Oct 6th, 2007 | RWC 2007 | 3 Comments | print
“Four more years…four more years”. Those were George Greegan’s words to New Zealand upon Australia’s semi-final victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. I suspect many English and French fans are echoing this sentiment today as their National sides upset two championship favorites in the first day of quarter final action at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and sent Australia and New Zealand home early.
In Marseille, England starved the Wallabies of ball, stealing much possession in the rucks and disrupting their opposition set pieces. They defended with great conviction and, despite a failure to break the Aussie line, took advantage of their undisciplined opponents as Jonny Wilkinson captured the Rugby World Cup all-time scoring record with 4 penalties.
In the other test, fans in Cardiff were treated to a second-half magic show from the back line as France came from a 13-3 half-time deficit to defeat the All Blacks 20-18.
Both Australia and New Zealand will now have to wait for 2011 to get their revenge for defeats in 2003 (England over Australia in the 2003 RWC final) and in 1999 (France over New Zealand in the 1999 RWC semi-final). Todays results will make these wounds even more painful when/if these teams meet four years from now.
For Australia and New Zealand, it’s back to the drawing board. Australia have a large personell shift as their veterans retire. New Zealand on the other hand must investigate how four years of meticulous planning again failed them at the crucial moments. The Southern Hemisphere media and match commentators have been cruel and biased following weak performances by France and England, especially the latter as England have failed to impress in all of their pool matches. Now however, expect a swift and harsh introspective response as the Wallabies and All Blacks return home.
As for George Greegan, today’s loss marks the end of his International rugby career with a record 139 caps. Sorry George, but “no more years” is a lot worse than “four more years”. Welcome to the Old Boys club (well, when you hit 35 next year anyway 
).
Oct 4th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 18 Comments | print
And then there were 8. The quarter-finals of the 2007 RWC are set to kick off in a few days and to be honest, the match-ups are quite interesting. Even if you are a die-hard All Black fan, I think the fixtures are going to captivate rugby enthusiasts of all persuasions. → continue reading
Oct 4th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 1 Comment | print
“Nothing left but the crying” is probably the sentiment for many Irish, Welsh, Italians and Tongans this week as the pool stages end and the 3rd place finishers head back and start thinking about either retirement or the 2011 RWC in New Zealand. For a World Cup that was supposed to be a predictable spectacle by the ‘top-tier’ teams, the so-called ‘minnows’ flexed their might (and their hearts) and produced more flair and excitement than the championship favorites like France and the SANZAR nations. Here is how it breaks down pool-by-pool. → continue reading
Sep 25th, 2007 | RWC 2007 | 9 Comments | print
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of traveling to France for the 2007 Rugby World Cup with my wife and some close friends. It was an experience of a life time and something I plan on sharing with my son when he’s old enough to appreciate the sport. The atmosphere of an international event such as this one (officially the third largest international event behind the Summer Olympics and the Soccer World Cup) was something incredible to be a part of. You had people from countries all over the world in France to support their country’s conquest to hoist the coveted Webb Ellis Cup. People drinking in bars, eating in restaurants all eagerly watching whatever match happened to be playing. It didn’t even matter what teams were playing, if it was rugby, they were watching. It didn’t matter what country you were from either, there were South Africans mingling with Australians, two countries who are fierce rivals.
Not only did I get to just be in France while all of this was going on, I got to actually see two live matches. What an experience this was! I’ve been an avid sporst fan all my life. I’ve seen football both pro and college live, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer and even golf. Nothing compares though to being a part of such a special international event like a World Cup, something that only comes every 4 years. I think it’s the fans that really make it different. There isn’t that fear that when you’re sitting amongst a bunch of fans that are rooting for the team you’re not, you might get stabbed, something anyone who’s been to a inter-division pro football game would know. Everyone there is there for rugby, not even necessarily for their team. That might be an exaggeration, but it’s not far off. Even when a fan’s opposing team is taking a penalty kick, they quiet down to allow him to take his kick. This level of sportsmanship and respect is unheard of in the U.S.
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Sep 16th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 5 Comments | print
Always the underdog at the big show, Georgia (formerly of the USSR) is currently defending their reputation - earned at the 2003 Rugby World Cup - as a determined and spirited side. Despite almost missing the 2003 RWC (the IRB had to step in to finance Georgia’s RWC kit and traveling expenses), the Lelos played like tigers and won the hearts of spectators world wide with an impressive 19-46 loss to South Africa.
After playing both Argentina and Ireland, it seems that Georgia has returned to the 2007 RWC with the same vigor for the game, but with much improved skills, particularly in defense. Argentina struggled to crack the Georgians line - in large part due to their excellent sliding cover in the back line - and Argentina had only a 3-point lead at half-time. The 33-3 final score was more a tribute to the fitness and patience of the Pumas rather than a lack of skill or desire by the challengers. → continue reading
