All-Blacks VS Wallabies: Rugby WC 2015 Final: Who's watching?

[2porscheguy]

The All-Blacks are usually favoured but the Wallabies look pretty strong going into the final after trouncing Argentina in the semifinals. The All-Blacks just squeeked by the power house RSA Sprinboks in their semi.

Man, these guys are tough! And no pads or helmets!

Unlike those pansies that play American or Canadian football!....with all their protective gear!

[flatbutt]

Would that I could but I can't find live coverage in my area. I'd bet on the All Blacks.

[nzporsche944s2]

Definitely watching it here. The nation is going to stop but that is kind of normal for 4am in the morning!

[2porscheguy]

^^^We need more feedback from all you Pelicans downundah! This would be akin to Canada vs Russia in hockey..but maybe I'm dating myself!

[2porscheguy]

Originally Posted by nzporsche944s2

Definitely watching it here. The nation is going to stop but that is kind of normal for 4am in the morning!

nzporsche944s2, this is probably a long shot but do you happen to know a Paul and Linda Sheppard living in or near Auckland? We met them some 24 years ago on our honeymoon in Fiji....really nice couple that we lost touch with....Paul is really big into Harleys and is a MAJOR All-Blacks fan (but what Kiwi isn't?)...both are probably mid-fifties......I know, probably a long shot but you never know on PPOT!

[nzporsche944s2]

Originally Posted by 2porscheguy

nzporsche944s2, this is probably a long shot but do you happen to know a Paul and Linda Sheppard living in or near Auckland? We met them some 24 years ago on our honeymoon in Fiji....really nice couple that we lost touch with....Paul is really big into Harleys and is a MAJOR All-Blacks fan (but what Kiwi isn't?)...both are probably mid-fifties......I know, probably a long shot but you never know on PPOT!

That is a long shot but worth the question! We like to think we (Auckland) are a big city but the reality is that we only have 1.4 million people living here out of a total NZ population of about 4.5 million so we are still just a big village

Unfortunately the names don't ring a bell and a quick google search didn't help - in fact it seems quite a common name here. I'd be happy to help further if you have any other pointers - maybe the industry he worked in for example?

[chocolatelab]

Ill be watching!

The HAKA has to one of the best spectacles in sports.

I can't get a link but a quick you tube google will get you there.

[tevake]

^ 1+. On the Haka, hair raising!!
I would think it will be a spirited game.
Not on here that I can find

[UncleRay]

Saw about 30 minutes of the All Black/Springbok semi. Those are some big dudes and big hits. Wish I knew more about the rules. Plan to catch some or most of the final.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by UncleRay

Saw about 30 minutes of the All Black/Springbok semi. Those are some big dudes and big hits. Wish I knew more about the rules. Plan to catch some or most of the final.

Even the players have trouble knowing the rules. They change/update them all the time. The main rule is the ball has to be run forward, not passed forward, can be kicked forward but then.... Yup complicated.

My bet is NZ will win but not by much.

[nzporsche944s2]

Originally Posted by UncleRay

Saw about 30 minutes of the All Black/Springbok semi. Those are some big dudes and big hits. Wish I knew more about the rules. Plan to catch some or most of the final.

Big dudes alright!

Have a look at this photo...the man in the suit is our Prime Minister, John Key, in the locker room after the game. The big guy is Sam Whitelock and that's our famous Captain Ritchie McCaw sitting to John Key's right. Admittedly there is some funny play going on with camera lenses and perspective but Sam is definitely a BIG unit...

[Bill Douglas]

I go surfing with Ma'a Nonu. We have an expression "Built like a brick sh ithouse" He actually is.

[2porscheguy]

Originally Posted by nzporsche944s2

- in fact it seems quite a common name here.

I can just imagine nzporsche!

NZ = lotsa sheep!
Sheppard = Shepherd

[2porscheguy]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Even the players have trouble knowing the rules. They change/update them all the time. The main rule is the ball has to be run forward, not passed forward, can be kicked forward but then.... Yup complicated.

My bet is NZ will win but not by much.

I'm no expert on the rules, in fact it's all foreign to me but the game definitely appear to be chaotic at times with regards to rules/penalties.

Bill, can you explain the scrum? (I could just Google this but....)

[2porscheguy]

Originally Posted by 2porscheguy

Man, these guys are tough! And no pads or helmets!

Unlike those pansies that play American or Canadian football!....with all their protective gear!

AND if a player gets injured, for the most part, they don't stop play...FK that! They just keep on playing around the injured player!

[2porscheguy]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

Final should be on NBC. 11am eastern on Saturday, I believe.

9:45 AM MST on TSN1 and TSN3 up here in Canaduh, eh!

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by 2porscheguy

Bill, can you explain the scrum? (I could just Google this but....)

OK, here goes... It's supposedly equal with both teams forwards (players who work the front of the pack) pushing equally. The ball has to be kicked out to the back of the scrum - no hands. Some teams deliberately collapse the scrum so the other team is penalized to get a free kick. The game is all about possession of the ball so the out come of a scrum is important.

There is also a ruck where you run as far as you can until the other guys down you and your team mates pile in behind you to push you forward. It looks like a scrum but is messy with arms and boots all over the place.

Disclaimer: I was more of a surfer, motorbike rider, working holidays and weekends, car driver sort of a kid than a rugby player. That explains why the description may not be the best.

[Mericet]

I will be watching as well. Think NZ will win, their game plan is the best at the moment. SA was lucky to only be beaten by 2 points.

[Don Plumley]

I'll be watching too! Enjoyed the NZ RSA game - constant action - much more engaging than American Football for me.

[Bill Douglas]

Peter, it could be worse. Honestly around here when they stop talking rugby they start talking cricket.