Its England VS South Africa For The Title

South Africa will surely start as favourites against the the team they hammered in the group stages, England. The Springboks had 36 unanswered points in the group stages against the defending champions. England who shocked Australia in the quarters and then beat hosts France to make it to the finals are a new and improved team. No one expected them to be at the finals hbut they are here. South Africa have had a relatively easy run to tis stage having beaten the Pumas comfortably in the semis. They cannot take England lightly and will hae to forget about the easy win in the group stages if they are to accomplish what they did in 1995. The surprise of the tournament were minnows Argentina who remained unbeaten till the semi finals where they went down to South Africa. I'm putting my money on the springboks but England will be looking to create history when they begin they fight to save their title.

Springboks To Save Southern Hemisphere

Yesterday was one of the worst days Rugby history. At the start of the tournament everyone was asking what was wrong with The Northern Hemisphere rugby with all the big teams from the north putting in poor performances while the southern hemisphere teams were coasting. Half way through the quarter finals stage the roles have been reversed and now its the other way round. Two huge upsets have left people wondering what has happened to the South. England pulled of an upset win over the Wallabies and then later that night France shocked tournament favourites the All Blacks. 20-18. I feel the All Blacks were robbed with that last French winning try whcih clearly was a forward pass. The French defended with gut and strentgh but still that one refereeing error has changed the course of the world cup. From a mouth watering semi prediction between heavy weights Australia and rivals New Zealand, we have hosts Franc vs England. To salavage some pride of the Southern Hemisphere the Springboks should and must win against surprise package Fiji and Argemtina should beat Scotland. There could have been four teams in the semis from the South but now there could be just one. The Springboks should be favourite to take the title now.

Can France Repeat 1999?

I just saw England score a huge 12-10 upset win over the fancied wallabies. The wallabies just did not look like a team and created too many errors. It was however Wilkinson yet again with his four field goals that put the Aussies into their misery. However, my focus is on the other quarter final later tonight. The All Blacks are always the favourites whenever they get on a rugby field and are almost certain to pull off a victory against France tonight. The French firstly are not happy about their team playing in Cardiff when they feel they should have been playing at home. No one is giving them more than a 10% chance of winning tonight. So is it Possible. Retrace your mind to 1999. A certain legend by the name of Jonah Lomu put New Zealand up 24-10. A spirited Christophe Lamaison sparked an epic comeback and the Les Blues won the game 43-31. Lock Fabien Pelous, one of the two players in the present-day starting line up who was there on that October day eight years ago, says his team can be inspired. I hope the All Blacks really put in a game to remember. Im hoping for an All Black Springbok final.

Englands Last 80 MInutes On The Field As Champs?

England seem to realize that they will have only 80 minutes on the field before their reign as rugby world champions end. England face off today against arch rivals, the Wallabies, in what is a rematch of the 2003 finals where a dramatic field goal gave the english a stunning win to lift the trophy. England have struggled a bit through this tournament to make it to the quarters which included a 36-0 drubbing to the Springboks. Australia start as firm favourites but a 25% chance of rain might favour England. England have made five changes, bringing in Simon Shaw, Jason Robinson, Mike Catt, Phil Vickery and Mark Regan. Australian fly half, Steve Larkham is injured and will be replaced by Berrick Barnes. The good news for Australia is that captain Stirling Mortlock is back after missing two games due to injury. Andy Farrell, the former Great Britain captain injured himself during training and will have to be replaced by Catt. John Connolly took over as coach from Eddie Jones in 2006 and has made a formidable team.England vs Australia matches are always spicy and a treat to watch. their famous rivalry always adds to the occassion and this time will be no different. The two teams are tied 2-2 against each other and this world cup quarter final will be a must watch affair. Later on in the day favourites All Blacks take on host France in the other quarter final.