NEW ZEALAND 34, AUSTRALIA 17: Rugby World Cup Final

IS THIS THE GREATEST RUGBY TEAM

EVER ?

New Zealand has rewritten Rugby World Cup record books by defeating Australia in the final at Twickenham. They have now won three Rugby World Cup titles and the last two in a row. They withstood a determined second half comeback by Australia and then did what they do best; applied pressure in the last 15-20 minutes to score two tries and take the Cup.

It was a superb performance both on attack and importantly on defence. They held out all but two Australian attacks and did not allow the Australian renown loose forward trio to dominate.

This has to be the greatest All Black team ever and also the greatest rugby team ever to grace the paddocks of world rugby. This team will never play together again as several legends will be either retiring or playing out their careers overseas. McCaw is yet to make up his mind and is on a world record 148 test caps. Conrad Smith, Nonu and Carter are off to European clubs whilst 37 year old Mealamu hangs up his boots.

AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND: World Cup Final

31.10.2015

Venue: Twickenham

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Preview
This is the game we have been waiting for for nearly four years. Here it is. The 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

We have the two best teams at this tournament in the final. One of these teams will make history. Whoever wins will become the first team to win three Rugby World Cup titles. If New Zealand wins they will be the first team to win successive titles. There is so much at stake the wait has been unbearable!

New Zealand has been the class act. Slowish to get going they sprang to life with the thumping of France in the quarter final. The semi-final against South Africa was won by two points although New Zealand looked a deserving winner. They came into the tournament as the hot favourites to retain the title and have consistently been at the top of the World Rugby Rankings for the last five years. It will take a super special team to beat them.

Could Australia be that team? Yes, most certainly. The self belief that has built up in this team since Cheika took over as head coach has transformed them from a motley crew into a well motivated, skilful team. They also started quietly with wins over Fiji and Uruguay. But then they disposed of hosts England and pushed them out of the tournament. Next they defeated Wales in a bruising encounter and the belief grew. They were lucky to win against Scotland even though they were the better side. That was an off day. And finally they were most convincing in their semi final win against Argentina.

This is very close to call. I believe the All Blacks will just have the edge. Theirs will be a nervy performance first half but I expect them to settle in the second, apply the pressure and win the last twenty minutes. But it will be close!

Prediction: New Zealand by 4 points. Score 23-19

TEAMS

Australia
15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matthew Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 William Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Robert Simmons, 4 Kane Douglas,
3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (Capt.), 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Gregory Holmes, 19 Dean Mumm, 20 Benjamin McCalman, 21 Nicholas Phipps, 22 Matthew Toomua, 23 Kurtley Beale.
Head Coach: Michael Chieka

New Zealand
15 Benjamin Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick,
3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joseph Moody.
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Charles Faumuina, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Samuel Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Sonny Bill Williams.
Head Coach: Steve Hansen

RUGBY WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL 1

24.10.2015
New Zealand 20, South Africa 18 at Twickenham (World Cup, Semi-final 1)

NEW ZEALAND ARE IN!

The first finalist for the 2015 Rugby World Cup final has been decided when New Zealand edged past South Africa 20-18 at Twickenham.

It was an enthralling game from beginning to end. New Zealand scored two tries to none and never looked in complete danger although South Africa certainly had there moments.

This games was always going to be brutal and it was. South Africa’s huge pack was matched by the New Zealanders. The difference was in the Kiwi’s defence and their speed around the field.

New Zealand will play either Australia or Argentina in the final at Twickenham next Saturday

SOUTH AFRICA v NEW ZEALAND: Rugby World Cup Semi-Final 1

24.10.2015

THIS IS THE FIRST OF THE BIG ONES THIS WEEKEND

Venue: Twickenham

Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

Preview
This has been a game long coming. The chances of these two giants of world rugby clashing has always been a possibility once the draw was known. Today they clash in the knockout semi-final played at Twickenham.

South Africa is always a tough, feared and much respected opponent. The rivalry with New Zealand goes back to 1921 and apart from the apathied years, has continued with the same intensity.

New Zealand and South Africa have always been tough sides. No quarter is given and the forward battle is often brutal. But are the teams on equal terms.

South Africa began this tournament with a shock loss to japan. They have recovered and are beginning to play like they usually do-tough and hard physically. They have a young backline with some exciting new players. Their pack is experienced. But their play is predictable with a heavy reliance on their pack.

New Zealand has progressed quietly through their pool matches without displaying what they can really do. That came during the quarter final match against France in which they played almost the perfect game and won 62-13. Amazing.

New Zealand will win but South Africa will push them close in what will be a bruising encounter.

Last Five Encounters
25.07.2015 New Zealand 27-20 in Johannesburg (Rugby Championship)
04.10.2014 South Africa 27-25 in Johannesburg (Rugby Championship)
13.09.2014 New Zealand 14-10 in Wellington (Rugby Championship)
05.10.2013 New Zealand 38-27 in Johannesburg (Rugby Championship)
14.09.2013 New Zealand 29-15 in Auckland (Rugby Championship)

New Zealand has dominated South Africa in recent history although in the last two years the results have been very close.

South Africa Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
17.10.2015 v Wales W 23-19 at Twickenham (World Cup, Quarter Final)
07.10.2015 v United States W 64-0 in London (World Cup, Pool B)
03.10.2015 v Scotland W 34-16 in Newcastle (World Cup, Pool B)
26.09.2015 v Samoa W 46-6 in Birmingham (World Cup, Pool B)
19.09.2015 v Japan L 32-34 in Brighton (World Cup, Pool B)

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 5
17.09.2015 v France W 62-13 in Cardiff (World Cup, Quarter Final)
09.10.2015 v Tonga W 47-9 in Newcastle (World Cup, Pool C)
02.10.2015 v Georgia W 43-10 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool C)
24.09.2015 v Namibia W 58-14 in London (World Cup, Pool C)
20.09.2015 v Argentina W 26-16 in London (World Cup, Pool C)

World Cup Encounters
08.11.2003 New Zealand 29-9 in Melbourne (Quarter Final)
04.11.1999 South Africa 22-18 in Cardiff (Playoff 3rd-4th)
24.06.1995 South Africa 15-12 in Johannesburg (Final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: South Africa 2nd, New Zealand 7th

World Rugby Ranking Points
New Zealand 92.89, South Africa 86.80

Prediction: New Zealand by 3 points. Score 21-18

TEAMS

South Africa
15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende,
11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Fourie du Preez (Capt.), 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements
16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Victor Matfield, 20 Willem Alberts, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Patrick Lambie, 23 Jan Serfontein.
Head Coach: Heyneke Meyer

New Zealand
15 Benjamin Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick,
3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joseph Moody. 
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Charles Faumuina, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Samuel Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Sonny Bill Williams.
Head Coach: Steve Hansen

WORLD CUP SEMI FINALS

17.10.2015
South Africa 23, Wales 19 at Twickenham (World Cup, Quarter Final 1)
New Zealand 62, France 13 in Cardiff (World Cup, Quarter Final 2)

Briefly
South Africa scored a brilliant try just before the end of the game to end Wales’ hopes of progressing towards the semi-finals. In a fast and ferocious game the result could have gone either way

AMAZING

That has to be said about the way the All Blacks totally dismantled a dispirited and outclassed French side. The result almost certainly ended the coaching career of Philipe Saint-Andre. This performance has certainly placed the All Blacks back in the favourite position to progress further when they take on South Africa next weekend.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: France v New Zealand Quarter Final 2

17.10.2015

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Preview
This is the game. There was always going to be the possibility that New Zealand and France would clash at this stage of the finals. There is such a long history between these two teams at World Cup finals.

France’s lead up to this game has not been impressive. A loss to Ireland in the final pool game has fuelled speculation of a rift within the French camp. This may well be so. But don’t let it put you off. France has the ability to turn this game on its head despite what has gone on before.

New Zealand has also not been that impressive but the teams own standards. There has been a lack of cohesion, too many errors and we saw Tonga hold and then push the All Black scrum off the ball! New Zealand rugby fans are concerned.

The time has come for the All Blacks to put it all together for the rest of the tournament or they could be packing bags for home tomorrow night.I expect they will win comfortably, out lasting the French in the second half.

Last Five Encounters
09.11.2013 New Zealand 26-19 in Paris
22.06.2013 New Zealand 24-9 in New Plymouth
15.06.2013 New Zealand 30-0 in Christchurch
08.06.2013 New Zealand 23-13 in Auckland
23.10.2011 New Zealand 8-7 in Auckland (World Cup, Final)

France last defeated New Zealand in 2009, the first test in Dunedin.

Previous World Cups
23.10.2011 New Zealand 8-7 in Auckland (Final)
24.09.2011 New Zealand 37-17 in Auckland (Pool A)
06.10.2007 France 20-18 in Cardiff (Quarter final)
31.10.1999 France 43-31 in Twickenham (Semi Final)
20.06.1987 New Zealand 29-9 (Final)

There is a wonderful history between these two teams at World Cups. Start with the final of the first tournament in 1987, the French comeback in 1999, France’s quarter final win in 2007 and that 1 point win to New Zealand in 2011.

France last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
11.10.2015 v Ireland L 9-24 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool D)
01.10.2015 v Canada W 41-18 in Milton Keynes (World Cup, Pool D)
23.09.2015 v Romania W 38-11 in London (World Cup, Pool D)
19.09.2015 v Italy W 32-10 at Twickenham (World Cup, Pool D)
05.09.2015 v Scotland W 19-15 in Paris (World Cup warm Up)

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 5
09.10.2015 v Tonga W 47-9 in Newcastle (World Cup, Pool C)
02.10.2015 v Georgia W 43-10 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool C)
24.09.2015 v Namibia W 58-14 in London (World Cup, Pool C)
20.09.2015 v Argentina W 26-16 in London (World Cup, Pool C)
15.08.2015 v Australia W 41-13 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup)

GWC Rankings
World Table: France 5th, New Zealand 6th

World Rugby Ranking Points
New Zealand 92.89, France 79.77

Prediction: Not this time! New Zealand comfortably, by 19. Score 33-14

TEAMS

France
15 Scott Spedding, 14 Noa Nakaitaci, 13 Alexandre Dumoulin, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Brice Dulin, 10 Frédéric Michalak, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Bernard le Roux, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (Capt.), 5 Yoann Maestri,
4 Pascal Papé, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Eddy Ben Arous
Replacements
16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Vincent Debaty, 18 Nicolas Mas, 19 Damien Chouly, 20 Yannick Nyanga, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Rémi Talès, 23 Mathieu Bastareaud
Head Coach: Bernard Saint-André

New Zealand
15 Benjamin Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick,
3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Joseph Moody, 18 Charles Faumuina, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Samuel Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Sonny Bill Williams.
Head Coach: Steve Hansen

RUGBY WORLD CUP

I am at a antique fair in Latrobe, Tasmania this weekend. I’m not sure how much time I will have to cover these games.

17.10.2015
South Africa v Wales at Twickenham (World Cup, Quarter Final 1)
New Zealand v France in Cardiff (World Cup, Quarter Final 2)

Here are my predictions
Wales by 2 over South Africa. Score 24-22
New Zealand by 19 over France. Score 33-14

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Quarter Finalists Confirmed

17.10.2015
South Africa v Wales at Twickenham (World Cup, Quarter Final 1)
New Zealand v France in Cardiff (World Cup, Quarter Final 2)

18.10.2015
Ireland v Argentina in Cardiff (World Cup, Quarter Final 3)
Australia v Scotland at Twickenham (World Cup, Quarter Final 4)

Briefly
Here they are. Now we are down to the real business end of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The eight quarter finalists are listed above.

NEW ZEALAND 47, TONGA 9. Rugby World Cup, Pool C

09.10.2015

Briefly
New Zealand were under pressure from the Tongans in the first half and lead 14-6 at halftime. The second half was a different story with the New Zealanders showing more class, speed and fitness than their Pacific cousins. The highlight was Ma’a Nonui scoring a try in his 100th test for New Zealand.

Also pleasing was Dan Carter’s goal kicking and general around the paddock play. This was not New Zealand at its best. Tonga, especially in the first half, dominated the scrum (take note opposing quarter finalists!) and gave the Kiwis a solid workout before the business end of the tournament.

NEW ZEALAND 43, GEORGIA 10: Rugby World Cup Pool C

Review
I am seeing some strange things happening in this Rugby World Cup finals. Yesterday I saw Fiji push Wales off their scrum a number of times and today I saw Georgia decimate the All Black scrum on at least two occasions. Throw in Japan’s upset win over South Africa and the fact that the so called minnows have not been outclassed by the highly paid professional elite tier 1 group. The state of world rugby is in a healthy space.

Frankly, if New Zealand play in the quarter finals like they did today they will be out faster than a pigeon from a loft. They were awful.They were as loose as, the fumbled and bumbled through movements. Only moments of brilliance and two late tries brought a degree of respectability to the score line. This was supposed to be Georgia’s second string line up. Hmmm.

It may have been Georgia’s second team line up but they played like wounded tigers. They upset the All Black rhythm, were quick up on defence, never allowed the AB’s to settle at any stage and their scrum. Wow! What a lesson given!. It was a heroic effort. It was the sort of heartening performance that means the Rugby World Cup is an inspiration for aspiring rugby nations.

POOL C

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	BP	PT
NEW ZEALAND	3	3	0	0	127	40	87	18	3	2	14
TONGA	2	1	0	1	45	38	7	6	5	2	6
ARGENTINA	2	1	0	1	70	35	35	8	2	1	5
GEORGIA	3	1	0	2	39	107	-71	3	15	0	4
NAMIBIA	2	0	0	2	35	93	-58	0	0	0	0

Where to now?
New Zealand’s last pool game is against Tonga. This is the last chance for the world’s no.1 team to finally click. I expect they’ll not play their top side. Who knows how they will go in the quarter finals? Kiwi supporters are beginning to bite their nails.

Georgia has a win at all costs game against Namibia on the 7th October. A win will give them third place in the pool and automatic qualification to the 2019 Rugby World Cup finals.

Coming Up

04.10.2015	ARGENTINA		TONGA		LEICESTER
07.10.2015	NAMIBIA		GEORGIA		EXETER
09.10.2015	NEW ZEALAND		TONGA		NEWCASTLE
11.10.2015	ARGENTINA		NAMIBIA		LEICESTER

GEORGIA v NEW ZEALAND: Rugby World Cup Pool C

02.10.2015

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Referee: Pascal Gauzère (France)

Pool Standings

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	BP	PT
NEW ZEALAND	2	2	0	0	84	30	54	11	2	1	9
TONGA	2	1	0	1	45	38	7	6	5	2	6
ARGENTINA	2	1	0	1	70	35	35	8	2	1	5
GEORGIA	2	1	0	1	26	64	-38	2	8	0	4
NAMIBIA	2	0	0	2	35	93	-58	0	0	0	0

Preview
New Zealand has paid Georgia the greatest of honours by selecting what looks like their strongest combination. In this first encounter between these two side I’d expect the All Blacks to dominate all aspects of play and to win by a wide margin.

Georgia however have virtually picked and second string side against the world champions. They have the fixture against Namibia in mind. A win there will give them third place in this pool and a guaranteed place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Georgia will be no pushover at scrum time. They will also use the rolling maul to great effect. Where the points will come against them is in back play where New Zealand will be too fast and too skilful.

Last Five Encounters
These two sides have never met before in 15’s test rugby

Previous World Cups
These two sides have never met before at a Rugby World Cup finals tournament.

Georgia last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
25.09.2015 v Argentina L 9-54 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool C)
19.09.2015 v Tonga W 17-10 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool C)
05.09.2015 v Japan L 10-13 in Gloucester (World Cup Warm Up)
02.09.2015 v Canada L 15-16 in Molesey Road (World Cup Warm Up)
21.06.2015 v Emerging Ireland L 12-45 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1 
24.09.2015 v Namibia W 58-14 in London (World Cup, Pool C)
20.09.2015 v Argentina W 26-16 in London (World Cup, Pool C)
15.08.2015 v Australia W 41-13 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup)
08.08.2015 v Australia L 19-27 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Champ.)25.07.2015 v South Africa W 27-20 in Johannesburg (Rugby Championship)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: New Zealand 5th, Georgia 14th

World Rugby Ranking Points
New Zealand 92.89, Georgia 71.35

Prediction: New Zealand by 55 points. Score 67-12

TEAMS

New Zealand
15 Benjamin Smith, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read,
7 Richie McCaw (Capt.) 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Charles Faumuina, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett. 
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Tony Woodcock, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Victor Vito,
20 Samuel Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 TJ Perenara, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.
Head Coach: Steve Hansen

Georgia
15 Beka Tsiklauri, 14 Giorgi Aptsiauri, 13 David Kacharava, 12 Tamaz Mchedlidze, 11 Alexandr Todua, 10 Lasha Malaguradze, 9 Giorgi Begadze,
8 Lasha Lomidze, 7 Mamuka Gorgodze (Capt.), 6 Shalva Sutiashvili, 5 Giorgi Chkhaidze, 4 Levan Datunashvili, 3 Levan Chilachava, 2 Shalva Mamukashvili,
1 Karlen Asieshvili
Replacements
16 Simon Maisuradze, 17 Mikheil Nariashvili, 18 Anton Peikrishvili,
19 Konstantin Mikautadze, 20 Viktor Kolelishvili, 21 Vasil Lobzhanidze,
22 Merab Sharikadze, 23 Murazi Giorgadze
Head Coach: Milton Haig

RUGBY WORLD CUP RESULTS

25.09.2015
Argentina 54 Georgia 9 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool C)

24.09.2015
New Zealand 58, Namibia 14 in London (World Cup, Pool C)

Reviews
New Zealand eased passed Namibia in their second game of the tournament, Namibia’s first. The second half was a dis jointed display by the world number one team. Namibia on the other hand played to their ability and performed better as the game progressed. They were never going to win but continued a series of good performances by the minnows at this tournament. World rugby is in good health.

Other Reviews
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3562_82612,00.html
http://www.espnscrum.com/2015-rugby-world-cup/rugby/story/275893.html

Argentina were too strong and fast for a disappointing Georgian side in Gloucester. The sinbinning of captain Gorgodze knocked the stuffing out of Georgia and they had no answer to the slick and pacey Argentinians.

POOL C

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	BP	PT
NEW ZEALAND	2	2	0	0	84	30	54	11	2	1	9
ARGENTINA	2	1	0	1	70	35	35	8	2	1	5
GEORGIA	2	1	0	1	26	64	-38	2	8	0	4
TONGA	1	0	0	1	10	17	-7	1	2	1	1
NAMIBIA	1	0	0	1	14	58	-44	0	0	0	0

What’s Next?

29.09.2015	TONGA		NAMIBIA		EXETER
02.10.2015	GEORGIA		NEW ZEALAND		CARDIFF
04.10.2015	ARGENTINA		TONGA		LEICESTER
07.10.2015	NAMIBIA		GEORGIA		EXETER
09.10.2015	NEW ZEALAND		TONGA		NEWCASTLE
11.10.2015	ARGENTINA		NAMIBIA		LEICESTER