Rugby: October 2007 Archives

Getting over defeat in a World Cup Final takes time. But when the English management and players eventually put that loss to South Africa behind them they'll fully realise that in a few short weeks they've reinvigorated rugby in England.

To reach the last four in the world cup of rugby is a truly astounding feat for any nation.

The likes of Ireland for example have never made it past the last eight at the showpiece of the sport and so the achievement of Marcelo Loffreda's Argentina in France this year is simply out of this world.

The Pumas have arguably played the most exciting rugby at this year's tournament and they still have another opportunity to shine when they take on France in the third place play off game, a repeat of the opening game in this year's world cup which Argentina won.

And all of this from a proud nation where football is by far the number one sport and on par with a religion.

Just over a month ago in the Stade de France a South African team brimming with confidence flattened England on the humiliating score line of 36-0 to send out a clear message of intent to the world. The win ensured the Springboks were in the driving seat of Pool A and the performance of the English as well as the result was supposed to have signalled the end for the reigning World Champions.

England overcame the odds to beat Australia 12-10 in Marseille in the quarter-final clash of the Rugby World Cup, but can they now go on to retain their crown?

Pinnacle Sports has England best priced at 222/29 to hold on to their title.

If they do it looks like they will again have to rely on the boot of Jonny Wilkinson who kicked all 12 points against the Wallabies.  England will also be the first team to win the World Cup without winning all their matches as they lost a match in their pool.

After four years of mediocrity England may be on their last legs but the World Champions believe they have what it takes to break Australian hearts again in the Rugby World Cup. The finalists of four years ago lock horns in the Stade Velodrome in Marseille tomorrow to compete for a place in the semi-finals and a possible meeting with the mighty All Blacks. While England have limped into the last eight Australia have reached it with an element of ease thought Wales did put them under a degree of pressure in Cardiff. It would be the shock of shocks if Brian Ashton's side were to dump the wallabies out of the tournament and England will more than likely be parting company with the Webb Ellis trophy tomorrow evening.