whats the vibe after..

Before I answer the question - I want to point out that I dont buy into the one hemisphere plays a quicker rugby or a forward play game or whatever else people say - the bottom line is that there are 3 types of rugby - NH, SH, and NH v SH - they always throw up different styles - always have and always will

The only way to answer it is to look at all the teams I suppose and maybe who can beat who - the WC is littered with patterns as is the game as a whole so it has a lot to do with it

There is no doubt that it is the ABs to lose at home but a lot of the World cups have been and they havnt let us down
One thing I have noticed (it seems) is that NZ dont have the same strength in depth that they had 4 years ago when word was that the NZ second XV were the second best team in the world - they are already under pressure and a few key injuries could be the weakness that just blows it.
Im not sure that the Boks are good enough - but its difficult for me to comment - i havnt seen much of them and they have been hiding their best players in a double secret mysterious alien world cup secret training camp that PDV denies but the CEO admits
As I always say about the Aussies - they can always be beat but you have to bring your "A "game, anything less than 120% and they will mug you and send you home - NZ are only too aware of it - and they dont like it - the bottom line is that anything can happen when it comes to those 3 teams playing against each other - but if it was anywhere but NZ I would be having Aus as the favourites.

That said - if we look at the NH teams - Scotland and Italy surely have no hope - Im not trying to disrespect them - and if Scotland beat England - i will take my hat off to their ability to raise their game once again - but any further unlikely.
France - have a major hoodoo over NZ - unfortunately they play in the group games and so a win or defeat is irrelevant - if France play SA or Aus as always with the French it could go either way - but as always France have a chance
England rarely beat NZ - they have a hold over England that sometimes is unexplainable - but thats the game - England have a good record over Australia - but it goes both ways - I can only explain byu saying that most eng fans and Aus fans expect to win each encounter - Eng are the same with France - Eng do have a chance but they need to avoid NZ
Ireland - right at this moment I cant decide whether they are a good team or not - they certainly have the players - but this summer has raised more questions than answers - they can I believe beat anyone on their day but the world cup pedigree is poor
Wales - well who knows - Im convinced they will struggle - but Im seduced by a lot of peoples views that bthey are better than I think - I reserve judgement till the end of their first game

So yes - there is a chance - I think it will be a closer wc than usual but who knows

Lydneyian, wow, thanx
you put more effort and keyboard time into that reply ( well thought out) than i did into my supposed article.

in response NH vs SH .
i was more implying, if not written/typed out after watching te super 14s , and the tests involving Aus, NZ and the Saffas, they are all out attacking, with good packs, playing on fast pace quick ball across lines.
no offense intended but all Ive sen over the last twelve months from the NH boys is big packs, and shuffle and kick.
maybe im watching the wrong games...

example look at Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, same super 14s style and emphasis on ball control and attack

heare is too a great WC,, as an Aussie, my heart says Australia, my brain says its an NZ win

No mate - I agree with what you say about the 2 contrasting styles to a point - but as i say when the teams from the north and south play each other the game styles tend to change - they always seem to of - i dont know if we drag you guys down to our level or raise our game - or a bit of both - but it happens
From an Eng point of view I wouldnt be overly worried about playing the island teams - dont get me wrong - they ALWAYS DEMAND respect .... as Australia found out - but i would expect Aus to beat them well next time as would I England

Either way - you only asked if we feel we have a "chance" - We always have a chance

For all the different levels of skill - dont forget apart from 1 year - there is always a NH team in the final

that smiley laffy face -insert here

hahaa
cant wait for the fun to begin

So, if I'm reading Lydneyian correctly, you are predicting a Wales v NZ final???



I agree with your assessment but think rugby needs a little more variety at the top. It's time for other nations to challenge and win.

We can't be having the same 3 teams winning it all the time can we? It's good that other nations are going into the competition looking strong with the odd 'shocker' having been won (Aus v Samoa) It adds an edge to the proceedings.

Here's to a good cup for all with a few shockers!
(like Wales getting out of their group for example! )
hahaha