Thread: The North will rise again!

England vs France semi-final then. Who would've guessed?!?

For our US members who might not be as familiar with how it's going -- the northern hemisphere sides have sucked big time up until now, suffering exits or unexpected defeats at the group stages. The southern hermisphere sides were (as usual) looking good. Especially New Zealand and South Africa. Big upsets today as England beat Australia, and France beat the unanimous tournament favourites New Zealand.

If only I could see David Campese's face right now!

Originally Posted by majurey

England vs France semi-final then. Who would've guessed?!?

For our US members who might not be as familiar with how it's going -- the northern hemisphere sides have sucked big time up until now, suffering exits or unexpected defeats at the group stages. The southern hermisphere sides were (as usual) looking good. Especially New Zealand and South Africa. Big upsets today as England beat Australia, and France beat the unanimous tournament favourites New Zealand.

If only I could see David Campese's face right now!

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!



James.

Shame for Larkham and Gregan to end their careers "early". But sport, she is a hard and unforgiving mistress.

I reckon Australia needs to pinch the English forward coaching staff. The Australian backline supported by England-standard forwards - not that would be a team

James.

Yep, before the game that's certainly where England expected to get the upper hand... in the pack. I just don't understand why we seem to be so good at breeding Orcs but lousy at having truly gifted back lines. It's mainly why we play such an ugly game normally.

Frankly, I'd rather watch us play like Fiji (risky, exciting, fast, flowing rugby, but ultimately strategically naive and flawed) and lose, than kick our way into the semis!

Now, just those pesky French to beat...

Mark - you sound like Campese! All that matters is the scoreline at the end, not how you get there. England did what they had to do, and that's what matters in the World Cup. But just between you and me, I'd love to see Fiji go further. Imagine what they could do with a bit of resources.... The IRB has dropped the ball with the smaller Pacific nations in the past - I hope they get their act into gear before NZ 2011.

James.