The Masque Forums
General => Blogs N Things => Topic started by: andone (Anime Ninja) on September 08, 2011, 08:26:49 PM
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Hey all out there in the masque.Andy aka andone here with his guide to the big event down in my part of the World Rugby World Cup 2011.
With the event being down here in New Zealand I'll be able to blog and let folks know whats happening and give my two cents worth on things.So without delay here is my group stage predictions.
Group A
New Zealand,France,Tonga,Japan,Canada.
On paper you;d epect New Zealand and France to advance without to much differculty.The All Blacks will have the entire nation behind them and expectations thaty the 24 year draught of not winning a world cup will end .France are usually the bogey team for us so getting them in the group may be a good thing though the group match will decide each teams possible progress for the finals.As for the rest of the group I expect close games between them as all are around the same level but theymay struggle against the group favourites.
Andy picks-New Zealand to win the group ,France 2nd.
Group B
Argentina,England,Georgia,Scotland,Romania.
This is one of any 2 from 3 groups at the tournament. Argentina surprised 4 years ago by finishing 3rd,England winners in 03 runners up four years later and Scotland who can on their day surprise. The matches between these three will decide the group and thev top spot will be the goal as all three would want to avoid a quarter final with the host.Romania and Georgia are the great unknown as teams go and may struggle.
Andy picks- England win the group Scotland pip Argentina for 2nd.
Group C
Australia,Italy,Ireland,Russia,USA.
Like group A you have two teams expected to advance in Australia and Ireland. The young Aussies come in a bit confident after success pre tournament and shouldn't be to pushed in the group which may come back to bite them .Ireland's poor pre tournament is a worry for them .Italy may push them for 2nd having improved during the winter in europe while USA and Russia will look to learn as the game devlops in their respective countries.
Andy picks- Australia win the group,Ireland pip Italy for second.
Group D
Fiji,Namibia,Samoa,South Africa,Wales.
This will be the most pysical group of the 4 .South Africa defending champs but with a team thars perhaps been a season to long together will be favourites for this group dispite indiffernt recent form.Wales will hope to reward the passion their fans show and regain form.While Fiji and Samoa will be earnest in their endevour and maje sure the other two will know they;ve been in a battle for 80 minutes.As for Namibia they've struggled at the last couple of world cups and sadly it doesn't get any easier in this years one.
Andy picks- South Africa win the group,Wales by a hairs breadth to get 2nd ahead of Samoa.
There you are and hopefully be back with more blogs during the tournament.
Andy (andone)
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Ok so we in Canada are with you in Pool A. Gives me some perspective this being the first year it's on TV least for Canadian games. OK don't stomp us TOO bad in group play, good luck and thanks for the blog posting!