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OFFICIAL Rugby World Cup 2011 Thread - Week 2
Thought the old thread was getting too big - time to start a new one after teh first round of matches
Home nations first:
England - Terrible performance, misfiring in almost every area, slow, ponderous. Out muscled and out played by Argentina. Still won the game though thanks to a great burst of play near the end and the bringing on of their best number 9 (Youngs). A win is a win is about all England can take from that.I expect them to make some changes for the Georgia game.
Wales - Some old story I'm sorry to say. Thought that the selections were odd, and after 5 minutes I thought it was going to be a rout. But South Africa looks unfit, slow and old. Players like Smit, Matfield, Habana, Du Preez were so far off the pace. Wales had 70% possession and about the same in territory, but failed again to turn the screw. I not sure what Wales need to do to beat SA.
Scotland - Did enough, but were given a mighty scare. Scored some cracking tries, Asbro and Danielli looked sharp. But they pack was demolished in several scrums. Should worry about beating Argentina
Ireland - Only caught the last 30 minutes of this. USA seemed to have them under real pressure. Gap in class seemed to be the only telling factor. Bowe looked awesome, O'Driscoll still seems to be on top form (the rest seems to have done him good). Major worry is the form of Sexton. He looks to be a confidence player, and the fact that Kidney doesn;t seem to have decided on his 10 has rocked him. Should give the Aussies a good game though