Rugby World Cup semi final preview

England vs France
Rugby World Cup Semi Final
Preview

8pm, Sat 13th Oct, Stade de France

Following the extraordinary defeat of Australia in the quarter-final, England move to Paris on Saturday for the next stage of their World Cup defence, to take on France in a battle that pits the two leading northern hemisphere sides together. England were brutally, perhaps justifiably written off by just about everyone, following a crushing defeat at the hands of South Africa. Unconvincing wins against Samoa and the USA did little to inspire English confidence, while a host of injuries prevented Brian Ashton’s side from achieving consistency and momentum. Those with a passion for fairy tales will doubtless accredit England’s change of fortunes to the return of national hero Jonny Wilkinson. Wilkinson is more than just a player for England; he is a presence, sometimes an inspiration, always reliable. Perhaps his return to fitness has inspired confidence among the side, and although England’s twelve points against Australia all came courtesy of that trusty left boot, Wilkinson cannot be solely credited for the victory. Much has been made of England’s forwards, and rightly so, they were, put simply, outstanding. Andrew Sheridan may be a gentle giant off the field, but on it he was a fearsome warrior, scrummaging as if his life depended on it, first to every ruck and putting in a prop-forward display of international quality. Indeed England’s forwards enjoyed significant superiority over the Australian pack, so much so that former England skipper Martin Johnson said the performance was “a privilege to watch”, here, here. England are on a roll then, and they will take momentum into Saturday’s clash. Moreover, Brian Ashton has the luxury of being able to name an unchanged side for the semi-final, as England’s injury problems seem to have disappeared. Thus Mike Catt keeps his place in the centre after a solid display against Australia, and Andy Farrell misses out on the chance to prove himself after his glamorous, yet unproductive switch of codes.
For all the talk about England, France have trodden a similarly forlorn path to the Stade to France. Argentina broke French hearts in the opening fixture of the tournament, while Ireland, principally through Brian O Driscoll, posed the French backs numerous problems. France, lest we forget, are the hosts of this World Cup, and will have the full support of the nation come Saturday. Home advantage was nowhere to be found during their quarter-final against favourites New Zealand, as the game was staged, rather strangely, in Cardiff. Nonetheless, France produced the kind of display which will concern England. Resolute in defence with the ability to punish incisively on the counter-attack, France, who were without the talismanic Serge Betsen for much of the game, defeated New Zealand in a game which sent shockwaves through the rugby world. Thus the hosts will also carry their own momentum into the game; furthermore England will do well forget the two defeats which they suffered at the hands of France in the pre-tournament warm up games.
The semi-final which nobody thought would take place is well and truly happening. England will of course be hoping for a repeat of the 2003 semi-final, in which they emerged comfortable 24-7 winners. France however will have dreams of their own; a World Cup final in front of their home fans is a mouth-watering prospect. England will need to draw on all their experience and muster all their strength, moreover if that man Wilkinson finds his range, we could be in for quite a contest.