Author Archives: Neil Olsen

Two days and two matches that for many provided very few surprises.  New Zealand and Argentina calmly and efficiently cemented their hold on the top two positions in Pool C as they took on brave challenges from Namibia and Georgia.  We already knew the class New Zealand has to offer but Argentina were a real revelation onContinue reading “The Lineout’s 2015 Rugby World Cup Report Card for Days Five and Six”

Day Four saw two keenly anticipated matches as both Scotland and Australia got their World Cup Campaigns underway.  Scotland took on the heroes of the tournament so far Japan, but the big question is could the Japanese after only four days repeat the miracle of their victory over South Africa?  Meanwhile, Australia would take onContinue reading “The Lineout’s 2015 Rugby World Cup Day Four Report Card”

While it was hard to top the excitement and surprises of Day Two, the third day of this year’s Rugby World Cup provided plenty of drama. Argentina and New Zealand put on a high-octane display to determine who would top Pool C barring any major surprises in front of a record-breaking crowd for a rugbyContinue reading “The Lineout’s 2015 Rugby World Cup Day Three Report Card”

As we all catch our breath from the talking point of the day after Japan’s historic triumph over South Africa, we continue our look at how the teams doing battle on an action packed Day Two fared.  Day Two saw four matches which provided plenty of ecitement and which proved just how competitive this World CupContinue reading “The Lineout’s Rugby World Cup 2015 Day Two Report Card”

And so it’s finally here! After much anticipation, the most competitive World Cup in the history of the tournament got underway on Friday night in Twickenham in front of an enthralled audience as England got proceedings started against Fiji.  With all the rugby coming at us in the next few weeks as we work our wayContinue reading “The Lineout’s Rugby World Cup 2015 Day One Report Card”

As we eagerly await the starting gun on this year’s World Cup this evening at Twickenham between England and Fiji, we take a look at three games this weekend which will have enormous bearing on how two of the Pools, C and D, may look by the time we head into the knockout stages.  OnContinue reading “The first weekend of the 2015 World Cup highlights three key matches that will set the tone for Pool C and D.”

Four years of waiting and at last the fireworks erupt at Twickenham on Friday night in one of the most anticipated World Cups in the tournament’s history.  The Lineout will be previewing/reviewing as many as of the major matchups as possible in the coming weeks, but let’s face it there is a hell of a lotContinue reading “It’s finally here! Rugby World Cup 2015 gets underway as England do battle with Fiji!”

In Part 4 and the last of the Lineout’s Crystal Ball musings for next week’s Rugby World Cup we look at the possible fortunes of the Pool D contestants.  As we did in Parts 1-3, we have a look at each of the teams individually based on form and make our predictions from there.  Then to spark theContinue reading “The Lineout’s Crystal Ball for the 2015 Rugby World Cup – Part 4!”

In Part 3 of the Lineout’s Crystal Ball for next week’s Rugby World Cup we look at the possible fortunes of the Pool C contestants.  As we did in Parts 1 and 2, we have a look at each of the teams individually based on form and make our predictions from there.  Then to spark the debateContinue reading “The Lineout’s Crystal Ball for the 2015 Rugby World Cup – Part 3!”

In Part 2 of the Lineout’s Crystal Ball for next week’s Rugby World Cup we look at the possible fortunes of the Pool B contestants.  As we did in Part 1 we have a look at each of the teams individually based on form and make our predictions from there.  Then to spark the debateContinue reading “The Lineout’s Crystal Ball for the 2015 Rugby World Cup – Part 2!”