Who have been the under/over achievers (with reasons) in 2007 RWC & all World Cups?

Question

Who were your under-achievers & over-achievers?

In terms of the 2007 RWC, my are as follows:

Over-achievers:

1) Argentina (as they beat host twice & 5 tries on Sat!! )

2) England for reaching final but ranked 8/9th

3) Fiji for reaching QF & putting in a great performance against SA

Under-achievers:

1) To my beloved Ireland for not getting out of group & playing so badly - they probably deserved to lose to Georgia!

2) NZ for their performance v France

3) Wales for not getting out of Group

In terms of all World Cups

Over-achievers:

1) Australia (having won twice but Union not being main sport)

2) South Africa (twice winners in only 4 competitions)

3) Samoa (twice qualifying for Qs in 1990s)

All time under-achievers

1) NZ (Highest rank team for years, highest points scorers in 5 out of 6 RWCs (thanks TRISH) but no RWC victory for 20)

2) Ireland (boo hoo, never made a SF)

3) France (Failed to win a final)

Who are your under or over achievers and why?

Answer 1

cant realy argue or alter with what you wrote. that was spot on. im an irish fan too. serious let down.

Answer 2

Over-achievers:

England - made the final despite no-one thinking they would

Argentina - played with guts and passion to make the semis

Under-achievers:

NZ and Australia - not in general rugby but in this particular world cup.

Trish O open your eyes and read the question.

Answer 3

Spot on word for word!

Answer 4

Is your knowledge of rugby confined to the RWC? If so, do you do not know enough about the game to be in this forum? The subject is rugby - not world cup rugby. Lets talk about the achievements of NZ over the past four years. World Cup rugby is the luck of the IRB draw and NZ got all the back luck this tournment. Since November 2003 NZ has played 49 internationals won 43 and lost 6. One to France, two to Australia and three to South Africia. Played England four time in this period.

June 12 2004 - NZ 36, Eng 3.

June 19 2004 - NZ 36, Eng 12.

November 19 2005 - NZ 23, Eng 19.

November 5 2006 - NZ 41, Eng 20.

Can you supply statistics for England. They are dismal I know but I would like you to check them out and post them for all rugby fans to see.

By the way I did not appreciate your personal attack. I've been reading some of your replies. They extremely personal and rude. Lets stick to the facts and enjoy the banter.

Answer 5

Yes susan c good studying! cant argue with your picks,

unfortunately the ABs are the all time under acheivers *sigh* d**n! lol

France spot on, after pool play there consistency is lacking, a bloody shame cos they are such a passionate team when they are on a roll!

and yes I thought Ireland along with wales and scotland would be more forward in there game play.

ah well Great picks!!

edit: aaaahhhh! settle down 'Trish O' its just a blinkin own opinion which we agree with no need to get all upitty gosh....

Answer 6

Good question and good answer. Only thing though is that I would put Oz and SA on a par as best overachievers. Soccer is the main sport in SA and then cricket in terms of per capita participation. Rugby, although gaining in popularity amongst all South Africans, is a poor cousin of a soccer mad nation.