33 replies to this topic

[Adrian]

We're a month away from the RWC 2011, the Tri-Nations is in full swing and the US begins its warmup against Canada this Saturday in Toronto (which I'm sure will be broadcast here), so I'm starting the thread. Questions abound: how will New Zealand choke this time around? Who will be this year's Argentina? Can Ireland rebound from 2007? Will Pocock surpass McCaw as the world's best player? And can the USA finally win a game?

[StephanieL]

Do you know where the games might be shown in NYC where one doesn't have to pay an outrageous cover fee? N is a huge Springbok fan, and she would very much like to see SA defend its title. (Though their poor performance in the Tri-Nations isn't a good sign.)

[Adrian]

Do you know where the games might be shown in NYC where one doesn't have to pay an outrageous cover fee? N is a huge Springbok fan, and she would very much like to see SA defend its title. (Though their poor performance in the Tri-Nations isn't a good sign.)

NBC/Universal has the rights to the games this year so it's likely that a lot of places will be showing the game sans-fee. Bars like the Australian and McCormack's always show the games.

[StephanieL]

Thanks. I don't think we'll be going to an Australian bar, though.

[Anthony Bonner]

16 hr time difference -All the knock out games start at 2100 or 20:30 it looks like. So getting up at 5 am or 430 am.

the pools are even worse - only a few games at 1300, the rest will be smack in the middle of the night.

ETA - Adrian - how is Russia? Are they beatable for the US?

[Adrian]

Hence the need for Tivo and a good alarm clock.

Russia? Not bad and getting better. Very winnable game for the US considering they beat Russia by a try in the Churchill Cup. The question is what sort of shape they'll be in coming off the Ireland game a few days before. That's a big one for USA coach and ex-Ireland Eddie O'Sullivan. It will be a big one for team morale as well.

[Adrian]

Hell of a performance by the US team against Ireland on Sunday. These guys are mostly amateurs up against a team of first class professional athletes. Very tough, very gritty, good result even in a loss.

[Adrian]

Not much good on deck today (are any of you paying attention?). Canada beginning its campaign against Tonga is the only one I'll be watching closely. Australia-Ireland in two days will definitely be worth a watch on replay or otherwise.

[Anthony Bonner]

I keep DVR'ing things and not watching them if that counts.

I have to be honest and tell you that I lump Rugby in with "sports that are a lot of fun to play, but make shitty TV" Lacrosse is high on this list as well.

[Adrian]

I have to be honest and tell you that I lump Rugby in with "sports that are a lot of fun to play, but make shitty TV" Lacrosse is high on this list as well.

Not anymore. Professionalism has lead to a substantial increase in the quality of play at the international level and in the top leagues. The Australia-Ireland game will probably illustrate this if you get around to it. New Zealand-France in a few days will as well. The USA-Ireland game isn't as fun to watch, it's a gritty and inspired performance by a largely amateur team against a professional one.

[Anthony Bonner]

I have to be honest and tell you that I lump Rugby in with "sports that are a lot of fun to play, but make shitty TV" Lacrosse is high on this list as well.

Not anymore. Professionalism has lead to a substantial increase in the quality of play at the international level and in the top leagues. The Australia-Ireland game will probably illustrate this if you get around to it. New Zealand-France in a few days will as well. The USA-Ireland game isn't as fun to watch, it's a gritty and inspired performance by a largely amateur team against a professional one.

what day is NZ-France? I'll make sure the DVR is set

[Adrian]

I have to be honest and tell you that I lump Rugby in with "sports that are a lot of fun to play, but make shitty TV" Lacrosse is high on this list as well.

Not anymore. Professionalism has lead to a substantial increase in the quality of play at the international level and in the top leagues. The Australia-Ireland game will probably illustrate this if you get around to it. New Zealand-France in a few days will as well. The USA-Ireland game isn't as fun to watch, it's a gritty and inspired performance by a largely amateur team against a professional one.

what day is NZ-France? I'll make sure the DVR is set

September 24th. If you don't enjoy watching NZ play, you're dead inside.

[Anthony Bonner]

I have to be honest and tell you that I lump Rugby in with "sports that are a lot of fun to play, but make shitty TV" Lacrosse is high on this list as well.

Not anymore. Professionalism has lead to a substantial increase in the quality of play at the international level and in the top leagues. The Australia-Ireland game will probably illustrate this if you get around to it. New Zealand-France in a few days will as well. The USA-Ireland game isn't as fun to watch, it's a gritty and inspired performance by a largely amateur team against a professional one.

what day is NZ-France? I'll make sure the DVR is set

September 24th. If you don't enjoy watching NZ play, you're dead inside.

you wouldn't be the first or even the tenth to call me dead inside.

[g.johnson]

Which channel is it on?

[Adrian]

NBC Universal Sport with NBC showing some games on replay. Available streamed here.

Oh, and you Welshmen were a kick away from the upset of the tournament.