Sean's Blog Downunder…

South Africa emerged as the 2007 Rugby World Champions over the English 15 point to 6 and deservedly so. They had a rock solid tournament in comparison to all the other sides apart from the All Blacks whose one dismal performance cost them dearly. South Africa were exceptionally disciplined in their defense while in their own half and gave away very few penalties. This made it virtually impossible for the English hero Jonny Wilkinson to perform his magic. It was an all boot affair anyway as both sides defense was awesome and no one could break through and score any tries. Nothing else can be said but to congratulate the Springboks on an amazing victory and their second Web Ellis trophy, its a Beauty !!!!!

Rock on 2011 and the next RWC in New Zealand. Imagine the pressure on the home side then

South Africa v England. Well it’s here, the final of the 2007 Rugby world cup. Who would have picked these two teams in for the grand finale? I think some punters in the Queens country could have made a little if they placed the odd wager at the start. Well back to the game, this should be a no brainer for the Springboks. They have won four of the last five against the English and have also not lost any in the competition thus far. However they should not be to complaisant and make sure the keep it together. England on the other hand will be under immense pressure because of their 36-0 loss to South Africa in the pool stage. Once again without fail they will be relying on the boot of Jonny. How much more pressure can one individual handle? Time will tell and he already has an OBE so if they should win what can he expect from the Queen It is also a Southern Hemisphere v Northern Hemisphere match which is always a good thing due to the question of which hemisphere produces the best rugby players. I wont go there I believe the Springboks should run up another decent score against the English to claim their second world cup title. The English can then drown their sorrows after the match while South Africans all over the world will be calibrating jubilantly. Go the MIGHTY Springboks!!!!!!!

South Africa v Argentina in the second semi final of the world cup should prove to be an interesting match. The Puma’s come in as absolute underdogs having never beat the Springboks to date in history. They have always been a formidable side although just below the top four sides and never quite having the edge. They have had a very solid world cup and will still be a threat and as this is a world cup semi final they will be pumped up and perform well. The Springboks come in as clear favorites to win this competition since France took care of the number one seed . The Springboks have had a mixed World Cup as the second favorite side behind the All Blacks but they have held it together when it counted and should feel confident that they will reach the final. I foresee them running up a high score against the Puma’s and pushing on through to win their second World Cup title.

Go the Boks……….!!!!!

England v France in the first semi final of the world cup will see these two Northern Hemisphere sides do battle once again as they have done so many times in the past. England come into the game as underdogs based on their dismal performance over the past year leading up to the tournament. England absolutely sneaked passed the Wallabies in the quarter finals and once again proved that in crunch matches it really does not matter how bad your lead up is was, its only one match and all you need to do is win the knock out stages and you have a chance. There will be a lots of pressure on Jonny Wilkinson once again to perform as he has in the past. France come in as the home nation on home soil and they have not lost to England on this ground since 2000. They will be extremely difficult to beat having had a very solid performance to date in the world cup and also as they have done in the past taking out the top seeds and favorites, the mighty All Blacks. I foresee a very hard match of rugby. I think the French will prevail and push on through to meet the winner of South Africa and Argentina in the final.