2007 Rugby World Cup Wrap

Best Individual Try
Without a doubt it belongs to Shane 'twinkletoe' Williams. His magical sidestep against Fiji created one of the most breathtaking moments of the tournament. Why he had to go and ruin it with that stupid trademark swan dive on the line is anyones guess. Advice to Shane: just wear a sign that says 'I'm a bit of a twat but I can play ok rugby' next time. It would avoid any potential broken ribs when crossing the line and we would all think you were a lot cooler.


Best Comeback
This belongs to England. Forget the substandard four years under Andy Robinson. After a forlorn Jason Robinson limped off in the middle of another thrashing (this time at the hands of South Africa), all hope looked lost for the red rose battalion. Fools were we to believe this (cue bitter laugh). With the glue of the team returning from injury (a certain first 5/8 who looked like he had spent a fair amount of time soothing those OCD compulsions of his under a sunbed) England finally found the soul they had been lacking for an embarrassing four years. Corry and his forwards found their fire (and no, I don't count Dallaglio in that). They put a baffled Wallabies side to sleep and then lumbered over a subdued France that had no answers. They don't play innovative rugby and it wasn't pretty, but when push comes to shove (and with Sheridan, you've got to admit, there's a lot of shove) England made it to the final showing to the rest of the world what tenacity, belief and great support can give to a team (but if there is so much a mention of an OBE for the coach, I think I may be sick).

Best National Anthem
For the first part of this tournament, the Portuguese, a motley crew of students and amateurs were the darlings of the series. And they didn't disgrace themselves either - especially when it came to matters of the voice.


Best Player of the 2007 Rugby World Cup
Victor Matfield. Yes, Habana got the tries and won the IRB player of the year - but Matfield was the spine, the heart and the soul of this winning South African team. He played a blinder in the final (but he always plays a blinder). Mr Consistently Awesome should be his name. The man is a star and the Boks will miss him.

Team That Rock and Rolled
Argentina / Los Pumas, stand up and take a bow. Winning to France twice, suffocating Ireland and swatting off all others as mere annoyances. Losing only to the eventual World Cup winners. Putting rugby on the map in a football obsessed country would be a hard thing to do. They not only did just that through reverting back to basics but then surprised the world with a stunning try fest against France in the bronze playoffs. If their name isn't first on the agenda in the next Murdoch Board meeting for entry into the Tri Nations, then we may as well just give up now. Rugby shouldn't be about money and it certainly shouldn't be about lining Rupert Murdoch's pockets. The third best team in the world deserve better than that. We deserve better than that.

Best Team Try
Japan against Wales in a moment of brilliance that stunned the lot of us. Well done JK. It had your stamp all over it.



Lord Sphincter Award
Once again, the Lord Sphincter award goes to the incumbent, Stephen Jones. Followed closely behind by try hard Master Sphincter - Chris Rattue. These guys are the Simon Cowells of world rugby journalism and when they finally discover that being racist/sensationalist/nasty/petty/immature/jowly/boring old sods (delete where applicable) is just the lazy journalist approach that brings you a truck load of bad karma, the rugby world will be better off. (Full Credit to Lu at Allez Les Noirs for coining the Lord Sphincter phrase). May it catch on worldwide and be used often to those who are deserved of the title...

Roy Orbison's Crying Award
There were a lot of tears in this world cup. Tears of joy and tears of depression (some by me). The latter was mostly done behind closed doors in the changing sheds, but the enduring image for me of this World Cup was watching Stephen Larkham weeping openly on the sideline. The man is a bona fide rugby legend and I can't even begin to imagine the heartbreak for him as he watched powerless from the sideline as his Wallaby playing days were numbered. He was one of rugby's great servants and his show of emotion meant something to all of us who have ever watched and been in awe of his talents on the field.

Speedster Award
What would this guy be capable of if he played behind a decent forward pack. Takudzwa Ngwenya outstripped Bryan Habana on the turf which made Habana feel a bit silly and the rest of us feel ever so slightly pleased.



Best game
I like games with a bit of attrition. But. I love games with dazzling tries. Some people call it basketball rugby but I prefer to call it rugby at its most skillful and spectacular. Wales V Fiji was the highlight of the tournament. Down to the wire any team could have won. Swapping tries tit for tat, in the end it was Fiji breaking the hearts of a million in the valleys (not to mention showing Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins a quick march to the door) proving what the little guys can do if they're just given half a chance on the world stage.

Referee of the tournament
Now I'm not judging this guy on technicalities (because let's face it - he got a lot wrong). But if you want a figure that gets a tournament talking not to mention a few more blog hits - then Wayne Barnes has to win this award. Not only will he remain a household name in New Zealand for years to come - and I sincerely hope for his own welfare he won't be attempting to referee any Tri Nations games at the Cake Tin in the not too distant future - but the guy upped the excitement in this tournament, dividing many and influencing additions to the New Zealand lexicon:
'You've just done a Barnes' (translation: you left a huge floater in the loo) and "Have you got a bad case of Wayne Barnes or what?!" (translation: I suspect you are going blind - get yourself to an optometrist and quick!)

Most talked about decision
The All Blacks lost by two points and now there is a lot of gloating (if you're Lord Sphincter) and wailing and gnashing of teeth (if you're the New Zealand public) that the All Black brand is ruined. We lost by two points. Two Points! Not exactly a thrashing. And what's this rubbish about the 'brand' anyway? I can almost see Colin Meads banging his head against the wall about that media phrase from cappucino land. The rub of the green can win and lose you a rugby match. In this case, it lost us one, again. A crucial one. Oh well - cest la vie. Life goes on and there's no use complaining. It made for a riveting game and turned this tournament on its head.


Worst World Cup Build Up
Graham Henry's conditioning programme. If the All Blacks gave the world one rugby lesson this year it was 'don't rest your players for a super 14 tournament and then expect them to be fit and firing'. They didn't fire. They weren't fit. And we didn't win. Basta.

Best Blogs
While the media from all corners of the earth scavenged their way through thinly veiled racist jibes and stereotypes - the ruckosphere and blogging world brought sanity and humour to the nastiness. There were some great blogs out there and I just hope that in 2011 on home turf we'll be able to welcome Matt at Green and Gold, Nursedude at Ay There's the Rub, Jonny at Scrumbag, TF at Total Flanker, Blondie at Saturday's a rugby Day, John at Mundo Albiceleste and the dudes at Blood and Mud to share a beer at Rugby World Cup 2011 in Aotearoa. On home terra firma I was proud to call the following bloggers my compatriots: The Dropkicks, Miramar Mike, Hamish for Sports After Dark, Amy at Kiwirugby and my good pals Lu and Fi at Allez Les Noirs. These friends brought humour, informed comment, humility, graciousness and good grace to the rugby world in the face of ravaged kiwi disappointment (and let's face it, we were all gutted) not to mention the voices of sanity against the one eyed media ranters and amdram journos of Fairfax and APN New Zealand.

Team Of The Tournament
The Springboks of course. They won and deservedly so. Well done South Africa. (See you next year).

Honourable Mentions
Doug Howlett's tantrum; The French hospitality; Eddie Jones finally being able to have a gloat; Sebastien Chabal; Tonga V South Africa; Suzy; Bryan Habana matching Jonah Lomu's try scoring tally at a Rugby World Cup; Muzza Mexted at ITV; Streakers; The Minnows - especially Georgia and Tonga; Mark Cueto's terrible finishing; drop goals; penalites; North / South divide; South eventually coming through...

Final Word
I'm hanging up my boots too until the Super 14 kicks off (theoretically - this isn't that long, just a couple of months). If you're read this far, thanks so much for sharing this World Cup with me. It has been amazing touching base with people from every corner of the globe. I've appreciated your comments and your support. If you want to stay in touch, I would love to hear from you. Please drop me a line at: ruggerblogger@bluebottle.com
If not - to the die hard rugby fans, I'll see you next year. To those who only care about world cups - see you in 2011. Let me know if you're coming to NZ. We'll show you a good time (even if you have to live in a tent in Invercargill. After all - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger).

I leave you with two things. The IRB world rankings and a great YouTube video sung by New Zealand's own Kiri Te Kanawa - tracking the World Cup highs and lows over various tournaments. As the words go - We're A World In Union. Rivalry is good - but friendship is better - no matter who or where you are in the world.
Peace. Kia Kaha.
Over and out until 2008.
Ferdy

IRB World Rankings
1. South Africa
2. New Zealand
3. Argentina
4. England
5. Australia
6. France
7. Ireland
8. Scotland
9. Fiji
10.Wales

Rugby World Cup: South Hemisphere 2 - North Hemisphere 0

So the Rugby World Cup 2007 has finally ended with Jake White's South Africa restoring sanity to the world rugby order. The tournament results have been wildly unpredictable yet the same cannot be said for the state of play on the field. As the poll (now closed) above reveals - people were right when they thought this Rugby World Cup would be won on defence (and the boot). Attacking rugby and scoring tries are out. Attrition, percentages and the ever enduring drop goal have proven once again that this how you win knockout tournaments. The media around the world are already labelling this as probably the most boring Rugby World Cup final ever.

But a win is a win and South Africa are deserved winners for 2007. Their lineout was magnificent and man for man they were always going to be the better team on the pitch compared to a resurgent (but ultimately unimaginative England). With ten minutes on the clock to go in this game it was a given (before the match even began) that England were not going to be able to score a try to get themselves out of the swamp. Three penalties (or drop goals) against this South African team in the dying minutes was a challenge too far for the red roses. In saying that, I don't want to take anything away from England's effort. They were the team with the hardest march to this Rugby World Cup final and have given the world a few lessons in how to get there. I don't wish to sound ungracious towards them because their spirit was something to behold. But if winning ugly is what it will take next time, I'm picking there will be a few more teams in future that if they put their minds to it, can match the English when it comes to suffocating the living bejesus out of the game.

The big highlight of the weekend (if you're not a Bok supporter) was the fantastic game Argentina took to a passionless France. Argentina have played conservative rugby all tournament but going against their normal game plan for a change and playing with the ball in hand, they provided the true spectacle of the weekend (if you favour your games mixed up a bit) and ended up thrashing a hapless French outfit that had no answers. It only has to be a matter of a time before they come on board to the Tri Nations. I hope it is sooner rather than later.

More to come in the next couple of days with a tournament wrap and a look to the future. Plus updated Rugby World Cup IRB rankings. South Africa sit proudly at the top of the table now with New Zealand second and England third.

All Blacks Find Some Rare Allies

The All Blacks bowing out early in the Rugby World Cup 2007 have made a lot of people deliriously happy - particularly in England. Stephen Jones gave himself a near aneurism in his post match preening after New Zealand's early exit. Alastair Campbell – 2005 Lions ‘advisor’ and let's not forget media spin doctor to Tony Blair and producer of sexed up dossiers directly responsible for a certain drawn out war in Iraq still being tragically fought out, has the audacity to put his two pence in when it comes to something he knows very little about.

"They do the chokey chokey and its ooh la la" Campbell raves. "The hubris belonged to the now not so all-mighty All Blacks. The schadenfreude belongs to all those who like to see the arrogant brought crashing down to earth". (Just like we loved seeing you crash down to earth Alastair in your Lions tracksuit as you sat soddenly on the sidelines in the Cake Tim in 2005 watching the 'greatest most prepared Lions team in history' be turned over at will by a team that reached the heights of rugby that any England team past or present could only dream to play).

World Cups aren't won by tries and they aren't won by flair. So fair play to England for making it through to the final. They played the tournament strategically and they have done well. I admire their spirit and I tip my hat to Ashton, Jonny and co. But the hideous and ungracious bile pointed towards New Zealanders coming from some of these internationally respected media outlets and factions of the British public is seriously disturbing. It reeks of insecurity and a subconscious acknowledgement that the best team in the world will not be contesting the world cup final.

From the numerous articles revelling in the All Blacks loss to the French comes some surprising allies. Wayne Smith - rugby editor of the Australian says this of the English reaction to New Zealand:

"Speaking out in defence of our trans-Tasman cousins who find themselves on the receiving end of another poisonous missive from the self-appointed, self-anointed high priest of northern hemisphere rugby, Stephen Jones....one thing about a win straight out of left field, it certainly brings out the pomposity in the Poms. New Zealand did not deserve to lose to France, as spirited and passionate as was the performance of Les Bleus. And the World Cup is infinitely the poorer for its departure.

“The All Blacks may well have taken a lot from the game but it has given far, far more back in return. It has given the world a vision of how rugby can be played and the scope of that vision has been wondrous to behold. Of course, none of that is going to be apparent to a blinkered critic.”

Nice Wayne. Perhaps the biggest surprise was that great All Black knocker and all around villain Bernie Laporte piping up with his opinions as he made his dramatic au revoir from rugby’s world stage..

"They (the Abs) are the best team in the world. We beat them but if we had played them the next day and the following days, there was a great chance we would have lost. Who has played any (attacking) rugby? The only ones are the All Blacks."

For the full article from the Australian - go here.

England Through To The 2007 Rugby World Cup Final

England 14 - France 9

There comes moments in sport where you just sit in shock, absolutely flabbergasted by the outcome. Four weeks ago when England could not even score a single point against South Africa, I did not in my wildest dreams imagine that today we would be sitting here, talking about the courageousness of Brian Ashton's men making it through these last few games. But they have - on brute strength, calm belief, experienced old heads, a passionate forward pack and a man that is one of the superheros of the modern era in rugby.

France and England were evenly matched today. But after the French threw everything at the All Black kitchen sink last weekend they lacked the extra fizz to convert their huge territorial advantage into points. Although this game had intensity it was in large parts an aerial ping pong display where the boot ruled. And everybody knows that if it comes down to the boot, then the team with Jonny Wilkinson will probably prevail.

England surprised the French by climbing on board early with an opportunist Josh Lewsey try off a French fumble from the kick off. This proved to be the only try of the test as as both sides closed down for a more physical encounter - exchanging penalties, kicking for field position and occasionally having a go at each other's line.

The old adage of the team who scores first in the second half will win did not come home to roost this time for Bernard Laporte's men. After Lionel Beauxis kicked his third penalty to take the lead 9-5, England ground their way back into the game. At around the 73rd minute, Wilkinson nailed a penalty after the ever inspiring Jason Robinson suffered a head high tackle and the balance of power shifted between the two teams. In every match there comes a moment where you just know who will be walking home the victor. For me this was England's moment. Wilkinson put the nail into the coffin in the dying minutes with a trademark drop goal and the 30,000 English spectators roared.

I haven't been kind to England (because they have been rubbish these last four years) but tonight I have nothing but admiration for a team that has been so low in the past. They showed incredible spirit, self belief and they deserve to be in the final. They have come back from the depths of despair, have been in tatters after their period with Andy Robinson, have suffered injuries to key players and have often looked like a team that has been walking around on antidepressants. Key credit has to lie with their humble coach Brian Ashton, their battling spirit, their crunching forwards, their old heads (Mike Catt, Jason Robinson take a bow) and of course their main man, Jonny. The guy represents everything good about rugby.

England beat Australia in extra-time to win the last World Cup final in 2003 and by beating France, they join Australia as the only countries to play in three World Cup finals and two in succession. Well done Engerland.

Doug Howlett Arrested

It continues to go Pete Tong with the All Blacks. Star winger and top New Zealand try scored Doug Howlett has been arrested but released on bail pending further charges after he allegedly trashed his room at the Hilton Hotel at Heathrow yesterday. If trying to reincarnate Mick Jagger's wild days from the 60s wasn't enough, he then proceeded to the hotel carpark where he did his own rendition of the Charlston on a couple of SUVs.

Dougie - all round nice guy and solid leader of the All Black backline has been a glowing role model for New Zealand these last eight years. If Graham Henry wasn't already feeling like a right dunderhead he surely will be doing so now after making a stirring coming home speech regarding the Pollyanna type qualities of his All Black team. "I'm very proud of how they conduct themselves as people," Henry said. "They're marvellous role models for this country. They put this country on the map right around the world and they touch a lot of people."

Howlett played his last game for New Zealand in Romania and could only watch helplessly from the sidelines as the All Blacks campaign once again choked to an end. (Obviously he'd a skinful and was feeling a bit depressed -I probably would have done the same in fact). He commences his contract at Irish club Munster shortly.

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All Blacks, Wayne Barnes And A Sense Of Perspective

In the wake of the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal between New Zealand and France a lot of vitriol has been spewed forth, websites created and nasty homophobic comments posted on Wikipedia about the English referee Wayne Barnes, and his handling of the game. Yes – he did make some mistakes (I myself screamed at my television set on account of a couple of his calls) but the match is finished now and the result has been decided. We lost. There is no going back. So why do we kiwis have to still be moaning on about this? Even our numbskull media have got into the attacks on Barnes (surprise, surprise), rarking up the (I would like to think) minority in this country that only have half a brain cell to rub together and who let these myopic journos do the thinking for them. It was bad enough losing – but why do we as New Zealanders have to be such bad losers into the bargain?

While the All Blacks bow their coiffeured heads and weep into moisturised hands; while the nation as a whole collectively mourns with grief over another shock exit, it wouldn’t hurt to look at the people who are true victims of this world cup fiasco. And no, it isn’t Graham Henry, the NZRFU, TV3, Murray Mexted, the publicans, the players or the WAGs. The real victims are the women and children who have had to report to Women’s Refuge or the Police this weekend as their abusive partners were plunged into a black mood when the All Blacks bowed out. There has been a huge upsurge of reported domestic violence in the last 72 hours. While we’re all worrying about Richie’s feelings or whether Ted is staying or going, it wouldn’t hurt to spare a thought for those who live their lives in true visceral fear. A way to get this perspective back about what really is important in life would be to make a donation to the Women’s Refuge. They need our help more than any world cup administrator sitting uneasily in a bigwig chair at NZRFU today.

All Blacks: Four More Years

Ob La Di, Ob La Da, Life Goes On. The All Blacks have had to pack their suitcases early but for every glum NZ fan out there, here are a few cheery thoughts:

Right now a lot of people in the Northern Hemisphere are feeling much better about themselves and the state of their rugby teams (check out some of their 'expert' and 'gracious' comments). That's nice for them.

Adidas may be tempted to end their contract with NZRFU. (Please dear god, just do it)

Chris Rattue has had to eat his words after his stupid and arrogant article about the All Blacks kicking French buttock (perhaps now the Herald will sack this sensationalist nitwit)

Ali Williams – the best player on the pitch in the French / New Zealand match is not going to play (and waste) out his prime years in the stodgy Guinness Premiership

NZ Have won 100% of the Rugby World Cups held in New Zealand and won 0% of World Cups held on foreign soil. If the All Blacks are to soccer what Brazil is to rugby, then let's remember that Brazil went from 1970 to 1994 without winning a world cup. 24 years. I say roll on 2011.

What's the difference between the all blacks and a tea bag? A tea bag stays in the cup longer.

If all else fails (which it has), we’ve always got the netball.

All Blacks Choke....Again

All Blacks 18 France 20

Now I love the All Blacks and I am most certainly not going to be one of those dour kiwis that has a good moan, starts cursing the coach and calling the captain a suitcase with no leadership skills. But once again, we have fallen. And what is worse, this time it is at the third to last hurdle, the earliest exit the All Blacks have ever made in a World Cup tournament.

As a New Zealander, I have to say this game was about as riveting as a car crash. You couldn't look away but it was painful. Like the Fiji / Wales match a week earlier, each team held ascendancy over the other in patches. Each team showed moments of flair and ambition, and each team had moments of sloppiness.

The French played with so much passion and as the game wore on the All Blacks slipped back into a panic mode and sadly, started dropping like flies. Hindsight is a great thing but unfortunately it is beginning to look like the controversial conditioning programme of Graham Henry's didn't in the end do much for Jerry Collins, Dan Carter, Keith Robinson and Byron Kelleher who looked like they were all limping as they came off the field.

With Kelleher subbed, the All Black backline lost its shape and the French stepped up their defence. There was nothing that McAlister, Rokocoko or Sivivatu could conjure up. We had nothing to offer and as the time ticked away on the clock, it became evident that once again, France would be celebrating another famous victory a la 1999.

With Michalek coming onto the paddock in the last ten, I knew deep down it was over for the ABs. An inspired 40m sprint by Michalek set up a Jauzion try and from here the French finally took the lead by the smallest of margins (two points). Through brave defence they managed to hold off the All Blacks who lost their team cohesion and started playing like a collective of individuals as opposed to the well oiled machine we have seen on so many occasions before.

Graham Henry was gracious in defeat and admitted that we didn't have the rub of the green. There were some controversial decisions (a sinbinning to McAlister; a forward pass in the build up to a crucial try to the French) but this is what the game is, and there is no point moaning about decisions that go against you when on another day, they will go for you.

I think Henry has been a great coach for this team and this team was indeed great - about two years ago. With the dip in form of Carter this year, the All Blacks have dipped too as a collective. However, I am proud of what they have achieved these last four years and the sun will rise again.

So - four more years! I'm a bit shocked, but also ok. It was a great game of rugby and we were beaten by a better team on the day. Well done Northern Hemisphere for turning the tables on us arrogant southerners. Well done France.

New Zealand V France: The Moment Of Truth

All it will take is for one errant Carl Hayman punch to throw this game into the balance. On paper the All Blacks should win against a team of very weird Bernard Laporte selections. But on paper the All Blacks should have won in 1999 and 2003 as well. They didn't.

I'm actually very nervous tonight after following Richie McCaw's men religiously for four years. I don't know whether I will watch this game (through my fingers) or whether I'll be making my morning walk last for 80 minutes. Too nerve wracked. How dumb is that.

I hope the best team will win.

Rugby World Cup: Australia V England Match Preview

The 2007 Rugby World Cup D Day is upon us and within 24 hours we will know the first teams going through to the semi-finals. For some of us it has been a long wait since 2003.

The England V Australia game may be closer than everyone expects. There has been a set back to the white and red camp with Andy Farrell withdrawing on Friday due to injury - but really is that such a bad thing for England? The front row should have ascendancy in the English pack against the wobblies and the locks Ben Kay and Simon Shaw should be able to match their Australian counterparts.

But here is where English ascendancy may end. Australia at the breakdown will have it over the lumbering English loose forwards and the Ozzie backline (the most intelligent backline in the world -according to nearly everyone - although with the selfish Tuquiri included I might beg to differ slightly) should run Ashton's planned formations ragged. No-one could argue the class of Gregan, Mortlock and Latham, and with the next Wallaby superstar in waiting back from injury, Ashley-Cooper, I think the English backline defensively and on action will be found more than a little wanting.

But - if Dad's Army creak into action and strangle the life out of the game by playing a stick it up the jumper kind of style; if Wilkinson can give his team more confidence and momentum with a few timely dropgoals; If Sackey can pop up in the right places again; If the English front row can ruffle a few Matt Dunning feathers: then this game may not be so clear cut as everyone expects.

Australia will either win this by a country mile, or England will take them very, very close.
Ruggerblogger prediction: Australia 23 - England 16

Rugby World Cup: All Blacks V France Selection Headaches

Right in the middle of the All Black jersey debacle, Graham Henry has called his first fifteen for the mouthwatering France V New Zealand clash at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. In there are a few selections I’m not so sure about…

For me the jury is still out on Luke McAlister. He has impact for sure (in a Carlos Spencer type way) but has he got the brain to think tactically on his feet when things are going belly up. Mauger although not so hot on defence, does offer a tactical aspect as well as something else invaluable to the All Black backline: support to Dan Carter which perhaps the 23 year old McAlister is not so au fait with yet. Considering also that this will be the biggest game of McAlister’s life, questions remain whether he has the temperament to match the occasion. I hope so but we will have to wait and see.

Other calls that raised a few eyebrows were the omission of Doug Howlett for Sitiveni ‘butterfingers’ Sivivatu; Mils Muliaina at centre plus Keith Robinson on for Chris Jack. Sivivatu has done himself no favours in his last few outings for the All Blacks with messy distribution and his own personal eye off the ball managing almost singlehandedly to up the All Black error rate to grandiose proportions (ok that's an exaggeration - but I just don't like the guy damn it). I’m surprised he is in the 22 at all as I don’t think he has either warranted his position or has the big match temperament to take it to the French. I hope he proves me wrong.

Muliaina is best at full back and with Les Bleus by the looks of things, planning to play a kicking game deep into the All Black 22 he would have been the safest man for the job. Instead we have McDonald who although is in excellent form, may not be the most reliable when it comes to the up and unders or covering tackles in the pressure cooker moments.

Keith Robinson is abrasive and probably a good starter. That is if he manages to make it through the warm ups (around about an 80% possibility that he won’t). Still, who am I to complain? I’m not Graham Henry (thankfully) so I’ll leave it to them and hope for the best. For a run down of the perceived French strength and weaknesses check out Jonny’s excellent review on Scrumbag.

New Zealand team
L MacDonald; J Rokocoko, M Muliaina, L McAlister, S Sivavutu; D Carter, B Kelleher; T Woodcock, A Oliver, C Hayman, K Robinson, A Williams, J Collins, R McCaw (capt), R So'oialo. Reps: K Mealamu, N Tialata, C Jack, C Masoe, B Leonard, N Evans, I Toeava.

Rugby World Cup: Just How Good Are The Springboks?

Just How Good Are South Africa?

There has been a lot written over the last few weeks about the South African rugby team being worthy contenders to the crown of Rugby World Cup champions. But is this a lot of hype or are the South Africans as good as many believe?

There is a lot of good, I must grudgingly admit. Victor Matfield and Bakkes Botha are two of the best locks in the world. Not far behind, in the great stakes comes Schalk Burger –his wild blonde hair crying out for world-wide attention. With Bryan Habana and Fourie du Preez, two who can no doubt carve up the attacking opposition as good as any Wallaby or All Black and Eddie Jones adding some fizz into the backline structure, the Boks finally can have an attack which isn’t all rush defense and intercepting passes off pacific basketball.

However, it could be argued that the Springbok front row is verging on the cusp as a creaking pack of aging baldies. And when John Smit is not around, the scrum particularly goes on the wane. Of course, the loosies are world class but when one gets behind the scrum (and leaves out Habana and du Preez, there doesn't seem much to write home about. With Jean de Villiers out and injured for the rest of the tournament, the backline took a major blow.

Sure, Franz Stein is a precocious youngster with a powerful boot, but as is all too often; it is easy to look classy against the minnows. Against the All Blacks in the first tri-nations test of 2007 (and yes, the Springboks were at full strength and playing on home turf) he was made to look inexperienced and ineffectual.

Ruggerblogger's Springbok weaklink? It has to be Percy Montgomery. Yes, he has great games but they’re normally against the likes of England (when the red rose army has been prescribed valium the night before to get over their depression of being coached by Andy Robinson). Percy hasn’t been tested at all in this tournament and when he will be tested, I'm picking that he will be the one to crumble.

South Africa to win the world Cup? Maybe. Or maybe not.

Rugby World Cup: France Or New Zealand?

A quick look at the points table show that New Zealand scored the most points out of every group (309) followed quite some distance behind by Australia (215) and then World Cup favourites South Africa on an abysmal (189) WUM.

New Zealand also did ok coming in second to the Pumas magnificent defence of least points scored against (those guys on looks are the form team of the tournament and have to be a serious contender). Of course, as a New Zealander I don't have any right to be cocky or wind up any ardent Springbok fans as we did only play two teams that fight it out for the wooden spoon in the Six Nations every other year, and the er, might of Portugal and Romania, those world renowned rugby nations.

Also - playing France is a worry. A lot of water may have gone under the bridge since the All Blacks shock loss to a rabid Les Bleus team in Twickenham many painful years ago. We all know what the French can do when they have their day. The question is, will their day be Saturday in Cardiff. We'll have to wait and see.