What Im hoping to see this weekend;
Australia vs England- hopefully England can get up and play their rumbling forward game and bash them into submission with Johnny potting the drop goals every now and again. To beat the aussies, they will need to sharpen up on defense around the ruck area,midfield and out wide as the Aussies have a lethal backline. Keep it in the forwards.
All Blacks vs France; how does a game from 8 years ago keep reoccurring as a focal point for this weekends game? It shouldnt. But again and again, the press, other rugby nations fans, keep harping on about this game as the one that France can have dominance or beat the All Blacks. My reasoning suggests otherwise. That was history, and if any history should be taken into account it should be recent history. For example, since that loss in 1999 between France and NZ, there has been 11 matches between the 2 sides. NZ can boast a proud record of 9 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. And might I add, a clean sweep since 2003. I cannot see any areas in this All Blacks team where France can exploit it. Australia might have the firepower to do so but France no. Hope to see the ABs stamp some authority in this game and erase that game of '99 for good!
South Africa vs Fiji- Im hoping that Fiji can repeat their performance to push for that semis spot. The Tongans nearly did a week ago. The Boks have shown some fragility, in that the depth is not there. If some of their 1st squad not play well or become injured, this may well be a game where we see some holes in this South African side.
Scotland vs Argentina- Scotland really need to lift their game if they want to roll Argentina. I believe Scotland are lucky to be in the quarters, as they were in the easier pool. Argentina could make the mistake and not focus on this game, and instead looking forward to the semis against the Boks.
I think all the games will be crackers!
more later........
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World cup 2007
