Bye Bye England
8 Oct 2011
MARK KEOHANE reports from Auckland on another famous French World Cup win.
For once New Zealanders could appreciate it when a group of French rugby players get that mad look in their eye, defy logic, form and common sense and win a rugby game in which few gave them a chance.
France usually reserves the unexpected for the All Blacks (1999 and 2007) but against a limp England passion and patience was enough of a Saturday night drink to daze England and make them look like the rugby drunks they have been all tournament.
France won 19-12 and could have had more points, but for two missed penalties and two missed conversions. They led 16-0 in a first 40 when England came close to scoring in the last movement of the half but never exerted enough pressure to even win a penalty kick at posts.
The French pack was superior and individually hooker William Servat and No 8 Imanol Harinordoquy were immense, especially in the first hour. Scrumhalf Dimitri Yachvilli played conductor in that period in which France triumped because of bloody mindedness more than brilliance. It was similar to the win against the All Blacks in 2007 because this was a grind in the last quarter, but the two matches don’t rate in comparison.
French captain Thierry Dusautoir said as much afterwards, telling the media that in 2007 France had beaten the best team in the world to advance to the semi-finals, but this was not the case at Eden Park.
England are a poor side. They beat Argentina 13-9 and needed 75 minutes to subdue the Pumas. They then needed a 78th minute try to beat Scotland 16-12 and up until the 78th minute against France they trailed 19-7.
England losing is good riddance. They were diabolical on the night, as they have been all tournament. Coach Martin Johnson thought otherwise and applauded the courage of his team. He felt England were the more creative team and that the difference was France took their limited chances and scored early. England, he said, were always chasing the game and were lacking in composure. But he added this was the England team of the future and that he (as coach) wasn’t planning on going anywhere in a hurry.
England, in 2007, were bad in losing to South Africa 36-0 but upstaged Australia 12-10 in the quarter-final before edging France. In the final they were a poor second to the Boks.
In four years little has been advanced in this England team. The Boks and All Blacks have smashed them by record margins in London, the Wallabies have beaten them in London and Wales, Ireland, Scotland and France have also enjoyed success against a side that has never settled on a pattern of play. Neither has Johnson ever had the conviction to axe those who played with him in the 2003 World Cup success in Australia.
Hero of the 2003 World Cup victory Jonny Wilkinson was among those Johnson refused to give up on, but the once great kicker was a shadow of the player who won England the World Cup with a right footed drop goal. Wilkinson, so plagued by injury in the last five years, kicked at 60 percent at the 2007 World Cup in France and he ended this tournament with the worst goalkicking average of the leading kickers with just 10 from 20.
Johnson subbed him on the hour and he will not play for England again. It was a cruel way for him to go, but there was nothing cruel about the manner of English defeat.
England, on the night, were dire and a Marc Cueto try in the 78th minute added to the illusion this was a close match. It never was. England were never in the game and only referee Steve Walsh’s charity ensured they stayed in the game. Walsh penalised France 11 times in the last hour before finally giving the victors a penalty in the last minute.
England at this World Cup have been a disgrace in the way they behaved and played. The tournament is the richer for their departure. Wales will play France in what should be a magnificent World Cup semi-final match.
1,082 Comments
Pages: « 1 … 8 9 10 11 12 [13] 14 15 16 17 18 … 22 » Show All
8 Oct 2011, 13:02 pm
@blueboy(blueboy)-583:
OH and Blue its over 8000 quakes since September 2010
It works out to be 22 quakes everyday for a year.
http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz/all
The lnk will show you all the quakes from September 2010. YOu can change the days of course etc.
8 Oct 2011, 13:03 pm
Kiwi Troll Alert!
8 Oct 2011, 13:04 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-597:
Attack………………..
Actung Bokke………………………………………………….Wil, Quade, Bieber and Kurtly are here.
And they are young enough to think, ALL THINGS are possible!
8 Oct 2011, 13:04 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-602:
lol
8 Oct 2011, 13:04 pm
@JL1(JL1)-556:
can’t believe that debate …are you twelve
8 Oct 2011, 13:04 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-597: we were at the blunt end of some poor ref decisions and based on that the boks and supporters think they just need to turn up.
Can you provide evidence for the assertion you make in the latter part of the quoted sentence, please.
8 Oct 2011, 13:05 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-597:
We’ve a 4/3 split. How many more backs would you advise?
8 Oct 2011, 13:06 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-599:
Is Transie here?
Cool.
8 Oct 2011, 13:06 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-568:
what are the odds?
8 Oct 2011, 13:06 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-591: For me, if the Boks or Wallabies or All Blacks or Argentia play in the semi, that will be the real final.
Impossible to imagine Argentina Wales as a final but it could happen.
Heart says Boks head says Wallabies.
Heart, head and every bone in my body says New Zealand over the Argies
8 Oct 2011, 13:06 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-515:
Were you not one of the people who called Ireland’s victory over Aus a “major upset? …and then ridiculed me when I said that it was not?
You changed your mind or do you just disagree with Pundie for the sake of it?
8 Oct 2011, 13:07 pm
Hurricane #591 I wiill never forget the first two kiwis i ever met in johannesburg they hated the ozzies and called them boneheads is the rivalry between your two countries cultural or is it a sporting difference or both,please explain.My own feeling is that they think NZ are their poor neighbours,is that near the truth.
8 Oct 2011, 13:08 pm
@surreyshark4(surreyshark4)-586:
You guys harp on about 1997…your illegitimate laws kept blacks from being selected and prevented blacks from being selected in touring teams.
The boks chose not to play say they could keep their laws…the boks were invited! why else would the boks decline the offer???
8 Oct 2011, 13:08 pm
I want to go to the Viaduct tomorrow morning. Anyone have any park and ride suggestions?
I am driving up from the south
8 Oct 2011, 13:10 pm
@nama1(nama1)-611: errm, ou nama1, I still say Ireland beating Australia was an upset.
I said it was. Then Pundy agreed.
You’ve got your knickers in a knot (again).
8 Oct 2011, 13:11 pm
Anyone who says Ireland’s win over Australia was NOT an upset… needs their head examined.
8 Oct 2011, 13:11 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-599:
It’s not just the atmosphere at the Matches BP.
The fever is everywhere.
Where I live, every 4th Vehicle has a flag.
With Tongan’s and Samoan’s leading the flurry.
8)
8 Oct 2011, 13:11 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-613: what happened in 1997?
8 Oct 2011, 13:14 pm
@blueboy(blueboy)-612:
The odd thing I found when living in Aus is that many Australians thought that Kiwi’s spend half their time be worried about or obsessed with Australia. I bet that works both ways.
In fact it is mainly a sporting thing with the odd political incident. As you would expect dislike of Aus/NZ peope only exists amongst people on both sides of the Tasman who have not travelled or are just unworldly.
My own issues with Aus are only about a certain political regime that was in power when I lived there.
8 Oct 2011, 13:14 pm
@cane(cane)-617:
if by a miracle the kiwis get knocked out tomorrow,will the trend continue?
8 Oct 2011, 13:14 pm
Jeez I hope it rains in tomorrow’s game.
8 Oct 2011, 13:16 pm
@chch(chch)-619:
If you ask NZinChina he will say that I am anti-Auckland because I don’t hate Australians.
Every country has them
8 Oct 2011, 13:17 pm
@chch(chch)-614:
Plenty of parking avail in Mt Eden itself, just keep in the block between Mt Eden Road and Dominion Road and south of Valley Road. Get there early, shouldna be a prob. Plenty of buses on Dominion Road or take the train from Mt Eden or Kingsland stations.
So cool down at Viaduct today, the French fans have been superb in Auckland for past month. Hilarious outfits. Lots of Obelix. Many Marcel Marceau’s. Even a Szarkozy carrying a ladder.
Argie fans special tho, looking fwd to seeing them. See you at Soul Bar……mmmmmm, salt’n'pepper squid…..
8 Oct 2011, 13:18 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-613: MATE… IT was a lighthearted jab, but get your facts right, we were not invited, the Gleneagles agreement stopped us being involved, i appreciate our horrific politics kept us out and we deserved it , but the fact remains we were not there, so excuse me if i look at the results with a different view, but that is my perspective. But as an Australian i wouldn’t expect you to let the fact/truth get in the way of you making a point. By the way you treatment of you indigenous people then and now continues to be disgraceful, not in law but in practice !
8 Oct 2011, 13:18 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-623:
Thanks for that. I will have a look at a map now
8 Oct 2011, 13:19 pm
@cane(cane)-608:
I just assume he is, he keeps correcting me everywhere I go.
8 Oct 2011, 13:19 pm
@Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-620:
For sure fernly (how come you have not been banned),
most NZers think that being good hosts, is more important than winning the WC.
We will be disappointed for sure.
We have been disappointed before and will cope.
8 Oct 2011, 13:20 pm
@surreyshark4(surreyshark4)-624:
What has wallabie done to the Australian indigenous population?
Do all you guys know each other or something?
8 Oct 2011, 13:21 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-613: just in case you are too lazy to study some facts i will help you……..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gleneagles_Agreement
8 Oct 2011, 13:21 pm
where’s that discombobulated nama1 got to with his false claims?
8 Oct 2011, 13:22 pm
@chch(chch)-625:
Look for roads ‘Grange’ and ‘Kingsview’ and all those streets in between. Then a 15mins walk to the Graden of Eden.
Panther territory. purrrrrrrrrrr
time to dine on some Argie prime beef.
8 Oct 2011, 13:22 pm
cheers all.have a good day/night
I cannot wait for tomorrow,let’s get this show on the road!
8 Oct 2011, 13:22 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-623:
French fans looked great at the game as well BP.
Good to see so many stay behind after the final whistle to congratulate their team.
In the first 40 they were magnificent.
8 Oct 2011, 13:22 pm
@Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-620:
Yes.
Well I think and hope yes
8 Oct 2011, 13:22 pm
@chch(chch)-628:
http://www.survivalinternational.org/news/98
8 Oct 2011, 13:23 pm
Come on Peter (without the i) De Villers, do it for the Hotnotte.
8 Oct 2011, 13:24 pm
@wallabie.(wallabie.)-613:
lets talk about our laws , apartheid versus …..
Two UN Committees have recently condemned the Australian government’s treatment of its Aboriginal population. Anger amongst Aborigines has never been as high. Typical of the government’s contempt towards them is its refusal to apologise for previous policies under which tens of thousands of Aboriginal children were removed from their parents. In contrast, many other countries such as Canada and Japan have issued apologies for historical policies that would be unacceptable today. Australia recently became the first affluent industrialised country to be subject to the UN Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination’s early warning procedure.
The Foreign Minister Mr Alexander Downer’s response to UN criticism of mandatory sentencing laws (which disproportionately affect Aborigines) was that the UN would ‘end up with its nose bloodied’ if it continued to scrutinise Australia’s affairs.
The facts are:
Aboriginal life expectancy is 17 – 20 years less than other Australians.
Aboriginal babies are four times as likely to die at birth as non-Aborigines.
Aboriginal people are 17 times more likely to be arrested, 14 times more likely to be imprisoned and 16 times more likely to die in custody than non-Aborigines.
In Western Australia, Aboriginal women are 41 times more likely to be in jail than other women.
There has been a 70% rise in Aboriginal incarceration since 1989.
The suicide rate is 6 times higher for Aborigines than the national average.
The infant mortality rate for Aborigines is over three times the national average.
Unemployment amongst Aborigines is four times the national average.
8 Oct 2011, 13:24 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-631:
good to see Argentinean people at the game tonight
8 Oct 2011, 13:26 pm
@chch(chch)-625:
for a nice affordable lunch, hit ‘Okra’ on Sandringham Road, oppo Burnley Terrace. Delicious seafood-chowder, chocka full of mussels. The flat white will keep you going til KO. Saunter down the road to the new Moa Bar for the best brew in town. A lazy 2min walk to Kingsland Station, 15mins later and youre pulling in to Britomart, opposite The Cloud & Fanzone.
sorted.
8 Oct 2011, 13:28 pm
@chch(chch)-622:
Hello CHCH nice of you to mention me, you have stopped sniping at Henry for the time being as you should at the business end of the tournament you can resume sniping after the tournament, of course your not anti Auckland nobody in Chch is.
8 Oct 2011, 13:28 pm
@Jeraldjay(Jeraldjay)-636: you know there was a chappie here once called “Ed the Lion” who was banned for using the exact same word you have used. Shame on you, I’m sure PDV will do it for ALL South Africans.
8 Oct 2011, 13:31 pm
@cane(cane)-633:
The French & Argie fans have been the best by far. So many of them just milling around Eden Park ‘paying homage’. I talked to a couple mid-week on my daily bike up Mt Eden. My 1st game at EP was 1979 ‘Bastille Day Test’, they loved the stories and eyes were lit up. Tells ya what, wouldnt half love some of their kit.
Knew Frogs would turn it on today. Such punchy execution in the 1stH, in the tackle and on the ball. My English guests were none too impressed, theyre in bed already. Soft Poms.
8 Oct 2011, 13:32 pm
@surreyshark4(surreyshark4)-635:
That article refers to the Australian government not wallabie.
I joined the say sorry march thing in Aus while I was there. Won’t say any more as it has little to do with rugby.
8 Oct 2011, 13:34 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-639:
cheers, sounds good
8 Oct 2011, 13:35 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-615:
Now why would that be.. my” knickers in a knot (again).?”
Hahaha, you are funny sometimes.
You think France can do it this time? Who would you rather face in the final? France or Wales?
What team do you support anyway in the RWC? The Boks under PdV?
——————————————————————————————————
Just heard Matfield on the radio saying that tomorrow will be like a home game. Everywhere he walks around Kiwis come up to him and say that they support the Boks tomorrow. He hopes they turn up in their thousands at the stadium.
8 Oct 2011, 13:35 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-642: My 1st game at EP was 1979 ‘Bastille Day Test’…
Lets for argument say you were 10- 12 in ’79. That would make you 42-44.
Wow Blackie, you’re a middle aged adult! The way you conduct yourself on this forum I had you pegged as a pimple faced 15 year old.
8 Oct 2011, 13:37 pm
@surreyshark4(surreyshark4)-637:
UN Declarations speak nothing of reality.
And the Australian Government acts only with good intent.
Forget the past.
Reality is now.
Reality for many Aboriginals is fogged with alcohol, drugs and dependence on Gov handouts.
A combination extremely difficult to reverse.
8 Oct 2011, 13:37 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-640:
Im married to one. Every now’n'then just throw in how much you ‘prefer lakes to beaches’ and they relax just a enough.
Did anyone mention GH was, in fact, born in Christchurch ? That usually shuts them up. Although its never worked on my mother-in-law, not even for her husband.
8 Oct 2011, 13:39 pm
@surreyshark4(surreyshark4)-637: Not sure your point but in all honesty, Abbos are a waste of skin for the most part. They make their own problems.
8 Oct 2011, 13:39 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-648:
Got your tickets for the finals?
Pages: « 1 … 8 9 10 11 12 [13] 14 15 16 17 18 … 22 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.