2011 Rugby World Cup

The US's kicking has taken a turn for the abysmal. Another penalty missed, this time off the upright. This is going to be excruciating to watch.

 

Interesting stat: the US has stolen 6 lineouts to none for Russia. If the Eagles pull this off, it'll be as much thanks to defense and Russia's poor kicking as anything else.

 

Suck it Russia.

 

At least they have the good-job-not-getting-completely-tonked bonus point to console them.

 

Just came across an interesting point in the Guardian's The Breakdown e-mail: teams finishing third in their World Cup group automatically qualify for the next World Cup.

As long as the US doesn't get too beat up against Australia, the group finale against Italy should be pretty interesting.

 

Not really, as the U.S. will lose. I can't the Eagles beating a fully-professional team. They couldn't beat Canada.

 

The one thing they have going for them against Italy is that they could catch the Italians looking ahead to catching a flight home because they'll already know if they've been eliminated from the knockout rounds.

Plus, the US did give a pretty good account of itself against Ireland and I think the Irish are probably better than Italy right now. The US has to play a lot better than they did tonight though.

A third place finish would be a massive shot in the arm for the US program. It raises their stature internationally and, financially, it means they don't have to fund trips for a qualifying round.

 

Italians really seemed to have their spirits broken in the second half against the Wallabies. I think your scenario is entirley possible. The only problem is that most countries, regardless of sport, seem to get up for playing against the U.S.

 

When I worked with the Eagles, even the head coach said the team can't really compete with full professionals. The U.S. could get lucky, but the talent isn't there and won't be until the rugby community in this country embraces the national team.

Unfortunately, the rugby community is quick to make sure there is a keg after their matches, but then complains about not having money for uniforms or travel.

 

Big upset for Ireland over Australia, 15-6.

 

http://www.economist.com/blogs/gametheory/2011/09/rugby-world-cup

Stoopid economics, getting in the way of everyone's fun.

 

Wow. That's huge.

Also means the US will face a pissed off bunch of Aussies on Thursday.