this post was submitted on 01 Sep 2023
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Rugby Union

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Rugby union, commonly known simply as rugby. This instance is for news, analysis and discussion of the sport of rugby.

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With just 7 days to go, it's our first major tournament as a community! The world cup itself started back in 1987 and is fairly new as far as world cups go, so we're all still learning here (just like the french ticketing system)

So with this in mind here's the draw. It has been 20 teams since 1999, and the format is a roller coaster of 4 groups of 5 teams, the top 2 going into the quarters. Simple (see Champions cup, this is really easy!). Straight knock out from here with the winner lifting the Web Ellis Cup named for the inventor of Rugby Football.

We open a week from now Friday 8th of September, 2015 BST with France vs New Zealand a juicy affair with both sides fancied to win this one. The rest of the schedule here but Rugby Kick Off my choice for upcoming fixtures, showing local times, TV broadcasters, and most recent results if you click on the match. And we finish with the final on 8pm BST, 28th of October, so it's a long tournament. Injuries take their toll, squad depth is tested, red cards have very real consequences, and mods will need help too!

As a community we've got a prediction league with Kick Tipp. We've been doing weekend threads for warm-ups, I suspect we'll do daily for the group stages, and dedicated match threads for knock outs. There may be a sledge thread. There may be Kick Tipp updates. There better be pictures from stadiums, pubs, and club houses. And if I find something worth giving away, I'll buy a prize and we might do a community award for best contributions.

As we're a week away, is anyone heading out to France? Who's got plans for next weekend already? Anyone bought any merch yet? Predictions go in Kick Tipp!

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[–] chandz05 6 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Super excited! I have to admit over the last year I was a bit worried about my boks, but they have been looking strong through the rugby championship and friendlies. This is going to be a spicy tournament!

[–] Olap 4 points 2 years ago

Spicy braai? Can't wait for our opener, and that Ireland SA is going to be great too

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

They are still my favourites.

Wonder if they will try go for 7-1 split in the group and get three man advantage and uncontested scrums. Then just eat up points.

[–] chandz05 3 points 1 year ago

Nah I would think that's too risky for the biggest tournament. Although I would love to see one of those forwards being forced to play on the backline 😂

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I'm very excited this is only my second rugby world cup that I have ever watched. Since first learning, playing and falling in love with the sport of rugby. I had was planning to go to France but had trouble getting off from work :(

[–] Olap 4 points 2 years ago (2 children)

A few work colleagues heading out. Quite jealous. I missed out on 2019, but had a riot down in England for 2015. Timing must be OK for the US on the whole, will be interesting to see if y'all tune in

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

They got some of the matches running on NBC which is a major channel so hopefully people in the US tune in. I just hope they don't paywall a majority of the matches behind Peacocks subscriptions. They need to adapt a Fifa world cup and broadcast the games for free on fox etc.

[–] Olap 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Got to show The Eagles on FTA at least, and the knock outs I hope. Only the Final is protected in the UK though, could see it going behind a paywall one day

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago

I get it they want revenue but I feel like it would help the game thrive if it was broadcast for free on major channels. It's like the Olympics they get major eyes then get a big boost in signups / viewership after the Olympics

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago

certainly better kickoff times for the matches this world cup then the 2019 rugby world cup kickoff times.