2003 Rugby World Cup Final Stages

[crookycymru]

WORLD CUP FIXTURES



All kick-off times are UK.
Friday October 10
Pool A
Australia 24-8 Argentina

Saturday October 11
Pool A
Ireland 45-17 Romania
Pool B
France 61-18 Fiji
Pool C
South Africa 72-6 Uruguay
Pool D
New Zealand 70-7 Italy

Sunday October 12
Pool B
Scotland 32-11 Japan
Pool C
England 84-6 Georgia
Pool D
Wales 41-10 Canada

Tuesday October 14
Pool A
Argentina 64-17 Namibia

Wednesday October 15
Pool B
Fiji 19-18 USA
Pool C
Samoa 60-13 Uruguay
Pool D
Italy 36-12 Tonga

Friday October 17
Pool D
New Zealand 68-6 Canada

Saturday October 18
Pool A
Australia 90-8 Romania
Pool B
France 51-29 Japan
Pool C
England 25-6 South Africa

Sunday October 19
Pool A
Ireland 64-7 Namibia
Pool C
Georgia 9-46 Samoa
Pool D
Wales 27-20 Tonga

Monday October 20
Pool B
Scotland 39-15 USA

Tuesday October 21
Pool D
Italy 19-14 Canada

Wednesday October 22
Pool A
Argentina 50-3 Romania

Thursday October 23
Pool B
Fiji 41-13 Japan

Friday October 24
Pool C
South Africa 46-19 Georgia
Pool D
New Zealand 91-7 Tonga

Saturday October 25
Pool A
Australia 142-0 Namibia
Pool B
France 51-9 Scotland
Pool D
Italy 15-27 Wales

Sunday October 26
Pool A
Argentina 15-16 Ireland
Pool C
England 35-22 Samoa

Monday October 27
Pool B
Japan 26-39 USA

Tuesday October 28
Pool C
Georgia 12-24 Uruguay

Wednesday October 29
Pool D
Canada 24-7 Tonga

Thursday October 30
Pool A
Romania 37-7 Namibia

Friday October 31
Pool B
France 41-14 USA

Saturday November 1
Pool A
Australia 17-16 Ireland
Pool B
Scotland 22-20 Fiji
Pool C
South Africa 60-10 Samoa

Sunday November 2
Pool C
England 113-11 Uruguay
Pool D
New Zealand 53-37 Wales

Saturday November 8
Quarter Final
New Zealand v South Africa
Telstra Dome
Quarter Final
Australia v Scotland (1000)
Suncorp Stadium

Sunday November 9
Quarter Final
France v Ireland (0730)
Telstra Dome
Quarter Final
England v Wales (1000)
Suncorp Stadium

Saturday November 15
Semi Final
Winner QF1 v Winner QF2 (0900)
Telstra Stadium

Sunday November 16
Semi Final
Winner QF3 v Winner QF4 (0900)
Telstra Stadium

Thursday November 20
Third/Fourth Place Play-Off
Loser SF1 v Loser SF2 (0900)
Telstra Stadium

Saturday November 22
Final
Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (0900)
Telstra Stadium

 

[crookycymru]

Cant wait for the quarter finals to get underway.

I am sure we will all pick up where we left off and add to our bagful of cash. Really looking forward to everybodys picks for the weekend.

Back later in the week!

 

[hoss]

Posting these plays now before lines start shifting!

Will 'edit' to add reasons when I get time

New Zealand v S.Africa: 2pts NZ (-14) Paddy Power/Wilson sports

I'm very much of the view that the All Blacks were taken by surprise against the Welsh, but still showed that they could score almost at will (yes Crooky-I know it was a forward pass ). Scoring 53 points is still pretty impressive, the worry was the 37 they conceeded. Don't think they'll make the same mistake vs the Boks. South Africa were massively flattered by a Samoan side that had given its all against England + played a game too many. I think the handicap should be at least 18, so I'm getting stuck in.

Australia v Scotland: 2pts Australia (-30) UK Betting

Scotland are undoubtedly the worst side still left in. If Australia have any pretensions to win this comp they will have to destroy this weak opposition. Both Ireland and Argentina are considerably superior to Scotland, who qualified from a weak group. Pleased that the Aussies have picked Stirling Mortlock, he'll add a big edge to their attacking play - not happy that they've left out Joe Roff though! I'll have to rely on Howlett + Rogers for my top tryscorer plays now!

France v Ireland : 3pts Ireland (+14) Tote

As stated above Frances group was poor + whilst they'll be fairly fresh, I think the lack of any tough game will count against them vs an Irish team that has had 2 really tough battles already. The loss of Hickie will be a painful one for the Irish, but should be partly compensated for by Costello coming back into the pack.
Don't forget that the crowd will be on Irelands side too, I reckon!

England v Wales: no bet - had game at 26 myself, handicaps are generally just above 30. Strictly speaking I should back the Welsh, but think they could really have a big letdown after the sensational performance of the weekend. I'll steer clear I know Crooky thinks differently though

hoss

 

[UT-Longhorn]

Guys, when do they resume Rugby play?:shrug:

 

[PAWAQATSI]

UT...look above at the bottom of the draw that Crooky posted.

Nov 8th (Aussie timezone) the first two Qtr Finals are played. 2nd two on the Sunday.

Can't wait...
The books are gunna be beggin' for MERCY!!

 

[crookycymru]

Really cant wait for the weekend. Excitement is really kicking in already, especially for Sunday.

As Hoss, I am posting early as I dont expect prices to last on my selected lines.

England vs Wales

I will begin with the most important match to be played this weekend, with the battle of arch enemies England and Wales.
I dont know if compilers have been watching these matches with their eyes closed, but I cannot believe the line I am getting here on the Welsh.
The Welsh shocked the world last weekend, in giving the All Blacks one of the biggest frights they have recieved in rugby history, in what was the game of the tournament to date. After conceding early, they suddenly had belief in theirselves, and played the kind of rugby, England at times will die for. If they can match this kind of intensity, against the English, they will make a mockery of this line. The biggest problem facing Steve Hansen this week, is who to select, in what is the biggest selection problem a Welsh coach has faced in ages.
I have a issue with the fact that England are regarded as over thirty points better, than the Welsh team, who are slowly but surely going a step in the right direction. The Welsh public will not tolerate the kind of performances Wales have displayed against the English already this year, and if the team cannot motivate themselves for a clash of this magnitude, then you should not be pulling on the red jersey in the first place.
I for one, cannot see a Welsh victory, although my heart will not totally dismiss the fact, but I will be content with giving the English the game of their lives. Bank on Wales matching the performance against the All Blacks, and take advantage of the most attractive spread since Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct.

3 Points Wales (+33) at 10/11 with VictorChandler

France vs Ireland

As with the Welsh spread, I hold firms guilty of ignoring what has happened in the last rounds matches. The Irish were arguably the better team against the Aussies, and have proved that they have the ability to compete at this very high level.
They will take on the French, with the belief that they can beat them, and advance to the Semi Finals. Perhaps, there has been a over reaction to the loss of Dennis Hickie, who admittedly, is a big loss to the Irish. However, their two main inspirations play again, in the mercurial Brian O'Driscoll, and Keith Wood. Both were outstanding against the Aussies, and will have to match that kind of commitment to compete with a very strong French team.
I cannot see the Irish rolling over, and letting the French play the kind of rugby they crave. Team selection will be interesting, as coach Eddie O'Sullivan decides who to go with at fly half, I hope that he picks Ronan O'Gara who will be able to throw out the kind of passes, O'Driscoll thrives on.
A mixed feeling in this match, as a French win will strengthen the outright token, but I will collect six points if Ireland advance to the semis and lose. I fancy the French to just edge out a very strong Irish campaign, but only by within seven points.
However, a great opportunity to pick up some cash along the way, and make sure you have some money down on a slightly inflated line.

2 Points Ireland (+14) at 4/5 with Tote

New Zealand vs South Africa

I for one, was not expecting the ease of the SpringBoks win over the Samoans. However, one has to take into account that without veteran Terry Fanaloua, the Samoans are a severely weakened unit.
There is still no consistency in the Springbok selection policy. The coach appears to have no idea on who is his strongest lineup, and the kind of rugby he is trying to play.
The Boks may well be able to cut it up front with the All Blacks, where they look vulnerable, but it is hard to see how they can stop the attacking threat of the All Blacks behind. Joe Rokocoko, Doug Howlett should have far too much pace. If the All Blacks concentrate on spreading the ball, and playing the kind of expansive rugby we all want to see, then a cover of the spread should be a formaility. However, get embroiled in a forwards tussle, and the South Africans will crave.
Little chance of an upset here, as I feel the South Africans will be exposed as the worst Springbok team in many a year come the weekend.

1 Point New Zealand (-14) at 10/11 with PaddyPower

 

[PAWAQATSI]

Bank on Wales matching the performance against the All Blacks, and take advantage of the most attractive spread since Sharon Stone in Nine and a Half Weeks.

Basic Instinct Crooky......but we catch your drift!!!

 

[PAWAQATSI]

Crooky / Hoss

Best i can get is Wales +30.5 and Ireland +12.5.

Still acceptable at those *pt plays or would you guys suggest scaling the plays back slightly?


I can get comparable on the other games.

Thanx in advance

 

[cameroncrazie]

Can't wait for the weekend. Here's to some great games and more winners.

 

[crookycymru]

Pawa,

Thanks for the correction. My brain goes tits up when I think of Sharon Stone

As for the lines, I would take both, especially the Welsh line. Hoss might want to chip in regarding the Irish line, but I would still bet both at your spreads.

Good Luck

 

[crookycymru]

Adding another play on the Wales-England match, purely to hedge what has been my biggest bet of the World Cup to date.

At the start of the tournament, I advised five points on Wales to be eliminated at the quarter final stage with Stan James. With plenty in the kitty, and on the brink of nearly three units profit, it is well worth hedging at this massive price.

O.5 Points Wales to beat England at 20/1 with VictorChandler

 

[hoss]

PAWA - yeah play the 12.5!!!

 

[Pumpkin]

Two plays for the Quarters and they are both on the puppies


Taking both Ireland and South Africa straight out

Ireland will keep at the French all game and have some very skilfull backs and hard nosed forwards. Also have had 2 tough games and this will keep them instead as the French haven't played for two weeks for some.

Similiar thinking for the South African game as they showed against England they know how to play tough Rugby. Overall think that the poms should be favs to win the tournament as NZ have tougher quarters and semi's

2pt Ireland @ $4
1pt SAF @ $5

 

[PAWAQATSI]

I'm doubting the Wallabies ability to cover the -30 against the Scots. We have only covered this number once looking back over the last 20 odd years against them and that was back in '98 when our team was far superior to the lot going around today.
We will win....but by 30+......unlikely.

I hope I'm wrong and we can lift it to a higher level that is required to retain this cup.

Thinking the Scots are the value play but staying away altogether.

Locked and loaded on the other games

:brows: :firing: :firing: :firing:

:chairshot


PAWA

 

[crookycymru]

Eight hours until Kickoff between the All Blacks and South Africa.

Posting to keep the thread towards the top of the forum.

Hope to see lots playing along, when I wake up!!

 

[Brick]

BOL Tommorrow Crooky and all. Will be following here as we won't even get the quartwes here in the states. I have seen one station that is showing it but unfortunately I can't get it where I live. Thanks for all your insight and picks.

 

[Anders]

AB's -14 x 1 unit

Scotland +34 1 unit

Hoping I can still get a payout on Van Niekerk if some of the other 'boks don't score.

Gonna to play a few props while I have a drink in front of the box tonite...have kinda killed the books in the NBA this week so feel like spending a little spare cash after buying the good lady a pressie...

1st try:

Mauger 14-1
Mealamu 33-1
Jack 50-1

All for 0.5 unit

And go Mils

 

[Pumpkin]

Wet in Brisbane tonight so I am leaning towards the Scots.
Australia are struggling as is and Giffen has been ruled out.

Can't understand the chopping and changing of the Australian backline and now the lineout will have Harrison calling.


Not good signs.:nono:

 

[beast2]

Play for Saturday:

All Blacks -14.5

Craig

 

[kickserv]

NZ wins by 20...............good call Rugby dudes......much appreciated