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.
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