snake77
Over the years I've seen the statement or quote that a good game of union far outstrips a good game of league. That is then followed that the good games in union are too far between compared to league. I don't watch much union anymore but will admit I enjoyed the All Blacks vs England game. It was pretty much one sided as England were relentless putting their foot on the throat at the start and barely letting up. The game also had the fascination that things could turn. The lack of penalty shots for goal early was good as well.
The other semi was interesting different but was more that it was tight and South Africa never really got a way. As a casual viewer the period Wales were keeping the ball close and driving was interesting for 5 phases or so but they were pretty much only attacking the South African 5 metre line. The cameras then panned out showing Wales could set something up using space. That period got a bit frustrating.
As a casual viewer I have enjoyed the big crowds, that adds to the atmosphere for a sporting event. Something I wish the NRL could improve.
England were good to watch with players in motion. I am keen to see the final to see if they can repeat that effort running South Africa ragged or can the South African's nullify it. That could the game into 10 man rugby.
Dixpat
In Andy we (have to) trust
Contributor
snake77
I probably did phrase it to well as my interest did wane in that game. I found the England game enjoyable the Wales vs South Africa for a bit, the pick and drives as I mentioned was frustrating as the camera panned up and it looked like their play maker was waiting with a play set but they continued to drive and end up going backwards a bit, forwards a bit, backwards a bit ......
bruce
Contributor
bruce
Contributor
I don't always like Mark Reason, but I think this one is right on the mark:
www.stuff.co.nz
Wales vs South Africa: The whole world just got bored with the Rugby World Cup
OPINION: Warren Gatland said that the challenge for his Wales side was not to get bored. Heck, Warren, that was the challenge for the whole world.
www.stuff.co.nz
matiunz
This year yet?
Contributor
See forward play for me is a nice variation to league, might be a bit biased as I am a forward and love the tight stuff but it’s a completely different skill set and I guess you have to understand it to appreciate it. Defence between the 2 is very different also, the contest for the ball again is a point of difference I enjoy.
This isn’t a pro union post as I equally enjoy both sports and the differences they have, the shitting on the other code from both sides gets tiresome and is a bit outdated
Hardyman's Yugo
As a game to play it’s fine, as a spectator sport it can often be a bit grim.
snake77
Heard a guy on Newstalk ZB I think it was call in and say how he can tell when the ABs will lose by looking at their haka. Said they are poor at doing haka. To me that's fair enough they are a rugby team not a kapa haka group.
Said he doesn't watch the games but can watch their haka and tell if they will win or not. This wasn't the normal they looked off during the haka you usually hear more that they are generally crap at it full stop. As he was going around in circles the host queried him but got snapped at for interrupting.
This was all quite amusing but his argument falls apart when you look at their winning percentage of 80-90%.
Said he doesn't watch the games but can watch their haka and tell if they will win or not. This wasn't the normal they looked off during the haka you usually hear more that they are generally crap at it full stop. As he was going around in circles the host queried him but got snapped at for interrupting.
This was all quite amusing but his argument falls apart when you look at their winning percentage of 80-90%.
Damo
Contributor
I think they were a bit rattled due to England's reaction to it, but they should have been expecting something like that.
Easy for the caller to say something like that in hindsight really.
bruce
Contributor
I thought they were off walking down the tunnel...but WTF would I know?
bruce
Contributor
bruce
Contributor
matiunz
This year yet?
Contributor
wizards rage
Full credit to England... you are only as good as the opposition let’s you be
bruce
Contributor
Yes...and the Saffas are not letting them be good tonight. 🤣 12 - 6 after 43 mins
Rizzah
Stop Being Shit
Contributor
Rizzah
Stop Being Shit
Contributor
