RWC ** NZ v Tonga Official Match Thread **

[Simster]

New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Isaia Toeava; Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Victor Vito.

Replacements: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Sam Whitelock, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Cory Jane.

Tonga: Vungakoto Lilo; Viliame 'Iongi, Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Andrew Ma'ilei, Siale Piutau; Kurt Morath, Taniela Moa; Soane Tonga'uiha, Aleki Lutui, Taufa'ao Felise, Paino Hehea, Joseph Ti'neau, Sione Kalamafoni, Finau Maka (capt), Viliami Ma'afu.

Replacements: Ephraim Taukafa; Alisona Taumalolo; Kisi Pulu; Sione Timani; Samiu Vahafolau; Samisoni Fisilau; Alipate Fatafehi.


I think Tonga are the Pacific Island powerhouses these days but are not expected to be any sort of match for tournament favourites, New Zealand.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

Damn and blast. I'd love to watch this, but away from the TV/laptop screen this morning.

Prediction...

NZL 42 vs 16 TON

 

[Arthur]

I think Tonga are the Pacific Island powerhouses these days but are not expected to be any sort of match for tournament favourites, New Zealand.

I know f*** all about Rugby, but I do like a bet. Spread is 55 - 59 NZ over which in my limited knowledge of rugby seems very high. Are the Kiwis going to steam roller them by 60odd points?

 

[Simster]

I know f*** all about Rugby, but I do like a bet. Spread is 55 - 59 NZ over which in my limited knowledge of rugby seems very high. Are the Kiwis going to steam roller them by 60odd points?

I've no idea, mate. Probably not, though. They'll probably underwhelm - think England v Switzerland in Euro 1996.

As for the score, they will still win easily; NZL 46 vs 8 TON

 

[Simster]

Oh and you can watch this game on ITV:

New Zealand v Tonga - Matches - Rugby World Cup - ITV


Be aware that there are only about 6 group games that are remotely interesting, and this is one of them.

 

[mikeyjh]

For once, I will enjoy the opening 20 mins pacific island team try and take your head off tackle melee...

ABs 56 Tonga 9.

Oh, and I hate the haka.

 

[del strangefish]

Forgone conclusion!

 

[Gus is god]

i have gone for 70 or less points in today's match, 9/5 odds.

South Africa are 8/1 and England are 16/1 might have a flutter on that.

 

[Simster]

The Tongatrons all look massive.

And seeing as the All Blacks always NICK all the good Pacific Island players, I'm looking forward to a few tasty scraps early doors.

 

[Questions]

Will be closer than a lot of people think I reckon. Easy enough for the Al Blacks I expect but those Tongans hit hard.

 

[Simster]

Predictably, the ITV live stream is considerably shitter than the one BBC provides for miles bigger tournaments like proper world cups.

 

[mikeyjh]

Will be a closer than a lot of people think.

Not if the Tongans keep taking quick line outs 1 yard out with no space it won't!

 

[Beach Hut]

Hakas went OK however I am sure the Tongan pretending to cut someones throat was a bit uncalled for (not for one minute that I would have argued with that huge beast of a man).

Tonga in a bit of a mess at the start

 

[mikeyjh]

Predictably, the ITV live stream is considerably shitter than the one BBC provides for miles bigger tournaments like proper world cups.

Really? Mine is very impressive, suprisingly so TBH

 

[Simster]

3-0 AB then.

 

[Questions]

Not if the Tongans keep taking quick line outs 1 yard out with no space it won't!

Bit over keen aren`t they ?

 

[Simster]

NZ try.

Game over, methinks.

 

[Beach Hut]

Ouch, Tongan got a full face on with the ball

 

[keaton]

I know f*** all about Rugby, but I do like a bet. Spread is 55 - 59 NZ over which in my limited knowledge of rugby seems very high. Are the Kiwis going to steam roller them by 60odd points?

I think they've put almost 200 points on them in their last two games against them

 

[Beach Hut]

Another AB try