|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
In your dreams Jumacfly, in your dreams.  |
|
|
| Kjell |
Twelve hours left.
Go ALL BLACKS. |
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
England v All Blacks...final.
[Edited by stewed & Keefed] |
|
|
| hotlicks |
Just backed france to beat england at evens on blue square(giving a 4 pts to france advantage) am i mad??? I've lost more money on this bloody tournament than i spent on the stones tour......still think the all blacks will do it........please let them!!!!! |
|
|
| Honky Tonk Man |
quote:
Jumacfly wrote:
Hi my English mates.... just one thing before this week end....
FRANCE IS GONNA KICK YOUR WHITE ASSES !!!!
ALLEZ LES BLEUS ALLEZ LEs BLEUS!!!!
cheers
Ju !!
White Asses?
What colour are yours then?
Alex |
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
Australia shock New Zealand
Australia 22-10 New Zealand
MATCH SUMMARY
Australia 22
Tries: Mortlock
Cons: Flatley
Pens: Flatley 5
New Zealand 10
Tries: Thorne
Cons: MacDonald
Pens: MacDonald
All the action as it happened
Pictures from Sydney
Reigning champions Australia marched into the Rugby World Cup final with a clinical demolition of tournament favourites New Zealand.
Under fire from the media after a string of below-par performances, the Wallabies dominated the Sydney clash from start to finish to set up a meeting with either England or France.
Stirling Mortlock set the ball rolling for the host nation with an intercept try after 10 minutes.
And the boot of Elton Flatley added another 17 points as the indisciplined All Blacks were sent spinning out of the competition at the semi-final stage for the second successive time.
Australia, beaten 50-21 the last time the two sides met in Sydney, started brilliantly, throwing the ball around with real confidence and putting New Zealand on the back foot from the first whistle.
But the All Blacks soaked up the early pressure and almost took the lead when Mils Muliaina went over in the right corner on eight minutes.
You have to make top teams work defensively - we stuck to our game plan and everyone believed in it
Australia captain
George Gregan
English referee Chris White was not convinced the full-back had got the ball down legally.
And, after consultation with the video official, Muliaina was ruled to have knocked the ball on as he went to touch down.
It proved a big let-off for the Wallabies, who made the most of their escape by scoring the opening try less than 60 seconds later.
Stirling Mortlock intercepted a long pass from Carlos Spencer and ran 75 metres to touch down under the posts.
Elton Flatley landed the conversion to open up a 7-0 lead for the host nation.
The gap became 10 points when Flatley landed a penalty after Nathan Shape was felled by a high tackle from Jerry Collins.
Muliaina fails to get the ball down under pressure from Lote Tuqiri
New Zealand had chances to reduce the deficit, Leon MacDonald missing two penalties.
And when Flatley made it 13-0 to Australia after some intense pressure had ended with New Zealand straying offside, the All Blacks were wobbling badly.
Just when it looked as though the Wallabies would enter the interval with a commanding lead, New Zealand skipper Reuben Thorne gave his side a lifeline with a bulldozing run to the line after Stephen Larkham had been robbed of possession.
MacDonald finally got off the mark with a simple conversion to make it 13-7 to Australia at half-time.
If the All Blacks thought the tide had turned with Thorne's late first-half score, they were quickly brought back down to earth.
We couldn't break out wide and we couldn't get through down the middle
All Blacks captain
Reuben Thorne
More New Zealand reaction
Collins was penalised for failing to allow David Giffin to play the ball, leaving Flatley with a straightforward penalty for another three points.
The game was held up for 10 minutes after Australia's Ben Darwin was injured.
But the loss of the prop, who was eventually stretchered off, failed to knock the Wallabies out of their stride.
Flatley made it five out of five kicks with his fourth penalty to put Australia 19-7 in front.
New Zealand lost a player of their own, scrum-half Justin Marshall leaving the field after suffering a rib injury.
But at least MacDonald was starting to enjoy some success with the boot.
He cut Australia's lead to nine points again with a penalty on 57 minutes.
Congratulations on a great performance - the Kiwis never looked in the game
From Iain Buchanan
Have your say on Scrum V
But New Zealand's indiscipline kept getting them into trouble, another infringement allowing Flatley to kick his 18th point of the game on the hour mark.
From then, Australia's superb defence held the All Blacks at bay. Flatley could even afford to miss with a 74th-minute penalty as the Wallabies wrapped up their 12th successive World Cup win.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Zealand: M Muliaina; D Howlett, L MacDonald, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; C Spencer, J Marshall; D Hewett, K Mealamu, G Somerville; C Jack, A Williams; R Thorne (capt), R McCaw, J Collins.
Replacements: M Hammett, K Meeuws, B Thorn, M Holah, B Kelleher, D Carter, C Ralph.
Australia: M Rogers; W Sailor, S Mortlock, E Flatley, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan (capt); B Young, B Cannon, B Darwin; J Harrison, N Sharpe, G Smith, P Waugh, D Lyons.
Replacements: J Paul, A Baxter, D Giffin, M Cockbain, C Whitaker, N Grey, J Roff.
Referee: Chris White (England).
|
|
|
| hotlicks |
FUCK FUCK FUCK MORE MONEY LOST...... THAT'S IT GOING TO BACK ENGLAND TO WIN IT!!!! |
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
About time lol |
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
Australia shock New Zealand
Australia 22-10 New Zealand
MATCH SUMMARY
Australia 22
Tries: Mortlock
Cons: Flatley
Pens: Flatley 5
New Zealand 10
Tries: Thorne
Cons: MacDonald
Pens: MacDonald
All the action as it happened
Pictures from Sydney
Match statistics
Player ratings
Reigning champions Australia marched into the Rugby World Cup final with a clinical demolition of tournament favourites New Zealand.
Under fire from the media after a string of below-par performances, the Wallabies dominated the Sydney clash from start to finish to set up a meeting with either England or France.
Stirling Mortlock set the ball rolling for the host nation with an intercept try after 10 minutes.
And the boot of Elton Flatley added another 17 points as the indisciplined All Blacks were sent spinning out of the competition at the semi-final stage for the second successive time.
Australia, beaten 50-21 the last time the two sides met in Sydney, started brilliantly, throwing the ball around with real confidence and putting New Zealand on the back foot from the first whistle.
But the All Blacks soaked up the early pressure and almost took the lead when Mils Muliaina went over in the right corner on eight minutes.
You have to make top teams work defensively - we stuck to our game plan and everyone believed in it
Australia captain
George Gregan
More Australia reaction
English referee Chris White was not convinced the full-back had got the ball down legally.
And, after consultation with the video official, Muliaina was ruled to have knocked the ball on as he went to touch down.
It proved a big let-off for the Wallabies, who made the most of their escape by scoring the opening try less than 60 seconds later.
Mortlock intercepted a long pass from Carlos Spencer and ran 75 metres to touch down under the posts.
Flatley landed the conversion to open up a 7-0 lead for the host nation.
Muliaina fails to get the ball down under pressure from Lote Tuqiri
The gap became 10 points when Flatley landed a penalty after Nathan Shape was felled by a high tackle from Jerry Collins.
New Zealand had chances to reduce the deficit, Leon MacDonald missing two penalties.
And when Flatley made it 13-0 to Australia after some intense pressure had ended with New Zealand straying offside, the All Blacks were wobbling badly.
Just when it looked as though the Wallabies would enter the interval with a commanding lead, New Zealand skipper Reuben Thorne gave his side a lifeline with a bulldozing run to the line after Stephen Larkham had been robbed of possession.
MacDonald finally got off the mark with a simple conversion to make it 13-7 to Australia at half-time.
If the All Blacks thought the tide had turned with Thorne's late first-half score, they were quickly brought back down to earth.
We couldn't break out wide and we couldn't get through down the middle
All Blacks captain
Reuben Thorne
More New Zealand reaction
Collins was penalised for failing to allow David Giffin to play the ball, leaving Flatley with a straightforward penalty for another three points.
The game was held up for 10 minutes after Australia's Ben Darwin was injured.
But the loss of the prop, who was eventually stretchered off, failed to knock the Wallabies out of their stride.
Flatley made it five out of five kicks with his fourth penalty to put Australia 19-7 in front.
New Zealand lost a player of their own, scrum-half Justin Marshall leaving the field after suffering a rib injury.
But at least MacDonald was starting to enjoy some success with the boot.
He cut Australia's lead to nine points again with a penalty on 57 minutes.
Congratulations on a great performance - the Kiwis never looked in the game
From Iain Buchanan
Have your say on Scrum V
But New Zealand's indiscipline kept getting them into trouble, another infringement allowing Flatley to kick his 18th point of the game on the hour mark.
From then, Australia's superb defence held the All Blacks at bay.
Flatley could even afford to miss with a 74th-minute penalty as the Wallabies wrapped up their 12th successive World Cup win.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Zealand: M Muliaina; D Howlett, L MacDonald, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; C Spencer, J Marshall; D Hewett, K Mealamu, G Somerville; C Jack, A Williams; R Thorne (capt), R McCaw, J Collins.
Replacements: M Hammett, K Meeuws, B Thorn, M Holah, B Kelleher, D Carter, C Ralph.
Australia: M Rogers; W Sailor, S Mortlock, E Flatley, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan (capt); B Young, B Cannon, B Darwin; J Harrison, N Sharpe, G Smith, P Waugh, D Lyons.
Replacements: J Paul, A Baxter, D Giffin, M Cockbain, C Whitaker, N Grey, J Roff.
Referee: Chris White (England).
|
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
Woodward hails Johnson
Johnson (centre) has stood tall for England through thick and thin
England coach Clive Woodward has urged his team to give captain Martin Johnson the prize he deserves - a place in the World Cup final.
The 33-year-old Johnson will lead the side out against France in the Sydney semi-final showdown with Woodward's praise ringing in his ears.
"I think the whole of English rugby owes him a huge debt," Woodward said.
"He deserves to be playing in the World Cup final more than any other England player I can think of."
Woodward credits Johnson with giving England the hard edge that has helped them climb the world rankings and become a rugby force to be reckoned with.
The Leicester lock made his England debut against France in 1993 and was made captain by Woodward in May 1999.
"Martin Johnson is an outstanding sportsman and a brilliant leader," Woodward added.
"All of the coaching staff feel extremely lucky to be able to work with him.
"The team look to him and he's proven himself over a long period of time. His place in history is there already, regardless of what happens in the World Cup."
|
|
|
| Hannalee |
England 24: France 7 
Go, Jonny, go! 
|
|
|
| hotlicks |
WON SOME MONEY AT LAST |
|
|
| BillyBoll |
Now for the whingeing Aussies!!
[Edited by BillyBoll] |
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
England into World Cup final
MATCH SUMMARY
England 24
Pens: Wilkinson (5)
DGs: Wilkinson (3)
France 7
Try: Betsen
Con: Michalak
England 24-7 France
England booked their place in the World Cup final against Australia with a tense victory over France in appalling conditions in Sydney.
High winds and torrential rain effectively ended all hopes of running rugby between two of the most explosive sides in world rugby.
In the end it was left to Jonny Wilkinson and Frederic Michalak to battle it out, Wilkinson steering his side into Saturday's final with all 24 of England's points - courtesy of three drop goals and five penalties.
Michalak, in contrast, managed just one kick from five attempts as the pressure of an attritional semi-final took its toll.
We needed passion and it was a great display
Martin Johnson
More England reaction
In the majority of the game's key contests, England held the upper hand, the return of Richard Hill giving them the edge in the back row, while Matt Dawson and Wilkinson enjoyed their best games of the tournament.
They were also far more disciplined, while France had a sin-binning either half - Christophe Dominici and Serge Betsen the villains.
Only in the line-out were the English truly outgunned as Steve Thompson's throwing was diabolical.
The Six Nations champions dominated the opening 10 minutes and were duly rewarded with Wilkinson's first drop goal.
Betsen scored the game's only try
But just as Clive Woodward's side looked to be settling into their rhythm, Betsen scored against the run of play.
England's line-out was caught out as the ball fell for the French flanker, who just managed to ground the ball despite the efforts of Hill.
From there, France dominated as England were run ragged despite Dominici being sin-binned for tripping Jason Robinson with his leg.
England finally took the lead just before half-time following another two Wilkinson penalties and drop goal.
Both sides had been clearly affected by nerves from the outset, which were still there in abundance as the players returned for the second half.
England adapted to the weather better than us
Fabien Galthie
More France reaction
Michalak and Wilkinson - normally so reliable - were both off target with straightforward penalties, as each side tried to gain a stranglehold in the dire conditions.
England finally managed to get the upper hand with 25 minutes to go when Betsen was sin-binned for a late tackle on Wilkinson.
I think we might just do it. Both sides have played pragmatic 'enough' rugby so far this tournament , yet this will not win the RWC next week
From Don Kiddick
The English fly-half this time made no mistake with his spot kick.
Michalak's dire night ended prematurely when he was replaced by Gerald Merceron but, for all his efforts, he failed to bring his players to life.
As the clock ticked on, Wilkinson grew in confidence, adding a further two penalties and a drop goal to round off the contest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
England: J Lewsey; J Robinson, W Greenwood, M Catt, B Cohen; J Wilkinson, M Dawson; T Woodman, S Thompson, P Vickery; M Johnson (capt), Ben Kay; R Hill, N Back, L Dallaglio.
Replacements: D West, J Leonard, M Corry, L Moody, K Bracken, M Tindall, I Balshaw.
France: N Brusque; A Rougerie, T Marsh, Y Jauzion, C Dominici; F Michalak, F Galthie (capt); J Crenca, R Ibanez, S Marconnet; F Pelous, J Thion; S Betsen, O Magne, I Harinordoquy.
Replacements: Y Bru, O Milloud, D Auradou, C Labit, G Merceron, D Traille, C Poitrenaud.
|
|
|
| stonedinaustralia |
quote:
BillyBoll wrote:
Now for the whingeing Aussies!!
i'll pretend i didn't hear that
we are the current cup holders, we are playing at home and we are hitting our best form at the right time
we shall prevail... |
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
You won't even come close |
|
|
| stonedinaustralia |
well, i guess we will see soon enough |
|
|
| BillyBoll |
Indeed we will.
And despite your diatribes regarding our supposed boring play, illegal tactics etc (the whinging alluded to above) I believe that we will stuff it up you in your own back yard and will delight in your excuses and further whinges about us.
I have a hat though and will eat it if needs be!!!
May the best team win - and we did last time we played. |
|
|
| stonedinaustralia |
quote:
BillyBoll wrote:
And despite your diatribes
May the best team win - and we did last time we played.
well they not my diatribes tho some of the criticism is not without merit - tho i accept in the end it's the results that count not the means to the end
it should be a great game |
|
|
| Hannalee |
quote:
BillyBoll wrote:
May the best team win - and we did last time we played.
And the time before that 
|
|
|
| Hannalee |
And that
|
|
|
| BillyBoll |
Lets just hope it is a great game and that the best team prevails. Its been a bit of a weird tounament with the teams playing the most exciting rugby not necessarily winning. |
|
|
| Jumacfly |
ok ok, i m back, well France did a pathetic match, we were under all, many faults, and england..sorry Wilkinson did a great game....best wishes for the final, Hope Aussies will be strong enough on next sunday...
cheers
Ju |
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
Jones promises high-risk game
Jones said his side can not beat England in a forwards game
Australia coach Eddie Jones has warned that, if his side gets sucked into a war of attrition in Saturday's World Cup final against England, they will lose.
England are widely regarded as having the best forward pack in world rugby and that proved decisive in their 24-7 semi-final victory over France.
And Jones accepts his side will not be able to beat England if they get bogged down in a dour, forward battle.
"We're not going to beat England in a game of attrition," said Jones, promising a high-risk game plan.
"If it becomes a game of attrition, then England win those games. They've shown that over the last four years.
"So we've got to be able to play the game at the pace we want to play and shift the ball around.
"We've got to take an approach to the game where we've got to do everything we can to win the game. We're not going out there to hang in, we're going out there to win the game.
The way they controlled the game was first class
Eddie Jones on England's semi-final win
"There's definitely risks involved but for us it's high risk, high return."
Jones has also played down the criticism levelled at England for the style in semi-final victory last weekend.
The side have been branded boring by some sections of the media after relying on the boot of Jonny Wilkinson to steer them to victory.
But Jones said anything other than a kicking game would have been suicidal given the atrocious weather.
Feature:
England revel against France
"They're playing in howling wind, pouring rain, and people expect them to shift the ball around - it's impossible," said Jones.
"It doesn't matter how much you train, you can't play running rugby in those conditions. You've got to play field position and they did that expertly.
"The way they controlled the game was first class. And to suggest that style is boring is really quite rude and disrespectful to rugby in general."
|
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
Farr-Jones backs 'suffocating' England
Wilkinson: Man behind the myth
World Cup winning Australian captain Nick Farr-Jones has rejected criticism of England's reliance on Jonny Wilkinsons's boot ahead of Saturday's World Cup final.
Clive Woodward's side have scored just one try in the past two games, but the former scrum-half has declared he does not expect England to alter their style for the weekend's crucial clash.
"Clive [Woodward] got it right when he said 'We're not Torville and Dean'," Farr-Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"They're not here to entertain. I think, too often these days with commercial rugby and prime time television, people expect rugby players to be entertainers."
He added: "Yes it's great to see a fantastic game of rugby, but when you pull on your national jersey you have absolutely one motivation and that is to win.
"If you do it playing a choking, suffocating sort of game then it doesn't bother me."
1991: Aussies pip England
Saturday's game is a rematch of the 1991 World Cup final, when Farr-Jones led Australia to a 12-6 victory at Twickenham.
England were widely criticised for changing their style of play for the match, after media criticism that they were too "boring".
"I can assure you back in 1991, when I was lucky enough to captain the Wallabies, had England played a more conservative game, with the possession they got they probably would have beaten us," Farr-Jones said.
Any criticism about JW is silly, he is the best player in the world
From Tom Bob
Have your say on Scrum V
"The last thing on Martin Johnson or Clive Woodward's mind will be to want a great showcase.
"They will just want to make sure that they bring home the trophy.
"This is the final throw of the dice for England. Probably 60-70% of that team won't play in another World Cup.
"If they don't win a lot of guys won't be able to say: 'I loved the game and contributed to the game and retired without any regrets'.
"There will be plenty of regrets if England don't win."
|
|
|
| Hannalee |
Any idea why we've opted for Tindall instead of Catt?
|
|
|
| Scot Rocks |
I kinda hope England win now, as some of the whinging about the England team from the Austrailians has been pathetic. I think England are a good team and play good rugby, however in the world cup they just haven't played at their best but have still won. |
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
England opt for Tindall
Tindall is back for Catt in a full-strength England XV
Centre Mike Tindall has replaced veteran Mike Catt in England's line-up for Saturday's World Cup final against Australia.
Tough-tackling Tindall was omitted in favour of his Bath team-mate for the semi-final victory over France.
But the pair have now swapped places, with Catt starting on the bench for Sydney's crucial clash.
With the exception of Matt Dawson, who again starts at scrum-half, coach Clive Woodward has kept faith with the same players who defeated the Wallabies 25-14 in Melbourne five months ago.
"Playing Australia, it is right to have Mike (Tindall) back," said Woodward. "We are here to win this match it is as simple as that.
Aussies make one change
"Tindall is a major part of our team and has been for some time.
"He fully understood why we made the change and Mike Catt is also brilliant in agreeing that this is the best way to go into this match.
"Catty was spot-on in his reaction. He has been very impressive, understands and agrees with the decision."
Catt certainly appears to have taken it well.
"Clive's the boss and I'm his employeee so I had to accept it," said Catt.
"Of course I'd love to be starting but I might come on in the 60th minute and score all the tries!" he smiled.
Woodward also shrugged off the criticism England have received in the local press, which has labelled his side boring.
The Australians have seen nothing yet if we really want to play boring rugby
England coach Clive Woodward
"It's all harmless stuff," said Woodward. "If you can't see the amusing side of it you should not be doing this job or come to this country.
"It's up to England to give it back. I am sure the Aussies will take it like we take it.
"I get paid to win Test matches. We have won the last four of our matches against Australia and that is the only stat I know.
"I thought Sunday's match against France was exciting. The Australians have seen nothing yet if we really want to play boring rugby."
Woodward also singled out the spirit in his 30-man squad, and especially the eight players who have missed out on selection.
I think Tindall is the right man for this game
"They are the guys you look to," he said. "If they react in the right way that shows the real strength of the team.
"If one lets his disappointment show it could affect everyone. Of course they are shattered by being left out - it's a brutal business, it's black and white."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
England: Josh Lewsey; Jason Robinson; Will Greenwood; Mike Tindall; Ben Cohen; Jonny Wilkinson; Matt Dawson; Lawrence Dallaglio; Neil Back; Richard Hill; Ben Kay; Martin Johnson; (capt); Phil Vickery; Steve Thompson; Trevor Woodman.
Replacements: Dorian West; Jason Leonard; Martin Corry; Lewis Moody; Kyran Bracken; Mike Catt; Iain Balshaw.
|
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
Aussies make one change
Ben Darwin sustained serious neck injuries against New Zealand
Al Baxter has replaced injured prop Ben Darwin in the only change to Australia's starting line-up for Saturday's World Cup final against England.
Darwin sustained serious neck injuries when a scrum collapsed in the second half of Australia's 22-10 semi-final win against New Zealand in Sydney last Saturday.
Matt Dunning moves onto the bench as the front row cover and Matt Giteau returns from an ankle injury to replace Nathan Grey on the bench.
Captain George Gregan, prop Bill Young, locks Nathan Sharpe and Justin Harrison and flanker Phil Waugh have all recovered from light knocks to take their place in the team.
England opt for Tindall
Coach Eddie Jones said: "It is certainly tragic to lose Ben Darwin in this manner.
"But we have the utmost confidence in Alastair and Matty Dunning to do the job on Saturday night."
Jones' record against England is played three, lost three, including the 25-14 defeat in Melbourne five months ago, when Australia put out a makeshift side with no specialist fly-half.
Mike Tindall is a more physical player than Mike Catt and is a very good defender
Aussie coach Eddie Jones
But with the likes of Stephen Larkham, Elton Flatley and Stirling Mortlock all back, Jones is confident his side can banish the memories of that game.
"If you look at the line-up, it is completely different side from June," he said.
"There are only six guys who started that night as compared to this Saturday.
"We looked to see if we could improve the side from the New Zealand game but we felt at the end the side that played last week can do the job again this week."
Has the World Cup inspired you?
Jones said he was not not concerned about the inexperience of Baxter or Dunning in such a monumental encounter.
"It is a young pack, they have no fear, nothing to be frightened about," he added.
"They will do that and if we are good enough we will get on top of them.
"We have developed a pack prepared to take on anyone."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australia: Mat Rogers; Wendell Sailor; Stirling Mortlock; Elton Flatley; Lote Tuqiri; Stephen Larkham; George Gregan (capt); David Lyons; Phil Waugh; George Smith; Nathan Sharpe; Justin Harrison; Al Baxter; Brendan Cannon; Bill Young.
Replacements: Jeremy Paul; Matt Dunning; David Giffin; Matt Cockbain; Chris Whitaker; Matt Giteau; Joe Roff.
|
|
|
| stewed & Keefed |
Preview: France v New Zealand
All Blacks coach Mitchell may lose his job on Friday
France have rung the changes for the third-fourth place play-off on Thursday, but New Zealand have picked their strongest possible line-up.
New Zealand, the pre-tournament favourites, were sensationally beaten at the semi-final stage by hosts and defending champions Australia, while France fell to England.
John Mitchell has announced he wishes to carry on as All Blacks coach and victory over France may help his cause.
However, the play-off game is an unwelcome addition for two sides who have seen their dreams of World Cup glory go up in smoke.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Chris Moller has called a news conference for Friday morning.
He is expected to announce whether Mitchell, and his assistant Robbie Deans, will be asked to carry on when their contracts expire at the end of the year.
"We did win the Bledisloe Cup and the Tri-Nations so in a normal year we would rate it as a pretty good year," said Moller.
We are going to play that game to win because it's always an honour to face New Zealand
France manager Joe Maso
"That's been good for the brand but I'm not for one moment denying that our number one priority this year was to win the rugby World Cup.
"Unfortunately we're not in a position to do that."
The All Blacks have made only two changes to their line-up, because of injury, with Steve Devine replacing Justin Marshall at scrum-half while reserve prop Kees Meeuws is replaced on the bench by Carl Hoeft.
France manager Jo Maso said his team would be treating the match seriously, even though only New Zealand-born centre Tony Marsh and prop Sylvain Marconnet remain from the 24-7 loss to England.
"Five of the players who started Sunday's semi-final against England have been ruled out or were not available and most of the others were exhausted," said Maso.
"That's why we decided to field fresh players against the All Blacks but make no mistake, we are going to play that game to win because it's always an honour to face New Zealand."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Zealand: M Muliaina; D Howlett, L MacDonald, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; C Spencer, S Devine; J Collins, R McCaw, R Thorne (capt), A Williams, C Jack, G Somerville, K Mealamu, D Hewett.
Replacements: M Hammett, C Hoeft, B Thorn, M Holah, B Kelleher, D Carter, C Ralph.
France: C Poitrenaud; P Elhorga, T Marsh, D Traille, D Bory; G Merceron, D Yachvili; C Labit, S Chabal, P Tabacco, T Privat, D Auradou, J-B Poux, Y Bru (capt), S Marconnet.
Replacements: R Ibanez, J-Jacques Crenca, F Pelous, O Magne, F Michalak, B Liebenberg, N Brusque.
Referee: Chris White (England)
|
|
CHAT
ROOM aka THE FUN HOUSE] [
RESTROOMS]