[Rugby] Union / League / Super / Sixes Sevens Pro14 / Cups & Tours / Olympics

[aoluain]

World Rugby recommends 2021 Women's World Cup be postponed due to coronavirus pandemic

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-03/world-rugby-recommend-the-2021-womens-world-cup-be-postponed/13210106

The Black Ferns may have to wait until 2022 to defend their title after World Rugby strongly suggested the Women's World Cup be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Does anyone know of any gaming sites that are covering the Women's Rugby matches?  I can add the sites to the second and third posts.

The postponement has been ratified by the executive committee.

World Rugby has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a spectacular Rugby World Cup tournament in New Zealand in 2022 after its Executive Committee formally ratified the recommendation to postpone Rugby World Cup 2021.

We all know New Zealand are not shy on taking tough decisions to counter the
effects of the pandemic and the moves have been successful. Could the
competition have gone ahead? look at the Australian Open which was relatively successful.

The Wooden Spooners of 2020, the Brisbane Broncos go head-to-head with the Parramatta Ells in round one...  I personally feel the Broncos deliberately threw their games last year given they (as part of the Queensland Team in the State of Origin Series) won the "unwinnable" series.  If I'd found an online site I could have put bitcoin on I would have cleaned up.

Why do you think they threw their games Timelord?

[Timelord2067]

The Wooden Spooners of 2020, the Brisbane Broncos go head-to-head with the Parramatta Ells in round one...  I personally feel the Broncos deliberately threw their games last year given they (as part of the Queensland Team in the State of Origin Series) won the "unwinnable" series.  If I'd found an online site I could have put bitcoin on I would have cleaned up.

Why do you think they threw their games Timelord?

Watching the Broncos since their inception they've always played lackluster until the final eight and then they hammer the opposition.  Essentially, they play with the minimum amount of effort to hold themselves back in reserve until the semis and then (when the other teams are starting to feel the effects of the season) the Bronco's ramp up the game play and sweep away all opponents.

Having said that, last year's season was suspended after two matches and the Broncos really did look like they were throwing their games (remembering the other teams had a break and so weren't worn out).  So by the time the semis arrived, they were slowly coming apart at the seams, then the "State of Origin" series was held after the Grand Final (instead of mid-season) - i.e. when the Broncos train to be at their peak...  and they were.


The Rugby Super Sevens is also getting ready to start soon.

[aoluain]

Ah right, you recon it was a case of being worn out, over training?

Round 4 of 5 of the Six Nations Championship is being played this weekend
Here are the fixtures.

Saturday 13th March

Italy V Wales - KO 14:15 GMT

England V France - KO 16:45 GMT

Sunday 14th March

Scotland V Ireland - KO 15:00 GMT

The big game of the weekend is of course England V France.
This season sees England not perform as expected and France chasing
the championship silverware along with the surprising Wales going for
the Grand Slam after taking the Triple Crown Trophy on the last round.

The postponed game between France and Scotland is now set for March the 26th.

[Timelord2067]

Ah right, you recon it was a case of being worn out, over training?

No.  The oposite, the team holds back just managing to scrape into the semis (last eight teams) THEN they play hard.  The rest of the teams play hard all year and so by the time of the semis, have either hit their stride, or, slow down and fall out of the competition.

I'm always amazed no one has put a stop to it before now.

[aoluain]

Ah right, you recon it was a case of being worn out, over training?

No.  The oposite, the team holds back just managing to scrape into the semis (last eight teams) THEN they play hard.  The rest of the teams play hard all year and so by the time of the semis, have either hit their stride, or, slow down and fall out of the competition.

I'm always amazed no one has put a stop to it before now.

So they are so dominant that they can plod along in third gear until the
business end of the season and then hit the gas and blow all others away.

is it really obvious and talked about openly?
I can see how it would be frustrating.

[Timelord2067]

So they are so dominant that they can plod along in third gear until the
business end of the season and then hit the gas and blow all others away.

Yes, you got it that time.

is it really obvious and talked about openly?
I can see how it would be frustrating.

To be honest, other people don't seem to notice it.  One week they win, the next they come close, but don't win.  Third week a thumping win.  Fourth week nearly win.  I don't think there's an identifyable pattern year to year, but they manage to scrape into the final eight then go into overdrive.

[aoluain]

Round 4 of 5 saw some very close matches with only 1 team unbeaten - Wales
France who still have a chance of winning the championship face off in the last
round against Wales, that will be an absolute cracking match.

The other game to loo forward to is Ireland v England and also to note that France
and Scotland have a game in hand.

Results from the weekend

Italy     7 - 48     Wales
England     23 - 20     France
Scotland     24 - 27     Ireland

[aoluain]

Round 5 of 5 is coming up this weekend in the Six Nations Championship and although
the France v Scotland match is being played later in the week a champion will potentially
be crowned at the weekend.

If Wales can beat France they become the Grand Slam champions,
(Triple Crown and Six Nations Winners). If France win we will have to wait for their
match against Scotland.

FIXTURES - Saturday 20th

Scotland v Italy - KO 14:15 GMT

Ireland v England - KO 16:45 GMT

France v Wales - KO 20:00 GMT

[Timelord2067]

Week 2 of the NRL 2021 season is already underway with the Parramatta Ells narrowly beating the Melbourne Storm 16-12.  The Newcastle Knights are ahead of the New Zealand Warriors at half time in their game with the Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos due to kick off in an hours' time.



I'm expecting the Broncos to narrowly beat the Titans as rumors emerged this week that a second Brisbane based Rugby League team is being considered for entry to the NRL.

[Welsh]

Round 5 of 5 is coming up this weekend in the Six Nations Championship and although
the France v Scotland match is being played later in the week a champion will potentially
be crowned at the weekend.

If Wales can beat France they become the Grand Slam champions,
(Triple Crown and Six Nations Winners). If France win we will have to wait for their
match against Scotland.

FIXTURES - Saturday 20th

Scotland v Italy - KO 14:15 GMT

Ireland v England - KO 16:45 GMT

France v Wales - KO 20:00 GMT

I think most of the world right now wants france to win, at least that's the impression I'm getting from various friends, and rugby forums. I know Wales definitely haven't set the world alight in their performances, and I'm probably one of our biggest critics in the Pivac era. However, we've really started to demonstrate some real improvement recently, and to be honest I wasn't expecting to get this far in the competition, without losing. Yeah, we narrowly beat 14 men in the competition, but sometimes especially if its a forward that gets sent off, it can actually make it easier to play, as it just means that one of the forwards needs to do a little bit more work, and encourages that under dog type attitude.

Now this is a big test for us, France are playing some slick rugby, and were definitely the favorites to win the Six Nations, and are the favourites coming into this match. Despite this, I'm actually quietly confident going up against them. Wales are notorious for bringing in a scrappy game, and I don't think the French will want a slow, and scrappy game. I wasn't particularly impressed with them against England either.

I think we can keep the score close as long as we impose a scrappy game. I do believe we can even beat them, and pinch another grand slam. However, its all depending on whether we can make the game scrappy. I believe if its allowed to flow, and France get it to their backs then despite the attacking prowess we process now with other wingers, they won't be able to defend against the tenacious French back line.

I'm going with a Wales win, which the odds will definitely favour, although there is definitely some bias in that

[aoluain]

Well I would like to see our Celtic Cousins take the win from France,
the same will be for Scotland when they face up later in the week.

France coming into the tournament were definitely the ones to watch
but havent performed to that expectation and Wales were seen as a weaker
team coming in this year but have out performed to pull off some good wins.

France will love the chance to run the ball in broken play especially and will
want to run the ball as much as possible, they have some fantastic players,
as do Wales. I think you are right Welsh, play the French with scrappy tactics,
frustrate them and you could take the win, this is the game of the day,
a must watch.

We have a tough one against England too, dont know how to call it and I'm
not betting on this one.

[aoluain]

What a game we had between France and Wales in the final round of the Six Nations,
The game had everything, 4 try's in the first 15 minutes, great attacking and defensive Rugby,
game changing mistakes and infrindgments by both teams and an unbelievable final 4
minutes of play for France to score a crucial 4th try.

I really thought Wales were going to take the win after taking the lead in the second half
and Willemse of France seeing a Red card for a wreckless ruck clearout, but IMO Wales lost
their discipline with minutes to go and had 2 players yellow carded.

Wales played a superb game up to that point, their play was fast, powerful and had some
brilliant moments of skill and tactics.

France also matched Wales in a lot of departments but had more handling errors.

The final game now on Friday is crucial for France to win with a bonus point to win the championship.

Final score:
France    32 - 30     Wales

Other Results
Scotland     52 - 10     Italy
Ireland     32 - 18     England

[Timelord2067]

Round three of the 2021 NRL competition kicks off tomorrow.

https://www.nrl.com/



My calls for this week are:

Rabbitohs will pluck the Roosters

Penrith Panthers in an upset over the Melbourne Storm.  (and you thought I was going to say "Weather the Storm")



The Bull Dogs will take advantage of last weeks slump by the Broncos while

The New Zealand Warriors will leave the Canberra Raiders scratching their heads:




In Rugby Union fixtures:

The Chiefs will paint the Blues Red and the Highlanders will snuff out the Hurricanes.

(And the Scots will devours the Frogs):   

[aoluain]

Wow Timelord2067, thats a big call for Scotland to beat France tomorrow night.
Good price though and I hope you are right for 3 reasons.

you get your reward

Will make for a great game of Rugby

Wales win the Grand Slam.

KO tomorrow night is 20:00 GMT

For France to win the Championship they have to win by 22points with a bonus try.

[Timelord2067]

I had a nice win calling Penrith over the Melbourne Storm in their game last night.





If the Scots get up I'll be an even more happy chappy that's for sure.

 

For France to win the Championship they have to win by 22points with a bonus try.

I'm pretty sure my bet is just for the game play itself, not the overall championship.

[aoluain]

Unbelievable - France 23 - 27 Scotland, Well done Timelord2067,
Great call and nice reward.

Well done to Wales, GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONS 2021.

[Timelord2067]

Unbelievable - France 23 - 27 Scotland, Well done Timelord2067,
Great call and nice reward.

Well done to Wales, GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONS 2021.

Thanks - I would have liked to have been able to see that game.  I'm sure it would have been very gritty!

One of my other picks, the Rabbitohs, got up and beat the Roosters 26 - 16.


With 13 minutes to go, it looks like the Canberra Raiders are going to threash the New Zealand Warriors (31 - 22 at the 67 minute mark)

[aoluain]

Thats 3 winners so far, going well, good picks.

The France v Scotland game was entertaining in its own right, there was a
lot of errors with a lot of mistakes, OK it was raining on the night.
Scotland didnt let France play their game and France didnt show their potential
until about 20 minutes in.

With the clock on RED and France ahead by 3 points their #15 Dulin opted not
to kick the ball out to end the game, instead ran the ball resulting in a Scotland
turnover followed by a converted try 4 minutes later.

[Timelord2067]

With 13 minutes to go, it looks like the Canberra Raiders are going to threash the New Zealand Warriors (31 - 22 at the 67 minute mark)

At full time, the New Zealand Warriors romped home 34 - 31 which means in the last twelve minutes they scored two tries and conversions.  (another game I would have liked to watch!).

Thats 3 winners so far, going well, good picks.

The France v Scotland game was entertaining in its own right, there was a
lot of errors with a lot of mistakes, OK it was raining on the night.
Scotland didnt let France play their game and France didnt show their potential
until about 20 minutes in.

With the clock on RED and France ahead by 3 points their #15 Dulin opted not
to kick the ball out to end the game, instead ran the ball resulting in a Scotland
turnover followed by a converted try 4 minutes later.

I had a feeling it'd be something like that - Scotland would seize an opportunity and run with the ball.


53 minutes of play down - The Brisbane Broncos are ahead 2 - Nil via a penalty kick.  If the Bull Doges can score and keep Broncos scoreless, they'll win the game.  (Two try's in 20 minutes would seal the game)



Screen grab via https://www.nrl.com/

[aoluain]

Not to be though, just watched the highlights, the Broncos looked far superior.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/03/27/match-highlights-broncos-v-bulldogs/


The Guinness Pro14 Final is on this evening. Its a great reflection of where Irish Rugby Union
is at the moment even after a slightly disapointing Sin Nations campaign.

Two Irish Provinces (clubs) battle it out for the title.

Leinster V Munster - KO 17:00 local time or GMT

Leinster have won this competition 7 times and Munster 3 times, my money is on Leinster
The team is just so dominant its hard to Munster take them.

https://www.cloudbet.com/en/sports/rugby-union/international-pro-14