South Africa vs England for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, I'm Picking England to Win

Sunday, October 14. 2007

What a thrilling second semi-final in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, South Africa kept the Argentinian Puma's caged up 37-13 without too much damage ahead of next weeks final against England.

The first half seemed like a fairly matched performance from both sides, but the second half saw the complete collapse of the Argentinian defence and a lacklustre performance in the final ten minutes giving South Africa the opportunity of another 13 points.
South Africa's performance was good, but credit to Argentina who probably feel like they should have won the game, and referee Steve Walsh may cop some flack for his handling of penalties, a bit too quick to blow the whistle there at times I thought.

So, now we wait for England vs South Africa!

This should be a game and half. I'm picking an England win, and I know I'm going to get a bit of heat for it, but really, compare the way England beat the French, against the way South Africa beat Argentina. England just look more disciplined, they seem to have their wits about them, and despite the fierce reputation South Africa have I think when it comes down to it they'll struggle against a well drilled, fired up England.

It will be interesting to see what odds the bookies lay on the final, but one thing is for sure, the 2007 Rugby World Cup has certainly left its mark, and I don't think the humiliation of Australia, New Zealand and France will be erased from memories very quickly. Bring it on, England vs South Africa.
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in Carl's Journal   Comments (5)

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  1. winston onyango said,

    Monday, October 15. 2007 at 03:46 (Reply)

    i just wish my favourite team that is South Africa a nice time comes the finals day. win win win

  2. Tamiswa said,

    Monday, October 15. 2007 at 04:44 (Reply)

    thank you very much carl for your wise analysis but honestly we need to talk rugby and be realistic here. South Africa is definately the strogest team to take it. They have too much going for them including an upper advantage of having beaten England. It must be a Springbok Victory....Thanks Mate

  3. Carl said,

    Monday, October 15. 2007 at 05:07 (Reply)

    South Africa beating England in recent games means nothing when it comes to a World Cup final. I agree that it would be nice to see a Springbok victory, I mean I remember the days when South Africa were unbeatable, but honestly I don't think they're the same team anymore. Rugby has changed too much since the days Naas Botha and I think that England will have the upper hand if Wilkinson is back on form.

  4. Greg said,

    Monday, October 15. 2007 at 09:05 (Reply)

    Thanks Carl for the spin & optimisim but shouting yourself dumber for a rank outsider doesn't transform them MAGICALLY into the WINNERS...this Springbok team are the INVINCIBLES...regaining the status of old when the BOKS were unstoppable... they still have a 70% win-rate throughout their 'darkest times' while this team has a 100% win-rate... unless England employ miserable underhanded tactics which have become their hallmark, they simply are NOT in the same class as the BOK INVINCIBLES !

  5. Carl said,

    Monday, October 15. 2007 at 09:48 (Reply)

    Greg, miserable underhanded tactics are what caused caused NZ to lose the first world cup, do you remember the food poisoning that left several of the All Blacks unable to play effectively?

    Look, don't get me wrong, I'm a loyal South African, it would give me no greater pleasure than to see the 'Boks win the World Cup again. However, I still don't think South Africa will win. I might lose some dollars with my bookie if South Africa win, but it's not about personal pride or making a profit. As Tamiswa said, this is rugby and in my opinion, the 'Boks just haven't shown the class they are going to need to beat England if they are on form. To my way of thinking, South Africa need to lift their game against England.

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