Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Rugby Club Plays of the Week - RWC Week 2

We've had another great week of World Cup rugby with plenty happening both on and off the park. This latest edition of Plays of the Week from Fox Sports in Australia covers some of the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.
There seems to be a slightly different feeling with the fans at this world cup in New Zealand, as fancy dress has become quite the norm, with all sorts of different characters and costumes turning up in the stands. It would probably be safe to say that that's the Sevens influence coming into it, and it's brilliant.
One thing the Irish fans will have been enjoying this past week, and perhaps neutrals too, is their great win over the Wallabies. Seeing as this is an Australian segment, it's brushed under the carpet, naturally. But Irish fans don't despair, it's all in good fun as your team outplayed the Aussies, and they're well aware of it. Cian Healy's nice hit on Quade Cooper though, so there's that.
Elsewhere there were some great tries scored by South Africa against Fiji, with flanks even getting in on the act of supplying cross-chip-kick-passes, while Wales scored a nice try through Shane Williams which put the game out of reach of a strong Samoan side. Romania and Argentina ended up being one sided, with the South Americans throwing the ball about beautifully.
One of the players of the tournament so far has been USA Eagles captain Todd Clever, although he tarnished the good with a little bit of bad against Russia unfortunately. He was let off though, which can't be said for Fiji's Dominiko Waqaniburotu, who was suspended for three weeks for a tip tackle and had his appeal rejected. If Fiji don't make the semi finals, that signals the end of his World Cup.
Enjoy the plays of the week, and have a great weekend.
Posted at 5:13 pm | 23 comments
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Posted in Plays of the Week, Rugby World Cup 2011
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Viewing 23 comments
Bentley Fonsworth September 24, 2011 7:47 pm

Guest September 24, 2011 8:15 pm

mise September 24, 2011 8:58 pm

Reality September 25, 2011 12:07 am

ciaranbrk September 25, 2011 12:28 am

They can try hide the fact they lost but it wont do any good so stop making the excuses and make the adjustments and put something positive on this loss but all im hearing is a week on more bleeding excuses.
breakaway September 25, 2011 2:28 am

When they lost to Ireland there was plenty of "acknowledging of shortcomings" and I didn't see much in the way of excuses (jeez! do you guys ever read or listen to your own countries' "pundits"?).. so lighten up and enjoy POTW for what is, a reliable dose of fun in an environment that's often way too serious.
BuzzKillington September 25, 2011 11:25 am
The idea that Aussies can't take a loss is laughable. When Australia lost to Samoa it was all over Plays of the Week. I can't believe the Irish and NH arrogance. Some of you fans are so embarrassing with your excessive gloating over a rare win, it makes me ashamed to share the same continent.
Ultimately Australia are a good shout to win the WC, where as Ireland will come away from the tournament with one token win. I know who I'd rather support.
Typical Irish arrogance.
Tullowtank September 25, 2011 11:55 am

themull September 25, 2011 2:06 pm

BuzzKillington September 25, 2011 6:15 pm
I expect more from Rugby fans. Just a bit of lighthearted, albeit confident, banter from Kearnsey the legend.
Australian commentators and pundits are recognised globally for their joviality, refusal to bow to PC crap and great sense of humour. Phil highlights all 3. Love that clip, thanks.
Give me a choice of him or the robots we get in the UK, it's a no-contest mate.
Be a bit more humble in victory. You'd think Ireland had lost with all the moaning you lot are doing.
themull September 25, 2011 8:50 pm

My thoughts on the whole thing are simple..I hope, for the Aussie's sake that they don't really blame the ref for their loss and are preparing for SA to play an even tougher match against..Not just expecting to win with another ref...
themull September 25, 2011 2:05 pm

Guest September 25, 2011 5:48 pm

Guest September 25, 2011 5:52 pm

Guest September 25, 2011 5:53 pm

i love bacon September 26, 2011 12:01 am
Let me set it straight for you all:
First and foremost, this is the Plays of the Week. It's a mildly funny and lighthearted recap of a few rugby games. It's during the Rugby Club, so of course it's Aussie-centric. That's its bag. The goal is tongue-in-cheek commentary with some dreadful puns thrown in the mix. During Super Rugby, it's not rare for them to pick "Try of the Week" from an Australian side, even when it pales in comparison to one scored by a SA/NZ side. So don't get so offended - it's not intentionally disrespectful; you just have to roll your eyes and move along.
I actually hadn't even really noticed that they left out Genia getting picked up and carried like a ragdoll. It was a marvelous moment from the game, for sure, but again, it probably wasn't a favorite moment for the Wallaby supporters, so I can see why it maybe got left out.
Regarding the media - well, who takes that stuff seriously anyway? I actually think there's nothing quite as satisfying as having your side dismissed beforehand, only for them to pull off an upset (still waiting for that to happen with the USA!).
As for the Fox Sports commentators, it's pretty simple: Rod Kafer is the least biased/most shrewd guy there; Kearns is moderately funny, if only for how boneheaded/biased he can be - at least he'll make jokes about it; Greg Martin is an idiot and the most biased of them all; Greg Clark just likes to hear himself talk.
Now, can we all just move past it and talk about something important, like Ali Williams doing the haka...?
ciaranbrk September 26, 2011 2:02 am

SM September 26, 2011 3:51 am

Aaaand, just to re-iterate...it's an Aussie show....which you get to watch for free...so if you don't like it.....don't press play on the clip.















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