Monday, October 15, 2007

Rugby World Cup Final - England vs South Africa

Well, who would think of England versus South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final this year? Certainly not me judging from the group match result of England versus South Africa earlier where England had been convincingly demolished by the Springboks.

New Zealand had again showed the world why they were labeled chokers in big tournament. Everything looked pretty in control after the first half against the host nation France in the quarter-final match and suddenly in the second half, they were rattled by the more disciplined and organized France.

Defending champion England have been improving ever since. Their plays are built around the solid defence. Ask France, and they will concur with me. At the ending stage during the semis, it seemed to me France were going to get a try but somehow England managed to weather the storm and get away unscratched. This proved how strong the mentality and group spirit within the England camp. Maybe the initial poor showings were the smokescreen from the England camp to deceit their opponents?

No comments on the Springboks but i hope they can bring the Rugby World Cup back to South Africa this time without any controversy like those surrounding their win in 1995. Hope this time they can win it fair and square. Period. And of course, restore the pride of Southern Hemisphere rugby nations.

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