re: 2019 Rugby World Cup mega-thread.

I am a f@cking jinx...got invited to the Wallabies official pre match function. For the older folks, got pics with George Smith, Matt Cockbain, etc....

So of course, I am cheering for Australia.

What an event...but wow...what an intense match. Some great rugby so far this tournament.

Here is to more great rugby

I only got to watch about the first 60 or so minutes before my replay stream crapped out, so my thoughts could have changed watching the whole game.

I thought this was the best game Ive seen Australia play in two to three years. The lineup worked. I thought their #9 was the star of the game. He did have that one bad pass that was taken for a score, but he was flawless besides that. There was that 10 mins from that questionable penalty at the end of the half to the first five or so minutes of the second half where they looked lost, but they snapped out of it quickly. They will give someone problems in the quarters.

I think this Wales team is the best team in the tournament. That Australia team beats 99% of the world in this game tonight. Great kicking. Great tackling. They knew when to take their shots.

Anyone up watching USA v France?

Hold steady, southwest wifi

In 2015 RWC, Japan made history as the first team to win 3 games and not make the quarterfinals. Crazy to think it could happen again. Here are all the Pool A permutations (* assuming Scotland get 5 points against Russia). The spots with the number 2 are scenarios where Japan doesn't advance.

Carbery was criticized for kicking it out late against Japan, but securing that losing bonus point really solidified Ireland's chances to advance.

France without Lopez is just not good.

Wales-Fiji is going to be interesting.

Finally getting back into the routine. Saw 9 matches live while in Japan.

My two cents:

Stadium Atmosphere - Japan > England....the Japan fans were just outstanding

Stadiums - England > Japan ....they had no clue how to handle the beer or food demands

Fans - I have attended quite a few Ireland- France 6N games and was always lukewarm on the French...but wow...their fans were fun, hilarious, etc Japan fans...soooooo polite, but they do know their rugby. They were all over it

Games - being at the Ireland - Japan game was not the result I wanted, but wow, it was a pressure cooker...every 5 minutes...more and more...what a game

Australia - Wales - great game and great fans. Gatland is sooo damn good

France - Argie - two great fans...not the best officiated..but down to the wire

USA games - meh...but at least we came out with passion against France

Food - wow...miss it already

But I will tell you, the World Cup of Rugby is just a tremendous event. Save up for France.

Looking forward to the rest of the games

Wales v Fiji was an entertaining one to wake up for.

Better than USA snoozer last night where we bash it up only to kick it away like usual.

Is the Scotland - Japan game on gold stars or nbc sports?