Final preview

(Image from BBC Sport)

After 44 days, 47 games, 2230 points including 260 tries, it all comes down to eighty minutes of hard fought World Cup Rugby.

For New Zealand, the weight of a nation to whom rugby is a religion, is firmly on their shoulders. The All Blacks have so much to gain but just as much, if not more to lose. The heart-ache of 2007 will be stuck firmly in the minds of every All Black player and supporter, knowing full well that if things don’t quite go to plan, the murmuring echoes of ‘chokers’ will become fully fledged screams before too long. Never has a group of players deserved to be World Champions more than this current crop of All Blacks, but as they well know, in the harsh environment of international sport, you must earn everything.

France in contrast, are major underdogs. In fact, underdog doesn’t really cut it, the press in New Zealand have been discussing not who will win, but by how many the All Blacks will destroy their opponents. France could be the worst side to ever appear in a World Cup final, based purely on their performances so far, they may well be. For les bleus, it depends entirely on which side gets off of the coach; if it is the error ridden, self-destructing group of individuals that turned up to play Tonga, this final could be the most one-sided affair in the tournaments’ history. But if the exciting and passionate unit that played in Cardiff four years ago turns up, ready to take this monumental challenge head-on, we could be in for an incredible finale to one of the greatest RWCs of all time.

A lot once again, depends on young Aaron Cruden. Two strong performances from the young fly-half have propelled him on to rugby’s biggest stage and all eyes will be on the Crusaders man, come Sunday. As always, Richie McCaw will also have a major say on the outcome of this game; the New Zealand captain has urged his side to seize their opportunity and McCaw will thrive on leading his team into battle.

Will it be 80 minutes or another four years for New Zealand? Can the French cause one of the biggest upsets in rugby history? Whichever way it goes, we’re in for a fantastic finish to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Round-Up: Third place play-off

With this blog I have reached 1000 hits for the Tournament. But on to the more important stuff…

Wales 18-21 Australia

Had you offered Warren Gatland and his side a fourth place finish at the start of the tournament; you may well have very little left of your once useful arms. But as the Welsh depart New Zealand just outside the medals, you can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment.

Their third place play-off with Australia summed up the whole World Cup for Wales, close, but not close enough. When this group of players look back at the 2011 World Cup, they may rue the number of kicks at goal that were missed along the way.

Tries from Berrick Barnes and Ben McCalman, a Barnes drop-goal and eight points from the boot of James O’Connor were enough to earn Australia the bronze medal, in a game that wasn’t quite as close as the score line suggests.

Shane Williams scored a try early in the second half to give Wales the lead, but they failed to build upon this and were unable to replicate the potent attacking form that had been present throughout the tournament.

The game was scrappy, very short on quality and a bit of an anti-climax; with both sets of player’s still nursing semi-final heartbreak. But the match was somewhat marred by a sickening knee injury to Quade Cooper, which is likely to side-line him for around six months. As the Wallaby fly-half looked for a gap in the defence, his knee buckled beneath him and he fell awkwardly. He returned later to collect his medal with a brace around his knee and supported by crutches, it could be a while before we see him back on the rugby pitch.

With time running out and the Wallabies comfortably leading, Wales had the last say as a swift handling move led to Leigh Halfpenny scoring out wide. Stephen Jones converted but it was to be the final act of the game.

Wales can leave New Zealand with their heads held high, despite the obvious disappointment and dreams of what might have been. But once this feeling subsides, the players and staff will feel proud of their achievements and look forward to a new era of Welsh rugby. 

In many people’s minds, they are no doubts as to who will start the 2012 Six Nations as favourites.

Talking Points: Day 40

Moral high ground: Warren Gatland has admitted that his coaching team did discuss the possibility of faking an injury to a front-row forward in order to force uncontested scrums, minimising the disadvantage caused by the red card. But Gatland went on to say that in his opinion, it would have been morally wrong.

Quade and seek: Another poor performance from Australia’s Quade Cooper during Sunday’s semi-final with New Zealand has heightened question marks over the Wallaby fly-half’s ability to perform in the big games.

Deja-vu: France coach Marc Lievremont has labelled a number of his players ‘spoilt brats’ after they ignored a direct order not to go out following their semi-final victory over Wales.

Harsh: Wales’ captain Sam Warburton has been given a three-week suspension following his controversial red card for a dangerous tackle against France. 

Semi-final round-up: AB's march on...

Wales’ epic World Cup journey was brought to a controversial end on Saturday as captain Sam Warburton was sent off for a dangerous tackle during their 9-8 defeat to France.

Eighteen minutes in to the semi-final clash in Auckland, France’s Vincent Clerc took a short pass from Dimitri Yachvili. As the winger accelerated on to the ball he was met by the ferocious frame of the Wales captain. As Warburton hit Clerc around the waist and wrapped his arms around the tackle, Clerc was taken off of his feet in what looked to be a textbook tackle. But as he drove through the hit, Clerc began to turn over, causing the Welshman to release the player in mid-air. Had Warburton not dropped him, he would have driven the player into the ground, potentially causing serious injury. Referee Alain Rouland wasted no time in issuing the red card, to the disbelief of the players. 

The decision to red card Sam Warburton for a ‘dangerous tackle’ surprised everyone and should have ended the match as a contest. But France’s inconsistency returned and they failed to offer any threat to the fourteen man Welsh defence.

Three penalties from Yachvili were all they could muster, and when Mike Phillips surged through a gap to score Wales’ only try, one of the great World Cup upsets looked to be on the cards. But a 50 metre shot at goal from Leigh Halfpenny was as close as they got; the full-backs valiant effort fell inches short and France held on to reach this weekends’ final.

The second semi-final was anything but close as a rampant All Black’s crushed Australia to go a step closer to ending their 24 year wait. There were few signs of choking this time round, barely a cough in fact as New Zealand’s fluent attack and resolute defence blow away their trans-Tasman rivals.

Ma’a Nonu’s first half try put them in control following a strong break from the impressive Israel Dagg; a sure contender for player of the tournament. New Zealand remained in control for the full eighty minutes and twelve points from Piri Weepu and a drop-goal from Aaron Cruden sealed a famous victory for Graham Henry’s men.

The match had been billed as a battle of the open-sides; the old master V the young pretender. Despite all the hype surrounding David Pocock, it was Richie McCaw who came out on top in this particular battle. The AB’s captain was inspirational in his defensive work, with several vital turnovers and a number of important tackles; including a sure try-saver metres from the New Zealand line.

Pantomime villain Quade Cooper had another night to forget as he was evidently targeted by a pumped New Zealand side. The Wallabies’ number ten set the tone for his quiet night by putting his opening restart straight out on the full. As the All Blacks continued to vent their physicality towards the Kiwi-born fly-half, the mistakes became more frequent. A few kicks out on the full as well as some dodgy decisions rounded off a poor display from Cooper.

The current New Zealand side contains some old heads who won’t get another shot at World Cup glory; the likes of McCaw, Thorn, Ali Williams and Kevin Mealamu will be looking to end their World Cup careers on the highest of highs, with a win on home soil this weekend. On recent performances and the topsy-turvy nature of the opposition, it would take a brave, no, stupid person 

to bet against them.

Talking points: Day 35

Manu overboard: Just when we thought England’s WC campaign couldn’t get any worse, one of the few positives to come out of the tournament, Manu Tuilagi, decided to go for a dip in the Auckland Harbour; resulting in arrest and a hefty fine.

Cloning Pocock: New Zealand have dismissed reports that flanker Matt Todd, was brought into the camp to play the role of David Pocock during training. The AB’s prepare for their semi-final clash against the Wallabies knowing that the Australian open-side will pose the biggest threat.

Yash and Grab: Dimitri Yachvili is fit to start against Wales in Saturday’s semi-final after shaking off a thigh injury. France have called up Jean-Marc Doussain as cover.

Hooking on gas: James Hook will replace the injured Rhys Priestland at fly-half in Saturdays’ semi-final. Priestland hasn’t been able to train all week due to a shoulder injury sustained against Ireland.

Semi-final preview

Wales v France, Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday, KO 0900 (BST)

Wales: Odds to win WC 5/1

Key man: Sam Warburton

Wales’ growth and development this year could not have been better planned. Warren Gatland’s men have shown how simple a game rugby can be; they have been well drilled, superbly organised and solid in defence. In Sam Warburton they possess an inspirational leader, with the ability to rally his troops around hi m and lead them into battle. This tournament could be just the beginning for this group of fresh, young players. As England arrive home and begin to plan a clear out of the dead wood, Wales are only beginning their journey to a potentially long term dominance of northern hemisphere rugby.

France: Odds to win WC 8/1

Key man: Imanol Harinordoquy

Two weeks is a very long time in sport, especially French sport. Les Bleus have been showing off the extremities of their Jekyll and Hyde character throughout the tournament, none as impressive of their resurgent performance against England in Auckland last weekend. As bad as England were in the first half, France looked fresh, sharp and inspired by a brand new energy and ambition. There is no doubting the ability of this immensely talented group of players; however, their mental frailty will provide encouragement to an already confident Welsh outfit.  If the cockerel crows, France could well be in a very strong position to upset the odds and win the 2011 RWC.  

Tournament Talk prediction: France to upset the odds with another impressive performance. Wales’ time will come, possibly in 2015, but this time round, I think France will be back in Auckland next weekend.

New Zealand v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland, Sunday, KO 0900 (BST)

New Zealand: Odds to win WC 4/7

Key man: Whoever is selected at 10, big shoes to fill in the absence of Dan Carter. Aaron Cruden, who impressed from the bench last week is likely to start but the All Blacks have called up Stephen Donald as back-up.

The events of the last year in New Zealand would make a World Cup triumph as close to a fairy-tale as you are likely to get in rugby. The earthquakes in Christchurch may have destroyed a city, but they united a nation. An All Blacks World Cup win would be a perfect tribute to the victims of the earthquakes and Richie McCaw’s men look in prime position to overcome the mental obstacles that have prevented them in the past. The crunch semi-final clash with Australia is likely to be decided at the breakdown, with much emphasis being put on the battle of the number sevens. Master of the art Richie McCaw will come up against the young pretender, David Pocock, looking to remove the AB’s captain from his position as top dog at open-side. Aaron Cruden, or whoever is selected at fly-half will be under enormous pressure to emulate Dan Carter as well as possible. New Zealand will be wary of a dogged Australian side, whose defensive display against South Africa was mighty impressive, the AB’s will have to work hard to break down their trans-Tasman rivals.

Australia: Odds to win WC 9/2

Key man: David Pocock

27% territory and minimum position in a quarter-final would normally result in a trip home, but somehow Australia managed to withstand immense pressure to book their place in the semi-final. With much talk about their oppositions ‘choking’ habit, Australia will be looking to exploit any obvious weaknesses, most notably, the lack of an experienced fly-half. They will also have concerns about their own number 10; Quade Cooper has yet to set the tournament alight and is beginning to adopt the reputation as a ‘hider’ in the big games. There is no escaping the fact that David Pocock will play a massive part in any potential Wallaby success. His incredible strength and immovability at the ruck will provide the Wallabies with a great opportunity to spoil AB possession. But the Aussies will need to offer more going forward than they did against South Africa; a repeat of last weeks’ statistics is almost certain to result in defeat for Robbie Deans’ men.

Tournament Talk prediction: The script is written for New Zealand to win the 2011 RWC and I think they will have too much for this Australia side. The days of ‘choking’ are well and truly over and it is time for the All Blacks to register their four year dominance over the rugby world with a first WC in 24 years. 

Quarter-final round-up

Resurrections, resilience and back-row master-classes. The quarter-finals of the 2011 RWC had it all.

The French rose from the dead to defeat a lifeless England 16-12 in Auckland. The French performance was quite extraordinary following last weeks’ humiliation by Tonga. First half tries from Vincent Clerc and Maxime Medard gave France a 16-0 lead at half-time and despite a spirited fight back after the break, England were let down by a sloppy defensive display and lack of invention during a disappointing first half.

Wales’ must now be considered as a serious threat to the tournament’s favourites after an impressive and passionate display against Ireland. Shane Williams scored Wales’ opening try but Ireland’s Keith Earls replied shortly after the break. Further scores from Mike Phillips and Jonathan Davies settled the battle of Britain and sent Wales into the semi-finals, where they will face a rejuvenated France. Sam Warburton demonstrated just why he is being talked about as one of the worlds’ best open-sides’ with a powerful captains’ performance.   The Welsh look in prime condition both physically and skill-wise and now have a fantastic opportunity to reach their first World Cup final.

 Australia fought their way to a remarkable win against a dominant South African side. The Springboks had 76% of the territory and the majority of possession but still find themselves on their way home tomorrow. Wallabies’ captain James Horwill scored the games’ only try following a turn-over on the 

South Africa twenty-two.  David Pocock was instrumental in Australia’s win with an incredible number of turn-overs and tackles. The Zimbabwe born flanker is being touted as the best in the world in his position, taking over from New Zealand’s Richie McCaw.

New Zealand survived an early scare to run out comfortable winners against Argentina in Auckland. Tries from Keiran Read and Brad Thorn plus twenty-three points from the boot of Piri Weepu edged the All Blacks a step closer to shedding an unwanted 24-year ‘chokers’ tag. It wasn’t the most convincing display from the tournament favourites, but it was enough to overcome a brave Argentinian side, who have proved that they can hold their own against the world’s best ahead of their first year in the expanded Tri-Nations next year. New Zealand’s Aaron Cruden performed admirably after being introduced early on, following an injury to Colin Slade. The twenty-two year old may well have played his way into contention for a starting place in next weeks’ semi-final showdown with Australia.

Probably not the semi-final line-up many would have predicted prior to the tournament; but an exciting one nonetheless.  Despite Dan Carter’s absence, New Zealand are still favourites to win on home soil, however, any one of the four remaining sides could realistically lift the Webb Ellis Cup. 

Now it gets serious: QF preview

No more second chances, no opportunity to rectify defeat, just good, hard fought knock-out rugby. This is all that awaits us.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup has been thrilling and we’re only just half way through. We’ve had upsets, shocks and plenty of near misses. But taking this into account, the teams that were expected to make their way out of the group stages all managed to do so, but not without the odd fright.

England secured their quarter final place with a hard fought win over a homebound Scotland. Andy Robinson’s men once again failed to score a try against tier one opposition, which has ultimately been their downfall at this years’ competition. A late Chris Ashton try was enough to see England to a 16-12 win against the old enemy. England will face a France side who are edging ever closer to self-destruct mode. A shock defeat to Tonga together with an unhappy camp have put the French in a less than ideal position heading into the business end of the tournament.

Ireland’s crushing of Italy has set up a mouth-watering battle of Britain quarter-final against an ever improving Wales. The Irish look to be re-discovering their best form, kick-started by their historical win against Australia which saw them top the group. But Wales are not to be written off, even though they go into the knockout stages as slight underdogs, they are certainly capable of competing with the very best in the world.

Ireland’s surprise victory over Australia sent the much fancied Aussies into the tougher side of the draw. They will now face a South Africa side in sublime form, looking to defend their world champion status. But Australia, possessing an array of talent in all positions will certainly fancy their chances of knocking the ‘Boks off of their perch.

A Dan Carter-less All Blacks will face Argentina as they search for a first World Cup win in over a decade. A lot of responsibility will fall on to the inexperienced shoulders of Colin Slade as he looks to step into the shoes of one of New Zealand’s greatest ever players.

With plenty of rugby left to play, the competition is wide open. The favourites are likely to come from the Southern hemisphere but who would bet against a European side stealing the limelight once again. Not me.

Tournament Talk Semi-Final predictions:

Ireland v England

South Africa v New Zealand