England 28 Wales 17
France 43 Ireland 21
Aust 33 Scot 16
NZ 29 S Africa 9
Another profitable weekend for the forum.
France were the team of the weekend for me. I thought that for 50 minutes, they played faultless rugby, and only after the game was won, did they take their foot off the pedal, and let Ireland gain a bit of respectablity.
Game of the weekend without a doubt was the clash between Wales and England. As expected, the Welsh made a mockery of the spread, and gave England a roasting all game, apart from a thirty minute period in the second half, where England starved Wales of any ball. This was the reason for England winning the game, becuase if the Welsh were allowed more possession, they would have scored more tries. They looked dangerous every time they had the ball, and apart from a flash of genius from Jason Robinson, England once again have only Johnny Wilkinson to thank, whose immaculate goal kicking meant that an outscored England on the try count, are let off once again.
I think it may well be a different story next week.
As a Welshman, it has been a superb World Cup campaign, which has exceeded all expectations. A tinge of regret as they could have easily won this game, but they will be remembered throughout the rugby world for these last two games, in which they have probably scored the best tries of the World Cup.
However, credit to England for getting the job done, but they are looking vulnerable for the first time in a while, and as I said in responding to Bulldog last week, they cannot defend against rugby of high intensity. :nono:
I am still happy to oppose the All Blacks, who have major problems in defence, and cant keep expecting to outscore teams, whilst conceding tries, in these latter stages. However, they should account for Australia, who were awful against the Scots.
Pretty confident that your winner of the World Cup will come from next weeks England France tie, which promises to be something special.
