France reach Rugby World Cup semis
Knock out England as Wales also through to last-four.
AUCKLAND:
France roared back from humiliation to triumph as they downed England 19-12 to book a place in the World Cup semi-finals, while Wales also advanced to the last-four with a gripping 22-10 victory over Ireland.
The unpredictable French produced one of their greatest recoveries to knock the 2003 champions out of the tournament just a week after their abject loss to Tonga saw them limp into the quarter-finals. France played with pride and resolve in a commanding first-half performance that left them 16-0 in front at the break against England.
“We seem to have done it all the way through and you can’t give a good team like France 16 points,” said England manager Martin Johnson. “I’m proud of the guys for the way they came back. It’s so disappointing because games like these are winnable but not when you’re 16-0 down.”
Dimitri Yachvili was the architect of France’s attacks with his high kicks and smooth organisation. The scrum-half was delighted at the win.
“All the week we talked about team spirit,” he said. “This was for the jersey and for our supporters because they were very sad last week.”
Wales bag semi-final spot
Earlier, Wales made it to the last-four for the first time since 1987 as Ireland’s history of having never advanced beyond the quarter-final stage continued.
Wales scored three tries through Shane Williams, Mike Phillips and Jonathan Davies. Wales captain Sam Warburton was clearly proud of his team’s achievement.
“It was a massive performance,” said Warburton. “We always say we don’t start games well enough but today it was perfect.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2011.
France roared back from humiliation to triumph as they downed England 19-12 to book a place in the World Cup semi-finals, while Wales also advanced to the last-four with a gripping 22-10 victory over Ireland.
The unpredictable French produced one of their greatest recoveries to knock the 2003 champions out of the tournament just a week after their abject loss to Tonga saw them limp into the quarter-finals. France played with pride and resolve in a commanding first-half performance that left them 16-0 in front at the break against England.
“We seem to have done it all the way through and you can’t give a good team like France 16 points,” said England manager Martin Johnson. “I’m proud of the guys for the way they came back. It’s so disappointing because games like these are winnable but not when you’re 16-0 down.”
Dimitri Yachvili was the architect of France’s attacks with his high kicks and smooth organisation. The scrum-half was delighted at the win.
“All the week we talked about team spirit,” he said. “This was for the jersey and for our supporters because they were very sad last week.”
Wales bag semi-final spot
Earlier, Wales made it to the last-four for the first time since 1987 as Ireland’s history of having never advanced beyond the quarter-final stage continued.
Wales scored three tries through Shane Williams, Mike Phillips and Jonathan Davies. Wales captain Sam Warburton was clearly proud of his team’s achievement.
“It was a massive performance,” said Warburton. “We always say we don’t start games well enough but today it was perfect.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2011.