Rugby world cup.

[Brigadier]

Curry accepted that his tackle on Argentina’s Juan Cruz Mallía warranted a red card at his disciplinary hearing on Tuesday

He probably had to, as him saying anything else would probably end up with "Are you arguing with the panel, Sonny?", and a longer ban.

"Shut up, look contrite, and get outta there" is probably the SOP in such things.

 

[Odds]

'Headshots' have become outlawed in Rugby, just as they have in the NFL, because of the long term effects of concussion due to the impact. Accidental or not, the penalty remains the same.

 

[Old Salt]

Disciplinary panels like a guilty plea and choccie biscuits, hob nobs are particularly welcomed and can have a beneficial effect on the outcome, according to my mate Owen

 

[gant]

That'll be an interesting game this afternoon Australia v Fiji.

 

[Odds]

It's all going pear shaped down under.
Bruce won't give a XXXX for the World Cup at this rate.
What was that guy doing jumpin gout the way to allow Fiji's try?

An entertaining amuse-bouche before the battle of the flowers tonight.

 

[gant]

Good game, good game.
Fijians could do with brushing up on their lineouts and a kicker who doesn't get cramp after 40 minutes.

 

[Odds]

Aye, their lineouts need working on but they really are a solid team with some pace and plenty of strength to give anyone a rumble.
Glad the English didn't have to face 'em today. They'll have to be on their toes against the Brave Blossoms. Japan are up for this one.

 

[gant]

Plenty of strength but physically fit to last 80 minutes hmm.

 

[Odds]

Strength and fitness are quite singular attributes, old sock.
Put 'em up against the Springboks and they'll wheeze a bit... but who doesn't?

 

[gant]

Then you go to the bench and have you enough reserves of quality.
Their kicker going off and the replacement being naff could have made the difference between winning and losing that game.
Jeez what's happened to Australian rugby.

 

[Brigadier]

Jeez what's happened to Australian rugby

They put Eddie Jones in charge


Bloke never had a clue, let alone a plan, when in charge of England.
Huge pool of talent, yet he seemed to draw players out of a hat.

 

[gant]

A wins a win.

 

[JonathanM]

The four best teams seem to be in the same half of the draw, so we'll lose two of them in the QFs. A bit of a shame.

 

[Odds]

A wins a win.

...is a win, but let's not get too excited about it, eh old boy.
They still don't look like a team with soul. There's plenty of spirit, but a spark is missing to make it a team capable of going all the way.
But we knew that already, so beating Japan is a minimum requirement really to make sure of topping the group.
Will bouncing the ball of the hooker's bald head become a thing?
It raised eyebrows and a smile, here.
But up to that moment it looked like Japan could push England harder.
Beat Samoa and it's certain a q-f against the Welsh, the Aussies - or the Flying Fijians awaits.

Are you not entertained?

 

[gant]

A win was a win was said in the spirit of how depressing it all was. Watching the Australia Fiji game where running rugby featured it brought you back down to earth when you watch England keep kicking the ball out of hand.
Trouble with the win it means Borthwick stays.