2019 Rugby World Cup Draw

[Ryankelvin]

looks like its going to be a very tight group. What would happen if we beat samoa but dont score 4 tries, scotland get a bonus point win in their two games, and japan get a losing bonus point against the scots? Complicated?

We have to assume we will get a winning bonus point, Japan v Scotland will be very interesting

[westcorklad]

We have to assume we will get a winning bonus point, Japan v Scotland will be very interesting

After Ireland`s performances in their last 2 matches it would be a brave person who would predict what the outcome of the Samoa match will be. I would give Japan at least a 50/50 chance against Scotland. They have an 8 day break before the match while the Scots will have only a 4 day turnaround after they play Russia on Wednesday. No doubt the Scots will field a second string team against the Russians but even so Japan have a big advantage in terms of the match schedule, the weather conditions and the home support.

[westcorklad]

looks like its going to be a very tight group. What would happen if we beat samoa but dont score 4 tries, scotland get a bonus point win in their two games, and japan get a losing bonus point against the scots? Complicated?

Tie-breaking criteria

If two or more teams are tied on match points, the following tiebreakers apply:
1.The winner of the match between the two teams
2.Difference between points scored for and points scored against in all pool matches
3.Difference between tries scored for and tries scored against in all pool matches
4.Points scored in all pool matches
5.Most tries scored in all pool matches
6.Official World Rugby Rankings as of 14 October 2019
If three teams were tied on points, the above criteria would be used to decide first place in the pool and then the criteria would be used again (starting from criterion 1) to decide second place in the pool.


In that scenario Ireland, Scotland and Japan would all end up with 15 points and would also be level on head to head results between them. So it would go to points difference in all the pool matches and so on down the above list until the qualifiers for the quarter finals are decided. Hopefully though it won`t come to that.

[westcorklad]

Tomorrow`s WC matches are New Zealand v Namibia and France v Tonga. In the 2011 WC pool stage Tonga beat a French side who had already qualified for the quarter finals but I don`t see lightning striking twice. I will go for France to win by 35 to 40 points. The All Blacks should win their match by 50 to 60 points.

[westcorklad]

NZ hammered Namibia 71-9 today. Even though the All Blacks were only leading by 15 points at half time, the floodgates really opened after the break. They go back top of their pool and, in all probability, that is where they will finish. France lead Tonga 17-7 at half time in their match.

[westcorklad]

News this morning that a typhoon is developing in the Pacific and could hit Japan next weekend. The Ireland - Samoa fixture could be among the matches affected by this typhoon. If a WC pool match has to be called off there would be no rescheduled date, the match would be declared a draw with both teams receiving 2 points. Obviously things can still change and the outcome might not be so severe but it is something to watch out for.

[westcorklad]

23-14 to france now. It would be intersting if tonga could get the next try.

France get a third try. No bonus point for them yet though. No they don`t. Ruled out for a knock on.

[westcorklad]

Tonga get a converted try and the lead is down to 2 points. Full time and France just hang on by the skin of their teeth to win 23-21. If the match had lasted another few minutes, I think Tonga would have won. As it is France don`t get a bonus point but do make sure of qualification. There will need to be a massive improvement if they are to have any chance of beating England next weekend and winning the pool. I seriously doubt if they have it in them.

[westcorklad]

Try for tonga, is it too little to late? It is, but a scare for france. Closer game than we would have thought. Thats two very close games for france but they come out the right side of them and are into the last 8.

France only just squeezed through against the Pumas and against Tonga today, winning both matches 23-21. If things had worked out slightly differently they would now be preparing for the flight home and I think will be destroyed by England if both teams go at full throttle. Whether they will decide to field a reserve team in that match and save their energy for the quarter final remains to be seen.

[westcorklad]

Isn't it a bit unfair that japans scheldule is different to the other countries. They must have had at least 7 days between all their games. I think thats a huge advantage. Could the organisers not have done it differently?

Actually the host team in Rugby World Cups has always had the advantage of choosing when and where they play their fixtures in the pool stage as will France in 2023. Mind you that didn`t help England very much four years ago.