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Tom Fordyce

England's World Cup dream dies (196)

Stade de France, midnight on Saturday - Can I make this blog sigh? Can I make this page shed a soft tear? Can I make these words jump off the screen and link arms with you?

Tonight, the nerve-frying, heart-squeezing, bone-shaking dream that has been .


At a Stade de France so cold the claps froze on your fingers, the Springboks did exactly what Brian Ashton鈥檚 boys had done for the last four weeks 鈥 held firm, made no mistakes, poured on the pressure and picked the enemy off with penalties.

England players look dejected with their silver medals

Don鈥檛 hurt yourself with thoughts of Mark Cueto鈥檚 disallowed try. Don鈥檛 torture yourself with what might have happened had Mathew Tait slipped through one more tackle on that slicing run, or Jonny landed that close-in drop-goal at 3-6 or the long-distance drifter with 10 minutes to go.

It鈥檚 hard to admit that it鈥檚 over, that we can鈥檛 wake up tomorrow and do it all over again.

But it's time to shake a Springbok hand, give thanks for the extraordinary events of the past two months and salute an England team that went further than anyone in their right mind could expect them to.

Sometimes you just know when a match will be yours, and when it will slip away from you.

It didn鈥檛 matter how hard England pushed, how many choruses of Swing Low Sweet Chariot swung round the stadium or how many roofs were ripped off by the roaring millions back home.

Tonight, their everything was not enough.

This was stone-cold, hands-up reality after a day when giddy madness had reigned in Paris.

Men had thrown crazy amounts of money at mere rumours of tickets, shipped beers in such vast quantities that you feared the end for some would come before the beginning.

Seeing the passion on the players鈥 faces at the start 鈥 roaring out the anthems, holding on to one another like sailors lashed together in a storm 鈥 part of you was crippled with anxiety, while another part wanted to be out there, to be at the heart of such a marvellous maelstrom.

Expectation was hanging so heavy in the air you could almost taste it, belief and doubt mixing together to form an atmosphere so tense you could slice it.

Jonny Wilkinson

But, when the moment finally arrived, the magic was never quite there. The breaks England needed to win never came.

With 20 minutes to go, even the most banjaxed of England fans around me knew the game was up.

Not tonight the leg-clenching tension of the previous two weeks, nor the ear-splitting noise at the same stadium seven days before.

This was South Africa鈥檚 final from a long way out, and everyone in the Stade de France, deep down, knew it.

The Springboks may not have sparkled. They didn鈥檛 have to. This was professional rugby for a professional era, a production high on practice and proficiency.

As I write, the fireworks have faded away, the stands emptied, the last celebrating South African skipped off the field. All that鈥檚 left on the pitch is a giant slick of golden glitter.

It鈥檚 time to go, head back into the bars of Paris and wash all those hopes and disappointments away.

South Africa 鈥 I take my hat off to you. England 鈥 thanks for the ride.

Tom Fordyce is a 大象传媒 Sport journalist travelling around France in a camper van with Ben Dirs.


Comments  Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 11:46 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Keith Vaughan wrote:

Well said, and also congratulations to the French for a marvellous tournament. I will miss it.

  • 2.
  • At 11:46 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • ilyas wrote:

So long and thanks for all the blogs!

I will miss you both.

.

  • 3.
  • At 11:47 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Chris wrote:

We can only say thanks to the England team... they took us further than we could ever have expected. It's always painful to lose in a final, but the boys have done us proud... bring it on in 4 years time, and thanks for all the memories..

  • 4.
  • At 11:50 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Carole Maidenhead wrote:

Well done SA, and thank you England. You were all fantastic.

  • 5.
  • At 11:52 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Michael M wrote:

nice article,welldown england,our players shouldbe proud. congratulations south africa,you probably deserved it! i stillthink we scored a perfectly good try (maybe thats the drink talking) ;-)

  • 6.
  • At 11:52 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • yates wrote:

proud to be english!!!!!

  • 7.
  • At 11:52 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Rob Sanderson wrote:

So, so right. Well done South Africa. They have looked the strongest team from the very start, have come through some very hard games, including tonight, and snatched victory when it mattered.

But well doen England. They have exceded our expectations, nay, confounded them. They should have been hammered bu Australia, but no. They should have been turned over by France. Not this time. And tonight South Africa should have blasted them aside. But we stood firm. The better team won, sure. But we made them work for every inch, every yard, and we did not give up. Tonight, I am on the losing side with pride, as we lost to the better team but we did the best we could. I could not ask for much more.

  • 8.
  • At 11:53 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • ed wrote:

i was at the o2 arena. wat an athomosphere. unlucky boys but hats off to them for getting this far.

  • 9.
  • At 11:53 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Boyd wrote:

Congratulations to South Africa, they had the form all the way through the world cup. For England it was a nice run given the appalling form over that last four years, they made a game of it the second time. For me it was an England try, but if you are the better team you win in spite of those calls. South Africa are the WORLD CHAMPS. Bring on the next world cup.

  • 10.
  • At 11:54 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Anonymous wrote:

"The Springboks may not have sparkled. They didn鈥檛 have to. This was professional rugby for a professional era, a production high on practice and proficiency."

Pretty much killing Rugby Union! League all the way.

  • 11.
  • At 11:54 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Ian Phillips wrote:

Wise words, well said Tom.

I am a Welsh rugby supporter but have to say fair play to England for a fantastic performance to ressurect themselves after their 36-0 mauling and get to the final. Despite the result however, at the risk of a cliche, rugby was the winner. A hard game, with hard hits taken and given, but no regrets.

Interesting to contrast with wednesday's football where debate raged following a close call over whether a tackle took place inside or outside the box and further calls for video technology. In tonight's match where the technology is already in place and despite the tv commentators calling a try, the video referee called it in touch, possibly denying England a world cup win. Bleating, moaning, excuses? no - not in rugby - you accept the verdict, no matter how harsh and move on - no matter how big the prize.

Perhaps at the end of it all, fair play and integrity, rather than South Africa alone was the winner. Respect to England for their part in it.

  • 12.
  • At 11:54 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • ed wrote:

i was at the o2 arena. wat an athomoshere. unlucky boys but hats off to them for getting this far.

  • 13.
  • At 11:54 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Boyd wrote:

Congratulations to South Africa, they had the form all the way through the world cup. For England it was a nice run given the appalling form over that last four years, they made a game of it the second time. For me it was an England try, but if you are the better team you win in spite of those calls. South Africa are the WORLD CHAMPS. Bring on the next world cup.

  • 14.
  • At 11:54 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Stonethecrows wrote:

Congratulations South Africa. Worthy World Champions!
Well done England, who were in 'bonus territory' since the Q/Finals. You did us proud.

I have to say this World Cup has been as good as any and I have enjoyed every stage.

Like all world cups - the end signals a changing of the guard and this (certainly for England) will be no different. England played to their strengths with what personnel they had. Now we all move on.

Brian Ashton is an attack minded coach and I think you will see quite some transformation by January. Cant wait for the Six Nations!

  • 15.
  • At 11:55 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Mike wrote:

My thoughts exactly - the Boks did an England to us. Perfect kicking when needed, and held us off when needed.

If the "try that wasn't" turned into one, the nail-biting might have gone the other way - but I bear no grudges on that decision. My rose-tinted glasses acknowledge that it was oh-so-close, and England's best hope was perhaps that the TMO decided that even he couldn't tell - and hence could give no reason why the try should not be awarded.

SA played the way I wanted them to - which was the best way for England to stay in the match. And it wasn't enough. Sure England gifted some of the points, but the Boks worked hard to win them.

So - congratulation to SA. A hard fair game, exciting to watch for the natives of either country.

But I'm also proud of the English lads. For the spirit of the last 5 games, and for keeping the result of this last one in doubt for 75 minutes.

  • 16.
  • At 11:56 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

And thanks to you Tom and Ben for taking us along on the ride. It's been a great world cup with worthy champions and a spirited, rejuvenated runner-up and the emergence of a genuine new world power in the Pumas. I'll miss your rambling blogness, cheers fellas!

  • 17.
  • At 11:56 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Jon wrote:

Would anyone have complained had Englands "try" been given? would anyone have complained if England had been given a penalty when we were obstructed? Would anyone have complained if the England obstruction for a South Africa penalty had not been given? No..... irrespective of the play it was not to be our night...on another day it might have been

  • 18.
  • At 11:56 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • Adrian Bennett wrote:

Wonderful World Cup from start to finish. So many tremendous games. An incredible effort by England to turn it around from such a bad start to the tournament. All in all, South Africa were too strong. A couple of bad errors from England to give away silly penalties. But South Africa were excellent all tournament really and deserved to take the cup away from us. A truly magical world cup. I've enjoyed it throughout. Thanks to all at the 大象传媒 for the excellent coverage on the website. My full congratulations to SA. Well done. See you next time. England!

  • 19.
  • At 11:57 PM on 20 Oct 2007,
  • stevej wrote:

i just wish that wilkinson had a chance to influence the result in the last ten minutes.

  • 20.
  • At 12:00 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Carlo wrote:

I'm so so very proud of the Springboks, they showed the love, the passion and the fight that makes our country great. All and every respect to England. Thank you for giving us a goal and a very strong and worthwhile opponent. Well done in reaching the final. We'll see you again soon.

  • 21.
  • At 12:02 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • jonnie303 wrote:

Great World Cup! South Africa - worthy winners, almost faultless in the final, superb throughout the tournament. England - performed heroically, defended the trophy magnificently, only beaten by a better team. Highlights of the tournament - sparkling performances from Argentina, Fiji - and Tonga (who gave the Champions their closest game). Roll on 2011!

  • 22.
  • At 12:09 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • tom wrote:

Proud Englishmen stand prouder!!

Unbelievable effort from a supposed bunch of no hopers!
Fight, guts and passion until the very end.

We have witnessed one of the most unexpected performances from any sports team ever!
Back up the rankings and back as a team to fear!

Well done boys- we are proud to have had you representing us!

  • 23.
  • At 12:09 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Sarah, Bucks wrote:

Tears before bedtime :''(

Great blogging guys, get home safe.

  • 24.
  • At 12:10 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Magaski wrote:

England played with such passion and their rise to form has made this an outstanding world cup.
Overall the unpredictable results can only be good for the international game. USA, Fiji, and Argentina have run some of the giants on the world stage to close matches. Now is the time for the IRB to allow the Puma's into the Tri-Nations ot the 6-Nations.
Credit to France for encouraging a great atmosphere and hat's off to the Boks for playing a seemingly efortless tournament.
Cya' in 4 years time.

  • 25.
  • At 12:11 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Andrew Cushion wrote:

Memories of the World Cup

We must accept that we were probably second best BUT the whole point of Video referees is to ensure big mistakes are not made (i.e. to give the pitch referee an out.

Regardless of whether the decision was right or wrong is not relevent if it takes as long as that decision. If there is doubt then it should have been awarded... It makes a mockery of the process and on the biggest stage. It has probably also put the decion of video referee decisions in football back years...

Along with this my abiding memories of this world cup is v. poor coverage (roll on 大象传媒 and Sky coverage), could not see most of the kicks from the right angle and the classic on Friday of Adverts meaning that the start of the Second half was missed...

Finally the refereeing has been very poor, and particularly weak in the use of yellow cards, the managing of scrums has been a joke. This is a professional game and requires professionalism in managing a game. needs much more work on this side...

  • 26.
  • At 12:18 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

Well said Tom. A good loser is always welcome to see.

England have done unbelievably well this tournament, but you finally met the side who could adapt to your style and beat you at it. They were comfortably the best side of the tournament and losing to them is no shame. I'm relieved because I couldn't have stood another four years of Jonnyphilia, but I'm sorry for you real fans that the dream is over. I'm sure the memories will be worth the pain.

  • 27.
  • At 12:21 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • RichD wrote:

A valliant effort but it was a bridge too far. Full credit to South Afrika, they beat us with our own game plan and probably deserved to win. Roll on 2011 lets spend the intervening 4 years building a team for the job rather than throwing one together at the 11th hour.

  • 28.
  • At 12:30 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • george pace wrote:

personally i'm gutted. I've shed tears, many tears, tonight but i'm a sportsman and that's what we do when we lose. However, i've just been talking to a SA friend and it means the world to her. So despite my disappointment hopefully this will mean more young kids playing rugby; that's what it's all about isnt't it?

  • 29.
  • At 12:32 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Owen wrote:

Your most relevant and truthful blogs yet boys. I think this sums up the feeling for all England fans. As bad as it is now, we can wake up tomorrow and know we have players coming through now who will be the next generation of world cup competitors. Taity was excellent despite obviously being full of nerves, Sheridan looked solid as usual. Ultimately we were outplayed at our own game. The dream is over for four years.

  • 30.
  • At 12:36 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • fatbob wrote:

You've all made us proud. Bravo. Home time now.

  • 31.
  • At 12:36 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Steve McNair wrote:

I guess the best team won!
England were good at what they did best, powerful scrummaging...but why, oh why, with 10 minutes to go, did they still continue to kick the ball away to a team who could field it all day and had no problem disrupting or stealing the England line-outs!
It was like watching England-France all over again, inverted!
Pity!
Well done the 'boks!

  • 32.
  • At 12:39 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • leanne jerham wrote:

very proud of our rugby lads tonight, you put in a huge effort, better than anyone expected! hold your heads high!! you have done us proud and we will still welcome you home as heroes!! you showed more pride and passion than our football team could ever dream of!!

  • 33.
  • At 12:39 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • jane wrote:

We had a great night - well done England. V sad at result but brillant 3 weeks. Rugby is the winner as they say!

  • 34.
  • At 12:41 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Grant wrote:

first post ever, and i felt i had to. Just got back from watching the game in an Irish pub in Holland, and am absolutley distraught. In my mind (which might not be reality) the try was a TRY and the last awarded penalty to S-A was not a penalty. We so deserved to win the game.

  • 35.
  • At 12:43 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

Despite what will be written in the history books, when the losers deserve no mention; the england team played with a cliche of blood and guts. Gotta respect that. No-one expected them to beat the green and yellows (gold? do england play in silver and red?). No-one expected them to beat the blues. And that we could turn up and give them SA's a game of it; respect to the poms! Just wish we could try to gain satisfaction from the SA's in future; what with political issues seemingly gaining precedence over the game of rugby, it seems this will be the last game this team will be allowed to play. Sympathise with the team that now have to justify their inclusion on political grounds. Not right.

  • 36.
  • At 12:44 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Roscommon in Dallas wrote:

Well done England. I agree with Tom that you can't dwell on "what if's", but the disallowed try was the match. It looked as though his foot might have slid out before he lifted it and put the ball down for a try, but the lines man was right there and never lifted the flag. Surely he had a better view than the TV replays could provide.

I thought it was a try, and the match. Even if Wilkenson doesn't convert on it, the match swings the other direction and England hold the play until the last 5 or 10 minutes for a penalty or drop goal.

Refing all around was harsh on the English.

Anyone else out there screaming for high tackle calls against the Boks? Happened all night.

  • 37.
  • At 12:47 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Nick T wrote:

England have played magnificently. No doubt New Zealand are the best team in the world but they bottled it. England showed they have the big match temperament as well as a fair amount of skill. Well done South Africa but also to England for making this such a memorable world cup.

  • 38.
  • At 12:55 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Grant wrote:

first post ever, and i felt i had to. Just got back from watching the game in an Irish pub in Holland, and am absolutley distraught. In my mind (which might not be reality) the try was a TRY and the last awarded penalty to S-A was not a penalty. We so deserved to win the game.

  • 39.
  • At 01:00 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Jon Evans wrote:

Not just thanks for the ride..... thanks for playing the game with passion, playing with heart, playing with pride, playing with complete beleif when nobody else did! I watched with pride when we won the world cup.... I am more proud of those guys who stepped out today and what they did to get there than I can describe in words.... All I can say is that if every Englishman had the conviction of those fifteen rare soles we would be an unstoppable nation!

My complete respect to each and every one of you who fought that battle!!

  • 40.
  • At 01:05 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Tom Nicolson wrote:

Good, good, good blog. Yes we played well, and have everything in the world to be proud of. Well done England. You are once again, very much in the hearts of the nation.

  • 41.
  • At 01:14 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Anonymous wrote:

When a group of men have bared their souls in search of a dream and come up just short you can only say - thanks lads you did us proud

  • 42.
  • At 01:14 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • nigel wrote:

i have to agree, congratulations to south africa and well done to the guys in white - s.a. you did exactly what you set out to do and i shake your hands - congrats again. england - you know how far you came in the last five weeks, and though i'm bitterly disappointed i still feel good because we were there at the finish and we damn near did it. when you've had a few days to get over it let's turn our thoughts to the future - six nations, and another world cup in four years. to those who retire now, thanks for all the brilliant memories, and to those who will be here for future years, lets look forward to the great things we'll achieve. god how i love this game

  • 43.
  • At 01:19 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • oldbear wrote:

I was watching the game at McGann's bar in Boston, USA and I was proud to be wearing the English rose during the game. They gave it their best shot and that's all you can ask. It looked like a try to me and the score line would have been closer to the truth perhaps, but overall SA were the slightly better side.
So glad that I watch rugby and not the football slugs with their pampered ways. Swing Low . .. . .

  • 44.
  • At 01:33 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Tony Hart wrote:

The 606 message boards - despite the good nature of many - have been awash with hard feelings and petitness for many years. Your blog has been a true revelation. Well written, engaging and in the very best of rugby spirits, what I have read here over the last 7 weeks has been great, magical stuff, that makes me proud to follow this game. Congratulations to Dirs and yourself.

The game tonight was a tense affair, not a classic by any stretch of the imagination, and if you ask me the try as legit. But this is rugby, this is sport, and my insistance that it was good will be matched by others adamant that there was a foot in touch and at the end of the day you have to say that Rugby was the winner tonight. What a TREMENDOUS world cup. Brilliant play from start to finish, a form guide thrown out the window and a French nation that despite the agony of their teams tournament took the championship to their hearts.

Damn (can I say that???) what a fine sport we have here!!!

  • 45.
  • At 01:33 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • tobyjug wrote:

Well said Keith Vaughan. The French may not have won the cup but they gave it a wonderful stage.

Ireland were awful and as I am Irish that hurts, but upwards looking I see only that England went beyond their best, South Africa took the cup and Rugby was the winner.

  • 46.
  • At 01:36 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Jon wrote:

As the springboiks won this match with their kicking, are we to look forward to the southern hemisphere press slagging off their style of rugby?

  • 47.
  • At 01:39 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Mark McCoy wrote:

Bei Danke, Suid Afrika!

A victory for the sport of Rugby!
& a great boost for The Rainbow Nation and all their people!

  • 48.
  • At 01:49 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • swampy8 wrote:

Well done Dem Bokkies we love you all, but seriously disallowed try. Surely Mark Dickenson should be questioned over his judgement? Just airing my biased view, no one like us but never have cared as we are England....anyway....sore loser yes I know....again well done Bokkies.See you Guys in 4 years, great game.

  • 49.
  • At 01:53 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Ryan wrote:

It wasn't meant to be. But the right result on the balance of play, and Englands performances in the knockout stages should give some impetus to inevitable rebuilding that will take place over the next few months.

Superb tournament all round, the Kiwis wont come close to equaling it next time, and an excellent blog. Well done everyone!

  • 50.
  • At 01:54 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Jon wrote:

In typical kiwi fashion

Wahhh, wahhh, the try was a perfect try, no reason to disallow it.

Wahh, wahh we deserved to win the world cup.

Wahh, wahh, we used to be number one in the world.

Wahh, wahhh, we don't care who wins the world cup but we sure as hell will spend millions trying to win it! LOL

Wahhh, wahhh we will go through 28 phases against France, 2 points behind and not try one drop goal but STILL claim we play the better rugby LOL and that we play the more intelligent rugby

Congratulations SA, from an Englishman here I am glad both our sides put the AB's in their place.

Here is to a worthy set of world champions

  • 51.
  • At 01:56 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Christopher Elphick wrote:


What can I say?

I have just returned home on a train of white jerseys, texts, and phone calls. Friends and fellow supporters, disappointed, sad, a few shocked, but all proud!

You played with determination, guts and pure will. All the makings of a world cup deserving team, but it didn't go our way. If I was in the huddle at the end of the game I would say... (And I hope you can hear me!)

"Hold your heads up high lads! You did me PROUD!"

And I hope the rest of the England supporters who comment on this blog can repeat this message so the boys can hear us and know!

Some have told me we should not be so gracious in defeat! Be critical of the loss, and re-emphasise that the management and organisation was not in place to ensure that we had prepared the best team for representation from the beginning.

In fact some suggested the best team we could pull together this tournament was a mix-match of warn experience and exuberantly trusted inexperience.

Though Mr Ashton, with ten minutes to go, your forwards were still striving for ball, backs were looking desperately to create openings, keeping me willing and wanting; It never came in the end, but the lads put in performances that proved they were well deserving of their place, selection and the pride I felt tonight.

Again, Heads up lads, good effort against a good, professional team that in the end we all knew when 60 minutes were up, deserved the win.

Cheers guys for an unpredictable and at times truly remarkable world cup!

  • 52.
  • At 01:59 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • eddy raftery wrote:

great game beaten at our own game,but i cannot help but think neil francis is buying mr rollland (I SPELT it THAT WAY ON PURPOSE) a pint of bitter shabby reffing ,shmitt is a whinger monty is the man of the match thank you god for making me english sad reffing satanta oh my

  • 53.
  • At 02:01 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • NII SARPEI-NUNOO wrote:

I CANT BELIEVE EVERYONE IS CONGRATULATING ENGLAND FOR LOSING TO SOUTH AFRICA. PLEASE STOP THAT. LOSERS SHOULD NOT BE CONGRATULATED. THEY DONT DESERVE THAT.

  • 54.
  • At 02:05 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

Hi All,

So proud, if this performace is from a team that is "papering over the cracks" so be it. As a England supporter that if you had told me after the USA game that we would be in the final, I would of asked what you were smoking and could I get some.
Thank you England you have shown a side of the game that is often lacking heart and guts. Bring on the 6 Nations.

Pulling the cork on another fine bottle of Corbieres and thanking France for a glorious tournament.

Cheers


  • 55.
  • At 02:11 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Tass wrote:

Watching here from New York, I don't think I've ever felt more proud to be an England supporter. After the difficulties of the last four years culminating in that first SA game, the courage, heart and let's not forget, skill, the boys have demonstrated in the subsequent five games has been thoroughly inspirational. They should be incredibly proud of their achievements in this World Cup, as we are of them. Well done to South Africa, consistently the best team in the tournament. That it needed the intervention of the video ref to save their blushes today points to the extent of England's wonderful revival.

  • 56.
  • At 02:15 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Bristol Mike wrote:

Got up at 4am to watch....denied a try yes..........last penalty was dodgy yes.......BUT, you get these calls in rugby and have to deal with them....SA desrved to win in the end..Congratulations to the Springboks.They have been the best team in the world cup anyway...and no arrogance form them at all...they just got on with it and got what they deserved.
Very proud of the England effort......lets build on these last few games now...get it right with the club V country thing find ourselves challenging seriously again in four years time....oh and one or two six nations champioships wouldn't go a miss along the way.

Great world cup.....underdogs were a revelation, France did a great job.

Sorry its over

  • 57.
  • At 02:17 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Frosty wrote:

We have been slated and slagged off constantly since 2003 and we went closer than anyone to achieving back to back glory. It's never cool to be English and successful, but we were amazing tonight.

I'm proud to be English. Never an easy thing to admit.

Tonight is a great night for the Saffers but it's also a time to celebrate some exceptional players who have been absolute heroes for England in recent years, but who are not going to be around for a re-match in 2011:

Jason Robinson - By royal appointment. Nuff said.

Mike Catt - the toughest 36 year old you'll ever meet. Wily, hard as nails and a born winner.

Martin Corry - Took captaincy head on in a difficult period. Gave his heart to the cause. Massive and selfless in France.

Simon Shaw - A revelation. Always charges ahead like he's a centre.

Mark Regan - Chief antagoniser, Aussie destroyer and legendary 'awkward bugger'.

Andy Gommarsall - From nowhere he arrived to steer an unlikely limey challenge - ultimate respect for turning us around

Phil Vickery - bruiser extraordinare. Hard as...

George Chuter - late bloomer who gave Mark a run for his money. An impeccable beard.

Ben Kay - difficult final game but few players in world rugby have his record at the line out.

Those who I haven't mentioned - I'll see you in 2011.

  • 58.
  • At 02:27 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Tass wrote:

Watching here from New York, I don't think I've ever felt more proud to be an England supporter. After the difficulties of the last four years culminating in that first SA game, the courage, heart and let's not forget, skill, the boys have demonstrated in the subsequent five games has been thoroughly inspirational. They should be incredibly proud of their achievements in this World Cup, as we are of them. Well done to South Africa, consistently the best team in the tournament. That it needed the intervention of the video ref to save their blushes today points to the extent of England's wonderful revival.

  • 59.
  • At 02:32 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • richard hopcraft wrote:

Fair play to SA, they didn't make anything near a mistake, we put up plenty of massive kicks, they didn't drop a thing, they never looked like losing a lineout - and that was the difference.

I think England can be proud of how well they have done this world cup.

We did well in this world cup despite our preparation, not because of... Lets just hope that we prepare a little better next time!!!

Maybe if the try have been given, it would have been different, but if the France try against NZ hadn't.... we probably wouldn't have been in the final anyway....

We may be losing a few experienced players... thankyou Jason... but we have a good few youngsters that next time, with the right preparation will do well... Tait, Flood, Hipkiss, Strettle to name the obvious..

  • 60.
  • At 02:53 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Tass wrote:

Watching here from New York, I don't think I've ever felt more proud to be an England supporter. After the difficulties of the last four years culminating in that first SA game, the courage, heart and let's not forget, skill, the boys have demonstrated in the subsequent five games has been thoroughly inspirational. They should be incredibly proud of their achievements in this World Cup, as we are of them. Well done to South Africa, consistently the best team in the tournament. That it needed the intervention of the video ref to save their blushes today points to the extent of England's wonderful revival.

  • 61.
  • At 02:59 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Alex wrote:

Thank gawd and the boks we don't have to spend 4 more years listening and reading ad nauseam on 大象传媒 about "the champions". That title ended 5 weeks ago and now we have a winner who beat the mediocre wannabees at their own game.

  • 62.
  • At 03:04 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • tayldy wrote:

Has the ball come down yet ?

  • 63.
  • At 03:10 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • J Twiss wrote:

No mention of this. Just been to a Trafalger night dinner in the Mess at RM Poole. British fortitude abounds. If the lads had not been about in 1805 the SAs would not have been on the stage today.
A win for the Commonwealth.
Yorks

  • 64.
  • At 03:13 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • John wrote:

Five out of six for the southern Hemisphere! You Poms have a lot to learn from the Super 14 & Tri Nations.

  • 65.
  • At 03:29 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Ian wrote:

Can I just say well done to England. As a Scotsman I saw more rugby played by your side in the last three games than we played all tournament. I think the match tonight was a bridge too far as SA are definately one of the top two sides in the world. But I am glad to say that the team that won the cup had least had to play one good game. They had not been tested up till now. Well done England, don't keep that up in Murrayfield next year!!!
:-)

  • 66.
  • At 03:34 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • M Anderson wrote:

62. At 02:37 AM on 21 Oct 2007, Springbok wrote:
GO ON THE BOKKE!! We destroyed England. That "disallowed" try was blatantly out, check the photo in the bbc match report article - sour grapes for any english fan who keeps whining about that. The english should all be ecstactic that they made it this far, but don't congratulate a team on losing (who deserved to lose) and also hopefully you start to realise now that wilkinson is only human, and a pretty mediocre one at that.. The bokke, world champions and deservingly so.

Reply:
Say thanks to the Australian pal otherwise sth africa would not be world cup winners! Of course it was a try. It was grounded and no he didnt have his leg or anything else in touch!
Say thanks to the irish ref who was suddenly blind when it came to seeing sth african players blocking English players from tackling...but oh surprise surprise, not blind when it came to giving sth africa penalties!
This is why sth africa won! Oh dont worry mate well be back!

  • 67.
  • At 03:53 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Jeb wrote:

What is it they say, its not the winning that counts, but the taking part, and the England team certainly did that. They beat everyones expectations by beating Australia in the Quarter finals, France in the semis and getting to play in the Final against South Africa. Ok, we didn't win but we can look back with pride that they picked themselves up after the 36 - 0 loss againt South Africa six weeks ago and continued on to give us a nail biting final. They will always be champions even without the cup.

We need to move on and look forward to the next world cup in New Zealand in four years time. We beat Australia in Australia, France in France so lets go on and beat the All Blacks in New Zealand!

In the mean time please start running with the ball rather than playing a kicking game. Its not football.

That said, win or lose, our England Rugby team will always be better than our Football team.

Well done South Africa, it was a good game and enjoy being the World Cup holders for the next few years, cause we'll be wanting it back next time.

  • 68.
  • At 04:25 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • laughing jackass wrote:

Certainly a world cup that i will remember for a long time.Not just because England had a tournament that was almost a clone of the wallabies in the 2003 cup ,nor because it was never at any stage clear who was going to be in the final (though the springboks had quite a dream run),nor because aus and nz were eliminated in the q/finals ending international careers for quite a few players,nor for the parties and glamour that only the french could deliver,nor for the cameo of kenny rogers who obviously hasn't a clue about the game but can smell a chance of making some bucks through royalties of his signature song,nor from the fighting argentines standing up to be counted to come an outstanding 3rd,but the highlight in my view of RWC 2007 was the pacific islanders making this tournament so unpredictable through the early rounds with their highly entertaining style and determination.

  • 69.
  • At 05:56 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Mark wrote:

Post 62. The Springboks may have won but in no way did they "destroy" England at any point during the match. England had more possession and more territory and only once did South Africa get near our try line.

Thank the dodgy Irish ref for penalising Ben Kay unjustly to make it 15-6 and ignoring two or three far more blatant fouls by the South Africans which would have allowed us back into the match.

It's difficult when the whole world wants you to lose. And let's face it, almost every non-English person interviewed wanted South Africa to win. It appears the ref also felt the same. Decisions didn't go England's way.

  • 70.
  • At 05:57 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • elaine mitchell wrote:

soooooooooooooooooooooo
sorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyy
enguuuuurrrrrrllllluuuuuuuunnnnnnndddd !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • 71.
  • At 06:21 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • pominaussieland wrote:

I am pleased to see that most of the English bloggers have been gracious in defeat - far more gracious than the Sth African bloggers have been in victory. Not exactly a revelation...

If we don't mention the dubious decisions (disallowed try and inconsistent penalising), we aren't commenting on the turning points of the game. If we do mention them, we are whinging. Imagine the hue and cry if the boot had been on the other foot!!!....

Anyone with half a brain can deduce that there were some contentious decisions, all of which favoured the Boks. Sth Africa had scored more freely along the way, but they also had a pretty easy route to the finals. England made them work hard for their victory. South Africa deserved to win overall but it was quite a bit closer than the scoreline suggested.

To the chaps who insulted the English fans for being proud of a gutsy, hard working and brave losing side, I could talk to you about sportsmanship, balanced loyalty and fair mindedness, but I doubt you'd have a clue what they were. So how about you look up those words in the dictionary and learn their meanings - you'll have a rough old time in 2012 without them!! You've probably had a rough old 12 years already for that matter!!

True rugby fans deeply appreciate what the English lads have achieved - no need to listen to weasly and arrogant detractors... Their words are empty and meaningless not to mention petty and demeaning to their own country.

I am incredibly proud of our boys for fighting with their backs to the wall for the whole tournament. I am proud that they never gave up. I am proud that were dignified in defeat, never made excuses and gave it their all. Sure I'm disappointed for them that they didn't grind out another famous victory, but I hope they look back on what they have achieved the past few weeks with their heads held high and their hearts full of pride. Swing low sweet chariot for ever!!

  • 72.
  • At 06:28 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Mark wrote:

Springbok (Post 61).

The Springboks may have won but in no way did they "destroy" England at any point during the match. England had more possession and more territory and only once did South Africa get near our try line.

Thank the dodgy Irish ref for penalising Ben Kay unjustly to make it 15-6 and ignoring two or three far more blatant fouls by the South Africans which would have allowed us back into the match.

It's difficult when the whole world wants you to lose. And let's face it, almost every non-English person interviewed wanted South Africa to win. It appears the ref also felt the same. Decisions didn't go England's way.

  • 73.
  • At 06:55 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Bok supporter wrote:

A great final - well done England you came back from 36-0 to the final GREAT.

All our Aus and New Zealand friends are bleating that we did not play them. True but remember we did not play other minnows like Romania.

Question what do call the 7th & 8th place play-off THE Bledislow cup!!

Well done Bokke you are the heroes. Now if South African rugby can get rid of some half witted Administrators we might go on to win 2011

  • 74.
  • At 07:04 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Bok supporter wrote:

A great final - well done England you came back from 36-0 to the final GREAT.

All our Aus and New Zealand friends are bleating that we did not play them. True but remember we did not play other minnows like Romania.

Question what do call the 7th & 8th place play-off THE Bledislow cup!!

Well done Bokke you are the heroes. Now if South African rugby can get rid of some half witted Administrators we might go on to win 2011

  • 75.
  • At 07:19 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Michel wrote:

Let England have no regrets. They played wonderfully well yesterday and showed they deserved their place in the finals. Considering where England came from, both sides showed considerable achievement and displayed beautiful rugby; sure, South Africa scored more points, but somehow two sides won last night.

  • 76.
  • At 08:14 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Dave, SA wrote:

England played a very worthy game, but South Africa outplayed them at their own game.

For those complaining about the 'try that wasn't' you need to watch a Super 14 game. If there is ANY doubt at all the try won't be awarded. Just grow up and admit you lost

  • 77.
  • At 08:21 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Jonathan wrote:

Comment on the contentious points by all means, but don't let your loyalty blind you from the facts. Cueto was in touch before the ball was grounded and certainly before he lifted his leg off the turf. The TV replays showed this to be the case so the result was no try.

Referee Rolland had a funny game last night, I thought the breakdown was a mess with players (mainly in white) not rolling away from the ruck situation and slowing the ball down. Rolland let this go. The only other decision England can feel agrieved at was when Habana crossed in front of (I think) Danie Roussouw. That was obviously a kickable penalty that didn't go Englands' way but it certainly wouldn't have changed the outcome.

  • 78.
  • At 08:23 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • steve burgess wrote:

Im so glad England lost, i am sick to death of all these fake patriotic "come on England" types. You see them in the pub when the football team play as well. They have no idea about either sport and certainly no knowledge of the club or grass roots levels of these games. I dont like Rugby Union much, but neither do these cretins who have rushed down to their local sport shops recently and bought a rugby shirt. They will probably be looking for crash helmets this afternoon so they can cheer on Lewis Hamilton. You can see its fake by the amount of effort they put in to make it look like they really care, jumping up and down, fist clenching, about a team they couldn't have cared less about a few weeks ago. Im proud to be English, but i just cant support them any more for fear of being lumped in with the face painting brigade. God save the Queen

  • 79.
  • At 08:56 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Illumi-Llama wrote:

Congratulations England on a great run to the final; who'd have thought it? And congratulations to South Africa on winning the cup!

To all those who complain that it was an Australian that 'robbed' England - his foot was touching the line, therefore he was in touch. Look at the photo on the main 大象传媒 article to see for yourselves. You complain that 'everyone wants England to lose'; if you keep whining petulantly that will certainly be the case. Show some sportsmanship please!

  • 80.
  • At 08:58 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • ed burns wrote:

england showed a great spirit and passion in defending this world cup. but make no mistake- they over achieved getting to the final.

as an ireland fan i warmed and respected the way england grafted to the final BUT the way the fans suddenly went from "genuinely delighted and surprised to beat the aussies" to all of a suden being "the best team in the world" made me feel a bit sick.

by kick off- i was a bokka!
i couldnt cope with the thought of "swing low" for another 4 years!

get real engerland- a great world cup BUT you arent even the best northern hemisphere team! or the best in the six nations!
stop crying about the result and celebrate the fact that you got there! on another day- SA beat you by 36.deal with it!

to the england fans with a bit more humility- congrats on a fantastic world cup! it was inspiring!

  • 81.
  • At 09:05 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Mike Smith wrote:

Our boys don't need the cup to come back as heros

  • 82.
  • At 09:12 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Charlie Garner wrote:

Well done SAand England! You have both been brilliant.

Maybe it was a try, maybe not. Maybe Lewis Moody should have been yellow carded for that trip, maybe not. Either way, the referees had to do their job and I thought they were magnificent too.

What a World Cup. I am so gutted it is over. My (Argentinean) wife is currently pregnant so I am looking forward to watching England Argentina final with my son in four years time! ;-)

  • 83.
  • At 09:21 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • David wrote:

Dear Steve Burgess - perhaps they do really care and just maybe there is something wrong with you...

Thanks England, congratulations to the Springboks...and thank god this blog is showing the better side of humanity after some of the awful things that have been written over the past weeks. Of course, there will always be those who just don't get it but perhaps if we ignore them they will just go away!

  • 84.
  • At 09:57 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Patrick Sawers wrote:

Great blog Tom. You've expressed the best part of our heart. Grieving, but proud of our boys. Real pinnicle of sport stuff this. What we all long for sport to be about I think. Losing has never been so glorious!

So much to take from this tournament. Looking forward to see how Rob Andrew, Brian Ashton and the team build from here. Keep the spirit alive.

Thanks Tom and Ben. Keep blogging...

  • 85.
  • At 09:57 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • jeremy pope wrote:

Wonderful tournament? What a joke. If this is the best that professionals can do - grind up and down the field hoping for penalty kicks - all I can say is, Bring back the amateurs. When the game was fun and the idea was to score tries! Tries in France 2007? What are they?

  • 86.
  • At 09:57 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • r0nin wrote:

Fabulous world cup and everyone should be proud.

Well done the Boks for winning a tight game last night and a great ending to what has been the best world cup...

We can talk about decisions in the game but at the end of the day the scoreline at the end of 80 minutes is what really matters...

Bust most of all i'm massively proud of England we've proved so many people wrong especially a certain Mr Barnes which has been particularly sweet!

Well done Ben / Tom on a brilliant blog i've thoroughly enjoyed it...

  • 87.
  • At 09:58 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • contemplative Jimbo wrote:


Writing from South Africa,just a couple of thoughts:

1. Brilliant England you made me a believer of your heart,passion,commitment to your game and way of playng-no matter what you came back with heart after our initial drubbing of you and showed what passion is all about;

2. Right through the game we were totally silent and kept so right to the very end-a very sobering experience down here-until the final whistle that is..and boy did we celebrate;

3. To our team well done..we are proud of you,beyond all belief;

4. To all bloggers "crowing"delight at the England loss..get a life it was close ,damm close and you were there right at the end to defend your title,much more that what any previous cup holder could say-and no brilliant flowing game last night from both teams-just heart,passion and commitment-well done both we salute you.

  • 88.
  • At 10:01 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • David wrote:

Dear Steve Burgess - perhaps they do really care and just maybe there is something wrong with you...

Thanks England, congratulations to the Springboks...and thank god this blog is showing the better side of humanity after some of the awful things that have been written over the past weeks. Of course, there will always be those who just don't get it but perhaps if we ignore them they will just go away!

  • 89.
  • At 10:08 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Alistair Sharp wrote:

Well done our Bokke! What a match, from start to finish, Eng really took us down to the wire, excellent defending our saving grace. Only dark cloud on the horizon is our bone-headed politicians who wouldn't know a ruck from a hole in the ground. But deserving champs, so proud to be Mzansian!

  • 90.
  • At 10:16 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Seren wrote:

Congratulations South Africa, a well-deserved win. Not an exciting final to watch though. England were beaten fair and square. South Afica over-powered England, the Dad's Army, in every department, they matched muscle for muscle and beat them. Not free and flowing rugby. South Africa was superb in the line outs. Even the final wheeling out of the geriatric Dallalgio, did not turn things around. South Africans have shown the way to defeat England, forget the flair, go head to head, and don't make mistakes to give England penalties.

  • 91.
  • At 10:18 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Richard wrote:

Mark Cueto's foot in touch, or not! will be the second most talked about English Sporting drama behind Geoff Hursts goal, or not! in 1966. Fair due to the boks they were the best team in the tournament as England were in 1966 so when fate and averages fall to the ground there can be no remorse.

The truth is the 4 teams who reached the semi's were from the 2 toughest groups were teams had to fight and play hard to get where they got. If New Zealand or Australia had been in the 'Group of Death' instead of France I think that they would have had the necessary combative matches to have 'perhaps' won the tounament.

In 2011 both will be hoping for the toughest group stage I am sure.

  • 92.
  • At 10:20 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • andy c wrote:

Well it has all come to an end,but what a great tournament, proud to be English, well done SA, but the cup is on loan until 2011, Brian Ashton has given us fans hope for the future if we can build on the last five weeks,we will have a real chance in 4 years time, cant wait for england to be playing back at twickenham again, lets make it a fortress.
Thanks lads for the excitement and passion lets hope its an inspiration to the english rugby board to get the current problems resolved and allow us to move forward.

  • 93.
  • At 10:20 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • jeffers wrote:

As an Englishman it pains me to say it but the tournament was great with the exception of England. There were lot's of thrills and spills and edge of seat excitement except when we were playing :( Despite this our boys are to be congratualed for learning from a bad start and rediscovering the system of play that took them to the last RWC championship because for some winning in sport is everything even if it's ugly and boring. They showed lots of guts, spirit and resolve that I wish our equally over-hyped footballers could emulate. The inescapable truth remains though, we may have got to the final but as many as half of the other teams in the competition had more talent and class than we did and they provided a better spectacle. We were simply lucky to get this far. Hopefully now the over-hyped Jonno can also be allowed to bow out of the game gracefully to be replaced by a more competent kicker, I believe his stats show him to be in the bottom 25% of kickers in this tournament. As for the final itself, I thought it was very lacklustre but perhaps that's to be expected in the final where teams are inevitably more afraid of losing than try to win. I feel the final irony, some might say justice, was that SA switched to playing Englands way and despite never really getting out of second gear, they still beat us compofrtably at our own game.

  • 94.
  • At 10:25 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • timbo wrote:

My mate Mick backed you to win, but he never got to see the tournament. Good call Mick. Well Played SA, bad luck England.

  • 95.
  • At 10:28 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Ted wrote:

Suck it up England. You lost. Stop whinging about ifs and maybes.

Be happy - you surpassed yourselves beyond even your wildest expectations.

  • 96.
  • At 10:28 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Carior wrote:

I am so proud to be English, we fought and we battle as hard as anyone. And the final may have been one step far but to all logic and reason so was the semi and the Quarters.

Come on England, YOU ARE HEROES!!!

  • 97.
  • At 10:33 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • the big D wrote:

what a fantastic tournament.every country played a part.
i don't know what the hell I'm gonna do for the next 4 years.
i only have to wait till december to watch the barbarians take on the world champs though.
COME ON YOU BARBAR'S.

  • 98.
  • At 10:39 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Nigel wrote:

Great blog, great competition, good enthralling game. Well done England did way better than I expected. Well down South Africa, worthy champions. Lets hope there are no idiots saying they won because they played ugly rugby (though of course they would have done had England won).

So what happens to the blogganaut now? Presumably with the proposed selling off of TV centre it will become your office!

  • 99.
  • At 10:43 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • super proud wrote:

Well, some very nice posts and very grown up ones at that. With a few idiots dotted in between of course as usual. They know who they are.

Well done to South Africa, I hope you enjoy it and make good use of it back at home.Dont waste it!!!!

For England I am so so proud, I have been hurting a lot but like so many here my pride has helped. Heaven knows how the players feel. I hope that this fantastic journey will now set us straight for many years to come.

I have always followed English Rugby and always get emotional when they play, win or lose and I am genuinely grateful for that chance. But last night they can be truly proud of. Yes of course we would all have preferred to win!!

I dont believe it was a try as much as I would have liked it to and the decisons made by the ref no one can change, its not the forst or last time its part of the game. You cant rely on the ref to win you the game, we have to do that ourselves unfortunately. So bring on the next game.

Well done to everyone involved, as ever Im still proud of English Rugby and as my kids reminded me last night, coming second in the world is incredible!

I think I have to agree. Also a quick word for Argentina...Estupendo!

  • 100.
  • At 10:59 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Caerffilidelphian wrote:

Congratulations to South Africa & commiserations to England in equal measure. Also, congratulations to France for organising such a fantastic event. The best so far in my opinion. I still have happy memories of 4 days in Nantes for the Wales v Canada game. So glad I went that weekend and not 2 weeks later!

If this is to be a re-birth of English rugby as we're led to be believed, use the moment to get yourselves a new (tuneful!) anthem too in place that of that royal hymn dirge. You don't see British flags waved at England games these days: why sing a 'British' anthem at England games?

  • 101.
  • At 11:03 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • gutted irish fan supporting england v sa wrote:

iut's very hypocritical of the english fans to blame the ref when only a few weeks ago you were critiscising the kiwis for the same thing. the better team won- sa have been the most consistent side this wc.

  • 102.
  • At 11:12 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • rob c wrote:

Dear all, I hope you, like me enjoyed the final even though the result favoured South Africa.

Apart from the outstanding achievements of the England team there is one thing that frustrated me:

When we had lost Catt and Moody and Easter and Robinson we obviously decided to open up and play with the backs and things started to happen but with 20mins to go we had opportunity after opportunity to land a drop goal. We could have kept the scoreboard ticking over cos at that point there was only nine points in it. Moreover, the effect of landing a drop goal not only raises your spirits(it would have put us one converted try from winning) but it also would have forced South Africa to change tack in defence.

When we finally did try the drop goal we were outside the 22 and Jonny's effort fell short. I think we lost it in that period (60-70th minutes)
Just wondering what others thought cos it's not been mentioned much.
And to the Bokke fans..the respectful fans-Well done. The ones who think they crushed us-what a load of rubbish..u won the line out battle but defensivley it was equal and the difference was the accuracy of your kicking-so at least you've picked up something from the English...the most exciting moment came from Tait who apart from one missed tackle eclipsed Steyn...so like I said...well done to the respectful SA fans..u deserve your moment.

  • 103.
  • At 11:14 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Lindsay wrote:

England amazing for getting so far. Made the nation proud.

South Africa- deserving champions. Well Done.

  • 104.
  • At 11:16 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Andre wrote:


73. At 06:21 AM on 21 Oct 2007, pominaussieland wrote:
I am pleased to see that most of the English bloggers have been gracious in defeat - far more gracious than the Sth African bloggers have been in victory. Not exactly a revelation...

Ah, I assume you mean all those English bloggers who are blaming everybody and everything except the English team for the defeat? And you mean all those South African bloggers who have congratulated England on a great performance?

Considering the rest of your post, I suggest you ask someone to explain to you exactly what the words "gracious in defeat/victory" mean....

  • 105.
  • At 11:55 AM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Glen wrote:

An unfortunate end from an England perspective but it was a birlliant tournament. It may not have had world bating performances but it had drama, passion and excitement. Congratulations South Africa, enjoy your four years on top of the world. For England, now is the time to re-build properly, something they never did after 2003. keep Jonny fit, get young blood into the team and keep the nation behind you.

Thanks Tom and Ben, you have helped light up the tournament, we will all be bored without your blogs to keep us entertained. Thanks

  • 106.
  • At 12:13 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Charlie wrote:

The English have a lot to be proud of - to defend a trophy in the following tournament's final, is an unbelievable achievement, especially considering England's form over the past two years. Quite exceptional.

The minority of posts here wittering about Cueto's 'try', well the front of Cueto's left boot clearly dragged across the line before the ball was grounded, meaning the video ref was correct. No try. Considering the abuse NZ got for a legitimate gripe on a forward pass not being called, it's all a bit rich really (especially the Mail on Sunday).

Here's to a quality Six Nations,

  • 107.
  • At 12:23 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • BLUEY wrote:

Well done to England! With a limited gameplan and huge dedication, effort and admirable modesty, they showed the other home countries how to do it. It worries me though that England reached the final by stiffling other teams' enterprise and exciting rugby and that S Africa had to play "England-style" rugby to beat them! Perhaps the laws need to be changed(again) to reward the Fiji, Tonga, Argentina, All Blacks and even Wales (in the 2nd halves!) exciting and crowd pleasing style? Anyone any ideas?

  • 108.
  • At 12:24 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Mike.ENRFC wrote:

What a Tournament. What a Final. A big thanks to the French for hosting an event that will be hard to beat. I'm dreading New Zealand hosting the next one, especiall as it is rumoured that they want to reduce it to 16 teams. If this Tournament has done anything at all, it is that the so called 'Minnows' have bridged the gap.
Last night was about heart and playing for the shirt. Both teams had that in bundles. England went beyond everyones expectations, and SA desrved to win on the night. Disappointed, yes, but the overall winner was the best game in the world, Rugby. IRB take note. no longer can you just share it out amongst the big nations. Japan should have been awarded the next one, not NZ, and at least we would be watching in decent stadiums and staying in decent Hotels.Roll on 2015!

  • 109.
  • At 12:26 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Donnyballgame wrote:

Watched at home here in America. People kept coming over to watch, we ended up with it on 2 TVs. At half-time we go out to buy more beer and we run into guys wearing England jerseys doing the exact same thing! A beautiful thing. And we had the ITV feed instead of the Setanta boobs.
Shame for England. Knife-edge stuff. Curto's try was in or out by an inch. But when England had to punch it in, SA held firm. And thats what champions do. So we have to say well done to them.
But how can England supporters feel bad? Did England punch above their weight or finally find their level? Let's hope for the latter and for a rip-roaring 4 years coming up than the 4 years just past.

  • 110.
  • At 12:27 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Patrick Sawers wrote:

Great Blog Tom. Really expressed our hearts. Grieving but really proud of the lads. Pinnicle sporting stuff this; just as we dream all sport should be. Once again, rugby paving the way for higher sports ethics.

Most glorious loss ever. Gritty and we could see that England gave its all.

Looking forward to see how Rob Andrew and Brian Ashton work to build on this and give England the time and space it needs to strengthen more.

Keep the spirit alive England. You did us proud and I hope that you know that.

  • 111.
  • At 12:29 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Phil wrote:

Just want to write a BIG THANK YOU for the BLOGS; there are more so called experts who will write ad nauseum about the match.
Thank you to France for a superbly presented world cup.
Perhaps now I can get on with the bricolage.

Goodbye for now all of you invisible friends.

Phil

  • 112.
  • At 12:35 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Gordon wrote:

Not a great game, not gripping, not even a little interesting. South Africa never looked in trouble, and really they never got out of 2nd gear. They didn't need to! England, kick and chase, kick and chase..... Like France, they had no game to bring to this world cup. Shame because I still say they have the best forward pack in the world (maybe the best in the history of Rugby) but really would have needed a Barnes type performance from Rolland to win.

  • 113.
  • At 12:51 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • LMAO wrote:

15 - 6

oh soooo sweet !

how low can the chariot go ?

LMAO

  • 114.
  • At 12:59 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • bigalhall wrote:

Glad to see that the majority of bloggers have been reasonable and humble in their comments.

I am an Englishman and a proud one at that. The boys gave it their all for 80 minutes and the South Africans will know that they have certainly been in a game. Well played SA... you took advantage of a missfiring English lineout (Victor Matfield - what a legend) and your defense was exceptional. Hats off to Percy... a flawless performance. Deserved winners over the 80 mins and indeed over the tournament.

I would love to say that Cueto scored a try, but (though it pains me to say it) I agree with the TMO's decision.

I would love to blame to ref, but he can only referee what he sees and anyway as a lifelong rugby fan and former player, I was always told to play to the whistle and respect the referee (whether or not you agree with the descision made)... this is what differentiates rugby players.

On a final note, I hope Ashton stays on and I hope that some of this young English talent is allowed to flourish and play the rugby that I know he wants them to play.

Congrats SA. See you agin in 4 years time.

  • 115.
  • At 01:02 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • rob c wrote:

To Steve Burgess,

I think you're missing the point of patriotism/national pride. To me who absolutely loves rugby, football etc (and plays them both too) it doesn't matter that people who have no interest in rugby suddenly jump on the bandwagon...it's not fake, it's just one of the rare chances that people are allowed to celebrate their pride and support for their nation. The only thing I would say is that providing they don't cause any violence or bring shame on the English then we should just be happy. And you won't be lumped in with the flag waving, face painted lot if you just don't look or act like them so what's your concern?.People naturally want to be part of something, and if it's fickle then so be it. Out of the 10 million fickle fans you may get a 1000 more rugby players/supporters at local level so everyone wins.Andif you can't support England because of what others look like (to the point that you wanted them to lose) then you are as bad as the fans you criticise because it seems that you are equally as image conscious/superficial as the fairweather fans who dress up in armour and shields!

  • 116.
  • At 01:20 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • CliveW wrote:

What a miserable bugger Steve Burgess is eh? Well done England!

  • 117.
  • At 01:23 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • joe wrote:

Well done S.A.
You have united our nation again, Black, white, indian,coloured al dancing,singing and parting 2gether.
It was great - Cant wait 4 u guyz 2 come home & then the party begins.
Cant wait 4 the street parades -
By the way ENGLAND, tnx 4 da great game.
{May be if our soccer team can sing the enthom like our rugby guyz we will do better}

  • 118.
  • At 01:28 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • alexander wrote:

England was playing so well...
Cueto's try was a try - no doubt... Stein's penalty - what for was it given?..
I think that two mistakes of this kind are too much for a World Cup final.
With my respect to the Boks, England deserved the title more...
Anyway, they should be proud of themselves!

  • 119.
  • At 01:33 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Phil wrote:

Remember, when the Kiwis complained about poor refereeing decisions it was whining. Oh the irony! Four more years!!!!!!!

  • 120.
  • At 01:34 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • simonhill wrote:

As usual some complete fruit-cakes get to air their views amongst some balanced, mature comment.

Congratulations to South Africa. Their name is on the trophy and by definition they deserve it. As for anyone being smashed that's just ridiculous. It was an incredibly physical encounter and both sides will testify to that. Just ask Steyn as he was repeatedly dumped by Tait and Wilkinson and Sackey by Habana. 15-6 in the end but much closer on the pitch. England fans can be proud of what our team has achieved in the last few weeks. Ignore the bile and bigotry, just rise above it.

The main difference last night was the SA line-out. Solid as a rock on their own ball and seven steals. Matfield was a deserved man-of-the-match. We had a parity everywhere else, but no killer instinct at the critical time. SA out-englanded england. Powerful forwards, strong defence, no mistakes, reliable kicker. Fair play to that and how things have changed since 2003!

On the subject of refs and TMO's it is only fair to discuss the key decisions in any game. Of course it will be sour grapes if I claim that Cueto scored a legitimate try (the pictures attached to the report do not show a foot in touch). People will see what they want to. I could go on about non-existent England obstruction being penalised and blatant South Africa obstruction on two occasions in kickable positions going unpunished but I will be accused of being a bad loser. It is perfectly reasonable to say these things could have changed the outcome of the game. They could but they didn't. End of.

Numerous England fans have shown good grace in defeat. No one expected England to get this far let alone win the final so please no more shouts about English arrogance. Now we look to the future and with the likes of Tait, Hipkiss and Flood having played in a World Cup Final at such young ages that can only be positive.

  • 121.
  • At 01:40 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Richard wrote:

The ref's decision is final and that is how both players and spectators have to accept it. Stop bleating about these decisions and get on with it - this is how a true sportsman will view the situation.
Personnaly, I thought he did pretty well in keeping the game moving on instead of dragging it out.

If the try was permitted does one not think that the Boks would have turned the heat up a little more and would have still come out on top.

Come on you guys the Boks played well, as with England, but they weren't playing in fifth gear. Does one not think that beating England 36-0 gave England that inspiration to shift a gear and get where they did?

England, one could see, was playing at their best but were consistant in their errors or was it taking chances?

Good clean game wonderful to watch. Even more so to see two World Cup winners in the final.

Thanks to the refs and touch judges in all games for keeping all the games fair and square.

Well done Springboks you have done yourselves and your homeland proud.

  • 122.
  • At 01:43 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Terry Baynham wrote:

Dear Mr Steve Burgess (79)
I can understand the whining and whinging of the home nations whose hatred of anything English (Particularly Sporting) clouds their judgement when it comes to their impartiality, but to read your comments disappoints me. I had to read it twice to just check that you wern't taking the micky. I don't think you are though. I think you actually mean that garbage. All nations without exception are tribal and nothing brings a nation together more than success of some description (Particularly Sporting Success. What is wrong with That? You do not have the exclusive right to the English Rugby Team Mate. Get over yourself You Muppet!!!

  • 123.
  • At 01:43 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Bok in Scotland wrote:

As a SAfr, easy to say of course, but I think we deserved to win it. Credit to the English, players and almost all the fans, for taking defeat in the right spirit & not blaming the disallowed "try". In reality winning this cup is more important to SA than it would have been to England: as a nation with huge problems (far bigger than whether or not we choose based on skin colour, itself a worrying development) things like this can bond people together for a while at least. SA needs to use this victory as a catalyst.

With regards to the game, the English pack put up a good fight and provided some sort of platform, but apart from Tait, none of the English backs were willing to have a real go. The Boks were ahead for most of the game, and dull as our gameplan was, we didn't need to risk anything. England needed to take some risks but didn't. Just too many up-and-unders hoping for knock-ons from the Bok back 3: not a recipe for winning rugby. The Bok lineout was fantastic, nicking 7 throws; and the scrum, supposedly our weakpoint, held out admirably. In Sheridan England had one of the players of the tournament.

Congrats to France for staging a superb tournament. 20 teams was the correct number and the emerging teams deserve their place. Argentina must get a place in one of the 2 major international tournaments. How to do it remains to be seen.

  • 124.
  • At 01:52 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Steve McNair wrote:

Sorry we lost,guys!!
...but how did the 'boks score their points?
..silly moments of ill-discipline, from a team whose philosophy was to avoid given away needless penalties!
...and does no-one out there cringe, when with ball in hand and 10 minutes to go, your team kicks away possesion to an opposition who dominated the line-outs!
And as for the try....check out the photos on the web..it clearly wasn't!
No, we did well, and crushing the Wantobewallabies was pure gravy, but the 'boks had the measure of us!
Congrats too to the Pumas, who scrummage like demons, but can also score some wonderfull tries!! Lets see them in a 7 Nations!
....next time!!

  • 125.
  • At 01:57 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Stuart wrote:

It's over, and what a time it has been. I have enjoyed these blogs a great deal. Also learning about the quality of grass at some of the training pitches left a tear in my eye.

All in all a great adventure is over.

  • 126.
  • At 02:00 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Liamin wrote:

BORING. Get over it England - you did extremely well to get to the final but you didn't deserve to win that game disallowed try or not. You can't expect to lose 7 of your own lineouts and still win a world cup final.

To me as soon as Cueto went in the corner his knee looked in touch. Further it was the 42nd minute so do you really expect that you would have def gone on to win. It was close I admit but all in all I think it wasn't a try and SA fans would have been jusitfiably groaning if it had been given. If you get a decision against you move on - England didn't - if that was another team they might have gone for a line out instead of taking three points but england couldn't rely on their lineout.

All in all well done but not good enough.

  • 127.
  • At 02:05 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Erna Baines wrote:

What a great final. For all those still unsure about the no try, check out the conclusive pic on 大象传媒 Sport page above. Proud to be South African.

  • 128.
  • At 02:08 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Chris wrote:

Tom Thanks a million for your entertaining blogs!

Watched the game as a Kiwi fan in an Irish pub awash with Bokke and English fans... Cheers of joy and boo's depending on which team scored... Great atmosphere...

The so called try was not a try... You could see it clear on ITV that yer man had his boot on the line b4 he touched down...

For me the most appalling moment was when Percy Montgomery was pushed through the press by an England player... he should have been sin binned for that...

Congrats to "The Auld Enemy" for pushing the Boks to the limit, and congrats to the Springboks for winning the cup! A great shame for Rugby Union and sport in general when SA has to look at the color of a player's skin opposed to his qualities as a player... Lets hope that common sense prevails over hypocritical political correctness!

Now Kimi to be crowned as champion and the weekend will end well :)

Well done Pommies, good luck in the Six Nations!

  • 129.
  • At 02:09 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Dave Williams wrote:

Sounds like one hell of a party is taking place in SA right now. Wish it could have been here but never mind, unlike some who should be watching sevens I thought it was a great world cup. England played to their current strengths and maxed out. What is exciting though is where their future strengths lie - Tait's run was as sparkling as any I have seen in this competition and combined with Flood, Hipkiss and a host more in the wings and withy Ashton at the helm, England may just surprise some people with their style in 4 years time. As for the 'try', very unlucky but it was out...just. What I didn't understand was why he held the ball up like that before placing it, instead of getting it down as quick as possible.

Congrats to SA and England and also the French for puttng on a great tournament. I see very little whinging on this blog of the kind that normally drives me give up on them as the playground of insecure nerds. So message to all, please ignore that which is here instead of responding as if it is representative if what most are saying.

  • 130.
  • At 02:14 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • rich wrote:

Enough of the chest-thumping from both sides. I watched a game of rugby last night. It had everything imaginable except a try.
Drama, controversy, skill, pride, passion and sheer bloody-mindedness from both teams. Amazing that it was the world cup final. More amazing that one of the teams was England. I had thought them dead and buried after the 36-0 mauling. This was one game too much for them but they should be proud of their record in France 2007.
Now they should look to the future, seriously soul-search the way they play the game. I'm all for the power of the pack but this should only be the basis of the team, they should take the best of their game and incorporate the best of the southern hemispheres as well. The outcome would be pride, power, passion AND flair. What a combination that would be!
This is the time when the powers-that-be need to show the guts and determination that their players have in spades.
Congrats to SA, no sour grapes from me, we have no divine right to expect all decisions to go our way. Roll on NZ 2011 and here's to another great tournament

  • 131.
  • At 02:29 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Mike Rossouw wrote:

As a South African living in England I have enjoyed this world cup very much indeed. France have given us a stunning tournement and should be congratulated for their efforts.

Well done England - I think you have the makings of a great team for 2011. Bulldog spirit and a stunning turn-around. Well done.

Happy days for the Boks - I am proud of you.

To all of the bloggers that have posted negative if not downright nasty stuff - get a life. Rugby has always been about sportmanship - ttry developing some yourself.

  • 132.
  • At 02:30 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • steve burgess wrote:

to rob c

It is fake and none of them will ever join any sports team, or go and support their local club. These people will be in the pub this afternoon cheering on Lewis Hamilton and were probably cheering for Tiger Tim a few years ago and that hockey team with Sean curley in it a few years before that. And crying "Diana, we love you, why did you have to leave us, so young." I just feel sorry for Nigel Short, no one ever really got behind him, if this lot had dressed up as St George and cheered him on, we could have a real sporting great and think of all those kids who would have got into chess. Heartbreaking.

  • 133.
  • At 02:41 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • steve burgess wrote:

to rob c

It is fake and none of them will ever join any sports team, or go and support their local club. These people will be in the pub this afternoon cheering on Lewis Hamilton and were probably cheering for Tiger Tim a few years ago and that hockey team with Sean curley in it a few years before that. And crying "Diana, we love you, why did you have to leave us, so young." I just feel sorry for Nigel Short, no one ever really got behind him, if this lot had dressed up as St George and cheered him on, we could have a real sporting great and think of all those kids who would have got into chess. Heartbreaking.

  • 134.
  • At 02:52 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Lucy wrote:

Well done to England and South Africa - They both played very well. There was a few errors that the refree didn't notice that England could have had penalties for though. I also believe Mark Cueto should have had that try! I believe we were robbed by the refree.
Keep your chin up England, I am always behind you no matter what. Proud to be English!! Plus I really hope Brain Ashton stays on!
Kepp your chin up guys!!

  • 135.
  • At 02:53 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • James W wrote:

Firstly, I would like to say how proud I am of the English team; they surpassed all expectations and went on to prove they were no pushovers, arguably playing more of the "running rubgy" than SA in the final. I feel the decision to not award the try would perhaps have swung momentum our way, but there are too many if, buts and maybes from there! Reality is that the best team of the tournament won and I admire SA and the way they have played no nonsense rugby when required.

Percy played expceptionally well and the lineout was something to behold - you will always struggle to win territory against a side so strong in the lineout, so kudos to the winners, but respect to the losers as well!

The French have been fantatic hosts and I've never been more excited by some of the games we've had in the cup. The Pumas showed just how far self belief can get and in Corleto, Hernandez and Albecete had the stand out players of the tournament.

Having read all blogs and responses with interest, it pains me to see some of the banter and insults thrown around. I just wanted to say that I for one am a gracious English fan in defeat and everyone in the pub I was in was congratulating and shaking hands with the Bok supporters afterwards.

Now lets hope Glos continue their great start to the season - and I'll see you all (hopefully the Pumas too) in the 7 nations next year!

  • 136.
  • At 03:00 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • saditsallover wrote:

Still a bit gutted Ireland was so hopeless. Fair play to England, you gave it a lash (as Jack would say). And thank you for confounding the bookies and experts. For me it was only all over after the last (dodgy) penalty. South Africa well done. See what playing the right style of boring Northern Hemisphere rugby can do for you. Thank you bloggers for all those guffaws that made people at work stare. Thank you France for once again bringing the All Blacks down to earth. Thanks for nothing though (and Argentina too) for beating Ireland. Oh all right then, well done you both. Sigh. Now it鈥檚 back to life and work and time to repay all the ransoms offered to be left in peace to watch the games. Ah well, it鈥檚 been a great five weeks.

  • 137.
  • At 03:08 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • JoeySomething wrote:

I was gutted to see England lose last night, and although it would have been an absolute travesty for them to win the World Cup, we pushed hard. You don't get many second chances at this level, and the fact we grabbed ours and ran with it so far speaks volumes for the level of commitment these guys have. As an England rugby fan, gutted. As a rugby fan...all I can say is that this World Cup was a fantastic advert for the game. The passion from so many nations, every big game was packed, most games were played in good spirit and we saw some amazing individual performances. Hernandez and Corletto of Argentina are my standout picks, but there were so many. I sincerely hope Argentina can join the Tri-Nations, as they are a superb side.

I am truly proud to be an English rugby supporter, especially after the hardships and frustrations of the last four years. Hopefully, we've learned our lesson, and the next World Cup we'll be challengers from the start. There's at least seven teams that could win it next time round, so let's hope it's as good as this World Cup was.

  • 138.
  • At 03:13 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Ron wrote:

" ...the whining and whinging of the home nations whose hatred of anything English (Particularly Sporting) clouds their judgement when it comes to their impartiality..."

Actually, quite a lot of people here in Wales were supporting England. So were quite a lot in Scotland and Ireland, I gather.

In view of the abuse being thrown at us by English fans, I suspect the number supporting England will be considerably smaller next time.

  • 139.
  • At 03:18 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • saditsallover wrote:

Still a bit gutted Ireland was so hopeless. Fair play to England, you gave it a lash (as Jack would say). And thank you for confounding the bookies and experts. For me it was only all over after the last (dodgy) penalty. South Africa well done. See what playing the right style of boring Northern Hemisphere rugby can do for you. Thank you bloggers for all those guffaws that made people at work stare. Thank you France for once again bringing the All Blacks down to earth. Thanks for nothing though (and Argentina too) for beating Ireland. Oh all right then, well done you both. Sigh. Now it鈥檚 back to life and work and time to repay all the ransoms offered to be left in peace to watch the games. Ah well, it鈥檚 been a great five weeks.

  • 140.
  • At 03:39 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • joe6add wrote:

Having never thought I would ever see the day England would be world champions in my lifetime at any major sport I would like to thank the English Rugby Team for the last four years.

Dissapointed that we lost? Of course. Replaying moments from the game and thinking what if? Inevitably. And yet the over riding feeling is one of immense pride. Not just proud to be English. Not just pride in the tournament. The real pride was in the way the squad have conducted themselves as individuals and as a group over the last few weeks. They have represented everything that is good about sport, about competition, about courage, about belief, about comradship, about dignity, about humility... the list is endless.

A few footballers have complained recently about how fans don't seem to like them. Now, I am a huge footbal fan, maybe even more so than rugby in that I follow both club and country, but ultimately I have realised over the last few weeks that footballers are incredibly limited in their appeal. The only thing that inspires me about footballers is their ability to play football (and even that is pretty inconsistent) Is that enough? Well after watching the rugby team inspire so much more I have realised it's not. If footballers want to be liked they should study the way the rugby squad have talked before and after games and the way they have conducted themselves through every 80 minutes of attrition they been party to. 100% Committment, honesty, determination, passion, intergrity, focus, loyalty, professionalism - many of the things lacking in the vast majority of our footballers.

Thanks for the inspiration boys and long may it continue. We need roll models like you in the public eye and I hope we don't have to wait another four years for you to be thrust back there. We may not have the title anymore but they are still all world champions in my eyes. Proud , proud, proud.

  • 141.
  • At 03:48 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

Congrats to the Boks, from an Englishman.

Glad we were at least able to give you a game this time round.

  • 142.
  • At 03:51 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • rosbifrefugee wrote:

Having read the many comments thanking France for a great tournament, may I also give the most hearty thanks to the supporters of the Welsh and English teams who, here in Nantes, gained the utmost respect from the townsfolk for the way they conducted themselves with good humour and impeccable manners. My wife and I were in town for all three fixtures and managed to buy tickets England V Samoa, we were made to feel proud to have been part of such a great occasion.

What other sport can boast the winning over of hearts and minds by the conduct of it's followers? Well done one and all.

  • 143.
  • At 03:56 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Rob Smith wrote:

Don't fret, the GB rugby league team start their 3 match series against NZ soon, we're sure to galvanise the nation's rugger-spirit with a much needed victory there...... or not!!!

  • 144.
  • At 03:58 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • matthew wrote:

does anyone know the name of that "fan" who strolled onto the pitch at the end and lifted the trophy? not quite sure how he got away with it...

  • 145.
  • At 04:13 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • hawkiliam wrote:

Was over the moon when England beat
Australia and France but seeing clips of English supporters before yesterdays game saying that they were going to beat SA by as much 15 can you believe reminded me of why i dont usually support them
plus the shocking commentary on ITV
Glad england lost...
Even if you add 4 points assuming JW had converted the try (you did after all come away with 3 points from that attack conveniately being forgot by every commentary that i've seem since the end of the game)
plus lets give you another penalty to even things out you would have still lost
thats discounting what england got away with in the game also being conveniately ignored

  • 146.
  • At 04:15 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Mike Fletcher wrote:

Got to agree with 44 - looked in on the 606 site yesterday and it totally depressed me - this blog has been refreshing, funny, a brilliant, enjoyable journey to match the England teams (except it wasn't c**p for the first two weeks!)

Think the England fans have got it about right - we were second best but we outperformed all expectations to get to the final, and beat two of the top sides in the world to get there. We weren't destroyed, except perhaps in the cardiac department!

get real, those few whinging SH die-hards and Celts who complain about our not accepting the video decision. Nobody on the planet, denied what looked like a good try (and detractors should check at what point in the slide the 大象传媒 photo was taken) and there was a noticeable inconsistency in Mr Rolland's reading of the offside law - as a ref I'd have given the Habana offence and not Ben Kay's, as there was no contact and no tackler obstructed. That said, the right team won - faultless tactics, Montgomery held up well, line-out was awesome and they killed the game in the last ten - exactly as we'd have done if we'd been on top. It could have been closer but I really don't think anybody can complain. Proud to be English, but let's build on it this time can we?

  • 147.
  • At 04:39 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • MR COTT wrote:

Firstly well done to the boys an outstanding world cup where we have exceeded all odds in reaching the world cup final fantastic achievement by an awesome set of lads who should really be walking off with a winners medal and the cup to there name!

However I am absoloutely disgsusted with the refereeing calls all game! The irish ref so blatantly had it in for England....how come he noticed every single thing England did wrong but failed to notice the blatant high tackles, obstructions and illegal rucking of the scum boks?

As for the disallowed try well they may as well not have television officials because it is quite clear it was a perfectly legitimate try....my only explanation is tht the convict wallaby wanted the cup to go back to the southern hemisphere n reli shudnt hav been present after england ended his nations hopes!

As for South Africa well fair play to them I can see them being fantastic at the footie world cup because they sure did play some awesome football i can't remember one time when they actually ran with the ball

Anyways lets all hail a fantastic world cup which has unfortuantely culminated in Ireland (Ref) and Australlia (video ref) lifting the world cup celebrating with ther 15 other teams mates from holland (thats wer all these south africans come from)

To be quite frank I am appalled at the way such an awesome tournament has ended it makes a mockery of the whole ref and video ref situation

  • 148.
  • At 04:47 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • sh204 wrote:

Despite being a Rugby Union fan for over 15 years I have never sought to consider what the southern hemisphere fans were like. Whilst they are rightly confident in their teams ability, there is a lack of humility by some. Even today I had spoken to a number of S.A.'s fans and read posts written by them and they have mainly been complimentary but there are a few who seem to hate us too much to give us any credit. I do admit complaining about the refereeing is pointless, but I think it just shows the passion that we all have for this sport. I have read all these comments and have seen England fans say well done to South Africa. However, the Southern Hemisphere fans who only want to look on the negative side do not pick these out and acknowledge them. Instead they tell us to 'suck it up' and to 'deal with it'. The thing is we have, and we have dealt with it a lot better than the New Zealanders who have been nothing short of pathetic. There 'superior' brand of Rugby got them in to the quarter-finals, but that was the ref's fault. Well done for that. I was at the Cardiff game with the naive intention of supporting New Zealand but their fans were colourless and showed next to no passion, they were boring with their only chant being 'All blacks' being said over and over again. In comparison the French supporters were fantastic, full of passion and desire throughout and it was difficult not to be swept away by it. This is the romance of a great cup competition, something you just don't get in the games in between the World Cup. I have more respect for the Aussies who more often than not back up their arrogance with victories, no matter what sport. No set of fans are perfect but it would be nice to see credit given where its due. I will happily say that New Zealand are fantastic to watch and I will always be nervous when we play the Aussies or the South Africa no matter what form they're in, because I respect them. I just don't appreciate the fact that we are being told that one teams style of Rugby is 'killing' the game, yet the proof in countries like Argentina who have developed so much in the last 4 years has been fantastic for world rugby. Congratulations to South Africa they were the better team and I have no complaints.

  • 149.
  • At 04:55 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Michael Port wrote:

Congratulations to the Springbucks, you did us South African's working abroad extremely proud. The final game was a demonstration of extremely professional rugby where it was all about winning the final game to become the world champion. England played with great commitment right to the end. Finally my compliments to Tom and Ben for writing such a remarkable article on the final result of the match. The sport of Rugby reigned supreme.

  • 150.
  • At 05:18 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • BUSHY wrote:

Credit to the (small proportion of...) England fans who acknowledge it was clearly not a try and who also know SA were the far better team. Well said Martin Johnson; though you were a thug on the pitch your honestly last night was admirable.

But to those England fans who are claiming it was a try and "we were robbed" get real.

You are hypocritical in the extreme - when NZ lost to France in by far and away the best match in the tournament it was principally due to the (English) ref missing a forward pass that Stevie Wonder would have spotted. And what was your retort to the justifiable hurt Kiwis - live with it.........

It is behavious like this that antogonise real rugby lovers and one of the many reasons that the great majority of rugby fans across the rest of the UK and elsewhere are delighted you lost; should have happenned much earlier. Yes its not just you who have to bear the disgraceful English tv coverage; with the exception of Barnes who has the grace to comment without blatant national bias.

And as for your compaints about the ref - could have sin binned 5 English players so dont dare complain - Moody for blatant kick - not as bad as Vickery's earlier in the tournament but bad enough - do they practice that in training ? Anyone for professional fouls just before half time; Catt for abuse at ref after Cueto was tackled into touch, Corry for whingeing at next penalty and finally Flood for disgraceful charge on Monty when he had no chance of getting the ball.

You were so lucky to get so far and you know it. Scraped through pool, lucky win v Aussies then so so lucky to meet France who had not recovered from awesome performance v ABs.

Congrats Bokke; rugby was the winner.

Now that the Rah Rahs Jamboree is finally over what will I miss?
Not the arrogant patronising match commentary or the inarticulate and incomprehensible thoughts of a certain Northern Hemisphere WC capt.
Not the the incessant debate about the value of Andy Farrell to the England team. Everyone in RL knew he was knackered when he signed for RU. Do you really think a fit Farrell would have left Wigan or Wigan would have let a fit Farrell leave.
Not the continual cry from most Blogg fans that this is a sport that matters.
Not the overbearing coverage of the broad sheet press and establishment media that this tournamnt is great sport.Not the comments from RU fans who continually call the players and teams 'guys,' inorder to feel personally attached to complete strangers.Not the entertainment value of a sport whose fans became so quickly bored in most games that they resorted to the infamous 'Mexican Wave' to cheer themselves up. Not the perpetual singing of an African American Spiritual song as some sort of anthem.
What has the tournamnt taught me ? Well RU is still a game that is basically kick and clap. The only RU team that attempted to play total rugby went out to a fluke decision in the quarter final.That RU is a world sport not because of its potential to produce sporting theatre but because it has lots of money and buys excellent presentation. It fills stadiums with spectators who are consistently told they are watching something worthwhile and the sad thing is they believe it. Quite remarkable really.
That teams like England play a game that allows one third of the team to just make up the numbers and two thirds of the pitch lies fallow --eg WC final.
That the game is one for referees not spectators.
How can this game improve then? Well try reducing the numbers of players per team say by two. Cut out the vast array of laws or rules. Get rid of the over the top emphasis on set piece play therefore cutting down on the amount of stoppage play. Banish the 'Establishment factor,' and the elitist bragging and the arrogance that demands a blind faith in the sport's value and you just might have something worth watching. In fact it would remind me of another sport which if it had been given the chance to grow and spread and had not been illegally stiffled and flagrantlly trampled upon by a jealous and frightened sports hierachy would be able to justly claim that it was the greatest of games.

  • 152.
  • At 05:55 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Move on wrote:

His toe grazed the line before the ball was touched down. No try. Yes, there were a fair few iffy decisions in favour of the Boks, but a few went the other way, too - Flood could have been in big trouble for that shove on Montgomery?

  • 153.
  • At 06:28 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • saditsallover wrote:

# 147

Now now Mr. Cott. the referee, Mr. Alain Rolland is half Irish and half French so credit where credit is due ... and it鈥檚 worth quoting what he's on record as saying, a few days ago,

"If I get to ref the final I'm going to show the English a thing or two and if that twit Cott is watching, I'll give the smarmy git angina"

I would complain if I were you, it's a bloody conspiracy!

  • 154.
  • At 06:32 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Jo Bloggs wrote:

Well done England for a good performance. Unfortunately for all those who say the try should have stood - perhaps check out the photographic evidence which is displayed openly on 大象传媒 website. The ball is NOWHERE near the ground when his foot hits the line. As a ref, myself, that says he was OUT. The Kiwis have been ripped to shreds by the English for saying they were "robbed" and here lo and behold we have England yelling from the roof tops that they were "robbed". Does that put them on the same plain as the Kiwis? Are we going to hear, for the next 4 years, how they were robbed of the world cup? I'm sure we will.

Even better is that in all the English papers there is not a single front page shot of the Boks winning the cup. All we have to read is how the English "lost the World Cup to controversy". What a bunch of sore losers the English are.

There have been posts saying that the ref sided with SA. Perhaps they missed the malicious and very intentional push from Flood that sent Percy Montgomery flying over cameras, which could quite easily have meant the end of his game. England should have had only 14 people on the field for that but not even a penalty in sight! Nice one ref and touch judge. But we sucked it up and continued playing - nothing like winning the game as ultimate revenge! Oh and lets not forget the penalty for the alleged obstruction by Smit when one of your players kicked the ball (again) when it was in fact the English player who required glasses to miss running into Smit who was a good 3m ahead of him ... I can see why England think the ref was against them. High tackles you say? I believe we were a foot away from your try line when the only thing preventing the Bok from going over was a arm around the throat and hands hanging on to the Bok player's nose, eyes etc.

Lets move on please. The Boks deserved to win. It wasn't a pretty game but then finals never are. The ref had a good game - in that he was consistent with both sides. It was a good fight but one team has to win and I have to say well played the Boks. Their defence and line outs were phenomenal (bar the 5 missed tackles that almost resulted in an England try)!!!

See you in 2011 and lets not hear about how England were robbed, your team played well but it was just one game too many for their kicking game to hope for. Suck it up and be gratious losers!!

Well played England and congratulations to the Springboks.

  • 155.
  • At 06:32 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • sh204 wrote:

bushy comment 150. You are typical of the type of fan I was talking about in my previous post mainly looking at the English fans negatively. Your comparisons with the arrogant New Zealanders are wrong simply because no right-minded Englishman would attempt to belittle the World Cup simply because they were knocked out albeit contentiously.
Most England fans are proud of how far we got and yes luck plays a part in getting to any final but your attempts to interpret and understand the English are woeful. You claim England fans are hypocrites and we attempt to antagonise other fans but this is usually in reaction to yours and other bitter fans who claim we were 'lucky'. What a load of rubbish. Fans like are you are so wooden and boring and its as if you have no understanding of passion and heart. Your arrogance will only turn people off the game as the term 'real' rugby lovers is a little closed minded. As for the criticism of the media I was watching the news and saw that some South African pundits had cracked open a bottle of bubbly. My first wasn't to criticise them for being proud of being South African, it was too laugh and say well done. I was happy for them.

  • 156.
  • At 06:44 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Debbie wrote:

My odyssey of following the whole world cup since early September has finished and I'll have withdrawal symptoms for some time. Like you, met some amazing people and seen some amazing games.Just wish our antipodean cousins had been more of a sport, sport! Allez les blancs! The English team and France as the host nation did us proud

  • 157.
  • At 06:45 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • ianrob wrote:

It was a great game, and S/Africa deserved their victory. England played great rugby in the last four games, and the future looks excellent with the nucleus of players at hand.
Some of the referee's were very poor in their decision making (I think they would have had difficulty in deciding what to have for breakfast); and were not consistant with the rules of the game. Severe high tackles or such resulted in the referee wagging his finger at the guilty party saying "No more of that"; and another ref showing the yellow card for a less serious tackle. What's the point of a line out when 80% of the time the ball isn't thrown straight, and ref's allow it to happen. Scrums are a waste of time, because own feet are fed., and that's after 3,4, or 5 scrums occurring. To keep the game flowing and avoid time wasting, why not let the not guilty team take quick tap penalties after a line out or scrum. How can an Irish ref be allowed to officiate the game with England playing, or vice versa? Time and again the referee's went to the video official instead of making the decision himself.When tv commentators and panel of guests who ex players come to the same conclusion on a play; and a video official goes the opposite way after reviewing the same video clips for three minutes is beyond me. How many video officials are in the box? If it's one, then that is stupid; three are required at least to get a fair result. Important playing time is being wasted. Three minutes of video play allows the advantage the attacking team had (adrenaline flowing) to cool, and allow the defending team to rest and regroup. The refs should meet after a tournament and analyse one game each ref officiated. This will show how many are following the rule book.

  • 158.
  • At 06:53 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • ianrob wrote:

It was a great game, and S/Africa deserved their victory. England played great rugby in the last four games, and the future looks excellent with the nucleus of players at hand.
Some of the referee's were very poor in their decision making (I think they would have had difficulty in deciding what to have for breakfast); and were not consistant with the rules of the game. Severe high tackles or such resulted in the referee wagging his finger at the guilty party saying "No more of that"; and another ref showing the yellow card for a less serious tackle. What's the point of a line out when 80% of the time the ball isn't thrown straight, and ref's allow it to happen. Scrums are a waste of time, because own feet are fed., and that's after 3,4, or 5 scrums occurring. To keep the game flowing and avoid time wasting, why not let the not guilty team take quick tap penalties after a line out or scrum. How can an Irish ref be allowed to officiate the game with England playing, or vice versa? Time and again the referee's went to the video official instead of making the decision himself.When tv commentators and panel of guests who ex players come to the same conclusion on a play; and a video official goes the opposite way after reviewing the same video clips for three minutes is beyond me. How many video officials are in the box? If it's one, then that is stupid; three are required at least to get a fair result. Important playing time is being wasted. Three minutes of video play allows the advantage the attacking team had (adrenaline flowing) to cool, and allow the defending team to rest and regroup. The refs should meet after a tournament and analyse one game each ref officiated. This will show how many are following the rule book.

  • 159.
  • At 07:27 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • PompeyTiger wrote:

You boys have been bloody marvellous thorughout this world cup i have been glued to the coverage on the 大象传媒 Sports site not only for the up to date news but because you two always manage to make something more out of nothing well done guys hopefully this will not be the last we hear from you

  • 160.
  • At 07:37 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • babbo_umbro wrote:

Gordon Brown referring to "our country" - sod off you out-of-place, bandwagon-jumping, shambling nitwit, it's England, it's not your country.

  • 161.
  • At 08:19 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Mark, UK wrote:

Just like to say congratulations to South Africa, but even more so to England. The players are truly lions, and it is sad that we lost but England can surely look back on this World Cup with a lot more pride than France, Australia, New Zealand, or anybody else for that matter. It was the best team versus the team with the most courage and heart, and although I accept that these things do happen, it is SO dissappointing that the refereeing was a little bit off.
Bet you we will be in the final next time as well.

  • 162.
  • At 08:23 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Lauriane wrote:

Being French (husband british), it was the first time in my all life that I have sincerely supported the English team and I have been really impressed by their games. Unfortunately too many mistakes....another dream over. At least the North Hemisphere has proved that they are serious rugby players. I really enjoyed following the tournament, even if (living in the Netherlands) I have to sit in front my PC pressing 'refresh' every 2 minutes or my ears scotched to the radio in order to follow the matches. Thanks to 大象传媒. Well done England!

  • 163.
  • At 08:48 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Steve wrote:

What a world cup! The tournament saw the growth of many nations who in my view will prove a challenge to the power house nations in the next world cup.

To South Africa, a team of professionals who showed class right throughout the tournament. The final doesn't have to be pretty and the Brits should stop complaining about the 'controversial' try (...sorry since when do you call that a try when it was clear the foot was out on touch...) and the referee who was remarkably professional. England did not deserve to win....well done SA, thanks for bringing it home..

  • 164.
  • At 08:53 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Jim wrote:

Hey another Irish supporter supporting England - - - England couldn't quite pull off 3 miracles in a row - by the final SA had had a chance to pin-point some weaknesses in the new improved England - and what was Moody up to ? wasn't a great game to do that with the oppo having the best place kicker in the tournament......

it may not quite have been a try but it would have been given on many previous occasions and it's not cricket - in rugby the attacker usually gets the benefit,,,,,,,

Anyway, pity England gave away those 2 soft and completely avoidable penalties - although I'm not sure about the last one was all about ?

But as someone has said elsewhere- you don't win rugy matches losing that many lineouts - the one near the SA line at the end wasn't even close ???????

But then Tait's run ,,, it was always going to be close and on a different day England could well have won.........

I guess that's what makes it painful -

  • 165.
  • At 09:00 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Connal wrote:

What a silly response by some typically laughable English 'fans' on here. 'We woz robbed', etc. Accuse everyone else of sour grapes next, yeah?. There's nothing to be sour about, lads, except for the fact that this tournament deserved a far superior side to England in the final.

In many ways many have glossed over the fact that England and their stifling tactics kind of ruined the World Cup. They brought S.Africa down to their level, and then lost. You can only do that if it works. A bit of a disaster in the end really, for the rest of us watching it. South Africa can adapt; they can beat England at their own (inane game) and they did. The fat man finally slipped on the banana. At least we will not be inundated with inept boastings and half-baked confidences for the next few years. South Africa were the best side, so pack all your referee excuses away with yourselves in a big box.

  • 166.
  • At 09:41 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • michael wrote:

Let the best team win.

Should not that be the call to arms of a RWC?

Well, one of the better teams in the comp won, no doubt, but the best? Perhaps not...

To be fair, after a flukey run to the final, England rose to the occasion but were far, far too one dimensional to ever threaten against an SA team that didn't get out of 3rd gear.

Hopefully next time we'll see more quality games between the world's top 8 teams & not the endless rubbish minnow games.

The game of the cup? France v Arg for 3rd.... that was a great game to watch ....


  • 167.
  • At 09:58 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • steve wrote:

Guys

Well the end of a great run. Pity the idiots on both sides are trying to stir things up still. Anyway onto the game. Intensely competitive and tense and a lot closer than the scoreline suggested. Where did things go wrong, in no particular order.

a) Bad discipline, especially with Moody鈥檚 idiotic trip. He seems to be getting a reputation for such sort of actions. Kudos to the ref 鈥 or other official 鈥 who spotted it as nearly missed it on the replay given how subtly it was done so magnificent performance to spot it in real time. Totally stupid through and he could have been sin-binned as well as costing us the 3 points.

b) Bad decision making by Tait for the 1st SA score. Why the help try running from virtually under your own posts so early in the game. Might have gotten far enough up field to have gotten away from it if he hadn鈥檛 slipped at the wrong time.

c) Otherwise a couple of penalty decisions by the ref were a bit dodgy. The one against Vickery, which SA didn鈥檛 score from, was possibly OK technically as he did go over the top but that was because he was hit by one of our own men while trying to get to his feet. The one against Kay for alleged obstruction was farcical as given that the SA player was directly behind him I doubt he even knew he was there let alone had any chance to get out of the way. In fact if he had to move to one side he would have been more likely to have been looking like he was deliberately obstructing someone. Given that a number of blatant obstructions by the SA鈥檚 were unpunished that really stung.

d) We had a poor day kicking, with the balls being too long generally for the chasers to reach them and Johnny missing both drop goal attempts, the 1st of which he should have gotten. Possibly that explains why no attempts were made in the last few minutes when we needed two scores.

e) Injures. Don鈥檛 know whether it was an older team after a very tough campaign and/or the tackling of the boks but I think most of the English substitutions were forced by injures. Vickery and Catt might well have gone anyway, but it would have been better doing it when the manager wanted, especially since Catt was kicking for position better. Worsely and Jason were definitely big losses.

f) The [non-]try. Informed option seemed to be that it wasn鈥檛 but bloody close and the sheer time taken meant it was disheartening. One thing that surprised me was that it wasn鈥檛 given after the ref had asked 鈥榓ny reason why I couldn鈥檛 give it鈥. Have heard a while back that generally means that unless there鈥檚 serious doubt a try in generally given so with something as close as that I was expecting the decision to go the other way last night.

g) We lost the forward battle in that we didn鈥檛 get the degree of dominance we have had against virtually everybody else. Don鈥檛 know enough about the technical details to know why but the scrum was pretty even.

h) Most of all we lost the line-out overwhelmingly. That caused us a lot of problems both in itself and in that the boks could kick the ball out regularly to relieve the pressure while kicks for the corner were less useful for the English team. This was the big difference between the two sides.

All in all any of the above, let along some combination of them could easily have changed the game, simply by making it close enough for a single score gap which would have put a lot of psychological pressure on the SA鈥檚 in the final stages, which might have made the difference. Not saying England had the better performance as they didn鈥檛. Just simply stating that the match was damned close and hence the losing side [and supporters] can understandably be feeling frustrated under the circumstances. As long as we don鈥檛 do like some sets of supporters have and harp on about it. [In that respect Tom is right to say we shouldn鈥檛 torture ourselves about the might have been鈥檚 but unrealistic to ignore human nature]

On the Montgomery incident I suspect we were lucky there. Flood was right to bring his arms up to cushion the impact as he was coming in at high speed and Montgomery had virtually stopped. However judging by the replay and way Percy flew into the camera it looked suspicious like there was a shove rather than trying to break the impact. Congratulations to Percy for overcoming both that impact and his earlier injury and continuing to the end.

I was amongst the England fans who would have accepted a narrow 鈥榰gly鈥 victory so we have to acknowledge when the Boks won by the same route. Its only to be expected in a final that it will be tense and close so neither side are likely to take risks 鈥 Tait鈥檚 error aside. Given their line-out superiority they only needed to play a safe, cautious game and the percentages and that鈥檚 pretty much what they did, picking away at us with penalties. As such they won on the day, no matter how much we would wish it was otherwise and for the next 4 years hold the crown. [Looking forward to the team getting the jug back in 2011 thought! 飦奭

To do that we must start getting things sorted out now. Most especially the workload on players and the club-country row that cost us Woodward must be resolved and we start bringing in new players to replace those who are retiring. Maintain a strong and powerful forward line and work on better backs and kickers to expand on it. Use the 6 nations [or possibly 7 if Argentina is included 飦奭 to keep a good level of action and activity.

One last point. A few people compared the complaints about the try with those about the Russian penalty last week. I think they showed their motives there because there is one all important difference. The try, although very close, seems to have been the right decision. The penalty was spectacularly a wrong one.

Stevep

  • 168.
  • At 10:32 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Bane15b wrote:

Congratulations for the majority of English fans being so gracious in defeat.

However I find it highly amusing that people can argue against video evidence. Did any of you actually watch the replay of the 'try' that was scored during the TMO decision? Or were you too busy spilling beer over yourselves. Perhaps if you sat and watched the replay you would see Cueto's toe grazing the touchline. But I suppose the camera is wrong and you rugby brains sitting back home are correct. Of course.

How stupid does one have to be to argue against video evidence???

I suggest you also sit down and watch a replay of the game in the sober light of day as I have. Complaining that the ref had it out for England is utterly pathetic. Both sides got some unlucky calls against them, and I have to say in my opinion (no I'm not South African) the mistakes did not bias either team. Watch the replay and youll see that 30% of the up and unders England employed, there was an Englishman chasing offside. At countless rucks, England waltzed in from the side or simply stood about a metre offside from the line. Not to mention hands in, floods shove etc. etc.

I'm not going to mention what SA got away with as numerous posters have been all to eager to complain about it already. But by no means did where the bad calls biased against England. Argue all you want, you sad sad posters.

Mocking New Zealands exit and telling them to stop complaingin about the ref? Looked at yourselves lately

Now I'm not having a go at England fans at general, who have generally been awesome.

You just get some narrow-minded idiots all over the globe. Grow up you simple minded twits.

  • 169.
  • At 10:40 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • sh204 wrote:

Whilst the England detractors speak matter of factly to the England fans they forget couple of things. We know that if we had one the World Cup we would still not be the best side in the world. Also, that everything that you say is news to us, we know you don't like us and that most importantly we know our limitations. The biggest critic of England is usually the English. Thanks for your insight into English Rugby no matter how obvious it was. As many posts have said already we are proud to have got to the final as was 'bonus territory'. We started at an all time low, so where we finished is not too bad. Again South Africa were worthy winners.

  • 170.
  • At 10:44 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • steve wrote:


Guys

Well the end of a great run. Pity the idiots on both sides are trying to stir things up still. Anyway onto the game. Intensely competitive and tense and a lot closer than the scoreline suggested. Where did things go wrong, in no particular order.

a) Bad discipline, especially with Moody鈥檚 idiotic trip. He seems to be getting a reputation for such sort of actions. Kudos to the ref 鈥 or other official 鈥 who spotted it as nearly missed it on the replay given how subtly it was done so magnificent performance to spot it in real time. Totally stupid through and he could have been sin-binned as well as costing us the 3 points.

b) Bad decision making by Tait for the 1st SA score. Why the help try running from virtually under your own posts so early in the game. Might have gotten far enough up field to have gotten away from it if he hadn鈥檛 slipped at the wrong time.

c) Otherwise a couple of penalty decisions by the ref were a bit dodgy. The one against Vickery, which SA didn鈥檛 score from, was possibly OK technically as he did go over the top but that was because he was hit by one of our own men while trying to get to his feet. The one against Kay for alleged obstruction was farcical as given that the SA player was directly behind him I doubt he even knew he was there let alone had any chance to get out of the way. In fact if he had to move to one side he would have been more likely to have been looking like he was deliberately obstructing someone. Given that a number of blatant obstructions by the SA鈥檚 were unpunished that really stung.

d) We had a poor day kicking, with the balls being too long generally for the chasers to reach them and Johnny missing both drop goal attempts, the 1st of which he should have gotten. Possibly that explains why no attempts were made in the last few minutes when we needed two scores.

e) Injures. Don鈥檛 know whether it was an older team after a very tough campaign and/or the tackling of the boks but I think most of the English substitutions were forced by injures. Vickery and Catt might well have gone anyway, but it would have been better doing it when the manager wanted, especially since Catt was kicking for position better. Worsely and Jason were definitely big losses.

f) The [non-]try. Informed option seemed to be that it wasn鈥檛 but bloody close and the sheer time taken meant it was disheartening. One thing that surprised me was that it wasn鈥檛 given after the ref had asked 鈥榓ny reason why I couldn鈥檛 give it鈥. Have heard a while back that generally means that unless there鈥檚 serious doubt a try in generally given so with something as close as that I was expecting the decision to go the other way last night.

g) We lost the forward battle in that we didn鈥檛 get the degree of dominance we have had against virtually everybody else. Don鈥檛 know enough about the technical details to know why but the scrum was pretty even.

h) Most of all we lost the line-out overwhelmingly. That caused us a lot of problems both in itself and in that the boks could kick the ball out regularly to relieve the pressure while kicks for the corner were less useful for the English team. This was the big difference between the two sides.

All in all any of the above, let along some combination of them could easily have changed the game, simply by making it close enough for a single score gap which would have put a lot of psychological pressure on the SA鈥檚 in the final stages, which might have made the difference. Not saying England had the better performance as they didn鈥檛. Just simply stating that the match was damned close and hence the losing side [and supporters] can understandably be feeling frustrated under the circumstances. As long as we don鈥檛 do like some sets of supporters have and harp on about it. [In that respect Tom is right to say we shouldn鈥檛 torture ourselves about the might have been鈥檚 but unrealistic to ignore human nature]

On the Montgomery incident I suspect we were lucky there. Flood was right to bring his arms up to cushion the impact as he was coming in at high speed and Montgomery had virtually stopped. However judging by the replay and way Percy flew into the camera it looked suspicious like there was a shove rather than trying to break the impact. Congratulations to Percy for overcoming both that impact and his earlier injury and continuing to the end.

I was amongst the England fans who would have accepted a narrow 鈥榰gly鈥 victory so we have to acknowledge when the Boks won by the same route. Its only to be expected in a final that it will be tense and close so neither side are likely to take risks 鈥 Tait鈥檚 error aside. Given their line-out superiority they only needed to play a safe, cautious game and the percentages and that鈥檚 pretty much what they did, picking away at us with penalties. As such they won on the day, no matter how much we would wish it was otherwise and for the next 4 years hold the crown. [Looking forward to the team getting the pot back in 2011 thought! :)]

To do that we must start getting things sorted out now. Most especially the workload on players and the club-country row that cost us Woodward must be resolved and we start bringing in new players to replace those who are retiring. Maintain a strong and powerful forward line and work on better backs and kickers to expand on it. Use the 6 nations [or possibly 7 if Argentina is included :)] to keep a good level of action and activity.

One last point. A few people compared the complaints about the try with those about the Russian penalty last week. I think they showed their motives there because there is one all important difference. The try, although very close, seems to have been the right decision. The penalty was spectacularly a wrong one.

Stevep

  • 171.
  • At 11:20 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Paul Spiro wrote:

Steve Burgess is on to it,i,m a Kiwi that.s not into all this over acting by some fans, I predicted England to win the final in 2003 and South Africa this time, it doesn,t make you over popular but realistic, and patriotism doesn,t have anything to do with it. Some of these rugby types need to get there heads away from past glories and get real.In my exrerience it is usually the biggest mouthpieces that were never good at sport ! The bad arse attitudes of some fans is dissapointing, come on, it,s only a game . Get your selves down here to Kiwiland in 2011, and who knows you might just have a good time, aaaaannnndddd..... with the Pacific Islanders proggressing the way they have been it,ll be something to look forward to.

  • 172.
  • At 11:49 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • sh204 wrote:

Bane15b, I find disheartening that whilst you are criticising those for complaining about the try and referee, it seems that you don't want to mention what the other 'narrow-minded idiots' have said. I acknowledge that this isn't the thrust of your argument but its as if your not allowed to bad mouth anyone apart from the English. If an Englishman has something legitimate to say they're shot down by 'boring' and 'you were lucky' jibes. What's most annoying is that it is the English who are regarded as petty and arrogant and narrow-minded even when the majority are giving credit to the Springboks. We can't win.

  • 173.
  • At 11:51 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Uncle Enric wrote:

All I can say is that as an event to promote rugby the final was a very disappointing affair, with a very tight brand of rugby being played by two teams too afraid to lose. I'm sorry but kicking for field position and the hope of a penalty or a drop goal doesn't do it for me. The northern hemisphere teams (and their supporters) should spend a bit of time watching the super 14's. I watched the final of the NZ cup on Saturday, played in appalling conditions and the standard of play was at least as good as the WC final. I reckon either of those teams, Wellington and Auckland could have given England or SA a run for their money!

  • 174.
  • At 11:53 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

Have read most of the above comments and wonder how many have a clue about the game, ever played, or just jumped on the bandwagon which rolled on after the World cup of 4 years ago. The game is complex, and difficult to referee .. however, Alain Rolland made wrong decisions which cost England 6 points. Whether this would have altered the outcome is opinion, not fact. Look at the game again, and you'll see where those errors were made, and where on the pitch they were made. It would have been astonishing if England had won .. like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.It's water under the bridge now, lets move on and go forward with Brian Ashton who has motivated his team to play to their potential ... something that Clive Woodward would not understand.As far as he was concerned, his management of an extremely good team was just a means to a gong.Only one real criticism , and that is that English forward handling , relative to other sides, is poor, and needs working on, and despite a generally fair game, Matt Tait's naivety was clear to see. If that can be done, England will again be the best in the World .... amen!

  • 175.
  • At 11:58 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Connal wrote:

Some silly responses on here harping on about the referee - pathetically bordering on zenophobia - and what might have been. Bad, bad losers. What did transpire was just, and England rode their luck time and tima gain in the last few days, Mortlock's missed penalty, Laporte's idiotic general tactics. It would have been a disgrace had England triumphed; they simply wouldn't have deserved it.

Essentially England brought the whole quality down. They came up against a side who COULD beat them at their own game, just as they could adapt to play a more fre-flowing game. I feel the France vs New Zealand game was really the final. It's just a shame England dragged the whole contest down to the status of a forwards-dominated donneybrook. But congratulations to South Africa, deserving winners.

  • 176.
  • At 12:14 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Mark Richmond wrote:

Well done Springboks, you outEngland, England. Got to say that as a Wallabies supporter, I hoped that the team playing more attractive attacking rugby on the day would win.....but they didn't. England tried to be more adventurous, but it didn't come off for them....its a shame. Hats off to England, you showed what guts and determination could do, you just couldn't quite pull it together one final time. You should be proud of you team!! As for some one in an earlier post saying that England came closest at going back to back.....I would have to debate that point the Wallablies got within one Johnny Wilkinson field goal of going back to back in 2003.

  • 177.
  • At 03:38 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Cal wrote:

From a Saffa perspective it was great to see the final played in such a civilised manner. Non nonsense, no bad blood and plenty of humility and good grace all round. That's why it's the best game in the world and that's why I love it. Well done both sides.

  • 178.
  • At 04:36 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Greg wrote:

Congrats on a great blog from a fan in OZ!

A couple of things to get off my chest...

1. I thought the final was fairly dour to say the least. I'm sure many would prefer to see some attacking rugby played. In fact, I believe that if the English played a more expansive game, (as they did very well in the last 8 minutes when they realised they would not get home on the back of penalties, they could well have won with some of their exciting outside men coming into play. The sooner the laws are tweaked to promote more open play the better. How good was it to watch the Pacific Islander teams!

2.As an Aussie, whilst I was dissapointed to be beaten by the mother country, it has to be said that your forwards were fantastic. Scrums, yes they are always good, but in particular at the breakdown. What we would give for a decent tight 5!

3. The try was not a try. An unbiased view from someone who couldn't decide who they wanted to loose more...

4. To the English supporters, well done on bringing some colour to the game. As the "Barmy Army" did for the Ashes spectacle, the Rose supporters have added to what has been at times a less than spectacular showpiece.

5. The IRB has some work to do if they expect to gain a greater following for the game. Yes defence wins games, but TRY's delight spectators!!!

  • 179.
  • At 05:28 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Celtic Fringe wrote:

The level of paranoia emerging onthis blog is distressing.

Yes, I am sure there are many people out there who are of the "anyone but England" mentality...but to imply that the referee and TMO (one Irish and the other Australian) gave the game to SA because they don't like England is a bit ludicrous.

Come on people, referees are human. They make decisions based on what they see...you might not agree with those decisions with the luxury of HDTV and slomo...but try reffing a game or two and get the decision right 100% of the time...don't think it's possible.

England played well, they punched above their weight and almost got a second WC...praise them for what they achieved and stop blaming others for the loss.

  • 180.
  • At 08:17 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • emerald wrote:

to balme the referee is bordering on paranoia-yes true but also totally hypocritical. one rule for english fans and one rule for nz fans i think. there was outrage by english fans when the kiwis attacked wayne barnes and put it down to being english. now the english are saying it's the irish ref who hates the english. as an irish fan i'm v offended by that. get over yourselves- not everyone hates the english but it's at times like these it's v hard not to. ALSO PRACTISE WHAT YOU PREACH-stop blaming the ref, cueto was in touch, the linesman made the decision and england's discipline was questionable. i went for england but the bleating and moaning on this blog is ridiculous.

  • 181.
  • At 08:30 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

Now that South Africa has won. Dont we deserve to be recognize as one of the best rugby players in the world. Or do we always have to hear about "Apartheid". We have tried to move on. Why does the rest of the world not do the same. I was taught that we cant always win and to give the winners their glory. So come on give South Africa their GLORY!

  • 182.
  • At 08:36 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

Now that South Africa has won. Dont we deserve to be recognize as one of the best rugby players in the world. Or do we always have to hear about "Apartheid". We have tried to move on. Why does the rest of the world not do the same. I was taught that we cant always win and to give the winners their glory. So come on give South Africa their GLORY!

  • 183.
  • At 09:35 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Andrew Worthington wrote:

Whatever happened to the running game?If that is Rugby Union at its finest I will stick to netball and marbles. All England have been able to do for 4 years is heave the play around the ground until little Johnny can pot the winner.

Yeah lots of tension but absolute crap entertainment and rememeber England the idea is to score TRIES.

Oh well back to the Netball

  • 184.
  • At 10:18 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Canadian moose wrote:

It can safely be said that any non-rugby supporter watching the final would not have been converted. The standard of rugby was poor - there is an alarming lack of skill in the England team especially. It's very worrying (almost alarming) that a team like this can make the world cup final. The rules must be changed so that the best teams win. It is currently too easy for poor teams to slow a game down and look for penalties. What other sport is there where a team can rely on penalties to win? Don't think I'll be watching rugby for a while....

  • 185.
  • At 10:26 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • William wrote:

Well said, Well done England, and go bokke :)

  • 186.
  • At 10:54 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • coojon wrote:

Enough of all the politics lads. rugby fans were always renowned for applauding good games and the best team winning. There is in many places an anyone but england mentality, but most of them are hypocrites. in ireland they all wear man and liverpool jerseys all week then celebrate when england lose at anything.
Anyway I was at the game the atmosphere was great but where were all the programmes? I was seated 75 mins before the game and couldnt get one. and what i really would like to say is well done the Boks and all of their fans were gracious in victory.

  • 187.
  • At 11:09 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Canadian moose wrote:

It can safely be said that any non-rugby supporter watching the final would not have been converted. The standard of rugby was poor - there is an alarming lack of skill in the England team especially. It's very worrying (almost alarming) that a team like this can make the world cup final. The rules must be changed so that the best teams win. It is currently too easy for poor teams to slow a game down and look for penalties. What other sport is there where a team can rely on penalties to win? Don't think I'll be watching rugby for a while....

  • 188.
  • At 11:51 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Andy wrote:

Congratulations to South Africa, they used their dominant line out and solid scrum to keep it tight and kick for territory, taking their penalties and suffocating their opponents.
Sounds a bit like England in 2003 doesn't it? I wonder if they will suffer the same abuse as England did - ugly, boring rugby, bad for the game, etc.?
France did a brilliant job of hosting the RWC, and one of the most edifying things to come out of the tournament for me is the warmth and mutual respect expressed between English and French supporters. Could it be that my English compatriots are maturing and finally appreciating that we now have much more in common with our European neighbours than with the Tri-Nations countries?

  • 189.
  • At 12:41 PM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • sh204 wrote:

184 Canadian Moose, What are you talking about? Firstly you say that the 'rules must be changed so the best team wins'. Do you not understand the concept of competition? I think you will find that if teams like England and other nations did not have a chance to get to a World Cup Final then people will just turn away from the game.

As for your question 'What other sport is there where a team can rely on penalties to win?' The answer is soccer or football during major competitions such as a World Cup. As an England fan we know a lot about penalty shoot outs, we have lost few.

So not only do you have no understanding of sport, you'd forgotten about what is considered the biggest sport in world. Please stop posting your ignorant drivel and give us a break.

  • 190.
  • At 01:26 PM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • georgegraham wrote:

Can't believe that there still people out there who believe that was a try, from the rear view,his foot was on the line and the ball wasn't down, exactly as Martin Johnson called it. Personally i'd bin the TMO for while he was right on this occasion, there have been too many times when the TMO has got it horribly wrong like when Wilkinson was given a try against Scotland when everyone could see he was in touch except the guy who was viewing it from all angles in slow motion. No doubt the Ref would have given Cueto the try in in the old days and personally i'd rather he, and not the TMO made the decision and take the rub of the green that goes with it.

  • 191.
  • At 01:28 PM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Ian wrote:

Firstly, as a South African I am desperately proud of our teams acheivements as well as the way our country came together to support the team. The celebrations in our townships was so heart warming. But, I think England and their fans deserve huge credit for lighting up the tournament. Your performances were inspiring to us all and the fans dedication and support was unbeleivable. I celebrated in Putney on Saturday night and had a great time with the England fans that I met who were really humble in defeat and a credit to England. Thanks for a great tournament guys and I cannot wait for the next one. In summing it up - Football can learn so much from Rugby Union!

  • 192.
  • At 01:34 PM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • hawkiliam wrote:

LIKE TO KNOW WHAT COUNTRY A REF COULD HAVE COME FROM WITHOUT BEING ACCUSED OF BEING BIASED BY ENGLISH FANS

Obviously not English or SA
Irish Scottish and Welsh out becuase their all celts and they "ALL" hate the English dont they
Australian out...obvious again
French...obvious again
NZ not after all the slagging from English for whinging about the forwrd pass and its an ex colony so that counts them out along with a canadian and US
virtually every ref in the world cup would be excluded based the logic of alot of the comments on here

  • 193.
  • At 01:46 PM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Chantel wrote:

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN !!!

WELL DONE BOKKE - you deserve it !! After all these years we have once again proven that we able to kick ass and get passed all the ridiculous politics involved and just love the game for what it is and the enjoyment it provides.

After all it is a game - that South Africa just happens to be SMASHING at - but one that can bring us all together for one simple reason..

WE LOVE RUGBY - NO MATTER WHO WINS!!
( but it does help just a little when you do)

Congrats England you gave us a run for our money!!!

  • 194.
  • At 02:00 PM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • welshbloke wrote:

I find it quite sickening that Cueto is peddling his "I did score, I know I scored, I will believe it till I die" nonsense around the papers.

There appears to be incontrovertible evidence that his foot touched a part of the line before the ball was grounded when he was in control of the ball. It matters not how much of his foot nor how much of the line - the fact is that according to the laws of the game he was in touch.

So Mr Cueto do the right thing for the sake of the game and admit you were in touch. We really don't want rugby to go the way of football. The TMO got it right. And no amount of sour grapes, however well fermented, will change that.

  • 195.
  • At 02:01 PM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Jimmy wrote:

Well Played South Africa, you guys deserved it. There was probably one clear cut chance in the whole game when Tait made his break, but we did not take it. The video ref got it right so no complaints from me. Not seen a replay of the game in a more sober state, but at the time there did not seem to be anybody on Taits shoulder for him to pop the ball to, and score. When most of the other top teams make a break like that at least two other players go through the gap with them, and the try is scored, because they can pass the ball to them. Something we are going to have to work on if we are to create breaks into tries.

No point complaining about referee decisions after the game. If the forward pass in the NZ v Fra game had been spotted, NZ would have won that game and most likely smoked us in the semis. Swings and roundabouts.

  • 196.
  • At 02:33 PM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Neil wrote:

I'm getting tired of the comments that SA (e.g. by pominaussieland) had an easy ride to the finals. They were in the same Pool as England, so presumably there can be no doubt that their path through the Pool was as easy/difficult as England's? After the Pool stages they had to play Fiji (currently ranked 9 by the IRB) and Argentina (currently ranked 3) while England played Australia (currently ranked 5) and France (currently ranked 6). So, after the Pool matches, SA had one game which was notionally easier and one which was notionally harder than England. I don't think any team which played Argentina felt they had an easy option and, after all, Argentina only lost one game in the RWC.

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