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2012 IRB Junior World Championship

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No worries.
2/3s of that is fitting for me, some would say.

Also, how dare they drop Jack Dixon from the starting team. I think Gatland is going to like this bloke, a big rapid centre.
 
NZ side to play Fiji:



Looking forwards to seeing Akhi and Emery in the midfield and Keresoma on the wing - hopefully the weather is fine so they get the ball though. Proctor has a chance to secure the fullback spot for the playoffs, as McKenzie was poor vs Wales. Interested to see how Kitto goes at halfback - Hall has started the last 2 games (as captain) but has been poor in my opinion. It is unlikely Kitto will supplant Hall in the top lineup, but I'm curious to see how good he is. Looking forward to seeing Heenan again at 7, while if Manu has a big game at number 8 he may secure himself in the top XV for the playoffs (probably at 6 with Taufua at 8).

I have to say it is great to go into the third round of the tournament with so much uncertainty remaining as to who the top 4 will be.

Pool A: I'm cautious about predicting anything at this tournament, but I'd suggest Wales should beat Samoa, winning Pool A, and securing themselves a spot in the semis (though they will need to be careful not to get ahead of themselves after a historic victory a few days ago). Barring another upset, NZ should beat Fiji comfortably to secure the spot in the semis as the best 2nd placed team.

Pool B: Been discussed quite a bit already, but England, South Africa, and Ireland are all fighting for top spot and hence a place in the semis. A win or even a draw vs South Africa would be enough for England to go through, though they could still go through if they only suffer a narrow loss (depending on bonus points / points differential). South Africa need to beat England to have any chance to go through; if they do it with a bonus point they will be guaranteed a spot in the top 4, otherwise it could come down to points differential. Ireland are a longer shot to go through: First and foremost they need to get 5 points versus Italy (with preferably a massive win to get their points differential up), then they need South Africa to beat England (but not get a bonus point). If England don't get a bonus point Ireland would go through, but if England did get a bonus point all 3 teams would be on 10 points, hence it would come down to points differential (hence the need for a convincing win over Italy).

Pool C: Argentina are in a good position to win this pool, but this is far from guaranteed as Scotland certainly aren't the worst team (only just lost to France by one point). It would be disappointing for Argentina to lose to Scotland after 2 very good wins, as it would likely (but not definitely) cost them a semi-final spot. France and Australia need to rely on Argentina losing if they are to make the semis - if they happens it is basically a head-to-head between the two teams for top spot in the pool (though Australia could still lose out to Argentina if the Argentina got a bonus point and Australia failed to secure one.....).

Can't wait for day 3 action to start!
 
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Darwin - Consider some of the horrific beatings meted out on the Mini-Jocks this year, I'd go along with "They're pretty crap" and "So are the French for struggling that much against them".

Makes me feel a lot worse about losing to them in the 6N now.
 
ZeFrenchy said:
So, the top seed will be rewarded by playing the baby blacks on the semis. Nice.
Click to expand...

Great reward aye ;)

Peat said:
Darwin - Consider some of the horrific beatings meted out on the Mini-Jocks this year, I'd go along with "They're pretty crap" and "So are the French for struggling that much against them".

Makes me feel a lot worse about losing to them in the 6N now.
Click to expand...

I certainly wouldn't describe Scotland as a good team, but I wouldn't surprise me if they push (or even upset) Argentina. I guess we will find out in a couple of hours!
 
We're absolutely going to town on the Italians. 3 tries in the first 10 minutes. Semi finals could still be on at this rate. 21-0.
 
Try Argentina, 5-0 and conversion to come, 17 minutes into the game.

Conversion missed.
 
You'd have to beat them by ~120 to overtake what will be New Zealand's expected points differential. Best of luck.
 
Yes, and against a very strong wind. If they lead at half-time, or even if they are close behind, they're pretty sure to lead the pool. As it looks, it won't be a bonus-point win, though, so they'd be second or third seed.


Edit: Another try for Argentina, this time under the posts. And the Scot hooker has been yellow carded.

12-0 Argentina, and Scotland down to 14. This may be a bonus point victory, actually.


Another edit: Argentina outplaying the Scots absolutely everywhere. They're totally owning the breakdown, and manage to get quick ball whenever they don't get to offload.
 
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This is a shocking game. Italy are really poor, but essentially playing a second team. There are so many errors that it's painful watching.
 
Another Ireland try. Since the introduction of a capable tighthead we've scored twice off the back of the setpiece. Now, If South Africa can beat England by more than 7 without a bonus we'll be set.
 

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