E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly Version 
France stunned the mighty ABs
Those in high places can be daunted, those overlooked regarded. I am paraphrasing the poet, Seamus Heaney from his last volume: Is the man a seer?
If he's not he surely would not dispute his words fit, hand in glove into the Rugby World Cup events which unfolded on Saturday.
First Marseille where England battered the Wallabies physically and showed enough mental courage to attack rather than back off at the breakdown, it gave them an all round rather than just scrum edge and it made all the difference.
Few saw it coming, I certainly did not; patriotic hopers were dismissed as madmen, humble apologies to Sky commentator Jonny Hammond, who believed when the rest of us despaired. England put the nation out of its bleak rugby misery but not quite in the way we expected; it was not pretty but it was enthralling.
Then came Saturday night when the most talented team in the world could not cope, not so much with France, as two words - 'World Cup'. They lost their shape and thinking and France, fuelled on some great defence and old fashioned passion nicked a game with only a third possession. Huge respect to France. England versus France...I still can't quite believe it, can you Johnny?
Sunday saw more predictable results but perhaps the nearest thing to a seismic shock as Fiji ran South Africa to the brink for 70 minutes. Wondrous stuff from Bai and Rauluni and a jolt to the self belief of South Africa...they face Argentina who were painfully pragmatic in beating a disappointing and disappointed Scotland team.
Scotland are kicking themselves for not attacking earlier but I am not so sure that Argentina didn't always have enough in hand for the winning of this one. If they are to go one better than an already memorable first semi-final, they are going to have to step up the intensity against South Africa but whilst the Boks will be favourites I would not be writing off a team with an 8/9/10 of Longo, Pichot and Hernandez. They have a legitimate shot at the final.
So who will line up on October 20? Forgive me for shirking but after this last weekend I'll settle for letting you know the name of the Heaney poem - 'Anything Can Happen'.
To the questions...
Stuart, So once again we see New Zealand out of the World Cup and the label of chokers is unfortunately firmly entrenched in their proud rugby history. What words of wisdom would you have for the distraught All Black fan? Do you think that it is a shame that the World Cup has become the be all and end all of rugby union?
Mark Donnelly, London
Stuart replies: Mark, The World Cup is not the be all and end all of the game but it's way out on its own and if you are going to have a four year tournament that's how it has to be, otherwise where's the serious bite? As for All Blacks fans, my advice is to get a better blend between support for national and local. It helps get over defeat, as we Brits know from regular experience.
As a Pumas fan I would like to know which competition you think they should be included in? Will the powers that be let them in or will they continue to be ignored?
Alex, New York
Stuart replies: Alex, Sooner than later the Pumas are going to have to join the top tier fold. With so many Argentinians playing in Europe and immediate prospects of adequate competition in Argentina nil, their best players are only in a position to play Six Nations...but Seven Nations doesn't work so the prospect of the Six Nations having promotion and relegation with the FIRA tournament grows and so it should. There are short term economic issues but the long term benefits are immense. BA is a little off the European loop however so perhaps Madrid as an exiled home. It's an exciting prospect.
Hi Stuart, as the minnows played their part in full during this tournament (I think Portugal's try against NZ was possibly the best celebrated this tournament), what do you think of the idea of having a 'plate' competition after the group stages, with the winner getting automatic qualification to the next World Cup. This would ensure that they get greater experience against teams of a similar standard, with a prize that's surely worth competing for (especially for Ireland and Wales).
Cheers John Prescott
Stuart replies: John, Great idea, especially as the French fans have shown there is a demand for teams like Portugal and Georgia. One comment I would add, let's stop calling them minnows, they have earned some proper respect. Yes, I love the idea.
Given the expectations for this England squad, how would you rate the qquarter-final win over the Aussies? Was it perhaps our best ever? As fantastic as that effort was, I hope the boys don't feel satisfied. How do they get themselves up again for Saturday's showdown with France? I suppose the same question could be asked of Les Blues. It will be interesting to see which team reacts best mentally.
Dean Atlanta, GA
Stuart replies: Dean, Not the best ever, that has to be November 2003 but what a brave effort both physically and mentally. Power and not just panache is an integral part of the game which the Wallabies forgot. Now that they have exceeded most expectations and reached the semi they should feel more liberated. They will believe they can beat a talented but inconsistent French team whereas New Zealand looked a daunting prospect for a team with some obvious limitations.
The mental question is going to determine this one, if France return from Cardiff inspired, they will be tough to beat, maybe impossible for England but they are the team with it all to lose at home - again - they couldn't handle it against Argentina, who knows, lightning might just strike twice, who knows.
Thanks for the mail, as ever and have a great week. PS to our Kiwi readers, it is only a game, honestly.
