The Phantom

I haven’t posted my World Cup thoughts for a few days, so I thought it was about time to do so…

Well, despite the early scare, we managed to get the job done and get maximum points from the game. A lot of credit needs to go to the Canadians for their hard work during the game, and their ability to disrupt the Welsh play. James Hook had a pretty poor game, and the game seemed to turn when Steven Jones and Gareth Thomas came on early in the second half. Where as England couldn’t rise though the gears against the US, Wales were able to against the Canucks, and get the all important 4 tries for a bonus point. Wales have learnt a lot more, than they would have done if they’d have thrashed Canada. The game against Australia on Saturday will be a big challenge. We can’t afford to make any mistakes otherwise the Auzzies will punish us badly. Personally I can’t wait for the game, as I’ll be in attendance, for the first of my 3 games of this years tournament.

In the last few minutes it has been announced that Andy Farrell will start at fly half against South Africa on Friday night. All I can say is good luck! So far in his union career he’s played at flanker and centre, so the be thrown in at fly half is a big ask, especially against a top side like South Africa. I would have played Mike Catt there instead. It’s likely they will both interchange during the match, but that in its self can cause confusion in the backline. Maybe he’ll prove me and other doubters wrong, but I doubt it. I still think Farrell should never have been selected for the squad in the first place.

Argentina now seem in prime position to top their group. This would be an awesome achievement, and one I hope they manage to achieve. If things go as planned they’d have a quarter final match against Scotland, one which they are well capable of winning, and then they could achieve the unthinkable… a semi final spot! However I’m not going to pre-empt anything, as things in group D will probably change a lot between now and the end of the group stages. Georgia made the Pumas work hard for their win last night. All credit to them, they had a good go. Most of the minnow teams have come into this world cup with a great attitude. Hopefully they can keep it up for the remainder of the tournament.