RWC 2007 England v France
Preview of the 1st Semifinal of the 2007 Rugby World Cup
After big upsets of their more fancied southern hemisphere opponents, England and France head into the semifinal full of momentum
Four weeks ago, after a humbling and comprehensive loss to South Africa, England were written off by critics as contenders for the Cup. In fact it was questioned whether they had the ability to even make it as far as the quarterfinals. Fast forward to now and, after a crushing display against an out-muscled Australian team, all of a sudden things are looking much brighter for the defending champions. This turn of events has shocked the rugby world and reduced many proud (some would say arrogant) Australian fans to tears once again.
The performance on Saturday was simply one of breathtaking strength. The English forward pack, led by man of the match Andy Sheridan, simply blew their opposite numbers away. The Australian scrum looked a right mess and the English used this momentum to constantly keep the Wallabies on the back foot. They defended like men possessed and always kept in touch with the Wallabies through Johnny Wilkinson’s kicking.
The fact that they did not cross the Australian tryline is irrelevant. They did not go out on the paddock to beat the Australians with flair and finesse. They approached the game with one aim in mind – to simply bully the Australians into submission. The execution could not have been more perfect. The English plan of attack for the semi will surely be a mirror of the plan which worked so well in Marseille.
The French will pose different problems however. The French pack is arguably stronger than their Wallaby equivalent and their backline, while not as polished, is definitely capable of turning a match on its end as witnessed by the upset of New Zealand. Much like England, France got off to a horror start in the Cup, losing to unfavoured pool rivals Argentina. The French media labelled the team a disgrace and the 'reward’ for the loss was a quarterfinal against the unbackable favourites, away from home in Cardiff.
The game did not go as scripted though. With the Kiwis leading 13-0 after 30 minutes all looked lost. But a fine comeback win stirred up memories of the French masterpiece of 1999 and sent the proud rugby nation of New Zealand into their four-yearly period of mourning.
A key for France in the semifinal will be health. They have at least ten members of the team nursing injuries and how they recover will surely play a part in Saturday’s clash. Look for France to use a long kicking game with the intent of pinning the English deep in their own half, neutralising Wilkinson’s goal kicking. They will also be keen to unleash their backline but, as proved in the English quarterfinal, they will require a mighty effort from the pack for this to happen.
With two fierce rivals from the north facing up in the semifinal which, according to common belief, was supposed to feature the more fancied teams from down under, it is perhaps a chilling reminder to the powers that be in Australia and New Zealand that northern hemisphere rugby is still a force to be reckoned with.
The media focus is now on the demise of the two southern hemisphere powerhouses and the English are building momentum and looking to become the first team to win successive World Cups. France on the other hand, have the pressure of a home crowd willing them on and demanding success.
The two teams are charging full steam ahead to the final and this will truly be a momentous clash.
Prediction: France by 9
Further information regarding the Rugby World Cup including lineups, results and stats can be found at the official site for the tournament.
Preview of the 2nd Semifinal featuring South Africa and Argentina.
