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[aoluain]

NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 has kicked off yesterday with some absolutely cracking
matches. Really action packed matches judging from the scorelines

New Zealand 34 - 32 France
Japan 27 - 10 Italy
Australia 31 - 33 Ireland
Fiji 24 - Wales 39
South Africa 45 - 21 England
Argentina 38 - 47 Scotland

Key points:
Nothing really between the top southern hemisphere team and the top northern hemisphere team
Same for the second placed teams Australia and Ireland.
Wales made a big statement from Wales, could they be on their way back?
The match which I thought would be close was South Africa v England but it was double scores.

Next round this coming Saturday.

[Timelord2067]

Good to hear some news of a not so round ball... Everyone at work has become an armchair expert - I've switched off and settled in for some extra games with the Women's NRL kicking off over last weekend. The raining women's team didn't disappoint (unlike their male premier counterparts who lost their eighth straight game) winning their first game. Their goal kicker missed a few converts with what seemed to be a very weak kick. Another women's Broncos player after a tackle, got up and slow jogged away with blood trickling out of her nose and not flinching let alone complaining...  (Unlike the FIFA toddlers that burst into tears when another players tap them with a foot and they roll around the ground - get up ya sooks! If feel like yelling at the meal room televisions).

Just two from five picks in the shortened round - I would have picked Saint George to win had I realised they were playing at home.  A college at work suggested the Eels would win, which they did due to Manly's poor game play.

In two hour's time, game three of the annual State of Origin kicks off in Brisbane where it is picture perfect weather conditions.  New South Wales won game one, Queensland emphatically won game two setting the stage for a class in game three to get people talking for months to come.

Naturally, I'm baracking for Queensland!

[aoluain]

Thats a double for the Blues in the State of Origin games, both women and men won the titles.


 Round 2 of the Nations League concluded on Saturday and I dont think there were any upsets
and I think all the favourites won.

New Zealand 47 - 17 Italy
Australia 26 - 42 France
Japan 20 - 36 Ireland
Fiji 8 - 73 England
South Africa 42 - 28 Scotland
Argentina 35 - 21 Wales

Again big scoring games, lots of action.

For England to put up 73 points on Fiji is shocking really, I dont think Fiji are that bad and
England not that good.

[Timelord2067]

Thats a double for the Blues in the State of Origin games, both women and men won the titles.

After their convincing win in game two, Queensland just fell apart in the third game.

For England to put up 73 points on Fiji is shocking really, I don't think Fiji are that bad and England not that good.

England hasn't done that well in the round ball game either.  


Tonight, in round 20 of the NRL, the Panthers finally get revenge for last year's defeat  against Brisbane, who are on a something like 14 week loosing streak.  I can't imagine the significance of a win for either side is lost on anyone.

Tomorrow night, the Cronulla Sharks should beat Newcastle's Knight's.  Then, Sydney's Roosters should win against the other Grand-finalist contender from last year, the Melbourne Storm.  (How the mighty have fallen)

On Saturday, the South Sydney Rabbitohs should just edge out the Canberra Raiders.  Auckland's Warriors should beat the Saint George Dragons. Later, the Bulldogs should comfortably win against the Balmain Tigers, whose star recruit has defected the the Eels for next season to then jump ship and join the PNG Head Hunters in 2028.

On Sunday, Manly might just win against the Titans.  Then lastly, I'm hoping the Dolphins will redeem themselves against the Townsville Cowboys, but am backing the Cowboys anyway.