The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has today announced it has tabled an offer to Wallaby fullback Chris Latham which would see him continue to play in Australia through 2010.
The 32 year old is now considering the two year offer which follows interest from English Premiership side Bristol and Irish Celtic League province Ulster.
His current agreement with the ARU expires December 31, 2008.
“We believe the offer we have put to Chris is a competitive one and we are hopeful it will be accepted,” Pat Howard, ARU General Manager High Performance Unit said.
“We understand Chris has been fielding some very lucrative offers from rugby clubs in the UK, but we are very keen to see him continue his representative career in Australia and hope this new two-year deal convinces him to stay,” Howard said.
The 2006 John Eales Medalist has played 78 Tests for Australia since making his debut in Paris in 1998, the same year he made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs just months earlier.
His most recent appearance was in the Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals against England earlier this month.
Narrabri (NSW) born Chris plays for the Queensland Reds in the Super 14 competition.
2007 saw him make a hard-fought and courageous recovery from a serious knee injury suffered in pre-season training for the Reds in January.
His return to international Rugby was for the Wallabies against New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations decider in Auckland when he played 36 minutes.
These three will rule the world
2011 Rugby World Cup plans
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Tigers' Anglo-Welsh defence kicks off at The Rec
The competition will again be contested by the 12 Guinness Premiership clubs and the four Welsh Magners League regions.
Three rounds of matches will be played in the four-team group stages at club grounds before the semi-finals at a venue to be confirmed and the Twickenham final to be held on Saturday 22 March and Saturday 12 April 2008 respectively.
Cardiff Blues, Sale Sharks, Leeds Carnegie and Saracens are all in action on Friday evening whilst reigning champions Leicester Tigers start their defence of the cup against old rivals Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.
EDF Energy Cup finalists the Ospreys, who lost 41-35 to Leicester Tigers at Twickenham last April, kick off their campaign against Worcester Warriors at Sixways on Saturday, in a match that will be televised by BBC.
Worcester have struggled in the first six matches of the Guinness Premiership. But they will be desperate to do well against Welsh opposition under their former Wales coach and assistant coach Mike Ruddock and Clive Griffiths.
Ruddock and Griffiths have also coached at Swansea - part of the Ospreys region - in their time.
Kevin Hopkins, Ospreys' director of rugby, said: "We enjoyed the competition last season. It warmed up as it went on and our game against Leicester in the final was something special, even if the result wasn't the one we wanted.
"We have two away games this time, which will be a challenge. But we are looking forward to giving it our best shot and we'll see where that takes us.''
Philippe Saint Andre, director of rugby of Sale Sharks, told the RFU: "We made the EDF Energy Cup Semi Finals last season and it was a great experience.
"It will be tough this year as Cardiff Blues, Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers are all good sides in our pool and we have only one home game, but we will be giving it our best shot at Cardiff on Friday evening before preparing for the Bath Rugby game at Edgeley Park on November 2nd.”
Ian McGeechan, director of rugby at London Wasps, said: “It’s the first cross border encounter of the season and it's good experience for the players to play against teams with different styles outside of the Guinness Premiership.
"It’s good to have the focus back on the clubs and the domestic stage because they were an instrumental part of the World Cup preparing the players for the tournament.“
Welsh sides are riding high in the Magners League with the Blues, Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons filling the top four positions - though they have each played two matches more than the rest!
Roger Lewis, WRU Group chief executive, said: "Our regions have been leading the way in the Magners League but the Anglo-Welsh games are a particular highlight in the regional calendar.
"Wales are playing the world champions, South Africa in November and so this opportunity to play against members of England ’s great World Cup final team is particularly exciting."
EDF Energy's spokesperson reported that last season's tournament was "the highest scoring top-level domestic competition", with an average of five tries a match.
EDF Energy Cup Fixtures 2007/2008
Round 1
Group A Saturday 27 Oct, 5.30pm, Newport Gwent Dragons v London Wasps, S4C
Group A Saturday 27 Oct, 3.00pm, Gloucester Rugby v Newcastle Falcons
Group B Saturday 27 Oct, 2.15pm, Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers
Group B Friday 26 Oct, 7.10pm, Cardiff Blues v Sale Sharks, BBC Wales
Group C Sunday 28 Oct, 3.00pm, London Irish v Harlequins
Group C Saturday 27 Oct, 2.30pm, Worcester Warriors v Ospreys, BBC One (Network)
Group D Sunday 28 Oct, 3.10pm, Bristol Rugby v Llanelli Scarlets, BBC 2 & BBC Wales
Group D Friday 26 Oct, 8.00pm, Leeds Carnegie v Saracens
Round 2
Group A Sunday 4 Nov, 3.00pm, London Wasps v Gloucester Rugby
Group A Saturday 3 Nov, 5.30pm, Newcastle Falcons v Newport Gwent Dragons, S4C
Group B Saturday 3 Nov, 2.30pm, Leicester Tigers v Cardiff Blues, BBC One (Network)
Group B, Friday 2 Nov, 7.45pm, Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby
Group C Saturday 3 Nov, 3.00pm, Harlequins v Worcester Warriors
Group C Sunday 4 Nov, 4.10pm, Ospreys v London Irish, S4C
Group D Friday 2 Nov, 7.10pm, Llanelli Scarlets v Leeds Carnegie, BBC Wales
Group D Sunday 4 Nov, 3.00pm, Saracens v Bristol Rugby
Round 3 – 30 November/1/2 December
London Wasps v Newcastle Falcons, Causeway Stadium (TBC)
Newport-Gwent Dragons v Gloucester Rugby, Rodney Parade (TBC)
Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks, Welford Road (TBC)
Bath Rugby v Cardiff Blues, The Recreation Ground (TBC)
Harlequins v Ospreys, The Stoop (TBC)
London Irish v Worcester Warriors, Madejski Stadium (TBC)
Llanelli Scarlets v Saracens, Stradey Park (TBC)
Bristol Rugby v Leeds Carnegie, Memorial Ground (TBC)
Semi-Finals
SF1 Sat 22 March 2008, 2.30pm, venue TBC (Live on BBC 1)
SF2 Sat 22 March 2008, 5.15pm, venue TBC (Live on BBC 2)
Final
Sat 12 April 2008, 2.30pm, Twickenham Stadium (BBC)
Rugby World Cup Final 2007
2008 High School National Championships
London Olympic flame to be carbon neutral
Three rounds of matches will be played in the four-team group stages at club grounds before the semi-finals at a venue to be confirmed and the Twickenham final to be held on Saturday 22 March and Saturday 12 April 2008 respectively.
Cardiff Blues, Sale Sharks, Leeds Carnegie and Saracens are all in action on Friday evening whilst reigning champions Leicester Tigers start their defence of the cup against old rivals Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.
EDF Energy Cup finalists the Ospreys, who lost 41-35 to Leicester Tigers at Twickenham last April, kick off their campaign against Worcester Warriors at Sixways on Saturday, in a match that will be televised by BBC.
Worcester have struggled in the first six matches of the Guinness Premiership. But they will be desperate to do well against Welsh opposition under their former Wales coach and assistant coach Mike Ruddock and Clive Griffiths.
Ruddock and Griffiths have also coached at Swansea - part of the Ospreys region - in their time.
Kevin Hopkins, Ospreys' director of rugby, said: "We enjoyed the competition last season. It warmed up as it went on and our game against Leicester in the final was something special, even if the result wasn't the one we wanted.
"We have two away games this time, which will be a challenge. But we are looking forward to giving it our best shot and we'll see where that takes us.''
Philippe Saint Andre, director of rugby of Sale Sharks, told the RFU: "We made the EDF Energy Cup Semi Finals last season and it was a great experience.
"It will be tough this year as Cardiff Blues, Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers are all good sides in our pool and we have only one home game, but we will be giving it our best shot at Cardiff on Friday evening before preparing for the Bath Rugby game at Edgeley Park on November 2nd.”
Ian McGeechan, director of rugby at London Wasps, said: “It’s the first cross border encounter of the season and it's good experience for the players to play against teams with different styles outside of the Guinness Premiership.
"It’s good to have the focus back on the clubs and the domestic stage because they were an instrumental part of the World Cup preparing the players for the tournament.“
Welsh sides are riding high in the Magners League with the Blues, Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons filling the top four positions - though they have each played two matches more than the rest!
Roger Lewis, WRU Group chief executive, said: "Our regions have been leading the way in the Magners League but the Anglo-Welsh games are a particular highlight in the regional calendar.
"Wales are playing the world champions, South Africa in November and so this opportunity to play against members of England ’s great World Cup final team is particularly exciting."
EDF Energy's spokesperson reported that last season's tournament was "the highest scoring top-level domestic competition", with an average of five tries a match.
EDF Energy Cup Fixtures 2007/2008
Round 1
Group A Saturday 27 Oct, 5.30pm, Newport Gwent Dragons v London Wasps, S4C
Group A Saturday 27 Oct, 3.00pm, Gloucester Rugby v Newcastle Falcons
Group B Saturday 27 Oct, 2.15pm, Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers
Group B Friday 26 Oct, 7.10pm, Cardiff Blues v Sale Sharks, BBC Wales
Group C Sunday 28 Oct, 3.00pm, London Irish v Harlequins
Group C Saturday 27 Oct, 2.30pm, Worcester Warriors v Ospreys, BBC One (Network)
Group D Sunday 28 Oct, 3.10pm, Bristol Rugby v Llanelli Scarlets, BBC 2 & BBC Wales
Group D Friday 26 Oct, 8.00pm, Leeds Carnegie v Saracens
Round 2
Group A Sunday 4 Nov, 3.00pm, London Wasps v Gloucester Rugby
Group A Saturday 3 Nov, 5.30pm, Newcastle Falcons v Newport Gwent Dragons, S4C
Group B Saturday 3 Nov, 2.30pm, Leicester Tigers v Cardiff Blues, BBC One (Network)
Group B, Friday 2 Nov, 7.45pm, Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby
Group C Saturday 3 Nov, 3.00pm, Harlequins v Worcester Warriors
Group C Sunday 4 Nov, 4.10pm, Ospreys v London Irish, S4C
Group D Friday 2 Nov, 7.10pm, Llanelli Scarlets v Leeds Carnegie, BBC Wales
Group D Sunday 4 Nov, 3.00pm, Saracens v Bristol Rugby
Round 3 – 30 November/1/2 December
London Wasps v Newcastle Falcons, Causeway Stadium (TBC)
Newport-Gwent Dragons v Gloucester Rugby, Rodney Parade (TBC)
Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks, Welford Road (TBC)
Bath Rugby v Cardiff Blues, The Recreation Ground (TBC)
Harlequins v Ospreys, The Stoop (TBC)
London Irish v Worcester Warriors, Madejski Stadium (TBC)
Llanelli Scarlets v Saracens, Stradey Park (TBC)
Bristol Rugby v Leeds Carnegie, Memorial Ground (TBC)
Semi-Finals
SF1 Sat 22 March 2008, 2.30pm, venue TBC (Live on BBC 1)
SF2 Sat 22 March 2008, 5.15pm, venue TBC (Live on BBC 2)
Final
Sat 12 April 2008, 2.30pm, Twickenham Stadium (BBC)
Rugby World Cup Final 2007
2008 High School National Championships
London Olympic flame to be carbon neutral
These three will rule the world
The last stragglers have only just spilled out of Eurostar trains, car ferries and airport terminals on English rugby's proud retreat from Paris.
But World Cup winner Will Greenwood can already envisage a long-haul invasion of New Zealand in four years with a crop of thrilling youngsters heading England's bid for a hat-trick of appearances in the final.
As Greenwood set sail for 2011 in the Maori Celeste last night, he tipped Toby Flood, Mathew Tait and Dan Hipkiss to form the nucleus of another formidable England challenge.
And he refused to rule out the possibility that Jonny Wilkinson's golden boot will still be kicking, reliably high and straight, like the can-can girls at the Moulin Rouge barely a drop goal from last weekend's drama at the Stade de France.
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Greenwood said: "It was an amazing World Cup, and there are some great signs already for 2011, but first of all I'm excited about the Six Nations and the Heineken Cup.
"Four years is a long way away, and there's so much good rugby for us to look forward to right now.
"But we do seem to have some thrilling young players coming through, and top of the list is Toby Flood, who I rate enormously. I think he has an absolutely tremendous future.
"It was great to see Mathew Tait doing what he does best in the final, too - taking advantage of broken field. We need to find a way to get him involved more. When the game is constricted, we don't see the best of him, but he's a real talent. Dan Hipkiss is another player who will figure prominently in the next few years, probably as the dark to Tait's light.
"He's strong and carries the ball well, but he found against South Africa that sometimes you need that bit extra. That will come with time." England's stirring transformation from no-hopers to finalists in France was built on the bravery of their pack and Wilkinson's partnership at halfback with surprise package Andy Gomarsall.
At 28, Golden Boots is by no means a shoein for New Zealand, but Greenwood said: "All we can hope for Jonny is that he has a few years of playing injury-free because he's had a dreadful few years. If that means he's still there in four years' time, all well and good.
"If not, there are plenty of good players waiting in the wings. And as for the scrum-half, well, Gomarsall was just unbelievable in the World Cup - probably, on balance, our player of the tournament.
"It will be interesting to see what he does now.
He was exactly what England needed - relaxed and composed. Harry Ellis will need to be bloody fantastic if he wants to get his place back for the Six Nations."
Asked for his abiding memories of the World Cup, Greenwood picked out Fiji beating Wales, Joe Worsley's tap tackle in the semi-final, and the image of Gomarsall - neck veins bulging - seconds after the final whistle against Australia.
It was a memorable six weeks, spoiled only by an Aussie touch judge who will win as many popularity contests in England as a Russian linesman in Germany.
The retreat from Paris was orderly and dignified. But if a stowaway prince needs to hitch a lift home on England's charter flight from New Zealand in 2011, he may have to travel economy class.
You can read the full interview in this week's Sport Magazine, the UK's largest men's magazine, by picking up a copy today or by logging on to
www.myfreesport.co.uk
But World Cup winner Will Greenwood can already envisage a long-haul invasion of New Zealand in four years with a crop of thrilling youngsters heading England's bid for a hat-trick of appearances in the final.
As Greenwood set sail for 2011 in the Maori Celeste last night, he tipped Toby Flood, Mathew Tait and Dan Hipkiss to form the nucleus of another formidable England challenge.
And he refused to rule out the possibility that Jonny Wilkinson's golden boot will still be kicking, reliably high and straight, like the can-can girls at the Moulin Rouge barely a drop goal from last weekend's drama at the Stade de France.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!
Greenwood said: "It was an amazing World Cup, and there are some great signs already for 2011, but first of all I'm excited about the Six Nations and the Heineken Cup.
"Four years is a long way away, and there's so much good rugby for us to look forward to right now.
"But we do seem to have some thrilling young players coming through, and top of the list is Toby Flood, who I rate enormously. I think he has an absolutely tremendous future.
"It was great to see Mathew Tait doing what he does best in the final, too - taking advantage of broken field. We need to find a way to get him involved more. When the game is constricted, we don't see the best of him, but he's a real talent. Dan Hipkiss is another player who will figure prominently in the next few years, probably as the dark to Tait's light.
"He's strong and carries the ball well, but he found against South Africa that sometimes you need that bit extra. That will come with time." England's stirring transformation from no-hopers to finalists in France was built on the bravery of their pack and Wilkinson's partnership at halfback with surprise package Andy Gomarsall.
At 28, Golden Boots is by no means a shoein for New Zealand, but Greenwood said: "All we can hope for Jonny is that he has a few years of playing injury-free because he's had a dreadful few years. If that means he's still there in four years' time, all well and good.
"If not, there are plenty of good players waiting in the wings. And as for the scrum-half, well, Gomarsall was just unbelievable in the World Cup - probably, on balance, our player of the tournament.
"It will be interesting to see what he does now.
He was exactly what England needed - relaxed and composed. Harry Ellis will need to be bloody fantastic if he wants to get his place back for the Six Nations."
Asked for his abiding memories of the World Cup, Greenwood picked out Fiji beating Wales, Joe Worsley's tap tackle in the semi-final, and the image of Gomarsall - neck veins bulging - seconds after the final whistle against Australia.
It was a memorable six weeks, spoiled only by an Aussie touch judge who will win as many popularity contests in England as a Russian linesman in Germany.
The retreat from Paris was orderly and dignified. But if a stowaway prince needs to hitch a lift home on England's charter flight from New Zealand in 2011, he may have to travel economy class.
You can read the full interview in this week's Sport Magazine, the UK's largest men's magazine, by picking up a copy today or by logging on to
www.myfreesport.co.uk
France get new coach
Former international flanker Marc Lievremont has been appointed the new French coach.
Lievremont succeeds Bernard Laporte, who took up a government post as a junior minister for sport on Monday.
Laporte had planned to step down after the World Cup which ended last weekend. France finished fourth in the tournament after being knocked out by England in the semi-finals.
Lievremont succeeds Bernard Laporte, who took up a government post as a junior minister for sport on Monday.
Laporte had planned to step down after the World Cup which ended last weekend. France finished fourth in the tournament after being knocked out by England in the semi-finals.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
USA Rugby Announces Changes to the 2008 High School National Championships
USA Rugby officially announced today the changes to the structure of the 2008 High School National Championships as part of a long term transition to reshape the high school rugby game in America. The goal of the reorganization is to support the development of rugby as a mainstream high school sport.
The changes for 2008 include the creation of a Boys High School Championship for single high school teams, and a Boys U19 club championship for multi-school teams. There will be an eight team competition for participant teams whose players all attend one school and an eight team competition for teams with players from multiple schools or U19 Club teams. The participants on the U19 Clubs must still be enrolled in high school and follow all current eligibility regulations.
Another major change for 2008 includes the introduction of a Girls Under-19 Championship for high school players. The addition of the U-19 Girls Championship reflects the growth in the game and quality of play at the Girls U-19 National Invitational Tournament. The Girls U-19 Championship will include an eight team bracket with TU seed representation to be determined. As the game for girls develops and more single high school teams are created, USA Rugby will add a High School Championship similar to the boys.
“The strategic goal for USA Rugby is to have rugby formally recognized and supported by High Schools,” said Peter Steinberg, Age-Grade Manager for USA Rugby. “The new championship structure will support this goal by encouraging the formation of single high school teams, while allowing multi-school club teams to continue to compete. The end of the transition will include separate tracks for high school and club teams so the game can be as inclusive as possible.”
The original date for the 2008 High School Championships was announced as Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26th, 2008. However, there were major concerns about travel implications of hosting an event on this weekend, and following a vote of the Territorial Union Presidents, the date of the Boys & Girls High School & U19 Championships has been officially changed to June 6 - 8, 2008.
USA Rugby will partner with the Pittsburgh Harlequins and Visit Pittsburgh as they will act as first-time hosts for this event at Founders Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Pittsburgh Harlequins Rugby Football Association has organized and staffed inner-city youth mentoring programs in the Pittsburgh region for the past 12 years and represent over 500 currently active players, coaches, mentors and volunteers, most of which will contribute to providing the best possible experience for both players and spectators alike during the Championship weekend.
“It is with great pride in what the Harlequins have accomplished in the Pittsburgh community and for rugby in the U.S., that we accept the invitation to host the 2008 High School/U-19 Girls and Boys Championships,” Matt Rosemeyer, Director of Operations for the Pittsburgh Harlequins said. “I think the mission statement of our association – ‘For the youth of our community, for the love of the sport’ -- is a testament to what everyone can expect from the Pittsburgh Harlequins Rugby Club.”
USA Sevens - Tries Of The Tournament - 2007
South Africa v USA (64 - 15)
The changes for 2008 include the creation of a Boys High School Championship for single high school teams, and a Boys U19 club championship for multi-school teams. There will be an eight team competition for participant teams whose players all attend one school and an eight team competition for teams with players from multiple schools or U19 Club teams. The participants on the U19 Clubs must still be enrolled in high school and follow all current eligibility regulations.
Another major change for 2008 includes the introduction of a Girls Under-19 Championship for high school players. The addition of the U-19 Girls Championship reflects the growth in the game and quality of play at the Girls U-19 National Invitational Tournament. The Girls U-19 Championship will include an eight team bracket with TU seed representation to be determined. As the game for girls develops and more single high school teams are created, USA Rugby will add a High School Championship similar to the boys.
“The strategic goal for USA Rugby is to have rugby formally recognized and supported by High Schools,” said Peter Steinberg, Age-Grade Manager for USA Rugby. “The new championship structure will support this goal by encouraging the formation of single high school teams, while allowing multi-school club teams to continue to compete. The end of the transition will include separate tracks for high school and club teams so the game can be as inclusive as possible.”
The original date for the 2008 High School Championships was announced as Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26th, 2008. However, there were major concerns about travel implications of hosting an event on this weekend, and following a vote of the Territorial Union Presidents, the date of the Boys & Girls High School & U19 Championships has been officially changed to June 6 - 8, 2008.
USA Rugby will partner with the Pittsburgh Harlequins and Visit Pittsburgh as they will act as first-time hosts for this event at Founders Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Pittsburgh Harlequins Rugby Football Association has organized and staffed inner-city youth mentoring programs in the Pittsburgh region for the past 12 years and represent over 500 currently active players, coaches, mentors and volunteers, most of which will contribute to providing the best possible experience for both players and spectators alike during the Championship weekend.
“It is with great pride in what the Harlequins have accomplished in the Pittsburgh community and for rugby in the U.S., that we accept the invitation to host the 2008 High School/U-19 Girls and Boys Championships,” Matt Rosemeyer, Director of Operations for the Pittsburgh Harlequins said. “I think the mission statement of our association – ‘For the youth of our community, for the love of the sport’ -- is a testament to what everyone can expect from the Pittsburgh Harlequins Rugby Club.”
USA Sevens - Tries Of The Tournament - 2007
South Africa v USA (64 - 15)
Larkham sets sights on Japan
The 33-year-old fly-half agreed a two-year deal to move to Scotland when the capital club were being run by Edinburgh Rugby Ltd.
However the sudden end in August of a franchise agreement with the consortium led by Bob Carruthers, which saw the club returned into Scottish Rugby Union hands, resulted in Larkham's contract being scrapped.
That came as a blow to the player who had vowed to ``change the landscape'' of Scottish rugby, and he found little time during the World Cup to consider his future.
A minor knee injury was another complication, which Larkham believes ended his chances of a move to Newport Gwent Dragons, and now Japan beckons.
``The cut-off for the European tournament was the 18th of this month, so we really didn't have a lot of time when Edinburgh pulled out,'' Larkham told the Canberra Times.
``During the World Cup and all that, you'd think there would be plenty of time but with injury and everything there was no time to get around.
``We finally got around to see Toulouse at the end, but they basically wanted us to be back there in two weeks and that gave us no time to get stuff organised here.
``Everything was just so rushed because Edinburgh pulled out so late, so now we're looking at other options and Japan comes up in June next year which certainly would be a bit easier for us at this stage.''
Larkham has already held talks with Top League teams and said: "I suppose the beauty of Japan is it's a little bit closer to home.''
source: scrum.com
Rugby World Cup Final 2007 video
RWC03 semifinal video
However the sudden end in August of a franchise agreement with the consortium led by Bob Carruthers, which saw the club returned into Scottish Rugby Union hands, resulted in Larkham's contract being scrapped.
That came as a blow to the player who had vowed to ``change the landscape'' of Scottish rugby, and he found little time during the World Cup to consider his future.
A minor knee injury was another complication, which Larkham believes ended his chances of a move to Newport Gwent Dragons, and now Japan beckons.
``The cut-off for the European tournament was the 18th of this month, so we really didn't have a lot of time when Edinburgh pulled out,'' Larkham told the Canberra Times.
``During the World Cup and all that, you'd think there would be plenty of time but with injury and everything there was no time to get around.
``We finally got around to see Toulouse at the end, but they basically wanted us to be back there in two weeks and that gave us no time to get stuff organised here.
``Everything was just so rushed because Edinburgh pulled out so late, so now we're looking at other options and Japan comes up in June next year which certainly would be a bit easier for us at this stage.''
Larkham has already held talks with Top League teams and said: "I suppose the beauty of Japan is it's a little bit closer to home.''
source: scrum.com
Rugby World Cup Final 2007 video
RWC03 semifinal video
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
2011 Rugby World Cup plans
The next steps in New Zealand's four-year campaign build-up to hosting Rugby World Cup 2011 have been announced by Rugby World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard, following the conclusion of the 2007 event in Paris on Saturday.
Mr. Mallard congratulated South Africa for winning the tournament and France for being superb hosts.
"It has been a thrilling tournament full of surprises and highs and lows, and France has done a fantastic job ensuring it was an event to remember for thousands of visiting spectators. This all bodes well for New Zealand in 2011," Mallard told NZPA.
"New Zealand will be in the international spotlight and we very much look forward to welcoming international guests in 2011 and showing New Zealand and all it has to offer to the world.
The 2011 Rugby World Cup is estimated to inject more than NZ$500m ($360m) into the economy, including NZ$250m ($180m) into Auckland.
The Government would be working to showcase New Zealand during the event.
"With this in mind, I am pleased to announce that we will be launching a Rugby World Cup 2011 leveraging and legacy project in the next couple of months - aimed at ensuring that this tournament delivers lasting and tangible economic, environmental and social benefits to New Zealand," he said.
The project would be headed by a soon-to-be-appointed high profile business person.
"A Rugby World Cup government liaison office will also open in the near future, to work with Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd, the tournament organiser, and to be the single point of contact for the government leveraging and legacy and other cross government planning," said Mr Mallard.
Rugby, American Football and Australian Footbal
Success Lessons From The 2007 Rugby Union World Cup
Mr. Mallard congratulated South Africa for winning the tournament and France for being superb hosts.
"It has been a thrilling tournament full of surprises and highs and lows, and France has done a fantastic job ensuring it was an event to remember for thousands of visiting spectators. This all bodes well for New Zealand in 2011," Mallard told NZPA.
"New Zealand will be in the international spotlight and we very much look forward to welcoming international guests in 2011 and showing New Zealand and all it has to offer to the world.
The 2011 Rugby World Cup is estimated to inject more than NZ$500m ($360m) into the economy, including NZ$250m ($180m) into Auckland.
The Government would be working to showcase New Zealand during the event.
"With this in mind, I am pleased to announce that we will be launching a Rugby World Cup 2011 leveraging and legacy project in the next couple of months - aimed at ensuring that this tournament delivers lasting and tangible economic, environmental and social benefits to New Zealand," he said.
The project would be headed by a soon-to-be-appointed high profile business person.
"A Rugby World Cup government liaison office will also open in the near future, to work with Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd, the tournament organiser, and to be the single point of contact for the government leveraging and legacy and other cross government planning," said Mr Mallard.
Rugby, American Football and Australian Footbal
Success Lessons From The 2007 Rugby Union World Cup
Player Statistics
| Name | Team | MT | PTS | TRS | CON | PEN | DG | YC | RC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percy Montgomery | South Africa | 7 | 105 | 2 | 22 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Felipe Contepomi | Argentina | 7 | 91 | 3 | 11 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jonny Wilkinson | England | 5 | 67 | 0 | 5 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Nick Evans | New Zealand | 4 | 50 | 2 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jean-Baptiste Elissalde | France | 7 | 47 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chris Paterson | Scotland | 5 | 46 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pierre Hola | Tonga | 4 | 44 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lionel Beauxis | France | 6 | 43 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nicky Little | Fiji | 3 | 42 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bryan Habana | South Africa | 7 | 40 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Matt Giteau | Australia | 4 | 40 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dan Carter | New Zealand | 3 | 40 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
MT= Matches; PTS=Points; TRS=Tries; CON=Conversions; PEN=Penalties; DG=Drop goals; YC=Yellow cards; RC=Red cards;
RWC07 Key players
Jonny Wilkinson vs Beckham
The Contenders
South Africa has won the 2007 rugby world cup
England's brave World Cup defence faltered at the final hurdle as South Africa claimed the sport's biggest prize for a second time with a 15-6 victory in the tournament finale at the Stade de France in Paris.
The Springboks ended England's remarkable assault on world-title glory by landing the Webb Ellis Trophy for a second time in 12 years.
But England, 80-1 no-hopers after losing 36-0 to South Africa in the pool stages 36 days earlier, made them fight every inch of the way.
And they could feel aggrieved at the final scoreline, given that wing Mark Cueto saw a 43rd-minute corner try not awarded by the video referee, while Springboks centre Francois Steyn's penalty clincher came after a dubious decision for obstruction.
In the end though, not even Jonny Wilkinson could complete England's mission improbable against a South African side - brilliantly coached by Jake White - that fulfilled what they always felt was their destiny.
Full-back Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties, while Wilkinson booted a double for England, yet their hopes of becoming the first country to successfully defend the World Cup ultimately floundered.
It was a typically resilient England performance though, despite them ending the final with reserve scrum-half Peter Richards in the back-row after substitute flanker Joe Worsley went off injured.
England fielded four survivors from their 2003 World Cup final starting line-up - Wilkinson, skipper Phil Vickery, lock Ben Kay and full-back Jason Robinson, who played his 51st and final Test match before retirement.
South Africa, meanwhile, had one World Cup winner - prop Os du Randt - who was a member of their successful 1995 campaign on home soil.
The Paris temperature plummeted as kick-off approached, but conditions were perfect, given a firm pitch and little wind to affect goalkickers.
And England made a promising start, putting immediate pressure on South Africa's back three through some steepling kicks, but the Springboks took a seventh-minute lead when Montgomery slotted a penalty after centre Mathew Tait slipped inside his own 22 and then failed to release possession.
Wilkinson drew England level five minutes later, finding his range from the touchline, yet Montgomery continued the game's nip-and-tuck nature by landing his second penalty after England flanker Lewis Moody needlessly tripped Springboks fly-half Butch James.
Bath-bound James then tested England's defence with a neat chip and chase, but only after Wilkinson had arrowed an angled drop-goal attempt wide and Steyn drifted a long-range penalty attempt narrowly off target.
South Africa's renowned power game finally surfaced as half-time approached as they laid siege to England's line.
But the defending champions, epitomising the collective spirit that had taken them into a second successive final, refused to budge an inch.
Some ferociously-committed tackling kept the Springboks out when it looked certain as though they would score.
Montgomery though, who had his right knee bandaged after being on the receiving end of a crunching collision seconds earlier, stepped up to complete his penalty hat-trick with the final kick of an enthralling opening period.
Montgomery's strike took him past 100 points for the tournament, and trailing 9-3, England needed to regain a territorial foothold.
But Vickery, who appeared to take a couple of heavy blows to his left shoulder, did not reappear for the second half. He was replaced by Bath prop Matt Stevens, with flanker Martin Corry taking over leadership duties.
There was an embarrassing incident for tournament organisers when a spectator ran on to the pitch with a minute of the restart.
The real drama though, came just 60 seconds later as England looked to have forged ahead.
Tait made a brilliant 40-metre break from just inside South Africa's half, and with the Springboks' defence retreating, England recycled possession brilliantly, and Wilkinson's superb flick-pass looked to have put Cueto over.
But television match official - Australian Stuart Dickinson - had other ideas after a lengthy delay, deciding Cueto's knee grazed the touchline as he dived over.
Cueto's agonising shake of his head after the decision told its own story, yet Wilkinson kicked an immediate penalty, narrowing the gap to 9-6.
England saw Robinson limp off on 47 minutes - he failed to last the pool game against South Africa because of a hamstring injury - and Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss replaced him, with Tait switching to full-back.
It was a demoralising end to Robinson's England career, even though he would have been lifted by the ensuing standing ovation.
Montgomery and Steyn then slotted the kicks that ended England's reign as world champions, with South Africa counting down the clock in expert fashion and the men in white offering little attacking threat.
England (3) 6
Pens: Wilkinson 2
South Africa (9) 15
Pens: Montgomery 4, Steyn
England: J Robinson (unattached); P Sackey (Wasps), M Tait (Newcastle), M Catt (London Irish), M Cueto (Sale Sharks); J Wilkinson (Newcastle) A Gomarsall (Harlequins); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), M Regan (Bristol), P Vickery (Wasps, capt), S Shaw (Wasps), B Kay (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins).
Replacements: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), L Dallaglio (Wasps), J Worsley (Wasps), P Richards (London Irish), T Flood (Newcastle), D Hipkiss (Leicester).
South Africa: P Montgomery (Natal Sharks); JP Pietersen (Natal Sharks), J Fourie (Golden Lions), F Steyn (Natal Sharks), B Habana (Blue Bulls); B James (Natal Sharks), F du Preez (Blue Bulls), O du Randt (Free State), J Smit (Natal Sharks, capt), CJ van der Linde (Free State), B Botha (Blue Bulls), V Matfield (Blue Bulls), S Burger (Western Province), J Smith (Free State), D Rossouw (Blue Bulls).
Replacements: B du Plessis (Natal Sharks), J du Plessis (Free State), J Muller (Natal Sharks), W van Heerden (Blue Bulls), R Pienaar (Natal Sharks), A Pretorius (Golden Lions), W Olivier (Blue Bulls).
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland).
Touch judges: Joel Jutge (France) and Paul Honiss (New Zealand).
Television Match Official: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Key Moments:
Seven minutes - Percy Montgomery kicks simple penalty from in front of the posts for 3-0, after Mathew Tait holds on in tackle following his slip.
12 mins - Jonny Wilkinson kicks superb penalty from the diagonal to draw England level at 3-3, after Bryan Habana is penalised for not releasing in the tackle.
16 mins - Percy Montgomery kicks a penalty to put South Africa back in front, 6-3, after an England player - unspecified by referee Alain Rolland - is adjudged to have tripped Butch James following the fly-half's up-and-under.
17 mins - Wilkinson misses 25-yard drop-goal attempt from central position.
22 mins - Phil Vickery is penalised for joining in a ruck from the side, but Francois Steyn misses the resulting penalty from halfway.
36 mins - South Africa knock on a metre from England line, moments after Steyn splits defence with a mesmerising run down the middle.
40 mins - England penalised for hands in the ruck on the stroke of half-time, and Montgomery strokes over third successive penalty for 9-3.
43 mins - Mark Cueto dives over in left corner, after a great initial break by Tait, but 'try' controversially ruled out because winger's foot was in touch according to the video referee after much deliberation.
44 mins - An advantage was played in the lead-up to the disallowed try, and Wilkinson slots over penalty from 30 yards to reduce deficit to 9-6.
47 mins - Jason Robinson's stunning career comes to an end after he is forced off with what appears to be a groin injury.
50 mins - Montgomery boots another penalty after Martin Corry penalised for hands in the ruck. South Africa lead 12-6.
60 mins - Toby Flood just fails to latch onto Andy Gomarsall's chip into corner. The Newcastle fly-half shows disgust by shoving Montgomery into cameras behind the in-goal area.
62 mins - England penalised for obstruction, and Steyn kicks key penalty from halfway to give Springboks a strong 15-6 lead.
71 mins - Wilkinson misses long-range drop-goal attempt.
77 mins - Long spell of England possession ends when they fail to release at breakdown.
Player Ratings
ENGLAND
Jason Robinson - In last rugby union appearance, was safe under the high ball but given little chance to show attacking threat. Forced off injured in the 47th minute. 7
Paul Sackey - Dealt admirably with Bryan Habana in first half but given little licence to run. 7
Mathew Tait - Costly slip for Springboks' first penalty, but recovered superbly and was England's most dangerous runner. His amazing run preceded Mark Cueto's disallowed try. 8
Mike Catt - Used up-and-under to good effect in the first half, but was subbed off early in second. 6
Mark Cueto - Had a try disallowed for putting foot in touch. Did everything that was asked of him and strong in defence. 7
Jonny Wilkinson - Kicking out of hand was not the best, but booted his two attempts at goal. 7
Andy Gomarsall - Grew in confidence as match progressed and harassed Fourie Du Preez throughout. A couple of clever box kicks. 7
Andrew Sheridan - Typically powerful in the scrum, but not so ebullient in loose. 7
Mark Regan - Worryingly awry with first two line-out throws, but improved in that department and was a fierce competitor as always. 7
Phil Vickery - Grafted away at coalface, but not given an easy ride by Os du Randt, and was replaced at half-time by Matt Stevens. 6
Simon Shaw - Continued his scintillating tournament, showing great hands in the loose. 7
Ben Kay - Won fair share of line-out ball, his main task, but was up against a superb opponent in Victor Matfield. 6
Martin Corry - England's star back-rower, making a host of bullocking runs. As industrious as ever and did not deserve to be on losing side. 8
Lewis Moody - His battle with Juan Smith at the breakdown was thunderous - another gallant effort. 7
Nick Easter - A couple of trademark charges in loose and part of a tireless back-row effort, but not as ubiquitous as earlier in tournament. 7
REPLACEMENTS
George Chuter (on for Regan, 62 mins) - Missed his jumper at key line-out with 15 minutes left, but otherwise solid. 6
Matt Stevens (on for Vickery, at half-time) - Fresh legs and another good stint as impact substitute. 7
Lawrence Dallaglio (on for Easter, 65 mins) - The veteran had little chance to affect outcome of match. 6
Joe Worsley (on for Moody, 62 mins) - Had just eight minutes off bench before being replaced by Peter Richards, because of injury. 6
Peter Richards (on for Worsley, 70 mins) - Little chance to affect course of match. 6
Toby Flood (on for Catt, 51 mins) - Could not get on end of any of England's back-line moves, but will learn from this experience. 6
Dan Hipkiss (on for Robinson, 47 mins) - Evasive and powerful runner in his 30-minute cameo. 7
SOUTH AFRICA
Percy Montgomery - Clean kicking from hand and flawless from four kicks from the floor. Superb positioning throughout and did not put a foot wrong all night. 9
JP Pietersen - Not given a chance to show speed out wide but strong in defence, keeping the busy Cueto at bay. 7
Jaque Fourie - Not at his scintillating best, but did what he had to in defence. 7
Francois Steyn - Missed an early penalty, but made great break late in first half. Kicked key long-range penalty in the 62nd minute. 7
Bryan Habana - Hardly seen as attacking threat, fortunately for England, but part of a grafting defensive effort. 6
Butch James - Great chip and take in first half, and turned England defence around with a couple of neat kicks to touch. 6
Fourie du Preez - Found Gomarsall a pest and not as dominant as he has been this tournament. 6
Os du Randt - One stand-out run midway through the first half from the old campaigner, who coped admirably in the scrum. 7
John Smit - Came off injured towards the end, but only after another strong shift. A great leader all tournament. 7
CJ van der Linde - Battled away in the front row, keeping Sheridan quiet. 7
Bakkies Botha - Strong in the line-out, as he has been for last six weeks. His partnership with Matfield was again key. 7
Victor Matfield - Always a threat on England line-out ball, and comfortable on his own. Yet another superb effort. 8
Schalk Burger - Thunderous at breakdown, and did not give an inch in defence. Happy to put body on line as always. 8
Juan Smith - One of the Springboks' unsung heroes this tournament, and another stellar showing here. Stole a couple of key balls, at the ruck and in line-out. 7
Danie Rossouw - Early knock-on showed nerves, but a workhorse at the important breakdown area. 6
REPLACEMENTS
Bismarck du Plessis (on for Smit, 72 mins) - Little chance to get into game in short spell as blood-bin replacement. 6
Wikus van Heerden (on for Rossouw, 73 mins) - No opportunity to impact on game. 6
The Springboks ended England's remarkable assault on world-title glory by landing the Webb Ellis Trophy for a second time in 12 years.
But England, 80-1 no-hopers after losing 36-0 to South Africa in the pool stages 36 days earlier, made them fight every inch of the way.
And they could feel aggrieved at the final scoreline, given that wing Mark Cueto saw a 43rd-minute corner try not awarded by the video referee, while Springboks centre Francois Steyn's penalty clincher came after a dubious decision for obstruction.
In the end though, not even Jonny Wilkinson could complete England's mission improbable against a South African side - brilliantly coached by Jake White - that fulfilled what they always felt was their destiny.
Full-back Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties, while Wilkinson booted a double for England, yet their hopes of becoming the first country to successfully defend the World Cup ultimately floundered.
It was a typically resilient England performance though, despite them ending the final with reserve scrum-half Peter Richards in the back-row after substitute flanker Joe Worsley went off injured.
England fielded four survivors from their 2003 World Cup final starting line-up - Wilkinson, skipper Phil Vickery, lock Ben Kay and full-back Jason Robinson, who played his 51st and final Test match before retirement.
South Africa, meanwhile, had one World Cup winner - prop Os du Randt - who was a member of their successful 1995 campaign on home soil.
The Paris temperature plummeted as kick-off approached, but conditions were perfect, given a firm pitch and little wind to affect goalkickers.
And England made a promising start, putting immediate pressure on South Africa's back three through some steepling kicks, but the Springboks took a seventh-minute lead when Montgomery slotted a penalty after centre Mathew Tait slipped inside his own 22 and then failed to release possession.
Wilkinson drew England level five minutes later, finding his range from the touchline, yet Montgomery continued the game's nip-and-tuck nature by landing his second penalty after England flanker Lewis Moody needlessly tripped Springboks fly-half Butch James.
Bath-bound James then tested England's defence with a neat chip and chase, but only after Wilkinson had arrowed an angled drop-goal attempt wide and Steyn drifted a long-range penalty attempt narrowly off target.
South Africa's renowned power game finally surfaced as half-time approached as they laid siege to England's line.
But the defending champions, epitomising the collective spirit that had taken them into a second successive final, refused to budge an inch.
Some ferociously-committed tackling kept the Springboks out when it looked certain as though they would score.
Montgomery though, who had his right knee bandaged after being on the receiving end of a crunching collision seconds earlier, stepped up to complete his penalty hat-trick with the final kick of an enthralling opening period.
Montgomery's strike took him past 100 points for the tournament, and trailing 9-3, England needed to regain a territorial foothold.
But Vickery, who appeared to take a couple of heavy blows to his left shoulder, did not reappear for the second half. He was replaced by Bath prop Matt Stevens, with flanker Martin Corry taking over leadership duties.
There was an embarrassing incident for tournament organisers when a spectator ran on to the pitch with a minute of the restart.
The real drama though, came just 60 seconds later as England looked to have forged ahead.
Tait made a brilliant 40-metre break from just inside South Africa's half, and with the Springboks' defence retreating, England recycled possession brilliantly, and Wilkinson's superb flick-pass looked to have put Cueto over.
But television match official - Australian Stuart Dickinson - had other ideas after a lengthy delay, deciding Cueto's knee grazed the touchline as he dived over.
Cueto's agonising shake of his head after the decision told its own story, yet Wilkinson kicked an immediate penalty, narrowing the gap to 9-6.
England saw Robinson limp off on 47 minutes - he failed to last the pool game against South Africa because of a hamstring injury - and Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss replaced him, with Tait switching to full-back.
It was a demoralising end to Robinson's England career, even though he would have been lifted by the ensuing standing ovation.
Montgomery and Steyn then slotted the kicks that ended England's reign as world champions, with South Africa counting down the clock in expert fashion and the men in white offering little attacking threat.
England (3) 6
Pens: Wilkinson 2
South Africa (9) 15
Pens: Montgomery 4, Steyn
England: J Robinson (unattached); P Sackey (Wasps), M Tait (Newcastle), M Catt (London Irish), M Cueto (Sale Sharks); J Wilkinson (Newcastle) A Gomarsall (Harlequins); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), M Regan (Bristol), P Vickery (Wasps, capt), S Shaw (Wasps), B Kay (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins).
Replacements: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), L Dallaglio (Wasps), J Worsley (Wasps), P Richards (London Irish), T Flood (Newcastle), D Hipkiss (Leicester).
South Africa: P Montgomery (Natal Sharks); JP Pietersen (Natal Sharks), J Fourie (Golden Lions), F Steyn (Natal Sharks), B Habana (Blue Bulls); B James (Natal Sharks), F du Preez (Blue Bulls), O du Randt (Free State), J Smit (Natal Sharks, capt), CJ van der Linde (Free State), B Botha (Blue Bulls), V Matfield (Blue Bulls), S Burger (Western Province), J Smith (Free State), D Rossouw (Blue Bulls).
Replacements: B du Plessis (Natal Sharks), J du Plessis (Free State), J Muller (Natal Sharks), W van Heerden (Blue Bulls), R Pienaar (Natal Sharks), A Pretorius (Golden Lions), W Olivier (Blue Bulls).
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland).
Touch judges: Joel Jutge (France) and Paul Honiss (New Zealand).
Television Match Official: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Key Moments:
Seven minutes - Percy Montgomery kicks simple penalty from in front of the posts for 3-0, after Mathew Tait holds on in tackle following his slip.
12 mins - Jonny Wilkinson kicks superb penalty from the diagonal to draw England level at 3-3, after Bryan Habana is penalised for not releasing in the tackle.
16 mins - Percy Montgomery kicks a penalty to put South Africa back in front, 6-3, after an England player - unspecified by referee Alain Rolland - is adjudged to have tripped Butch James following the fly-half's up-and-under.
17 mins - Wilkinson misses 25-yard drop-goal attempt from central position.
22 mins - Phil Vickery is penalised for joining in a ruck from the side, but Francois Steyn misses the resulting penalty from halfway.
36 mins - South Africa knock on a metre from England line, moments after Steyn splits defence with a mesmerising run down the middle.
40 mins - England penalised for hands in the ruck on the stroke of half-time, and Montgomery strokes over third successive penalty for 9-3.
43 mins - Mark Cueto dives over in left corner, after a great initial break by Tait, but 'try' controversially ruled out because winger's foot was in touch according to the video referee after much deliberation.
44 mins - An advantage was played in the lead-up to the disallowed try, and Wilkinson slots over penalty from 30 yards to reduce deficit to 9-6.
47 mins - Jason Robinson's stunning career comes to an end after he is forced off with what appears to be a groin injury.
50 mins - Montgomery boots another penalty after Martin Corry penalised for hands in the ruck. South Africa lead 12-6.
60 mins - Toby Flood just fails to latch onto Andy Gomarsall's chip into corner. The Newcastle fly-half shows disgust by shoving Montgomery into cameras behind the in-goal area.
62 mins - England penalised for obstruction, and Steyn kicks key penalty from halfway to give Springboks a strong 15-6 lead.
71 mins - Wilkinson misses long-range drop-goal attempt.
77 mins - Long spell of England possession ends when they fail to release at breakdown.
Player Ratings
ENGLAND
Jason Robinson - In last rugby union appearance, was safe under the high ball but given little chance to show attacking threat. Forced off injured in the 47th minute. 7
Paul Sackey - Dealt admirably with Bryan Habana in first half but given little licence to run. 7
Mathew Tait - Costly slip for Springboks' first penalty, but recovered superbly and was England's most dangerous runner. His amazing run preceded Mark Cueto's disallowed try. 8
Mike Catt - Used up-and-under to good effect in the first half, but was subbed off early in second. 6
Mark Cueto - Had a try disallowed for putting foot in touch. Did everything that was asked of him and strong in defence. 7
Jonny Wilkinson - Kicking out of hand was not the best, but booted his two attempts at goal. 7
Andy Gomarsall - Grew in confidence as match progressed and harassed Fourie Du Preez throughout. A couple of clever box kicks. 7
Andrew Sheridan - Typically powerful in the scrum, but not so ebullient in loose. 7
Mark Regan - Worryingly awry with first two line-out throws, but improved in that department and was a fierce competitor as always. 7
Phil Vickery - Grafted away at coalface, but not given an easy ride by Os du Randt, and was replaced at half-time by Matt Stevens. 6
Simon Shaw - Continued his scintillating tournament, showing great hands in the loose. 7
Ben Kay - Won fair share of line-out ball, his main task, but was up against a superb opponent in Victor Matfield. 6
Martin Corry - England's star back-rower, making a host of bullocking runs. As industrious as ever and did not deserve to be on losing side. 8
Lewis Moody - His battle with Juan Smith at the breakdown was thunderous - another gallant effort. 7
Nick Easter - A couple of trademark charges in loose and part of a tireless back-row effort, but not as ubiquitous as earlier in tournament. 7
REPLACEMENTS
George Chuter (on for Regan, 62 mins) - Missed his jumper at key line-out with 15 minutes left, but otherwise solid. 6
Matt Stevens (on for Vickery, at half-time) - Fresh legs and another good stint as impact substitute. 7
Lawrence Dallaglio (on for Easter, 65 mins) - The veteran had little chance to affect outcome of match. 6
Joe Worsley (on for Moody, 62 mins) - Had just eight minutes off bench before being replaced by Peter Richards, because of injury. 6
Peter Richards (on for Worsley, 70 mins) - Little chance to affect course of match. 6
Toby Flood (on for Catt, 51 mins) - Could not get on end of any of England's back-line moves, but will learn from this experience. 6
Dan Hipkiss (on for Robinson, 47 mins) - Evasive and powerful runner in his 30-minute cameo. 7
SOUTH AFRICA
Percy Montgomery - Clean kicking from hand and flawless from four kicks from the floor. Superb positioning throughout and did not put a foot wrong all night. 9
JP Pietersen - Not given a chance to show speed out wide but strong in defence, keeping the busy Cueto at bay. 7
Jaque Fourie - Not at his scintillating best, but did what he had to in defence. 7
Francois Steyn - Missed an early penalty, but made great break late in first half. Kicked key long-range penalty in the 62nd minute. 7
Bryan Habana - Hardly seen as attacking threat, fortunately for England, but part of a grafting defensive effort. 6
Butch James - Great chip and take in first half, and turned England defence around with a couple of neat kicks to touch. 6
Fourie du Preez - Found Gomarsall a pest and not as dominant as he has been this tournament. 6
Os du Randt - One stand-out run midway through the first half from the old campaigner, who coped admirably in the scrum. 7
John Smit - Came off injured towards the end, but only after another strong shift. A great leader all tournament. 7
CJ van der Linde - Battled away in the front row, keeping Sheridan quiet. 7
Bakkies Botha - Strong in the line-out, as he has been for last six weeks. His partnership with Matfield was again key. 7
Victor Matfield - Always a threat on England line-out ball, and comfortable on his own. Yet another superb effort. 8
Schalk Burger - Thunderous at breakdown, and did not give an inch in defence. Happy to put body on line as always. 8
Juan Smith - One of the Springboks' unsung heroes this tournament, and another stellar showing here. Stole a couple of key balls, at the ruck and in line-out. 7
Danie Rossouw - Early knock-on showed nerves, but a workhorse at the important breakdown area. 6
REPLACEMENTS
Bismarck du Plessis (on for Smit, 72 mins) - Little chance to get into game in short spell as blood-bin replacement. 6
Wikus van Heerden (on for Rossouw, 73 mins) - No opportunity to impact on game. 6
Friday, October 19, 2007
Success Lessons From The 2007 Rugby Union World Cup
Like all sports, rugby provides success tips which apply both to the sport in question and to life in general.
The rugby world cup is a treasure chest of incidents and comments which are full of valuable success lessons that could inspire anyone whether they are interested in rugby or not.
On Saturday 15th September, New Zealand, the legendary All Blacks, played Portugal in Lyons. One commentator remarked:
"This is like the story of David and Goliath; only David has forgotten his sling and his stones!"
Portugal rank 22nd in the world at rugby. New Zealand frequently rank first and have an aura of invincibility. Undaunted, the Portuguese gave 100% to the singing of the Portuguese anthem before the match.
"I'll be interested to see how long that passion lasts!" said a New Zealand commentator.
Passion and enthusiasm tend to fade when the 'going gets tough'. That's when the successful and the 'tough get going' and maintain their enthusiasm.
It was Churchill who said:
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."
The Portuguese soon experienced one failure after another but, to their credit, maintained their enthusiasm
New Zealand scored in 3 minutes. Nine minutes later, Rockofoco, the All Black rocket man, scored another try. The score was 12-0 after only twelve minutes.
After forty minutes it was 52 - 3 but Portugal played their part and it was a game worth watching. The so called minnows gave it everything and Portugal were the first to score a try at the start of the second half.
Their try was converted and Portugal were starting to catch up. 52 - 10.
However, successful people put in extra efforts when they start falling below their own high standards and see other people catching up with them. The All Blacks are no exception. Bob Leonard scored almost immediately. 59-10.
My martial arts students do not like to see other students moving up the belt ladder ahead of them. Some will redouble their efforts to stay one belt colour ahead of the students just below them in the belt rankings. Competitiveness is frowned on by the politically correct but is a powerful motivator.
Portugal kept their shape and their determination all through this game. The game ended at 108 -13 in favour of the All Blacks but Portugal could hold their heads high. They had given their all and done their best. Though they had lost the game, they had achieved success.
In my view, success is doing your best whatever the results. Portugal had done their best.
On Sept 15th, Wales played Australia in the Cardiff stadium, one of the great rugby grounds of the world. Australia are the most successful country in the history of the world cup.
Australia soon moved ahead and Wales were overpowered in the first half. At half time, the score was 25-3 in favour of Australia.
Wales needed to forget about the first half and needed to control the game and try to score. It helps to forget past failures and start afresh in the present moment.
The Welsh forwards scored a try almost immediately with determined play. Hook converted the try. 25 -10. If pride and passion were enough to win world cups, Wales would be at the top of the tree.
Wales needed that try for their self-belief. People build their belief and success on one small step after another. Everyone can improve their lives by at least one small step every single day.
For example, if you are weak take the small step of doing squats every day (i.e. sitting down on an imaginary chair with your arms held in front and then standing up).
Next, do pushaways from the wall (i.e. lean forward facing a wall with your palms on the wall and your feet about thirty inches away from the wall. Then push away from the wall and then lean forward again). Make sure that your feet are not too far away from the wall or you will fall on your face!
You could do ten squats and then ten pushaways. Repeat that sequence for about ten minutes every day and you will become leaner, stronger and fitter both mentally and physically. Back to the game!
Wales had a penalty and the score moved to 25 -13. Victory would seem gettable from this score. The extra points infused the Welsh players with belief. Could they twist the knife and make the Australians doubt themselves?
A Welsh player performed a powerful tackle which would win hearts and minds even though it did not win the ball. Any display of extra effort can inspire and bring results. Leonardo da Vinci came up with a brilliant line about the value of effort which goes a long way to explaining his lasting success:
"Oh God! You sell us everything for the price of an effort."
Latham, the Australian, broke through to score a try. 32-13. Latham makes his own luck He chases everything and never gives up.
Where England had just subsided against South Africa, Wales had come back strongly in their second half. They might start to think: "We can still take on the best teams."
Gareth Jenkins later remarked: "If you have plenty of spirit and belief you can come back."
Wales were not looking for the final whistle. They were enjoying themselves. Someone commented: "The Welsh dragon fizzed but was ultimately doused by the Wallabies."
However, Wales still had something to hope for. They could qualify as second in their pool and then face South Africa in the quarter finals. Stephen Jones commented:
"We need to learn to play over 80 minutes and to improve our rugby."
Michael Lynagh, the Australian commentator, was disappointed that Australia rested on their lead in the second half.
Successful people tend to play and work hard in 'both halves'.
On Saturday 15th September, Ireland played Georgia in Bordeaux
So far, Ireland were not happy with their world cup. Paul O'Connell said: "We are just not playing to our potential."
O'Driscoll, the Irish captain said: "Perhaps we took our eye off the ball."
Will Greenwood agreed: "Ireland need to keep their eye on the game and not on what other teams in their group are doing."
The Georgians are a hugely physical side. They started well and put Ireland on the back foot. Rory Best, the Irish hooker, scored the first try. The score was 5-0 to Ireland after 17 minutes. Ronan O'Gara scored a great conversion. 7-0.
Ronan had practised for a good hour and a half the day before the match. Practise in private and shine in public. Georgia got a penalty near half time and scored three points 7-3.
After half time Stringer threw a long slow pass which was intercepted by a Georgian. A try was scored and converted 10-7 to Georgia. Ireland, who were no longer in the lead, discovered their sense of urgency. Successful people don't usually do this. They have a sense of urgency from the start.
Ireland scored a try in the 54th minute when a Georgian missed a tackle. The Georgians were beginning to tire. O'Gara converted the try. 14-10.
The Georgian forwards moved forward yard by yard and inch by inch. They were happy to take this Irish team on. They continued to shock and surprise. Kashvili kept putting in great kicks to touch
There was now a real sense of urgency from the Georgians. They were sniffing an unbelievable upset.
O'Driscoll, not surprisingly, noticed this: "Once they were within a sniff they grew in confidence. When you are within one score anything can happen."
Anyone who realizes they are close to achieving their goals is capable of putting in the kind of extra effort that produces miracles.
The Irish supporters were on tenterhooks and could not wait for the final whistle. The bigger men and hearts had been Georgian. Ireland scored two tries but were lucky to get off the pitch with a win.
The TV ads continued to be original and to blend in with the French background to the world cup. A character in one of them asked:
"What's French for déjà vu?"
It is worth reminding ourselves of the twelve success tips that emerged from the rugby games described above:
Passion and enthusiasm tend to fade when the 'going gets tough'. That's when the successful and the 'tough get going' and maintain their enthusiasm.
Successful people put in extra efforts when they start falling below their own high standards and see other people catching up with them!
Success is doing your best whatever the results.
Forget past failures, even if they are recent, and start afresh in the present moment.
Build your belief and success on one small step after another. Improve your life by at least one small step every single day. Try out the 10 squat and 10 pushaway 10 minute system suggested above.
God sells us everything for the price of an effort.
Make your own luck by chasing down an opportunity with all your heart.
Successful people tend to play and work hard in 'both halves'.
Don't take your eye off the ball. Focus on your priorities.
Practise in private and shine in public.
Have a sense of urgency when you start any project. Don't wait until the deadline is close.
Let the thought of being close to achieving your goal inspire you to greater efforts.
The rugby world cup is a treasure chest of incidents and comments which are full of valuable success lessons that could inspire anyone whether they are interested in rugby or not.
On Saturday 15th September, New Zealand, the legendary All Blacks, played Portugal in Lyons. One commentator remarked:
"This is like the story of David and Goliath; only David has forgotten his sling and his stones!"
Portugal rank 22nd in the world at rugby. New Zealand frequently rank first and have an aura of invincibility. Undaunted, the Portuguese gave 100% to the singing of the Portuguese anthem before the match.
"I'll be interested to see how long that passion lasts!" said a New Zealand commentator.
Passion and enthusiasm tend to fade when the 'going gets tough'. That's when the successful and the 'tough get going' and maintain their enthusiasm.
It was Churchill who said:
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."
The Portuguese soon experienced one failure after another but, to their credit, maintained their enthusiasm
New Zealand scored in 3 minutes. Nine minutes later, Rockofoco, the All Black rocket man, scored another try. The score was 12-0 after only twelve minutes.
After forty minutes it was 52 - 3 but Portugal played their part and it was a game worth watching. The so called minnows gave it everything and Portugal were the first to score a try at the start of the second half.
Their try was converted and Portugal were starting to catch up. 52 - 10.
However, successful people put in extra efforts when they start falling below their own high standards and see other people catching up with them. The All Blacks are no exception. Bob Leonard scored almost immediately. 59-10.
My martial arts students do not like to see other students moving up the belt ladder ahead of them. Some will redouble their efforts to stay one belt colour ahead of the students just below them in the belt rankings. Competitiveness is frowned on by the politically correct but is a powerful motivator.
Portugal kept their shape and their determination all through this game. The game ended at 108 -13 in favour of the All Blacks but Portugal could hold their heads high. They had given their all and done their best. Though they had lost the game, they had achieved success.
In my view, success is doing your best whatever the results. Portugal had done their best.
On Sept 15th, Wales played Australia in the Cardiff stadium, one of the great rugby grounds of the world. Australia are the most successful country in the history of the world cup.
Australia soon moved ahead and Wales were overpowered in the first half. At half time, the score was 25-3 in favour of Australia.
Wales needed to forget about the first half and needed to control the game and try to score. It helps to forget past failures and start afresh in the present moment.
The Welsh forwards scored a try almost immediately with determined play. Hook converted the try. 25 -10. If pride and passion were enough to win world cups, Wales would be at the top of the tree.
Wales needed that try for their self-belief. People build their belief and success on one small step after another. Everyone can improve their lives by at least one small step every single day.
For example, if you are weak take the small step of doing squats every day (i.e. sitting down on an imaginary chair with your arms held in front and then standing up).
Next, do pushaways from the wall (i.e. lean forward facing a wall with your palms on the wall and your feet about thirty inches away from the wall. Then push away from the wall and then lean forward again). Make sure that your feet are not too far away from the wall or you will fall on your face!
You could do ten squats and then ten pushaways. Repeat that sequence for about ten minutes every day and you will become leaner, stronger and fitter both mentally and physically. Back to the game!
Wales had a penalty and the score moved to 25 -13. Victory would seem gettable from this score. The extra points infused the Welsh players with belief. Could they twist the knife and make the Australians doubt themselves?
A Welsh player performed a powerful tackle which would win hearts and minds even though it did not win the ball. Any display of extra effort can inspire and bring results. Leonardo da Vinci came up with a brilliant line about the value of effort which goes a long way to explaining his lasting success:
"Oh God! You sell us everything for the price of an effort."
Latham, the Australian, broke through to score a try. 32-13. Latham makes his own luck He chases everything and never gives up.
Where England had just subsided against South Africa, Wales had come back strongly in their second half. They might start to think: "We can still take on the best teams."
Gareth Jenkins later remarked: "If you have plenty of spirit and belief you can come back."
Wales were not looking for the final whistle. They were enjoying themselves. Someone commented: "The Welsh dragon fizzed but was ultimately doused by the Wallabies."
However, Wales still had something to hope for. They could qualify as second in their pool and then face South Africa in the quarter finals. Stephen Jones commented:
"We need to learn to play over 80 minutes and to improve our rugby."
Michael Lynagh, the Australian commentator, was disappointed that Australia rested on their lead in the second half.
Successful people tend to play and work hard in 'both halves'.
On Saturday 15th September, Ireland played Georgia in Bordeaux
So far, Ireland were not happy with their world cup. Paul O'Connell said: "We are just not playing to our potential."
O'Driscoll, the Irish captain said: "Perhaps we took our eye off the ball."
Will Greenwood agreed: "Ireland need to keep their eye on the game and not on what other teams in their group are doing."
The Georgians are a hugely physical side. They started well and put Ireland on the back foot. Rory Best, the Irish hooker, scored the first try. The score was 5-0 to Ireland after 17 minutes. Ronan O'Gara scored a great conversion. 7-0.
Ronan had practised for a good hour and a half the day before the match. Practise in private and shine in public. Georgia got a penalty near half time and scored three points 7-3.
After half time Stringer threw a long slow pass which was intercepted by a Georgian. A try was scored and converted 10-7 to Georgia. Ireland, who were no longer in the lead, discovered their sense of urgency. Successful people don't usually do this. They have a sense of urgency from the start.
Ireland scored a try in the 54th minute when a Georgian missed a tackle. The Georgians were beginning to tire. O'Gara converted the try. 14-10.
The Georgian forwards moved forward yard by yard and inch by inch. They were happy to take this Irish team on. They continued to shock and surprise. Kashvili kept putting in great kicks to touch
There was now a real sense of urgency from the Georgians. They were sniffing an unbelievable upset.
O'Driscoll, not surprisingly, noticed this: "Once they were within a sniff they grew in confidence. When you are within one score anything can happen."
Anyone who realizes they are close to achieving their goals is capable of putting in the kind of extra effort that produces miracles.
The Irish supporters were on tenterhooks and could not wait for the final whistle. The bigger men and hearts had been Georgian. Ireland scored two tries but were lucky to get off the pitch with a win.
The TV ads continued to be original and to blend in with the French background to the world cup. A character in one of them asked:
"What's French for déjà vu?"
It is worth reminding ourselves of the twelve success tips that emerged from the rugby games described above:
Passion and enthusiasm tend to fade when the 'going gets tough'. That's when the successful and the 'tough get going' and maintain their enthusiasm.
Successful people put in extra efforts when they start falling below their own high standards and see other people catching up with them!
Success is doing your best whatever the results.
Forget past failures, even if they are recent, and start afresh in the present moment.
Build your belief and success on one small step after another. Improve your life by at least one small step every single day. Try out the 10 squat and 10 pushaway 10 minute system suggested above.
God sells us everything for the price of an effort.
Make your own luck by chasing down an opportunity with all your heart.
Successful people tend to play and work hard in 'both halves'.
Don't take your eye off the ball. Focus on your priorities.
Practise in private and shine in public.
Have a sense of urgency when you start any project. Don't wait until the deadline is close.
Let the thought of being close to achieving your goal inspire you to greater efforts.
John Watson is an award winning teacher and 5th degree blackbelt martial arts instructor. He has written several ebooks on motivation and success topics. One of these can be found at http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.phpYou can also find motivational ebooks by authors like Stuart Goldsmith. Check out http://www.motivationtoday.com/the_midas_method.php
Thursday, October 18, 2007
England or South Africa. Who?
England take on South Africa on Saturday night at the Stade de France for the sport's biggest prize - the Rugby World Cup.
Mark Cueto has replaced the injured Josh Lewsey in the England team for Saturday's World Cup final against South Africa at Stade de France.
The side is otherwise unchanged following the semi-final victory over France.
Lewsey misses out because of a hamstring injury suffered during the semi-final victory over France last weekend.
It will be Sale Sharks wing Cueto's fourth start of the tournament, but his first since the pool victory over Tonga almost three weeks ago.
Cueto has scored 13 tries during a 23-cap Test career and began the World Cup as England's full-back against the United States.
England head coach Brian Ashton has otherwise retained the team and replacements' bench on duty against France.
There are four starting line-up survivors from England's World Cup final triumph against Australia in 2003 - full-back Jason Robinson, fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, prop Phil Vickery and lock Ben Kay.
And centre Mike Catt, 36 last month, will become the oldest player to feature in a World Cup final.
Catt's midfield partner Mathew Tait, meanwhile, is the youngest England player to line up in a final, aged 21.
Ashton could have moved Tait from centre to wing, where he finished the France game, and handed Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss a start, but specialist wing Cueto has won the vote.
England have turned their World Cup campaign on its head, winning four successive games to reach their second successive final against all odds.
No country has ever successfully defended the Webb Ellis Trophy but South Africa will start as favourites after crushing England 36-0 in a pool encounter last month.
It was England's record World Cup defeat, but since then they have toppled Samoa, Tonga, Australia and France.
South Africa coach Jake White named an unchanged starting XV for the Stade de France clash.
England v South Africa 2003 Rugby World Cup
South Africa (58) England (10) 27 May 2007
South Africa vs England 2nd Test 2007
Mark Cueto has replaced the injured Josh Lewsey in the England team for Saturday's World Cup final against South Africa at Stade de France.
The side is otherwise unchanged following the semi-final victory over France.
Lewsey misses out because of a hamstring injury suffered during the semi-final victory over France last weekend.
It will be Sale Sharks wing Cueto's fourth start of the tournament, but his first since the pool victory over Tonga almost three weeks ago.
Cueto has scored 13 tries during a 23-cap Test career and began the World Cup as England's full-back against the United States.
England head coach Brian Ashton has otherwise retained the team and replacements' bench on duty against France.
There are four starting line-up survivors from England's World Cup final triumph against Australia in 2003 - full-back Jason Robinson, fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, prop Phil Vickery and lock Ben Kay.
And centre Mike Catt, 36 last month, will become the oldest player to feature in a World Cup final.
Catt's midfield partner Mathew Tait, meanwhile, is the youngest England player to line up in a final, aged 21.
Ashton could have moved Tait from centre to wing, where he finished the France game, and handed Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss a start, but specialist wing Cueto has won the vote.
England have turned their World Cup campaign on its head, winning four successive games to reach their second successive final against all odds.
No country has ever successfully defended the Webb Ellis Trophy but South Africa will start as favourites after crushing England 36-0 in a pool encounter last month.
It was England's record World Cup defeat, but since then they have toppled Samoa, Tonga, Australia and France.
South Africa coach Jake White named an unchanged starting XV for the Stade de France clash.
England v South Africa 2003 Rugby World Cup
South Africa (58) England (10) 27 May 2007
South Africa vs England 2nd Test 2007
Josh Lewsey's awesome try against France!!
Josh scores in the opening minutes - watch for the pat on the head!!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Rugby, American Football and Australian Footbal
All of them are different. in this video, you will see the difference. please leave comments after you watch my video. the nrl, nfl, and afl video is not mine.
Victory Samoa Haka
NZ Haka Tries
The Haka history
Victory Samoa Haka
NZ Haka Tries
The Haka history
South Africa v Argentina (37-13)
South Africa will face England in next Saturday night's World Cup Final after scoring a 37-13 win over Argentina in the second semi-final. The Springboks ran in four tries while Percy Montgomery's kicking was unerring as the Pumas never looked able to produce another shock win.
The Springboks profited from elementary Argentinian mistakes to score three first-half tries, through Fourie du Preez, Bryan Habana and Danie Rossouw. Habana applied the coup de grace with his second try five minutes from time and Montgomery finished with 17 points.
Argentina's only try came straight after the interval through Manuel Contepomi but this was a game too far for the tournament's surprise package.
Argentina players were in tears during their anthem and the powerful pack had South Africa under pressure at the first two scrums. But the Pumas conceded too many early penalties at the breakdown and careless errors undermined their promising start.
Argentina were nearly caught when scrum-half Fourie du Preez took a quick tap but his chip aimed at Bryan Habana was just too long and bounced into touch.
The Pumas were mixing up their attack, driving strongly from the lineout while Juan Martin Hernandez was confident to run from fly-half.
Full-back Ignacio Corleto linked well with winger Horacio Agulla, who evaded one challenge and then sent Du Preez sprawling.
Argentina kept up the momentum up with a looped pass from Rodrigo Roncero but they were stung when Felipe Contepomi's pass was picked off by Du Preez, who raced 70 metres to score the opening try after seven minutes.
Hernandez scuffed a drop-goal attempt but Contepomi booted Argentina onto the board after 13 minutes with a 40-metre penalty after South Africa captain John Smit was penalised for obstruction.
The Springboks responded immediately after Argentina infringed at the breakdown once again and Percy Montgomery added to his early conversion.
The Pumas continued to cause South Africa trouble at the scrum but Contepomi's long-range effort drifted wide of the right hand post.
Before Contepomi could strike the ball, referee Steve Walsh spotted the Argentina kicker had been given a rogue practice ball. It was the same problem which affected England yesterday.
Agulla conceded a sloppy knock-on but, with advantage over, Pumas winger Lucas Borges recovered brilliantly to scoop up a chip forward and skip past Habana to surge clear.
Neither side could gain any control or momentum in a scrappy, error-strewn period. The kicking from both sides was woeful, epitomised by Contepomi's kick into touch which went no more than 10 metres.
Contepomi slotted a simple penalty after Steyn was penalised but Argentina could not build any pressure as they continued to make silly mistakes.
Pumas number eight Gonzalo Elia gathered a wayward clearance and charged forward but lost the ball to Schalk Burger and finally the Springboks put together a slick attacking move.
Steyn recognised South Africa had numbers wide left and the ball was quickly swung wide for Habana, who chipped into space behind the Argentina defence and turned on the after-burners to score the Springboks' second try.
And they pounced again after another Argentina mistake, this time from Hernandez inside his own 22.
One of the players of the tournament so far, Hernandez failed to gather a pass from Pichot, South Africa snaffled possession and swung the ball out for number eight Danie Rossouw to stride over for the try, which Montgomery converted.
Argentina had to make a fast start if they were to cling onto any hope in the game - and did exactly that, winning a turnover as South Africa tried a driving lineout deep in their own 22. Hooker Mario Ledesma surged for the line and after being caught Argentina recycled quickly and the ball was swung out to Manuel Contepomi, who stepped inside to beat Habana and stretched to score.
Montgomery made it difficult and referee Steve Walsh was not certain whether Contepomi had grounded it correctly but the try was awarded by television official Tony Spreadbury.
Argentina won another penalty at the scrum and their fans found real voice in the stands - but their lineout was beginning to malfunction and they struggled to maintain an attacking platform.
Du Preez sliced an attempted box kick and, as Argentina recovered, the Springboks were penalised for offside but Felipe Contepomi missed another long-range effort from wide on the right.
Argentina earned another penalty after a promising break from Ledesma and Borges but wasted it when Corleto took a quick tap but found himself isolated. The Pumas were handed a reprieve when referee Walsh spotted a clear forward pass from JP Pietersen, who had sliced through Argentina's defence, and denied Habana a second try in the corner.
Argentina's lineout was falling apart and they continued to concede penalties, allowing Montgomery to boot the Springboks clear.
Habana rubbed salt into Argentinian wounds as he picked off another intercept and raced 80 metres to score his second try of the game.
The match ended with frayed tempers and both sides down to 14 men. Juan Smith was sin-binned for a high tackle and Felipe Contepomi soon followed for a punch on Bismarck du Plessis.
South Africa (24) 37
Tries: Du Preez, Habana (2), Rossouw
Cons: Montgomery (4)
Pens: Montgomery (3)
Argentina (6) 13
Tries: M Contepomi
Cons: F Contepomi
Pens: F Contepomi (2)
South Africa: P Montgomery; JP Pietersen, J Fourie, F Steyn, B Habana; B James, F du Preez; O du Randt, J Smit (capt), CJ van der Linde, B Botha, V Matfield, S Burger, J Smith, D Rossouw.
Replacements: B du Plessis, J du Plessis, J Muller, B Skinstad, R Pienaar, A Pretorius, W Olivier.
Argentina: I Corleto; L Borges, M Contepomi, F Contepomi, H Agulla; JM Hernandez, A Pichot (capt); R Roncero, M Ledesma, M Scelzo, I Fernandez Lobbe, P Albacete, L Ostiglia, JM Fernandez Lobbe, G Longo Elia.
Replacements: A Vernet Basualdo, O Hasan, R Alvarez Kairelis, JM Leguizamon, N Fernandez Miranda, F Todeschini, G Tiesi.
Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)
England v France results
The Springboks profited from elementary Argentinian mistakes to score three first-half tries, through Fourie du Preez, Bryan Habana and Danie Rossouw. Habana applied the coup de grace with his second try five minutes from time and Montgomery finished with 17 points.
Argentina's only try came straight after the interval through Manuel Contepomi but this was a game too far for the tournament's surprise package.
Argentina players were in tears during their anthem and the powerful pack had South Africa under pressure at the first two scrums. But the Pumas conceded too many early penalties at the breakdown and careless errors undermined their promising start.
Argentina were nearly caught when scrum-half Fourie du Preez took a quick tap but his chip aimed at Bryan Habana was just too long and bounced into touch.
The Pumas were mixing up their attack, driving strongly from the lineout while Juan Martin Hernandez was confident to run from fly-half.
Full-back Ignacio Corleto linked well with winger Horacio Agulla, who evaded one challenge and then sent Du Preez sprawling.
Argentina kept up the momentum up with a looped pass from Rodrigo Roncero but they were stung when Felipe Contepomi's pass was picked off by Du Preez, who raced 70 metres to score the opening try after seven minutes.
Hernandez scuffed a drop-goal attempt but Contepomi booted Argentina onto the board after 13 minutes with a 40-metre penalty after South Africa captain John Smit was penalised for obstruction.
The Springboks responded immediately after Argentina infringed at the breakdown once again and Percy Montgomery added to his early conversion.
The Pumas continued to cause South Africa trouble at the scrum but Contepomi's long-range effort drifted wide of the right hand post.
Before Contepomi could strike the ball, referee Steve Walsh spotted the Argentina kicker had been given a rogue practice ball. It was the same problem which affected England yesterday.
Agulla conceded a sloppy knock-on but, with advantage over, Pumas winger Lucas Borges recovered brilliantly to scoop up a chip forward and skip past Habana to surge clear.
Neither side could gain any control or momentum in a scrappy, error-strewn period. The kicking from both sides was woeful, epitomised by Contepomi's kick into touch which went no more than 10 metres.
Contepomi slotted a simple penalty after Steyn was penalised but Argentina could not build any pressure as they continued to make silly mistakes.
Pumas number eight Gonzalo Elia gathered a wayward clearance and charged forward but lost the ball to Schalk Burger and finally the Springboks put together a slick attacking move.
Steyn recognised South Africa had numbers wide left and the ball was quickly swung wide for Habana, who chipped into space behind the Argentina defence and turned on the after-burners to score the Springboks' second try.
And they pounced again after another Argentina mistake, this time from Hernandez inside his own 22.
One of the players of the tournament so far, Hernandez failed to gather a pass from Pichot, South Africa snaffled possession and swung the ball out for number eight Danie Rossouw to stride over for the try, which Montgomery converted.
Argentina had to make a fast start if they were to cling onto any hope in the game - and did exactly that, winning a turnover as South Africa tried a driving lineout deep in their own 22. Hooker Mario Ledesma surged for the line and after being caught Argentina recycled quickly and the ball was swung out to Manuel Contepomi, who stepped inside to beat Habana and stretched to score.
Montgomery made it difficult and referee Steve Walsh was not certain whether Contepomi had grounded it correctly but the try was awarded by television official Tony Spreadbury.
Argentina won another penalty at the scrum and their fans found real voice in the stands - but their lineout was beginning to malfunction and they struggled to maintain an attacking platform.
Du Preez sliced an attempted box kick and, as Argentina recovered, the Springboks were penalised for offside but Felipe Contepomi missed another long-range effort from wide on the right.
Argentina earned another penalty after a promising break from Ledesma and Borges but wasted it when Corleto took a quick tap but found himself isolated. The Pumas were handed a reprieve when referee Walsh spotted a clear forward pass from JP Pietersen, who had sliced through Argentina's defence, and denied Habana a second try in the corner.
Argentina's lineout was falling apart and they continued to concede penalties, allowing Montgomery to boot the Springboks clear.
Habana rubbed salt into Argentinian wounds as he picked off another intercept and raced 80 metres to score his second try of the game.
The match ended with frayed tempers and both sides down to 14 men. Juan Smith was sin-binned for a high tackle and Felipe Contepomi soon followed for a punch on Bismarck du Plessis.
South Africa (24) 37
Tries: Du Preez, Habana (2), Rossouw
Cons: Montgomery (4)
Pens: Montgomery (3)
Argentina (6) 13
Tries: M Contepomi
Cons: F Contepomi
Pens: F Contepomi (2)
South Africa: P Montgomery; JP Pietersen, J Fourie, F Steyn, B Habana; B James, F du Preez; O du Randt, J Smit (capt), CJ van der Linde, B Botha, V Matfield, S Burger, J Smith, D Rossouw.
Replacements: B du Plessis, J du Plessis, J Muller, B Skinstad, R Pienaar, A Pretorius, W Olivier.
Argentina: I Corleto; L Borges, M Contepomi, F Contepomi, H Agulla; JM Hernandez, A Pichot (capt); R Roncero, M Ledesma, M Scelzo, I Fernandez Lobbe, P Albacete, L Ostiglia, JM Fernandez Lobbe, G Longo Elia.
Replacements: A Vernet Basualdo, O Hasan, R Alvarez Kairelis, JM Leguizamon, N Fernandez Miranda, F Todeschini, G Tiesi.
Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)
England v France results
Sunday, October 14, 2007
England v France (14-9)
Jonny Wilkinson was the hero once again as England reached the World Cup final with victory over France in Paris. Wilkinson landed two second-half penalties and a drop goal as England kept alive their dreams of a successful World Cup defence.
England had stormed into the lead after just 80 seconds with a try from winger Josh Lewsey but spent most of the first half under pressure.
France fly-half Lionel Beauxis landed three penalties to edge Les Bleus ahead, but England rallied and will play either South Africa or Argentina in the final.
England made the perfect start to take the lead with a try from Josh Lewsey after just 80 seconds.
They earned a free-kick, after the first scrum was reset three times. Nick Easter bulldozed up field, before Andy Gomarsall kicked towards the corner.
Damien Traille appeared to have the ball covered but hesitated for a moment - and the bounce was perfect for the on-rushing Lewsey, who powered through the French full-back to score.
Wilkinson's kick drifted wide, and France responded within five minutes with a penalty from fly-half Lionel Beauxis.
Mark Regan's charge-down earned England a five-metre scrum, and France were under huge pressure until scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde stole around the base to disrupt - and Les Bleus cleared.
England's defence held strong against the driving maul and a counter-attack sparked by Vincent Clerc. But Andrew Sheridan was penalised for not binding, and Beauxis landed his second penalty to put France ahead.
France were pressing England deep into their own half with excellent tactical kicking from Beauxis and Traille and England struggled to relieve the pressure.
France earned a controversial lineout when Robinson was judged to have brushed the touchline but England's defence was quick to close in on Beauxis, who scuffed an attempted drop goal.
Sale's Sebastien Chabal replaced injured lock Fabien Pelous. England were having to battle for every inch of territory.
Quick hands saw Sackey and then Robinson stretch the French before Traille recovered well but Wilkinson missed with a long-range drop-goal effort of his own.
A half-break from Mat Tait had stretched the French midfield and England earned a penalty a yard inside their own half.
Wilkinson took it on and his effort had the legs but just fell wide.
Beauxis was trying his luck at any opportunity and a third drop-goal attempt dropped short and wide.
Sections of the home support were beginning to tire of France's determination to engage in a kicking duel.
England were forced into a backline reshuffle on the brink of half-time after Lewsey appeared to damage a hamstring. Dan Hipkiss came on at outside centre with Tait moved to the wing.
England gathered the restart well and Lewis Moody made good ground on a determined run but Sackey lost possession in the tackle and England were turned on their heels as France hacked forward.
Hipkiss beat Cedric Heymans in the sprint and England recovered to clear but Easter was penalised for hitting a ruck from the side and Beauxis landed his third penalty.
Moody snatched possession from Jauzion's attempted chip and Hipkiss, on his first run at the French defence, jinked into space and offloaded for Catt.
Tait was stopped in the corner but after Sheridan had charged on France were penalised at the breakdown and Wilkinson slotted his first kick of the evening.
Ten minutes into the second half, France sent on Frederik Michalak for Beauxis and hooker Dimitri Szarzewski for captain Rafael Ibanez.
Gomarsall covered to concede a five-metre scrum after a deft chip into the corner from Clerc and England halted Elissalde's attempts to attack the blind-side.
Michalak's first contribution was to hook a drop-goal attempt wide before England sent on Joe Worsley for Moody and then Matt Stevens for Phil Vickery.
England's kicking game was keeping France inside their own half. Wilkinson's right-footed drop-goal attempt hit the post and Robinson then danced through four attempted tackles on a dazzling run to move England within five yards.
But the promising position was wasted as England conceded at the breakdown and allowed France to clear.
France's line-out drive had England on the retreat inside their own 22, and Michalak chipped into space behind the defence. But Tait was alert under his own posts to sweep up the danger.
Number eight Julien Bonnaire palmed Jauzion's cross-kick back into play for Clerc, who appeared to have broken the English defence before Worsley felled him with an excellent tap tackle.
Chabal took the ball on but knocked forward, and some powerful English defence at close quarters earned the penalty - and Wilkinson cleared.
Toby Flood replaced Catt; Dallaglio was sent on for Easter with just 11 minutes remaining, and Peter Richards took over from Gomarsall - who was injured in a collision with the touch judge.
Robinson was emerging as a key factor. Another jinking run put England on the offensive, and Corry crashed over the gain line as they moved into drop-goal territory.
Flood rushed his effort - but when Robinson was felled by a high tackle from Szarzewski 30 metres Wilkinson landed the simple penalty to put England ahead with just six minutes remaining.
There was more to come too.
After Sackey and Flood had halted a powerful run from Chabal on the touchline, England moved back into the French half - and Wilkinson landed the drop goal.
Teams:
England: J Robinson (unattached); P Sackey (Wasps), M Tait (Newcastle), M Catt (London Irish), J Lewsey (Wasps); J Wilkinson (Newcastle), A Gomarsall (Harlequins); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), M Regan (Bristol), P Vickery (Wasps, capt), S Shaw (Wasps), B Kay (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins).
Replacements: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), L Dallaglio (Wasps), J Worsley (Wasps), P Richards (London Irish), T Flood (Newcastle), D Hipkiss (Leicester).
France: D Traille (Biarritz); V Clerc (Toulouse), D Marty (Perpignan), Y Jauzion (Toulouse), C Heymans (Toulouse); L Beauxis (Stade Francais), J-B Elissalde (Toulouse); O Milloud (Bourgoin), R Ibanez (Wasps, capt), P de Villiers (Stade Francais), F Pelous (Toulouse), J Thion (Biarritz), S Betsen (Biarritz), T Dusautoir (Toulouse), J Bonnaire (Bourgoin).
Replacements: J-B Poux (Toulouse), D Szarzewski (Stade Francais), S Chabal (Sale Sharks), I Harinordoquy (Biarritz), F Michalak (Toulouse), C Dominici (Stade Francais), C Poitrenaud (Toulouse).
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa).
Touch judges: Paul Honiss (New Zealand) and Marius Jonker (South Africa).
despite turning the game when he came on as a second-half substitute against the All Blacks.
Damien Traille, a centre by trade, keeps his place at full-back, while Serge Betsen and Olivier Milloud have recovered from knocks sustained last weekend to start against the world champions.
Flanker Betsen took a knee to the head against the Kiwis and was forced off after just five minutes. He is back in training though, and team manager Jo Maso insisted the Biarritz star is fit.
``No doctor would take any risks in this respect,'' Maso said. ``We had some tests done in Wales, and he is okay.
``Please trust us, we would not put him on the pitch if he was in any way unfit.
France's sensational comeback display against the All Blacks, who were 13-3 ahead at half-time at the Millennium Stadium, clearly impressed the Les Bleus selectors.
Maso added: ``We are using the team that beat New Zealand last week because we were satisfied with their performance.
``We beat New Zealand with this team so there is no need to change. We had two possible ways of playing and we have chosen this one.''
Head coach Bernard Laporte predicted the boot of Jonny Wilkinson and England's defence would be the main dangers on Saturday.
``As far as they are concerned, we know their main strength is their defence,'' he said.
``In our case we are looking at Wilkinson as he is the world's best kicker, and we need to be careful what he does.
``I am confident we have made the right choices.''
It is the first time since November 2004 that Laporte has named the same team for back-to-back matches.
Laporte insisted the team selection was not an emotional choice following the amazing defeat of the All Blacks.
``So far we have chosen five different teams for five different games, and we have chosen those teams on a sporting and mental criteria.
``The eight not on the pitch are as important as the 22 on it. We trust all of them.
``Hopefully we have two more matches to go - that is the objective.''
Neutrals will be hoping for another dramatic twist in this year's tournament and with the game's biggest prize looming into view neither side will be found wanting for commitment.
Key Battles:
JONNY WILKINSON v LIONEL BEAUXIS
World Cup record-breaker Wilkinson - he now has more points than any other player in the tournament's history - averaged 17 points a game during England's unbeaten three-Test run that secured an unexpected semi-final place. The fly-half's mere presence has lifted an England side that floundered badly during its opening two pool games, but opposite number Beauxis, at just 22, is one of world rugby's rising stars. He handled the pressure brilliantly against New Zealand last Saturday, and will seek a repeat performance.
ANDY GOMARSALL v JEAN-BAPTISTE ELISSALDE
England's 2003 World Cup captain Martin Johnson has hailed scrum-half Gomarsall's influence on the team since he broke into it three games ago. He is at the peak of his powers, which represents an amazing transformation for a player who did not have a club last year and found himself involved in pub sevens rugby. Gomarsall is relishing every minute of England's World Cup progression, yet he will need to produce another top-class display opposite Elissalde, whose goalkicking and general stewardship behind a powerful French pack means he poses an immense threat.
ANDREW SHERIDAN v PIETER DE VILLIERS
Sale strongman Sheridan made powerful claims as the world's most destructive loosehead prop, courtesy of another wrecking job on the bewildered Australia front-row in Marseille last Saturday. Rarely, in recent Test rugby history, has one team's scrum been so dominant. Sheridan and company, though, accept France will be a much tougher proposition in that department, with vastly-experienced De Villiers unlikely to crumble in anything like the fashion that Wallabies tighthead Guy Shepherdson folded.
SIMON SHAW v FABIEN PELOUS
Wasps lock Shaw, even allowing for Sheridan's immense effort against Australia, has probably been the form England forward of their World Cup campaign. A magnificent scrummager, mighty ball-carrier and colossal physical presence, it begs the question why he has started less than 30 Tests since making his red rose debut 11 years ago. Shaw's second-row partnership with Ben Kay has flourished, and he could gain a significant edge over opposite number Pelous, the former France captain now approaching 120 caps. Age - 34 and 33, respectively - won't be a barrier to either of them, but if England win, then expect a dominant display by Shaw.
Teams for England versus France, World Cup semi-final, Stade de France, Paris, Saturday.
England: J Robinson (unattached); P Sackey (Wasps), M Tait (Newcastle), M Catt (London Irish), J Lewsey (Wasps); J Wilkinson (Newcastle), A Gomarsall (Harlequins); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), M Regan (Bristol), P Vickery (Wasps, capt), S Shaw (Wasps), B Kay (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins).
Replacements: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), L Dallaglio (Wasps), J Worsley (Wasps), P Richards (London Irish), T Flood (Newcastle), D Hipkiss (Leicester).
France: D Traille (Biarritz); V Clerc (Toulouse), D Marty (Perpignan), Y Jauzion (Toulouse), C Heymans (Toulouse); L Beauxis (Stade Francais), J-B Elissalde (Toulouse); O Milloud (Bourgoin), R Ibanez (Wasps, capt), P de Villiers (Stade Francais), F Pelous (Toulouse), J Thion (Biarritz), S Betsen (Biarritz), T Dusautoir (Toulouse), J Bonnaire (Bourgoin).
Replacements: J-B Poux (Toulouse), D Szarzewski (Stade Francais), S Chabal (Sale Sharks), I Harinordoquy (Biarritz), F Michalak (Toulouse), C Dominici (Stade Francais), C Poitrenaud (Toulouse).
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa).
Touch judges: Paul Honiss (New Zealand) and Marius Jonker (South Africa).
England v France - FRAKA video :)
s Wilkinson sharp enough to face Chabal and the Fraka (that's the
french Haka) ? Did he not see what happenened to the old Haka?
Find out now with this new exclusive preview of Saturday's crunch,
from Ovaltv ! Also featuring michalak, Dominici, Pelous, Betsen,
Nyanga, Ibanez, Elissalde and Martin !
Friday, October 12, 2007
South Africa v Argentina
VENUE & TIME
St Denis, France. Monday, October 15, 5am (AEST)
HEAD TO HEAD
Played 11. South Africa 11, Argentina 0
LAST TIME
November 5, 2005 (Buenos Aires) South Africa 34-23 Argentina
TEAM CHANGES
Yet to be announced but both are expected to field the same sides as last week.
FORM
South Africa has been one of the form teams throughout this Rugby World Cup but having said that it has been troubled by Pacific Island nations Tonga and Fiji. The Boks were odds-on to win their quarter-final last week but Fiji had them on the ropes at 20-20 late in the second half. Only a superb rolling tackle from JP Pietersen saved the Fijians going in front with a try before disciplined play from the Boks saw them score two late tries to seal the match. They have had the upper hand over the Pumas over the years and should go into the match as favourites - not that it seems to count for much in this RWC.
Argentina has been the surprise packet of the tournament so far. From their shock opening win over France the Pumas have strung five straight wins together to make it to the RWC semi-finals for the first time. They possess an astute kicking game and their backline is flamboyant, but that is backed up by a solid pack that will take the game to the Springboks. They will go in as underdogs but they are playing with so much passion it is hard to discount them.
WHO'S HOT
Veteran forwards John Smit, Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha stood tall when their country needed them last weekend against Fiji. Matfield's inside pass for Pietersen's try was special and their work in the rucks is crucial. The evergreen Percy Montgomery is playing outstanding rugby, while scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and centre Jacque Fourie are also in fine form.
Pumas inside back trio of scrumhalf Agustin Pichot, fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez and centre Felipe Contepomi are playing inspired rugby. The interaction and kicking game of these three has kept opposition defences guessing and allows the Pumas to get on the front foot in games. Up front no one is in better form than big No.8 Gonzalo Longo Elia, who turned in a man-of-the-match performance against the Scots last weekend. Prop Rodrigo Roncero and lock Carlos Ignacio Lobbe are also in fine fettle.
WE THINK
The Springboks should have this one in the bag but that is a dangerous thing to say in this Rugby World Cup. The Pumas will take the game to the South Africans in the forwards and have the backline to score points but we feel they may be so chuffed at getting this far that they can afford to lose and still be happy - the Boks won't - they want 'Bill' and should have too much composure for their Southern hemisphere counterparts.
TEAMS
Likely Line-ups:
South Africa
1. Os du Rant, 2. John Smit (c), 3. Jannie du Plessis, 4. Bakkies Botha, 5. Victor Matfield, 6. Schalk Burger, 7. Juan Smithh, 8. Danie Rossouw, 9. Fourie du Preez, 10. Butch James, 11. Bryan Habana, 12. Francois Steyn, 13. Jaque Fourie, 14. JP Pietersen, 15. Percy Montgomery
Reserves: 16. Gary Botha, 17. Guthro Steenkamp, 18. Johannes Muller, 19. Wikus van Heerden, 20. Ruan Pienaar, 21. Andre Pretorius, 22. Wynand Olivier
Argentina
1. Rodrigo Roncero, 2. Mario Ledesma Arocena, 3. Martin Scelzo, 4. Carlos Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 5. Patricio Albaceta, 6. Lucas Ostiglia, 7. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 8. Gonzalo Longo Elia, 9. Agustin Pichot , 10. Juan Martin Hernandez, 11. Horacio Agulla, 12. Felipe Contemponi, 13. Manuel Contemponi, 14. Lucas Borges, 15. Ignacio Corleto
Reserves: 16. Alberto Vernet Basualdo, 17. Omar Hasan Jalil, 18. Rimas Alvarez Kaielis, 19. Juam Manual Leguizamon, 20. Nicolas Fernandez Miranda, 21. Federico Todeschini, 22. Mernan Senillosa
England v France
Clips from the 87, 91, 95 Rugby world cups.
St Denis, France. Monday, October 15, 5am (AEST)
HEAD TO HEAD
Played 11. South Africa 11, Argentina 0
LAST TIME
November 5, 2005 (Buenos Aires) South Africa 34-23 Argentina
TEAM CHANGES
Yet to be announced but both are expected to field the same sides as last week.
FORM
South Africa has been one of the form teams throughout this Rugby World Cup but having said that it has been troubled by Pacific Island nations Tonga and Fiji. The Boks were odds-on to win their quarter-final last week but Fiji had them on the ropes at 20-20 late in the second half. Only a superb rolling tackle from JP Pietersen saved the Fijians going in front with a try before disciplined play from the Boks saw them score two late tries to seal the match. They have had the upper hand over the Pumas over the years and should go into the match as favourites - not that it seems to count for much in this RWC.
Argentina has been the surprise packet of the tournament so far. From their shock opening win over France the Pumas have strung five straight wins together to make it to the RWC semi-finals for the first time. They possess an astute kicking game and their backline is flamboyant, but that is backed up by a solid pack that will take the game to the Springboks. They will go in as underdogs but they are playing with so much passion it is hard to discount them.
WHO'S HOT
Veteran forwards John Smit, Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha stood tall when their country needed them last weekend against Fiji. Matfield's inside pass for Pietersen's try was special and their work in the rucks is crucial. The evergreen Percy Montgomery is playing outstanding rugby, while scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and centre Jacque Fourie are also in fine form.
Pumas inside back trio of scrumhalf Agustin Pichot, fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez and centre Felipe Contepomi are playing inspired rugby. The interaction and kicking game of these three has kept opposition defences guessing and allows the Pumas to get on the front foot in games. Up front no one is in better form than big No.8 Gonzalo Longo Elia, who turned in a man-of-the-match performance against the Scots last weekend. Prop Rodrigo Roncero and lock Carlos Ignacio Lobbe are also in fine fettle.
WE THINK
The Springboks should have this one in the bag but that is a dangerous thing to say in this Rugby World Cup. The Pumas will take the game to the South Africans in the forwards and have the backline to score points but we feel they may be so chuffed at getting this far that they can afford to lose and still be happy - the Boks won't - they want 'Bill' and should have too much composure for their Southern hemisphere counterparts.
TEAMS
Likely Line-ups:
South Africa
1. Os du Rant, 2. John Smit (c), 3. Jannie du Plessis, 4. Bakkies Botha, 5. Victor Matfield, 6. Schalk Burger, 7. Juan Smithh, 8. Danie Rossouw, 9. Fourie du Preez, 10. Butch James, 11. Bryan Habana, 12. Francois Steyn, 13. Jaque Fourie, 14. JP Pietersen, 15. Percy Montgomery
Reserves: 16. Gary Botha, 17. Guthro Steenkamp, 18. Johannes Muller, 19. Wikus van Heerden, 20. Ruan Pienaar, 21. Andre Pretorius, 22. Wynand Olivier
Argentina
1. Rodrigo Roncero, 2. Mario Ledesma Arocena, 3. Martin Scelzo, 4. Carlos Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 5. Patricio Albaceta, 6. Lucas Ostiglia, 7. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 8. Gonzalo Longo Elia, 9. Agustin Pichot , 10. Juan Martin Hernandez, 11. Horacio Agulla, 12. Felipe Contemponi, 13. Manuel Contemponi, 14. Lucas Borges, 15. Ignacio Corleto
Reserves: 16. Alberto Vernet Basualdo, 17. Omar Hasan Jalil, 18. Rimas Alvarez Kaielis, 19. Juam Manual Leguizamon, 20. Nicolas Fernandez Miranda, 21. Federico Todeschini, 22. Mernan Senillosa
England v France
Clips from the 87, 91, 95 Rugby world cups.
England v France
England v France - Match Pack
England take on tournament hosts France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday with a place in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final awaiting the winner.
Few people would have predicted that these two sides would be lining up against each other at the Stade de France following their equally unimpressive tournament debuts.
England's error-strewn performance against the USA at least resulted in victory - for France, the price they paid for a lacklustre display against Argentina was defeat.
England's campaign would hit rock bottom at the hands of the Springboks who inflicted a 36-0 mauling.
Like the majority of their Six Nations contemporaries both England and France failed to find top gear in the pool stages and the general northern hemsiphere malaise had fans and pundits alike writing off the chances of the tournament hosts and defending champions.
Last weekend's quarter-finals were set to be the last hurrah with very few giving either side any hope of snuffing out the chances of the undefeated southern hemisphere giants New Zealand and South Africa.
But sport has a habit of making fools of all the so-called experts.
At the end of a thrilling day of action last Saturday both sides found themselves in the last four and had once again guaranteed the much maligned-northern hemsiphere a finalist in the sport's biggest tournament.
England head coach Brian Ashton has retained the team captained by prop Phil Vickery that sent the Wallabies crashing at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
It is the first time during Ashton's 15-Test reign as head coach that he has named the same side in successive games.
And it would hardly have been a long selection meeting, given the strength of England's performance in defeating their quarter-final opponents last weekend.
Full-back Jason Robinson will become the latest England player to win 50 caps in what would be his farewell Test match before retirement should France win.
Robinson's fellow 2003 World Cup-winner Mike Catt is retained in midfield alongside Mathew Tait after answering a late SOS to replace the injured Andy Farrell against the Wallabies.
And the pack that destroyed Australia's forwards in Marseille is also retained, with England hoping for another mighty scrummaging performance from their front row of Andrew Sheridan, Mark Regan and Vickery.
Lawrence Dallaglio again has to be content with a place on the bench, missing out behind Harlequins number eight Nick Easter, who packs down in the back row alongside Leicester pair Martin Corry and Lewis Moody.
Ashton said: ``It certainly makes a difference (to be able to name an unchanged team). The 22 out there last week more than merit another shot at it this week.
``We need to improve in all areas, we know that. I can't imagine we will catch France off-guard in the same way we caught Australia off-guard.
``France are the home country, at the home stadium, the crowd are behind them, we will have to go up a gear. We know that.''
Catt was preferred to Farrell, who misses out on a place in the squad with Toby Flood retained on the bench.
``Mike took his chance last week, simple as that. It was a very, very difficult decision,'' said Ashton.
``Toby came on with 18 minutes to go in a hot pressure situation and I thought he handled himself exceptionally well in all areas of the game.''
Robinson will lead the team out at the Stade de France and said: ``This is what I came out of retirement for. It is a massive, massive game.''
England are bidding to reach a second successive World Cup final and remain on course to make history, given that no country has successfully defended the Webb Ellis Trophy.
France have also named an unchanged team that is set to be roared on by the vast majority of a packed Stade de France.
Frederic Michalak was unable to displace Lionel Beauxis at fly-half, despite turning the game when he came on as a second-half substitute against the All Blacks.
Damien Traille, a centre by trade, keeps his place at full-back, while Serge Betsen and Olivier Milloud have recovered from knocks sustained last weekend to start against the world champions.
Flanker Betsen took a knee to the head against the Kiwis and was forced off after just five minutes. He is back in training though, and team manager Jo Maso insisted the Biarritz star is fit.
``No doctor would take any risks in this respect,'' Maso said. ``We had some tests done in Wales, and he is okay.
``Please trust us, we would not put him on the pitch if he was in any way unfit.
France's sensational comeback display against the All Blacks, who were 13-3 ahead at half-time at the Millennium Stadium, clearly impressed the Les Bleus selectors.
Maso added: ``We are using the team that beat New Zealand last week because we were satisfied with their performance.
``We beat New Zealand with this team so there is no need to change. We had two possible ways of playing and we have chosen this one.''
Head coach Bernard Laporte predicted the boot of Jonny Wilkinson and England's defence would be the main dangers on Saturday.
``As far as they are concerned, we know their main strength is their defence,'' he said.
``In our case we are looking at Wilkinson as he is the world's best kicker, and we need to be careful what he does.
``I am confident we have made the right choices.''
It is the first time since November 2004 that Laporte has named the same team for back-to-back matches.
Laporte insisted the team selection was not an emotional choice following the amazing defeat of the All Blacks.
``So far we have chosen five different teams for five different games, and we have chosen those teams on a sporting and mental criteria.
``The eight not on the pitch are as important as the 22 on it. We trust all of them.
``Hopefully we have two more matches to go - that is the objective.''
Neutrals will be hoping for another dramatic twist in this year's tournament and with the game's biggest prize looming into view neither side will be found wanting for commitment.
Key Battles:
JONNY WILKINSON v LIONEL BEAUXIS
World Cup record-breaker Wilkinson - he now has more points than any other player in the tournament's history - averaged 17 points a game during England's unbeaten three-Test run that secured an unexpected semi-final place. The fly-half's mere presence has lifted an England side that floundered badly during its opening two pool games, but opposite number Beauxis, at just 22, is one of world rugby's rising stars. He handled the pressure brilliantly against New Zealand last Saturday, and will seek a repeat performance.
ANDY GOMARSALL v JEAN-BAPTISTE ELISSALDE
England's 2003 World Cup captain Martin Johnson has hailed scrum-half Gomarsall's influence on the team since he broke into it three games ago. He is at the peak of his powers, which represents an amazing transformation for a player who did not have a club last year and found himself involved in pub sevens rugby. Gomarsall is relishing every minute of England's World Cup progression, yet he will need to produce another top-class display opposite Elissalde, whose goalkicking and general stewardship behind a powerful French pack means he poses an immense threat.
ANDREW SHERIDAN v PIETER DE VILLIERS
Sale strongman Sheridan made powerful claims as the world's most destructive loosehead prop, courtesy of another wrecking job on the bewildered Australia front-row in Marseille last Saturday. Rarely, in recent Test rugby history, has one team's scrum been so dominant. Sheridan and company, though, accept France will be a much tougher proposition in that department, with vastly-experienced De Villiers unlikely to crumble in anything like the fashion that Wallabies tighthead Guy Shepherdson folded.
SIMON SHAW v FABIEN PELOUS
Wasps lock Shaw, even allowing for Sheridan's immense effort against Australia, has probably been the form England forward of their World Cup campaign. A magnificent scrummager, mighty ball-carrier and colossal physical presence, it begs the question why he has started less than 30 Tests since making his red rose debut 11 years ago. Shaw's second-row partnership with Ben Kay has flourished, and he could gain a significant edge over opposite number Pelous, the former France captain now approaching 120 caps. Age - 34 and 33, respectively - won't be a barrier to either of them, but if England win, then expect a dominant display by Shaw.
Teams for England versus France, World Cup semi-final, Stade de France, Paris, Saturday.
England: J Robinson (unattached); P Sackey (Wasps), M Tait (Newcastle), M Catt (London Irish), J Lewsey (Wasps); J Wilkinson (Newcastle), A Gomarsall (Harlequins); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), M Regan (Bristol), P Vickery (Wasps, capt), S Shaw (Wasps), B Kay (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins).
Replacements: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), L Dallaglio (Wasps), J Worsley (Wasps), P Richards (London Irish), T Flood (Newcastle), D Hipkiss (Leicester).
France: D Traille (Biarritz); V Clerc (Toulouse), D Marty (Perpignan), Y Jauzion (Toulouse), C Heymans (Toulouse); L Beauxis (Stade Francais), J-B Elissalde (Toulouse); O Milloud (Bourgoin), R Ibanez (Wasps, capt), P de Villiers (Stade Francais), F Pelous (Toulouse), J Thion (Biarritz), S Betsen (Biarritz), T Dusautoir (Toulouse), J Bonnaire (Bourgoin).
Replacements: J-B Poux (Toulouse), D Szarzewski (Stade Francais), S Chabal (Sale Sharks), I Harinordoquy (Biarritz), F Michalak (Toulouse), C Dominici (Stade Francais), C Poitrenaud (Toulouse).
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa).
Touch judges: Paul Honiss (New Zealand) and Marius Jonker (South Africa).
source: http://www.scrum.com
can England go on to retain the World Cup?
RWC03 semifinal England v France
RWC07 photos
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
can England go on to retain the World Cup?
Yes
Geoff Cooke
Coached England to the World Cup final in 1991 I have changed my mind completely about England's prospects as a result of that one performance against Australia. They made them look like a rabble. I have to admit I was one of those who did not think they would win but they astonished everyone, maybe even themselves, for the performance on Saturday did not just beat Australia: it sent them packing. France are extremely unlikely to be so disorganised and will not be so easily pushed around by the pack, but England will believe anything is possible now. The win over Australia will have given them so much confidence, and they know that if they beat France, it will all come down to one 80-minute game, probably against South Africa.
The mindset will be critical in the semi-final. If England had found themselves against New Zealand I think it would have been a different situation, because we have this fear of what they can do to us. The players know it is going to be tough, because they will be playing the whole of France on Saturday. But they have regularly beaten France over the years and, deep inside, they will be saying to themselves: "Hey, we know we can win this one." In a World Cup semi-final and final, the performance and result are as much about what is going on between your ears as the rest of your body. A lot may depend on how France deal with the expectation upon them, or whether they cave in to the frailty they have shown in the past. This could help England, because despite the win over Australia, I still do not think the same degree of expectation is hanging over them as it is France.
They will still have to take it up another level in their all-round game. The victory over Australia was about backs to the wall, a collective will to say: "We have been awful, and if we go out now it will stick in our memories for the rest of our lives." Had they been beaten they would have been remembered as a poor side that underperformed. It was that determination rather than any perceived improvement in tactics or combinations that forged the win.
And England do not need to change their tactics to beat France, South Africa or Argentina. England's strength is self-evident: a very good pack that finally played to its potential in Marseille. They were far too good for the Australians, particularly in the tight five. When that is backed up with a goalkicker of Jonny Wilkinson's calibre, there will always be an opportunity to win a one-off contest. You would have to admit that France have the more dangerous runners behind the scrum if they get quality possession. But England have the ability to deny teams that sort of ball. While they will not have the same advantage as they did over Australia, England still have the capacity to make life very uncomfortable in the scrummage, and particularly in the lineout: Simon Shaw is in the form of his life in terms of international rugby.
There is some truth in the theory that teams who have an unexpected and all-consuming victory struggle to raise themselves to the same level in the next game. But the circumstances here are slightly different. In England's case, they have already had their flat period: they played horribly badly in their first two games, but their performances have improved in every game since. It has all come together for them at the right time.
No
Nick Farr-Jones
World Cup-winning captain for Australia in 1991
We had the most amazing weekend of World Cup rugby. I woke up on Sunday morning and thought I was dreaming. Certainly I did not expect the France v New Zealand result. This World Cup has shown you should never rule anything out but you would have to look at France and South Africa as the most likely finalists. Who are now the favourites? On balance, the French.
The way that they played against New Zealand, their resolute defence and the composure to take their opportunities in the face of the All Blacks' strength at the set-piece, would suggest they are the team to beat. They are also going back to Paris and while some commentators might say that adds pressure, I have a feeling that France will rise to the occasion again against England in front of their supporters at the Stade de France. Man for man they have the better team and they also traditionally beat England when the teams meet on French soil.
Don't get me wrong, England will give it everything. They have really rallied since what you would have to describe as an almost disgraceful performance against South Africa in the group stages. In fact, that seems to have been a bonding experience for the team. They came off and simply said to themselves: "We cannot play like that again". They knew there were too many stakeholders in the English game that they had let down and since then you have seen them grow a terrific team spirit and I expected them to be very difficult for Australia to beat. There seems to be something about England and Australia in World Cups: they have now put us out of three out of the six tournaments played.
Michael Lynagh was probably right when he was quoted as saying that England had the game to beat Australia more than they did the other southern hemisphere countries or France and that the Wallabies would probably prefer to play South Africa in the quarter-final. It was no surprise England were all over us in the scrum or that they gained momentum from that. They know how to shut down the Australian team up front whereas we are more familiar with South Africa.
You have to say that you would probably not be surprised were Argentina to beat South Africa, who did not look good against the Fijians. Having said that, I do not want to take anything away from the wonderful performance by the Fijians but I think you will see a different South Africa side in the semi-final to the one that struggled in Marseille. The match was played in 30-degree heat and when I looked around in the last 15 to 20 minutes a lot of the big Springbok forwards were walking; they were out on their feet. The match in Paris is being played at 9pm and you will see a different South Africa, using their big forward pack to dominate: that is how they win their rugby.
There is no doubt, though, that it is extremely hard to predict what is going to happen anymore. It has been the most bizarre, and indeed the most amazing, World Cup. After the weekend's results form has gone out of the window in terms of deciding who will win it.
Nick-Farr Jones is an ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme. The Tackle Hunger campaign at the World Cup aims to raise awareness of the millions deprived of food and nutrition.
And what do you think?
RWC07 FRANCE v ALL BLACKS
RWC07 France vs Ireland
England vs Australia [World Cup Final 2003]
Rugby world cup 2003 semifinal England v France
Geoff Cooke
Coached England to the World Cup final in 1991 I have changed my mind completely about England's prospects as a result of that one performance against Australia. They made them look like a rabble. I have to admit I was one of those who did not think they would win but they astonished everyone, maybe even themselves, for the performance on Saturday did not just beat Australia: it sent them packing. France are extremely unlikely to be so disorganised and will not be so easily pushed around by the pack, but England will believe anything is possible now. The win over Australia will have given them so much confidence, and they know that if they beat France, it will all come down to one 80-minute game, probably against South Africa.
The mindset will be critical in the semi-final. If England had found themselves against New Zealand I think it would have been a different situation, because we have this fear of what they can do to us. The players know it is going to be tough, because they will be playing the whole of France on Saturday. But they have regularly beaten France over the years and, deep inside, they will be saying to themselves: "Hey, we know we can win this one." In a World Cup semi-final and final, the performance and result are as much about what is going on between your ears as the rest of your body. A lot may depend on how France deal with the expectation upon them, or whether they cave in to the frailty they have shown in the past. This could help England, because despite the win over Australia, I still do not think the same degree of expectation is hanging over them as it is France.
They will still have to take it up another level in their all-round game. The victory over Australia was about backs to the wall, a collective will to say: "We have been awful, and if we go out now it will stick in our memories for the rest of our lives." Had they been beaten they would have been remembered as a poor side that underperformed. It was that determination rather than any perceived improvement in tactics or combinations that forged the win.
And England do not need to change their tactics to beat France, South Africa or Argentina. England's strength is self-evident: a very good pack that finally played to its potential in Marseille. They were far too good for the Australians, particularly in the tight five. When that is backed up with a goalkicker of Jonny Wilkinson's calibre, there will always be an opportunity to win a one-off contest. You would have to admit that France have the more dangerous runners behind the scrum if they get quality possession. But England have the ability to deny teams that sort of ball. While they will not have the same advantage as they did over Australia, England still have the capacity to make life very uncomfortable in the scrummage, and particularly in the lineout: Simon Shaw is in the form of his life in terms of international rugby.
There is some truth in the theory that teams who have an unexpected and all-consuming victory struggle to raise themselves to the same level in the next game. But the circumstances here are slightly different. In England's case, they have already had their flat period: they played horribly badly in their first two games, but their performances have improved in every game since. It has all come together for them at the right time.
No
Nick Farr-Jones
World Cup-winning captain for Australia in 1991
We had the most amazing weekend of World Cup rugby. I woke up on Sunday morning and thought I was dreaming. Certainly I did not expect the France v New Zealand result. This World Cup has shown you should never rule anything out but you would have to look at France and South Africa as the most likely finalists. Who are now the favourites? On balance, the French.
The way that they played against New Zealand, their resolute defence and the composure to take their opportunities in the face of the All Blacks' strength at the set-piece, would suggest they are the team to beat. They are also going back to Paris and while some commentators might say that adds pressure, I have a feeling that France will rise to the occasion again against England in front of their supporters at the Stade de France. Man for man they have the better team and they also traditionally beat England when the teams meet on French soil.
Don't get me wrong, England will give it everything. They have really rallied since what you would have to describe as an almost disgraceful performance against South Africa in the group stages. In fact, that seems to have been a bonding experience for the team. They came off and simply said to themselves: "We cannot play like that again". They knew there were too many stakeholders in the English game that they had let down and since then you have seen them grow a terrific team spirit and I expected them to be very difficult for Australia to beat. There seems to be something about England and Australia in World Cups: they have now put us out of three out of the six tournaments played.
Michael Lynagh was probably right when he was quoted as saying that England had the game to beat Australia more than they did the other southern hemisphere countries or France and that the Wallabies would probably prefer to play South Africa in the quarter-final. It was no surprise England were all over us in the scrum or that they gained momentum from that. They know how to shut down the Australian team up front whereas we are more familiar with South Africa.
You have to say that you would probably not be surprised were Argentina to beat South Africa, who did not look good against the Fijians. Having said that, I do not want to take anything away from the wonderful performance by the Fijians but I think you will see a different South Africa side in the semi-final to the one that struggled in Marseille. The match was played in 30-degree heat and when I looked around in the last 15 to 20 minutes a lot of the big Springbok forwards were walking; they were out on their feet. The match in Paris is being played at 9pm and you will see a different South Africa, using their big forward pack to dominate: that is how they win their rugby.
There is no doubt, though, that it is extremely hard to predict what is going to happen anymore. It has been the most bizarre, and indeed the most amazing, World Cup. After the weekend's results form has gone out of the window in terms of deciding who will win it.
Nick-Farr Jones is an ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme. The Tackle Hunger campaign at the World Cup aims to raise awareness of the millions deprived of food and nutrition.
And what do you think?
RWC07 FRANCE v ALL BLACKS
RWC07 France vs Ireland
England vs Australia [World Cup Final 2003]
Rugby world cup 2003 semifinal England v France
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
USA Sevens - Tries Of The Tournament - 2007
The best tries from the 2007 USA Sevens. The USA Sevens is the premier American rugby event. Featuring 16 nations playing in 44 matches over the course of the weekend
The tries:
1. Fiji vs. New Zealand
2. Kenya vs. Australia
3. Samoa vs. France
4. New Zealand vs. Canada
5. Fiji vs. Samoa (tournament final)
6. England vs. USA
7. France vs. Canada
8. USA vs. Kenya
9. Samoa vs. Fiji (tournament final)
10. USA vs. England
11. South Africa vs. Fiji
12. England vs. New Zealand
FRANCE v ALL BLACKS 1/4 FINAL
France vs Ireland
The tries:
1. Fiji vs. New Zealand
2. Kenya vs. Australia
3. Samoa vs. France
4. New Zealand vs. Canada
5. Fiji vs. Samoa (tournament final)
6. England vs. USA
7. France vs. Canada
8. USA vs. Kenya
9. Samoa vs. Fiji (tournament final)
10. USA vs. England
11. South Africa vs. Fiji
12. England vs. New Zealand
FRANCE v ALL BLACKS 1/4 FINAL
France vs Ireland
Rugby v soccer
In my opinion this is a great video. Everyone who likes football says the same, footbal is better, goals, goals anda goals and tricks... how many times a football match finishes 0-0 that's impossible in rugby. In spain there are a said very famous: boys play football, girls play volleyball and men play rugby.
Rugby fights
RWC07 Key players
A basic overview of the rules of rugby.
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