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.