Rwc 2003

[Derulbaskul]

The match of the the semis will be the french-england game - those frogs have been very under-rated and had a easy run (maybe because they are playing so well ) - The Kiwis will their game win convincingly and the Aussie press will be a nasty to their own as the English Sun paper is when the POMS lose.

Remember that an undisciplined French side destroyed the Blacks at the last World Cup. This team is disciplined, thanks to their brilliant coach, and they could easily give the Poms a belting... especially if they manage to shutdown Jonny Wilkinson's +10 mighty cleaving boot of unerring accuracy.

Then again games like somoa-england were magic - I was lucky enough to be at the game and both the atmosphere and the game was awesome. And as a bonus England was behind at 1/2 time - what would they do with-out Johnny W?

They would lose, and probably lose badly. Too much of their game is relying on his magic boot. Beware the French, I say!

 

[Chingerspy]

I'm not sure that JW got us into the Semis. Bit bold but... He wasn't on for one of the games, he missed "easy for him" kicks in his last two games. We have 5 fewer tries than Oz, 8 more than France, 10 less than New Zeland.

France are definately relying on their kicker Frederic Michalak as much as England have on Johnny W in the past. Both are fantastic kickers and are being used as clinical weapons, rightly so too - no point taking them otherwise. England also have Grayson who has kicked just as well as JW in the cup when he has made an appearance. Don't forget Catt who has a gifted boot too.

Oz are as someone said paying too much attention to ex leaguers Rogers and Sailor, I agree. Sailor has failed to impress me much in the cup and has a hot head too. They've lost to NZ this year IMO I am afraid.

NZ I cannot fault them, the devastating combination of Spencer and Rokocoko, let alone each and every other player in their squad have probably won them this cup.

However, I would love England to come away with the title. France have me a little scared, they seem more disciplined than England and we cannot afford to give away penalties within our half of the pitch. Michalak will kick ass if we do. I hope Johnno can keep the heat off Neil Back and a couple of the others. If he can we can win at the weekend. If not we may have the travel agent in the changing room.

England vs Newzeland final, I have to say it, otherwise there's no point following my country. England know they can beat them too, they've already done it this year so whats stopping that glory again, in the most important Rugby event? Nothing but a bit of discipline, maybe a re-read of the rulebook and practice, practice, practice!

C'mon England!!

 

[hong]

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda,
You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me,
And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled,
You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me.