J's analysis, forget the rest, Pool A
0
With the countdown now truely on for the World's best sporting competition it's time to look at how things shape up. So what's the good oil on Pool "A".
Group A
England
South Africa
Samoa
USA
Tonga
I'll be trying to stay awake during some of these games, though Manu Samoa will provide some excitment with those big hits out in mid field. The Saffas will have no problems winning this one, as long as they don't get too bored fetching the ball from English kicks. Expect lots of talk out of Brit land about how well the Poms have improved, as yet another pasty faced pommie kicker takes the leather off the ball,
England Should advance to the quarters, though they will need to stay focused against Samoa. Not a touch on the class of 2003 and wont advance much further. One of the highlights of 2007 will see England knocked out of the cup so we can go back to watching some real rugby, A decent forward pack, some class in the backline, still as boring as watching the Tassie cricket team fight out a draw, over three days, with rain interruptions.
South Africa One of the three big Southern teams, pencil in the pool winners. The Saffa loosies will be all over their opponents like a fat chick on a birthday cake. Add in some world class backs, the Habanna factor, and the team should make the semis without issue. Simply too strong for their pool opponents.
Samoa aka Manu Samoa, get if friggin right French Admins. In 1999 the Islanders exploded onto the world cup scene and proved what we have all known for a long time; they are big, they are mean, and the tackled player stays tackled. Slightly out classed here, England and SA will know they have been in a game following meeting these blokes.
USA The Eagles show up for yet another World Cup and hopes will not be high in 2007 following recent results. Surprisingly, given the U.S professional sports thing, an amateur team taking on the Professionals in France. Some decent enough players, but not across the whole park. Will be eyeing the game against Tonga as a possible win. No one will be saying "the Eagle has landed" in France.
Tonga Did it tough to get to France in the first place, will at least enjoy the pool matches before a quick exit stage left. Tonga are steadily improving and certainly wont go into any game with a play it safe mentality. Worth while watching, there's a number of ANZC players in the line up, and should down the Eagles.
Expected Result
The Saffas to go 4 and 0, with the English joining them in the knock out stages. Time for payback in a certain quarter final. Manu Samoa is the only other team that could, if the planets are in alignment, cause an upset to the script.
Wanted Result
England to get knocked out in the pool stage, I'ld pay good money to see that.
Reply With Quote
Can we expect an application of your sublime rugby mind to the other polls?
Originally Posted by Jethro
Brother Gallagher I hear you 
