posted Dec 1, 2008

"Not to mention england are going to improve as they are young." handy-legend (U6618796)

So are the Scotland team. By then we will also have a new kicker and not have to accommodate Paterson so will be playing even better rugby (as was seen with his removal from the SA game). If Scotland can build on current performances, have a good 6 Nations. Train another 2 kickers, preferably Godman and one other (not Paterson, Paterson should be coaching the trainee kickers). They will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years...

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posted Dec 1, 2008

I wish I could be so optimistic about Scotland's chances, but we performed so low for so long that I fear for our chances.

Argentina seem to be an ever improving side. Physical with good handling skills. England are one of the big guns with far more players to choose from than we have.

It's early days, and so, I think it's crazy to make predictions like some of the above. But on form, Scotland have done little to merit such optimism. Hoe I'm wrong though!

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posted Dec 1, 2008

There's no real point discussing any of this until much nearer the time (Why did the draw have to be made now? Wouldn't late-2010 have been early enough?)

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posted Dec 1, 2008

Agreed, all the teams will change dramatically over the next 3 years, England with Johnson at the helm will become a force to be reckoned with and the depth and money they have will mean they'll be right up there. Argentina have so many of their players in France playing top level (and against All Blacks now week in week out)so they're going to get better however Scotland now have Lineen and Robinson involved which will be good for us. It's a tough one but hopefully Dan Parks will be long gone which will give us a better chance than any of the above. Godman needs to be given a chance to develop over the next 3 years but what really annoys me is that he gets hauled off 15 mins from the end. It gives cheap caps to guys coming on and he needs to play whole games. Carter and Giteau never get subbed and Godman needs all the time he can get get used to the faster international game.

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posted Dec 2, 2008

hahaha scotland to qualify ahead of england, thats a good one!

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posted Dec 2, 2008

Isn't the RWC in like 2011 or something. It's a bit silly to be talking about any one countries chances before this WC i mean any number of things could happen.

I'd like to talk about 6 Nations first if you don't mind.

It's a nice draw though; Scotland Vs England yet again

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posted Dec 2, 2008

I wouldn't say Argentina are ever improving - more like they hit their best at last years WC and have gone downhill since, winning only 1 of 6 games and that was against Italy (who they also lost against). Not to mention they were absolutely thumped by SA 5 months ago.

If that WC started tomorrow Scotland would be favourites to qualify.

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posted Dec 2, 2008

Right now, it's probably fair to say all three of Argentina, England and Scotland are pleased with the draw. No mercurial South Pacific sides, and none of the Tri-Nation big guns or France. They'll all three think there is nothing to be afraid of there.

But I have to agree, this seems nonsense to be discussing this now. I couldn't understand why the seedings were done so early when so much form could change over the next 2 years - and even less why they do the draw now. I don't follow football much - but am I right in thinking the draw for the football world cup is only done a matter of months from it happening? If they can manage the logistics of that around a bigger tournament, then rugby surely can as well.

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posted Dec 9, 2008

It's a fantastic draw, and I for one - although I was mighty depressed about it before the draw, am now chuffed to bits that we are a third seed now. This world cup will be far better for us, the fans, than the last one, where our group games were mostly foregone conclusions. For the good of Rugby in general to be in a group where anything could happen will be exciting. Now all we need is to develop a killer instinct, or winning habit over the next 3 years and it's game on!

Personoally I think we'd need to be aiming to win the group, which is a possibility, to avoid NZ in a quarter final (though we'd still have to face France).

Quite excited by this.

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posted Dec 18, 2008

I agree that it is ludicrous commenting on this so far in advance and don't understand why everyone is stating such but still commenting ........ ah!

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