Prediction for the Semi Finals
Well here it is the business end of the world cup, its been by far the best WC since the competition begun in 1987. So this weekend the shock semi final lineup will be France vs England and the Pumas versus the Springboks. Both im sure will be tight cagey affairs with so much at sake so they could be relatively low scoring. What are your predictions for the respective games?
France vs England- This will be a thrilling game im sure especially after both teams great wins last weekend, France bet England in both their warmup games plus with the home advantage they will be firm favourites to make the final. England have really improved since their first couple of games, as ever their main weapon will be the forwards who should have the edge over the French. However England havent scored a try against a top ranked side in their last 5 games so the backline will need to provide more penetration, the French backline is certainly better. Goal kicking wise Wilko should be better than Ellisalde but he has been off target alot since his comeback so they should share the spoils.
France by 10-15 pts
South Africa vs Argentina- This will be an enthralling match, two great sets of forwards will probably cancel each other out so the lineout will be extremely important and the south Africans are the best in the world in this particular area. The Springboks have made quite a few mistakes in their recent matches which could cost them against the confident Pumas, the kicking skills of each team are excellent but Hernandez edges it due to his brilliance with the drop goal skill, something that Monty isnt good at. But as far as place kicking goes between Contempomi and Percy Montgomery, Monty edges it so far, he is back to his metronomic best is seems. In the backs the Argentineans have some tremendously skilled backs like Corletto and Borges, but they havent beeen used so much, if the Pumas make handling errors in the wrong part of the field they will be punished by the rocket Bryan Habana and also JP Pietersen. Again should be an enticing encounter, but the Springboks have the better all round game and i think they will emerge as finalists.
South Africa by 10 pts
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