On 13th October England took on France at the “Stade de France” in the first of the weekends semi-finals. Many people had great doubts about whether England could once again beat the odds after the heart stopping performance against Australia. There where some great believers who always knew it could be done, the majority though had little hope of beating the hosts in their national stadium. The French media have been boasting and they have even said that “France have talent, Maybe more talent than the all blacks”.
England got off to the best start possible when Josh Lewsey took full advantage of a lucky bounce and dived over the line clattering through French full back Damien Traille after only 2 minutes. But England where hit with a huge blow when Josh Lewsey suffered a grade 1 tear to his right hamstring. Johnny Wilkinson wasn’t up to scratch and couldn’t capitalise on Josh lewsey’s try by converting the try for 2 more points. Johnny continued to kick well below par for the best part of the game. The try however boosted the French and gave them something they definitely needed after conceding so early. Johnny’s French counterpart Lionel Beauxis however, gave France a slender 1 point lead after kicking 2 penalties after only 18 minutes.
Only 4 minutes after the restart England conceded another penalty for coming in the side of the ruck. Lionel then put France even further ahead by taking full advantage of England’s Mistake. But Wilkinson must have found his kicking boots in the break though and brought the French lead back to 1 point. After he kicked three points after France committed the same offence. Wilkinson missed another drop goal opportunity though after 59 minutes giving France the ball back again. But Wilkinson stepped up and delivered when it mattered most.
75 minutes gone when France conceded a penalty for a dangerous high tackle on Jason Robinson, Johnny calmly stepped up to take the kick and sent it soaring through the posts. With only 2 minutes to go Johnny sealed victory for England when he landed another match winning drop goal.
The thrilling match ended with tears from both sides of glory and sadness after England won 14-9. England are now looking forward to their meeting with South Africa in the Final and believe they can win. Even after their humiliating 36-0 defeat in the earlier stages. South Africa are most defiantly the favourites but there is now the belief that England can win. Brian Ashton the England coach says “We’re gonna rewrite history.” Jason Robinson who will hang up his boots after this world cup is desperate to win and said “No one thought England would be in the final and it’s a massive achievement. But we don’t want to finish here. No one wants to be a loser in a final.” Phil Vicary the English captain has also stated that "The South Africa game was a bitter pill to swallow. Everyone said we'd be going home early. But we are in the final and we will prove them wrong”
South Africa are a deadly force though as they demonstrated to the Argentineans last night. Bryan Habana equaled Jonah lomu’s world cup try scoring record, to help South Africa join England in the final, after beating Argentina 37-13 at the “Stade de France” on Sunday. Bryan Habana showed why he is still the deadliest finisher in rugby with 2 spectacular tries as the springboks produced a display of amazing speed, agility, control and power. This is the springboks first final for 12 years since they won the “Ellis cup” back on home turf. Bryan was interviewed and said "We rested on our laurels in the first part of the second half but their try certainly switched us back on and we got back into test rugby and got ourselves back on the front foot. “We can all expect an amazing final to finish a great world cup.”
Written by: jake
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