Some of these WC results show us how competitive international rugby could be… if only it were a level playing field.
IRB get your heads out of your arse, grow some balls and create a competition that allows these teams to play consistently at a higher level.
If fiji had regathered the kick off, would they even have tried to win the game? The way they played they would probably ship another try and let Australia through.
What a great game. Some of the games between the tier 2 teams have been fantastic. The level of rugby has raised since the last world cup IMHO. The best is yet to come in the next 3 weeks me thinks.
@NTA said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
Flawed, but amazing game. That's why rugby is better than any other sport.
Couldn't agree more, see the shkill level may of been done, but all the drama etc that you want from a sport. I was transfixed!
@Gunner said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
Some of these WC results show us how competitive international rugby could be… if only it were a level playing field.
IRB get your heads out of your arse, grow some balls and create a competition that allows these teams to play consistently at a higher level.
I agree they could look at the crowd-pleasing games and tweak the rules to encourage that.
@Bovidae said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
Even though Fiji dropped a lot of ball their problems started at 9 and 10.
This has been a traditional weakness hasn't it?
@nostrildamus said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
@Bovidae said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
Even though Fiji dropped a lot of ball their problems started at 9 and 10.
This has been a traditional weakness hasn't it?
Yes, but the 1st 5 (Botitu) that played today was an injury replacement, so is third-choice at best. Maybe Tela is also injured.
Lomani is also very hot and cold.
Now that Portugal are out can we ditch McCleod for their defence coach?
It was like watching the Fiji of old there. Captain obvious, but they'll get hammered in the QF if they produce that kind of performance again.
That was like watching the Ghost of Fiji Past. Hopefully will be a wake up call to them, they've been so good in other games recently.
Amazing game though, so happy for Portugal.
Just a reminder that the IRB are actively working to screw over teams like Portugal with their new World League - if that gets off the ground then Portugal will probably never play a tier 1 nation outside of the RWC again
@mariner4life said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
Loving this rangy Portuguese openside.
He's having a stormer
He was brilliant.
What a game aye. You have to love an underdog getting a win like that.
I still hold some hope that if Fiji play the right way (mainly a forward dominated game) they can cause real problems. They were far too loose and careless today and a very energetic Portugal side took their chances.
@GibbonRib said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
That was like watching the Ghost of Fiji Past. Hopefully will be a wake up call to them, they've been so good in other games recently.
That's what the Georgia game should have been.
Fiji have steadily gotten worse since playing Wales.
@ACT-Crusader said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
I still hold some hope that if Fiji play the right way (mainly a forward dominated game) they can cause real problems. They were far too loose and careless today and a very energetic Portugal side took their chances.
It looked like they thought they could just chuck it wide and punch holes; clearly nobody in the Fiji camp watched Portugal's defence in the other games they had. Fast, low, accurate.
@NTA said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
Flawed, but amazing game. That's why rugby is better than any other sport.
Except in the Australian press, they are harping on about Portugal beating the team that beat Australia. I'm afraid this sort of PR will take some time to overcome.
@NTA said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
@ACT-Crusader said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
I still hold some hope that if Fiji play the right way (mainly a forward dominated game) they can cause real problems. They were far too loose and careless today and a very energetic Portugal side took their chances.
It looked like they thought they could just chuck it wide and punch holes; clearly nobody in the Fiji camp watched Portugal's defence in the other games they had. Fast, low, accurate.
Maybe I am still burnt by England vs NZ in the last RWC but those Underhill-style tackles were key for me, fast, low, accurate and impactful. So yes, I think that is crucial for sustained RWC success.
@nostrildamus said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
@NTA said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
Flawed, but amazing game. That's why rugby is better than any other sport.
Except in the Australian press, they are harping on about Portugal beating the team that beat Australia. I'm afraid this sort of PR will take some time to overcome.
Australian Rugby right now:
@NTA said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
@ACT-Crusader said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
I still hold some hope that if Fiji play the right way (mainly a forward dominated game) they can cause real problems. They were far too loose and careless today and a very energetic Portugal side took their chances.
It looked like they thought they could just chuck it wide and punch holes; clearly nobody in the Fiji camp watched Portugal's defence in the other games they had. Fast, low, accurate.
They would do to work on their handling as well it was possibly the worst I have seen all world cup. So many loose carries into contact really cost them.
Wow - that was the best match of WRC so far. The emotion of the Portuguese and the crowd was unbelievable. Full credit to them, and what a way to finish your career, Mike Tadjer and Sam Marques!! I hope this sparks Portugal on to greater things
@MiketheSnow said in RWC Week 5: Fiji v Portugal:
Told you boys
Sorry they couldn’t win by more to put Australia throughFiji are the dumbest team in World Rugby
Well done.
The only man to pick Portugal in the pre match poll
Topic event: Duluth moved this topic from RWC Matches on
