Rugby Union World Cup
 

Not long to go until it starts so can anyone tell me why Russia are in. I didn't even know they played the game?

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

Because they qualified ? :dozey:

Yep, for a long while : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia...gby_union_team

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

My money is still on those All Blacks to retain the Web Ellis trophy.

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

I'd like to see Wales win. But any of the southern hemisphere would do. Maybe if the US won it would improve the image of the game there but then they have all the "World" sports that only they play (mostly). Rugby doesn't allow for the needed ad breaks.

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

Bit of a bore the rugby World Cup until the later stages. The possible winners and the rest are wide apart.

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

Upsets do happen you know.;)

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

Yeah, but in an early round league system rarely change anything.

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

Me too. And I'm sure we will :)

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

Now now Russ you don't want to repeat England's tactics.;)

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

Have to admit being a born and bred Yorkshireman with Welsh parents, its Yorkshire for cricket and Wales for Rugby :)

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

Latest Odds:-
https://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-un...up-2019/winner

France look a tempting bet at 33-1. I know they aren't highly rated these days but still... If the odds plummet, it means i've put the house on it ;)

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

Indeed 33/1 represents very good value for a team that can beat anyone on their day.

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

Except in previous years, there's been one stand-out favourite and maybe a couple of challengers.

This time, there's maybe 5 or so teams that are genuinely in with a chance and - on their day - will be hard to beat. That the number-one ranked team in the world became number-5 in a fortnight, shows how open the tournament is!

Even England's group isn't a gimme - both France & Argentina could provide an upset.

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

I've always supported Wales at rugby, even though I played in a school team with a future England captain and two others who would turn top level pro, reason for it was because our sports master was Welsh, looking back, I think he might have brain washed me

Re: Rugby Union World Cup
 

You weren’t at Lord Wandsworth’s, were you?