Which of the home sides has most to be optimistic about after the first games?

Question

I know Scotland have yet to play their first game but England, Ireland and Wales should have done better against the so- called 'smaller' nations today. I can't see any of them getting on well against the 'big' sides on today's performances.

Good luck to Scotland tomorrow by the way.

Answer 1

The French, they can only get better....

Answer 2

That was a bl00dy shock for Ireland, after all, Namibia are classed as the weakest in the RWC and Ireland are one of the favourites!

Oh I do like to see the minnows getting the better of the BIGGER teams, it makes for entertainment!

None of the home teams are playing convincingly, I do hope they shape up or none of them will make the quarters!

Answer 3

I don't believe any of the home nations have any chance. Nor for that matter, anyone in the Northern Hemisphere!

Answer 4

Ireland will take it too argentina and france...They never seem to get up for games against minnows..but will be back like banshees for the next game..

Wales can beat Australia in Cardiff.

Wales actually did better than I expected. (I expected a ten point winning margin).... Not the flowing rugby you'd expect but Canada are no mugs these days.

England have some real damaging games ahead...Samoa look like they could really cause england problems (and injuries)..

But they'll get out of their group and have the experience to win their group matches..

At the end of the day you should have 3 bitish and irish teams in the quarters.. If any get in the Semi's they are puching above their weight..(rankings wise)...

So not all doom and gloom. They all won with bonus points at the end of the  day.

Answer 5

On the performances, Wales must consider themselves to be strong favourites of the home nations to qualify.

I did not see the England game, only the highlights, and to be honest I don't think they struck fear in anybody with that performance; and what with the Samoans being extremely physical, they must consider themselves evens at best to get out of the group.

Scotland MUST improve their handling and passing, it could be seen that they would have put on a very strong score IF they had done so, but getting the bonus point for the tries is good. MUST improve against Romania though.

Ireland should consider themselves exceptionally lucky, as Namibia certainly had the bit between their teeth last night, to get that fourth try and the bonus point. They are aware of their poor effort and should turn it round, but I think France and Argentina to qualify from that group.

Finally, a hand should be given to the amateurs of Portugal, they played with passion and commitment, that deserves acknowledgement from all the home nations.

In answer to your question, I think it is between Wales and Scotland surprisingly as England looked to be on a shoogly peg, and did not even get a bonus point.

C'mon the Scotland

Answer 6

think all home sides have been poor, ireland will have to beat france and argentina to progress as it may come down to points for and against.

england should have done better but usa are improving, england will get through the group stages.

wales need to raise thier game and can't start without thier big players - hope they dont pick up any injuries or suspensions.

thought scotland were the best - of a bad bunch - with a bit more luck/concentration they should have had a few more scores.

one thing positive is none of the home sides have peaked to soon - i hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

None of the home nations stand a chance of winning the world cup going by there performance in the 1st game they played.

i would say that ireland maybe have the better chance but well lets hope they all improve.

Answer 8

Going on how they played on the weekend, none of them look good enough to get to the next round. Wales have the best chance but that's because they've got an easier group than the other teams.