RWC: United States - Russia (15-09-2011, 19:30)

[monkeypigeon]

Russia played well and got a deserved bonus-point. The only disappointing point is their shirts are all-red, not national flag's tricolour.

They're home jersey is almost always entirely red. In every sport I see them in. Except maybe Hockey which has a small splash of blue (I think).

 

[nickdnz]

Did anyone else feel that the game was one of the least creative efforts ever? USA won, and congrats, but against any other team barring Namibia I think they would have got thrashed. They're forwards were pretty good, but their backs were totally uncreative and error-ridden. Not drawing in the last man to pass wide, poor kicks in the opponents 22, selfish play in the midfield, delayed ball by Petri and knocks on's (which can be forgiven considering the conditions). I get that it's very bad conditions, however talk about uninspiring back play. I'm going to USA v Australia (hoping for an upset), however I can see Australia just demolishing the USA backs if they play like that. I'm hoping that it'll be a sunny day in Wellington so Ngwenya can work his magic.

While Russia lost, I thought they really played with a bit of flair, even when it seemed the conditions wouldn't allow it. It was pretty heartbreaking seeing the losing captains speech, as you can see that Russia were really targeting this game as probably the only one that was really up for grabs.

 

[Shane@JPN]

Congratulations to American Eagles!! A bitter, first experience of World Cup match for Russian Bears!! But good game!!

 

[ZeFrenchy]

I want Russia to win.. BUt i got 100 on the Americans!! Go USA!

So your savage capitalism got you to chher for the USA against Russia? Well, that's spot on!


I enjoyed the game (though I confessed never to have gotten bored watching a rugby game that wasn't being played by Scotland). The US loosehead prop was outstanding IMO, MOtM.

 

[Tricia McMillan]

 

[Melhor Time]

I am getting quite bothered now by the crowd sizes. The whole NZ campaign of the best ever RWC, etc, etc and the games are all clearly not full. France 2007 had virtually every match packed. Todays game like most, had tons of empty seats. Whats going on?

Did anyone else feel that the game was one of the least creative efforts ever? USA won, and congrats, but against any other team barring Namibia I think they would have got thrashed. They're forwards were pretty good, but their backs were totally uncreative and error-ridden. Not drawing in the last man to pass wide, poor kicks in the opponents 22, selfish play in the midfield, delayed ball by Petri and knocks on's (which can be forgiven considering the conditions). I get that it's very bad conditions, however talk about uninspiring back play. I'm going to USA v Australia (hoping for an upset), however I can see Australia just demolishing the USA backs if they play like that. I'm hoping that it'll be a sunny day in Wellington so Ngwenya can work his magic.

While Russia lost, I thought they really played with a bit of flair, even when it seemed the conditions wouldn't allow it. It was pretty heartbreaking seeing the losing captains speech, as you can see that Russia were really targeting this game as probably the only one that was really up for grabs.

The Eagles played the way they did because it was vs Russia. Their match vs Ireland was different and they played differently. They´ll change a lot before facing Australia. Vs Russia the wingers stayed on the wings... vs Australia Ngwenya will play more like Tommy Bowe. Anyhow, if you are interested, which you seem to be, check out the following video. Its long but interesting and was, of course, filmed before the match.

 

[Eagles85]

I'd also like to remind them who's flag is on the moon and who won the cold war, but that's another topic

 

[Black Heart]

I am getting quite bothered now by the crowd sizes. The whole NZ campaign of the best ever RWC, etc, etc and the games are all clearly not full. France 2007 had virtually every match packed. Todays game like most, had tons of empty seats. Whats going on?

You've got to remember that most of the games being played outside the main centres are located in relatively small populace areas compaired to a country like France. The crowd numbers are reflective of that and in most cases it's quite a high percentile of the local population turning out. In this case, about 25% of New Plymouth came out to watch this game in abysmal weather.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Of course it's nice for those small towns to host RWC matches, but the reason for stadiums being only partially full, is the price of the tickets... Well, that's what I've heard... Not sure if someone can verify

 

[kovana]

Meh.. Too many empty seats for this match.. Shame.

Anyways... That last PK by the Russians cost me 100!!!!!

 

[LittleGuy]

Meh.. Too many empty seats for this match.. Shame.

Anyways... That last PK by the Russians cost me 100!!!!!

I should have wagered a heck of a lot more than 25 as I was the only winner!!!

Agreed with the empty seats, these have been compelling matches, all the teams are playing their hearts out, I had heard that the games between minnows were selling cheap seats. At least the support that is getting to the grounds has been extremely passionate, and I loved all the costumes and atmosphere today.

 

[nickdnz]

I am getting quite bothered now by the crowd sizes. The whole NZ campaign of the best ever RWC, etc, etc and the games are all clearly not full. France 2007 had virtually every match packed. Todays game like most, had tons of empty seats. Whats going on?


The Eagles played the way they did because it was vs Russia. Their match vs Ireland was different and they played differently. They´ll change a lot before facing Australia. Vs Russia the wingers stayed on the wings... vs Australia Ngwenya will play more like Tommy Bowe. Anyhow, if you are interested, which you seem to be, check out the following video. Its long but interesting and was, of course, filmed before the match.

1. I agree that while watching it, it was pretty embarissing. Even considering the ticket prices and terrible weather, I'd expect more people. As already mentioned, New Plymouth has a population of 68,000 people, with a low Russian and American population, so a crowd of 20,000 isn't too bad. Espeically considering the number of USA/Russians in cities in France which all have a larger population than New Plymouth. Still I admit that it was pretty bad. Most games have been close to compacity, but ticket prices (especially for the better seats) are just too expensive for most New Zealanders. I'm going to as many matches as I can afford, especially with the minow nations as the cheapest tickets are pretty affordable.

2. Found the video pretty interesting thanks Melhor. It certainly explains some of the tactics that they went into the match, especially a focus on defense, however I stand by most of what I said. I really hope you're right and we see Ngwenya much more involved.

 

[M Two One]

Russia looked awful for the most part in this match. Watching through it a second time I noticed how many times they were called for penalties on simple mistakes. I was expecting much more from them, especially that they were a bit disrespectful to their opponents, but I guess the stress really did get to them.

The Eagles played fairly well against Russia, but poor officiating and those penalties killed the match. It eventually swelled to a sluggish pace and everyone seemed really tired, including the small crowd. I was disappointed not to see Ngwenya go all out, but I knew in the back of my mind that he'd be more active against Australia and Italy. This is where I also expect to see players like Colin Hawley and possibly Kevin Swiryn introduced.

Tai Enosa should have been out there for the Eagles, though I'm suspecting that O'Sullivan is holding him for the last two matches as well. He can be played at centre or fly-half and could be a dangerous player since he's quick, passes well and packs a punch for his size. He could be the key to setting up Ngwenya for some wonderful tries.

 

[ranger]

Of course it's nice for those small towns to host RWC matches, but the reason for stadiums being only partially full, is the price of the tickets... Well, that's what I've heard... Not sure if someone can verify

-Tickets too expensive
-New Plymouth doesn't have the population to pack out the stadium anyway
-USA-Russia aren't exactly superstar sides
-Absolute **** weather
-Town was going off at the time
-Most of the rabid Taranaki rugby fans are at uni
-I know of a suprising number of guys who purchased tickets but either got too drunk to make it to the ground, or drank through the match

Everyone knew NZ was too small for the tournament, but this was realistically the last chance we ever had to host it.

 

[kovana]

Agreed. Feel sorry for the Russian Billionaire and Miss Russia who came to watch the match..

However, perhaps that Billionaire can help sponsor a team in the Russian Rugby competition.

 

[M Two One]

Agreed. Feel sorry for the Russian Billionaire and Miss Russia who came to watch the match..

However, perhaps that Billionaire can help sponsor a team in the Russian Rugby competition.

He should purchase one of the Krasnoyarsk clubs and turn it into a superstar side to ultimately enter the H-Cup.

 

[psychic duck]

I am getting quite bothered now by the crowd sizes. The whole NZ campaign of the best ever RWC, etc, etc and the games are all clearly not full. France 2007 had virtually every match packed. Todays game like most, had tons of empty seats. Whats going on?

I heard on the radio that New Zealanders don't often travel from town to town, whilst in France there is a very quick train line right through out the country which means going from the South to the North doesn't take that long

New Zealand has a relatively small population and is quite a long country which is sparse

looking at the dismal crowds I've seen for Super Rugby games and ITM Cup matches it doesn't surprise me that the crowds are low

but I thought rugby was supposed to be the main sport in NZ

Russia looked awful for the most part in this match. Watching through it a second time I noticed how many times they were called for penalties on simple mistakes. I was expecting much more from them, especially that they were a bit disrespectful to their opponents, but I guess the stress really did get to them.

why were Russia disrespectful?

I only saw the first half so can you tell me what was awful about them? from what I saw they struggled at ruck time particularly in defense and gave away many penalties and their lineout was shocking, I think the language barrier between them and the ref didn't help in regard to the penalties

Agreed. Feel sorry for the Russian Billionaire and Miss Russia who came to watch the match..

However, perhaps that Billionaire can help sponsor a team in the Russian Rugby competition.

I'm surprised VVA-Podmoskovye aren't in the Amlin Challenge Cup, they have 13 players in the Russia team, and surely must be more ready for European rugby than the Spanish teams in the tournament

I agree it would be awesome if the billionaire and Miss Russia sponsored a team to launch them onto European rugby, signing Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams and Will Genia would be comparatively cheap for them compared to the wages which have recently been offered to Samuel Eto'o