayonne. The locals will pick it up and there’ll be goosebumps all the way to Ulster.
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Nice one, BB! I thought it was going to end with the classic ‘Bowie pretends to give Ronson a blow job’, but it didn’t. Maybe they cut that. The hands on Bowie’s costume were quite disconcerting.
Think the OGWT had better sound recording, mind.
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I might have mentioned this recently, but in my mind this is the most perfect 3.5-minute pop song ever.
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Don’t think it helped that Mick broke a string on his guitar near the end. Usually the sound quality has been pretty good.
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