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Ashton: knows Tongan's will be tough
Relief was the overwhelming emotion on display in Nantes on Saturday as England found the third gear required to overcome Samoa and the first hurdle towards qualifying for the last eight.
We can talk about the positive impact that Jonny Wilkinson's presence brought to the side, we can debate the continuing sub-standard nature of his tactical kicking (which Chris Latham will thrive on should England win Friday), but perhaps this is a time to acknowledge the spirit of the tournament as much as the tactics - which can wait for another day.
Nantes was a fine affair, one which will remain a happy memory for those who made it to this fine city.
We may have debated the palpitating excitement of the game itself had Tonga not risen to the challenge of South Africa and delivered the match of the tournament up to date.
One fortunate bounce of the ball and a win that would have eclipsed any shock through the long annals of the sport, so close and such credit goes to these small nations with huge hearts.
Tonga will not be pushovers for England this Friday. A match which most thought a formality before the tournament commenced is now a straight knockout game.
Home nations
The same applies to Wales against Fiji - who have the talent but probably not the technique to take the Welsh to the limit.
Scotland is another home nations side whose big date has arrived. Unlike the Tonga match, this collision has been slowly building but I suspect Scotland have it in them to beat Italy team whose confidence has never recovered from the pummelling at the hands, and feet, of the All Blacks.
Then, Friday night and Ireland have to score four tries and prevent Gus Pichot's Pumas remaining within seven points. If the debacles that have been the Georgia and French matches are Eddie O'Sullivan's low points, this achievement would represent a peak.
The odds are against them with Argentina, marshalled by their scrum-half, confident of winning the game to give themselves a shot at the semi-finals against Scotland or Italy.
If that does transpire France, the hosts, head to Cardiff and a showdown with New Zealand. The Blacks were indifferent against Scotland's second string but this fixture was never part of the French planning for 2007.
What a weekend we have ahead of us, starting Friday with that Tonga clash in Paris where my man of the tournament thus far, the magnificently proud and skilled Tongan flanker and captain, Nili Latu - along with the considerable bonus of Toulouse's Finau Maka - will take their shot at Tongan rugby immortality.
After South Africa's close call, Brian Ashton's men are not likely to be complacent.
Now to this week's email...
Email Stuart Barnes here!
Stuart - "Under-cooked" is a phrase that has been used for New Zealand this week. An average of more than 70 points in three wins and numerous try-scorers can't be a bad start to anyone's World Cup campaign, so how much should we pay attention to this notion of being under-cooked? Do you think it is a bit of kidology from Graham Henry and his staff? Personally I can't see the All Blacks having too many problems stepping up when it comes to the knockout games, but in your opinion has the weakness of their group opponents seriously put them at a disadvantage? Alun Hildreth
STUART SAYS: Not seriously perhaps Alun, but maybe at enough of an advantage to give increasing hope to France (probably) and then Australia (probably). They may be averaging 70-odd points but Portugal, wonderfully entertaining as they have been, were no test nor were a star-struck Italian team. Against a predominantly second string Scotland they allowed themselves to lose focus and made many attacking mistakes. It may prove to have been a beneficial reality check - they remain the team to beat - but habits are bad as well as good. And if New Zealand do not rid themselves of some shown on Sunday they could be stunned by France, who might just be more of a threat if they are runners-up and play away from home and the pressure. Look at France's recent home record against New Zealand and maybe Bernard Laporte's team will be happier away from Paris where Henry's men have the hammering habit. Given Romania or one of the Home Nations first string as a last pool match you suspect the coaches would have opted for the sterner test. It has not been an ideal pool - that's for sure - despite the points and winning margins.
Still not impressed, I'm afraid. A couple of late scores, relying on Johnny's boot and a scoreline that, in my humble opinion, flattered. Most worrying for me Stuart was the performance of Tait and Barclay at centre. I thought Barkley looked incapable of making a decision and ran himself into many a blind alley, while I have always wondered whether Tait has the size and power to operate there at this level. Given we are up against another bruising bunch in Tonga, I would like to see Hipkiss given a go. He has the power and bulk I think is missing, and after all, why select him and stick him on the bench? What do you think Stuart, is it time to chuck him in at the deep end? I hope Ashton is ready to take the plunge. Jimbo
STUART SAYS: The very thoughts I was having as I filed my Sunday Times column en route to Nantes airport and Murrayfield, Jimbo. I don't think Danny Hipkiss is the finished article but somebody is needed to straighten the line and fix the defence. He is the best option. The midfield was unbalanced and against Tonga a bit more bite is required especially as Wilkinson (golden moments but a grey performance) and Barkley are certain starters. Olly Barkley needs to run harder and avoid stepping into the voracious arms of Tonga's tremendous back-rowers. It was not that impressive but it was a marked improvement on the static displays in the first few weekends. England fans, your team is at least heading in the right direction.
Email Stuart Barnes here!
