Friday 7 September 2007

Rugby World Cup: New Zealand V Italy

As is often the case, the All Blacks and Azzurri are drawn to play each other in their opening match of this Rugby World Cup tournament. This could be both a good omen - think 1987 and John Kirwan’s spectacular try which will remain forever famous in the YouTube archives. Or alternatively not so good - 2003 where the Italians were thrashed by a ruthless All Black outfit with a peerless All Black backline inspired through the likes of Carlos Spencer and Joe Rokocoko. Unfortunately, this was the match that Tana Umaga was injured. And from here the wheels started to slowly come off the 2003 All Black campaign; letting the likes of Jonny Wilkinson’s boot and Stirling Mortlock’s cunning in.

My pick is New Zealand to win by at least 25. I could be hopeful. I could be misguided. In fact, I have my eyepatch on for sure now. Let’s just hope history does and doesn’t repeat itself (if you’re an All Black fan that is).

4 comments:

Nursedude said...

Italy is not quite the whipping post that they used to be-witness the throttling(or Scottish self destruction, depending on your point of view) of the Scots at Murrayfield and a tough win against Wales in Roma during the last 6 Nations. All of that said, the AB's will still take the Azurri to Papa Gepetto's house( In other words, will take them to the woodshed)

Matt @ Green and Gold Rugby said...

Love how the commentator forgot about actually commentating as Kirwin started to motor

Anonymous said...

You could be hopeful?
You could be misguided?
Come off it ruggerblogger, it'll be another mismatch. The northern hemisphere teams are in tatters and none of them have what it takes to play rugby at the heights of all black dominance.

Ferdy said...

Hi Ted, nice of you to take time out of your busy schedule today and drop by.