[RWC2023] France vs Italy (06/10/2023)

[OllyM97]

And another of the vast majority of games at this world cup that isnt competitive 5 mins into the 2nd half...

Combining the ridiculous reffing, the massive delays between games (4 weeks in and we arent even at the knockouts), and the awful ITV commentary, this might be the least interesting and most boring RWC I've ever witnessed...

And I was out there for the first 10 days, seems like months ago

Absolutely completely nailed. Awful matches, Awful referees, Awful commentary. This is supposed to be the pinnacle of the game. Dire.

 

[Crash Hamster]

It really wasn't.

Dixon's bad enough, no need to criticise him for things he gets right.

I think you just agreed with me... French player picked the ball up from back of Italian ruck. Dickers waved play on, France eventually scored.

 

[BrokenWing]

It really wasn't.

Dixon's bad enough, no need to criticise him for things he gets right.

Hang on, are you saying the ball wasn't out?

Because that would mean he got it wrong.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

This World Cup has been the worst for competitiveness since 2003. So many blow-out scores. A 24 team RWC is an absolute fantasy.

In the pools. I think when it gets to the quarters it will be a whole different matter. How often have world cups really been interesting in the pools? Usually there is 1 "pool of death" but otherwise if the games against tier 2 aren't blowouts, they are tedious slogfests where the result still isn't really in doubt.

 

[dirty harry]

Absolutely completely nailed. Awful matches, Awful referees, Awful commentary. This is supposed to be the pinnacle of the game. Dire.

I'd even add other really annoying little things, players names on shirts, French crowds booing, Mexican waving etc, players play acting and gesticulating to the referee, celebrations when scoring etc...

 

[TopTen2003]

Absolutely completely nailed. Awful matches, Awful referees, Awful commentary. This is supposed to be the pinnacle of the game. Dire.

ITV with the likes of Mullins and Monye is B level at best- ITV are a disgrace when it comes to sport. Detest that they even have rugby coverage.

Quite enjoyed getting the RTE feed on holiday a few weeks back- they were sound in comparison!

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Italy the most disappointing team this World Cup so far.

Certainly on the podium with Australia and Romania. But yes, I think I agree given 21 of their points against Uruguay was against 14 men.

 

[OllyM97]

In the pools. I think when it gets to the quarters it will be a whole different matter. How often have world cups really been interesting in the pools? Usually there is 1 "pool of death" but otherwise if the games against tier 2 aren't blowouts, they are tedious slogfests where the result still isn't really in doubt.

15 and 19 were way more interesting in the pool stages - as was 2007 actually. Fiji beating Wales, Tonga nearly beating SA, Namibia and Georgia giving Ireland a huge fright. This WC has been a return to the bad old days.

 

[top prop]

So the Dante tackle isn't getting a look at...

 

[IT157]

Certainly on the podium with Australia and Romania. But yes, I think I agree given 21 of their points against Uruguay was against 14 men.

I was expecting nothing from Romania. Although they are my pick for the worst team so far. Just edging out Namibia.

Australia a good call.

 

[ncurd]

That pass just made laugh....that's insane skill.

 

[Lé Ddanno]

Hard to believe Italy pushed them close earlier this year

 

[IT157]

Record score for France against Italy.

 

[Umaga's Witness]

No

Losers

 

[Umaga's Witness]

Hard to believe Italy pushed them close earlier this year

Italy probably only do well against top opposition when the opponent isn't really up for it

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

French Overseas Territories would demolish Namibia if the cowards at WR would let them in

 

[IT157]

Italy probably only do well against top opposition when the opponent isn't really up for it

Top teams keep the cards to their chest just prior to a World Cup. Doubt Italy does and just goes for it.

 

[dirty harry]

Italy probably only do well against top opposition when the opponent isn't really up for it

Does this highlight the poor playing conditions of the 6N calendar?!

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

Losers

losing by 10 to France's new blood is a little different to being their last training session before the quarterfinals

 

[AlRums]

Great try