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[Blwe_torch]

France was decimated by the host New Zealand in the group stage...........and were mightily upset buy the out-siders Tonga...........and yet...came back strongly to reach the QF, thanks to some points system. In the QF they beat the mighty England...........\
In the Final they shall meet the winner of the other SF host NZ or Australia.



France beats a 14 man- Wales in the SF
Auckland


The controversial sending off of captain Sam Warburton saw Wales crash out of the Rugby World Cup 9-8 to France.
Warburton saw red after 18 minutes of an enthralling semi-final at Eden Park after referee Alain Rolland adjudged the Wales skipper had dangerously tackled Vincent Clerc.
The tackle, though, was clumsy at worst - and worth maybe a yellow card. However Rolland ruled that it was a dismissal, much to the dismay of Warburton and his team-mates.
Despite the decision, Wales fought tooth and nail for a place in the final - and they even had chances to win it, with France seemingly unable to full take advantage of the extra man in their ranks.
A brilliant try from Mike Phillips and a penalty from James Hook, combined with some hard-running from Jamie Roberts, kept Wales in the contest.
But the accuracy of Morgan Parra, who added nine points, ensured it would be France who would be returning to Eden Park for the final next Sunday.
Hook, in for the injured Rhys Priestland, had curled over a superb penalty after seven minutes to get Wales off to the perfect start - with the fly-half just off-target with a second attempt four minutes later.
However the game erupted on 18 minutes when Warburton was sent off for the tackle on Clerc.
The decision might have bemused many but Les Bleus were not complaining and they wasted little time in levelling the score with a penalty from Parra.
Only great scrambling defence prevented a try after Hook's clearance had been charged down, while Maxime Medard missed with a drop-goal effort.
Fortunately for Wales, though, a combination of spirited tackling and a lack of ideas from France in attack ensured the floodgates remained shut.
And Wales had a chance to restore their lead but Hook's penalty slid wide.
However it was France who moved 6-3 up as Parra added his second penalty of the game.
Parra should have done better with a drop-goal attempt just after the break while the fly-half cut through the Wales defence before the cover managed to get across.
Parra did extend the lend with a third penalty on 50 minutes - however a moment of brilliance from Phillips gave Wales hope.
The scrum-half picked up at the base of a ruck, handed off Pascal Pape on the blindside and sprinted away to score. Stephen Jones, though, missed the conversion.
And Wales really should have taken the lead with nine minutes left, but despite having worked the position in the France 22 they failed to go for the drop-goal and ultimately coughed up possession.
They went agonisingly close three minutes later, with Leigh Halfpenny's long-range penalty dropping just short.
And dogged French defence at the death ensured there would be no heroic comeback for Wales.


http://www.espnstar.com/rugby/rwc/news/detail/item690195/Warburton-off-as-France-make-final/

[Blwe_torch]

New Zealand romp to World Cup final


New Zealand beat Australia 20-6 in a fiery semi-final against Australia on Sunday to set up a Rugby World Cup final clash with France.
The All Blacks defied the massive weight of expectation placed on them and never looked back from Ma'a Nonu's early try.
Piri Weepu's 12 points and Aaron Cruden's drop-goal kept New Zealand in front throughout, although it was the immense effort in defence - led by the awesome Richie McCaw - that broke the Wallabies.
Israel Dagg, Cory Jane and Nonu also caught the eye in attack, while the pack were on top at the breakdown.
Australia were not helped by an off-night from Quade Cooper, who was specifically targeted by the hosts, and some ill-discipline, while they were left frustrated in attack.
James O'Connor and a Cooper drop-goal was the best that they could manage as they failed to break the solid black wall.
The All Blacks were rewarded for blistering start as Dagg's sublime run set up Nonu for the try after five minutes. The full-back handed off Rocky Elsom before offloading to Nonu just before he was bundled into touch.
Weepu missed the conversion and then hit the post with a simple penalty shot - however he settled his nerves on 13 minutes after Pocock was penalised for hands in the ruck.
Australia hit back immediately when Pocock's openside rival McCaw was pinged and O'Connor made no mistake.
But although Weepu missed another regulation effort at the sticks, the pressure on Australia told as Cruden slotted over a drop-goal to back it 11-3.
Cooper cut the deficit to six points with a well-struck drop-goal on 32 minutes as Australia enjoyed a rare spell of pressure in the New Zealand 22 - but Weepu responded with a penalty in front of the posts just before the break.
Weepu gave the All Blacks some breathing space a minute after the restart with his third successful penalty - however, he was off-target on 56 minutes, while Cruden also failed to put the game out of sight.
Australia, though, just couldn't find any way back into the contest - and Weepu, back on as a blood replacement, put New Zealand 14 points clear with nine minutes left.
Sonny Bill Williams was on for just three minutes before he was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Cooper - but New Zealand shut up shop with some stunning defence.

http://www.espnstar.com/rugby/rwc/news/detail/item691168/New-Zealand-romp-to-World-Cup-final/

[Blwe_torch]

France thankful for 'guardian angel'


France coach Marc Lievremont admitted Les Bleus must have a "good guardian angel" following their 9-8 Rugby World Cup semi-final victory over Wales on Saturday.
Wales had to play for 62 minutes with 14 men after captain Sam Warburton was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Vincent Clerc and they still looked the better team.
Lievremont maintained referee Alain Rolland was correct to brandish the red card - and he had no qualms about the fact Wales were the better team even with 14 men.
"They have been amazingly brave but the French team might have a good guardian angel," said Lievremont.
"You have seen the tackle, it was a very dangerous tackle and it deserves the red card but it was unfortunate that the game was unbalanced in the way it was."
France lost to New Zealand and Tonga in the pool stages but they bounced back to beat England last week and had to battle for the narrowest of wins against Wales.
Lievremont will be replaced by Phillipe Saint Andre as France coach after the World Cup - and his final match in charge will be the final against either Australia or New Zealand.
"I think there are a lot of people annoyed that we have qualified but we played with our hearts," said Lievremont.
"We have qualified for the final and that is all that counts.
"We did not start well and we lost confidence. When they went down to 14 and we had 15, we were still inhibited. But that does not matter. What matters is when they scored (a try) we kept our composure.
"I will not brood or be unhappy because it was not our best game. What matters is we are going to the final."
Lievremont would prefer France face New Zealand, who they beat in the semi-finals of the 1999 World Cup and the quarter-finals in 2007.
"In our wildest dreams we always thought we would play the All Blacks," said Lievremont.
"I will always be an All Blacks supporter unless we play them."
Clerc admitted France will have to improve markedly if they are to mount a genuine challenge for the Webb Ellis trophy next week.
"In one way, yes (we are lucky) because we did not play that well," said Clerc.
"We did manage to deserve this victory by keeping our defence strong and showing a lot of strength and courage - but we had a bit of luck and fortune.
"(Next week) we have to keep the same spirit in defence but improve our passing rugby."

http://www.espnstar.com/rugby/rwc/news/detail/item691109/France-thankful-for-'guardian-angel'/

[Blwe_torch]

All Blacks - Les Bleus WC final preview by Mike Rehu

ESPN STAR Sports rugby commentator Mike Rehu is a proud New Zealander, but he doesn't think its game, set and match at the Rugby World Cup just yet.

"It's déjà vu all over again" is a quote attributed to a wacky baseball coach but the mashed-up phrase is ringing in my ears this week as we build to Sunday's Rugby World Cup final in Auckland, New Zealand.
Kiwis have been hospitable hosts to the thousands of fans, who've come for the trip of a lifetime in the rugby-frenzied country but their team has not shown as much generosity on-field; they've swept all before them at this year's tournament and now they face the un-fancied French team in the final.
Les Tricolores have, more often than not, been described as les Miserables at this tournament. They showed their true red white and blue colours once when they smoked and choked the English in a convincing 19-12 quarter-final victory. They were beaten by the Kiwis and Tonga in pool play and limped home by one point against Wales who played one man down for the last hour of the semi-final. The coach and the players hate each other and have been at each others throats for six weeks. Seasoned writers like the Telegraph's ex-England international lock Paul Ackford have practically awarded the Cup to the All Blacks days out from the match.
New Zealand have been down this road before with the French, and it's not a pretty vista on World Cup Lane. I couldn't tell you where I was when Princess Diana died, but I sure as hell remember my co-ordinates when the All Blacks lost to France at the Rugby World Cups in 1999 and 2007. Sunday October 31, 1999, I was producing a 10-pin bowling tournament in Seoul, and we were in a Korean-style karaoke bar with a kim chi stench and we had persuaded the barman to turn one of his Samsung sets onto STAR Sports for the rugby. Half an hour to go, 24-10 up to the All Blacks and it was my turn to sing. By the time I'd belted out Otis Redding's 'Sitting on the Dock of the Bay' and U2's 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' I'd cleared the bar of local patrons and France had hit the lead! They went on to win 43-31 in the most incredible turn-around seen on the rugby field. Sunday Bloody Sunday indeed!
Sunday October 7, 2007. I had just got back from the first ever cricket Twenty20 World Championships in South Africa and the All Blacks had cleaned everyone up in their pool while we were there.
We'd been teasing the Springbok fans about how boring their team was and all Kiwis were looking forward to the semi-final where New Zealand were due to meet England. Trouble is nobody had told the French to lie down in the quarter-final. I remember writing a column issuing a word of warning after form players Chris Jack and Doug Howlett were rested for the game to give players coming back from injury some match play. The French were irresistible on that day and tackled themselves to a stand still, winning 20-18. And South Africa won the William Webb Ellis Trophy playing some ordinary, but winning rugby. Last laugh to my mates from the high veldt!
With the cocksure comments from the press and the boasting emanating from the fans this week I can sniff the deathly air of complacency coming from New Zealand. The one man who has got it right is Brad Thorn the grizzled All Black lock, who apart from giving some impressive Lou Ferigno Incredible Hulk poses in the final minutes of the last two knock out games is a grounded, modest individual. He is constantly reminding the public his team hasn't won anything yet and that everyone has to focus. I hope his basso growls are getting through to his team mates as well.
There are several strong reasons why New Zealand will win on Sunday. The All Blacks have the best front row in the tournament. Jerome Kaino is the strongest and scariest forward in world rugby, it hurts when he smashes you and he rules the contact area. Piri Weepu is playing headstrong rugby and is a calming influence on the young third-string flyhalf Aaron Cruden. Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith are the best centre pairing the nation has ever had. The freakish Israel Dagg breaks the line more than any of his contemporaries. The All Blacks were fitter, faster and stronger when they easily beat France 37-17 a month ago.
There are two reasons why France will win. The All Blacks' complacency. And because the French are the only rugby team in the world who has shown they can laugh in the face of logic and wisdom and win against the odds against favoured New Zealand teams.
It is compelling stuff, the All Blacks will need to be at full steam and it will not be a one way contest. Watch it live this Sunday from 3.30 pm Singapore time on STAR Sports.

http://www.espnstar.com/editorial/news/detail/item693499/Rehu:-And-then-there-were-two/

[sudzz]

Rugby is the worlds most Chu_ _ _ cut sports we should not even be talking about it....

[Blwe_torch]

Rugby is the worlds most Chu_ _ _ cut sports we should not even be talking about it....

Itnaa kharab bhi nahin hai sir..

[k-slice]

Rugby is the worlds most Chu_ _ _ cut sports we should not even be talking about it....

Dude its ok. Someday you will get over the trauma you have suffered as a kid! ( ps i am joking please dont take it seriously)

[Cover Point]

Rugby is the worlds most Chu_ _ _ cut sports we should not even be talking about it....

Dude its ok. Someday you will get over the trauma you have suffered as a kid! ( ps i am joking please dont take it seriously)

actually I hope he takes it seriously! About time we have some serious talk here.

All the gangulians have gone into hiding after being beaten up. I dont really blame them for being so scared that they are ok rubbing their noses in the same gutter that Ganguly lived in. So maybe someone can get offended by something else? Sexy Dexy needs it

[Blwe_torch]

All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup

New Zealand ended 24 years of hurt by being crowned world champions at an emotion-charged Eden Park - but only after France gave them a colossal fright.
Richie McCaw lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy as New Zealand ended a tournament they started as red-hot favourites 45 days ago with rugby union's golden prize ultimately in their grasp.
France, though, delivered a performance of which few people thought they were capable, having lost to New Zealand and Tonga in the pool phase and then edged past 14-man semi-final opponents Wales.
Archive: Time for All Blacks to set things right

But they shook, rattled and almost rolled over an All Blacks side that just about overcame debilitating big-night nerves.
France knocked New Zealand out of the 1999 and 2007 World Cups, and when their captain Thierry Dusautoir's 47th-minute try cancelled out All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock's first-half touchdown, a horrible case of deja vu beckoned for them.
Les Bleus had set the tone by marching over the halfway line as New Zealand performed their traditional pre-match haka.
It never threatened to boil over into a full-blown confrontation, but it proved a major statement of intent from France, who proceeded to play like men possessed.
In the end, new Bath signing Stephen Donald's second-half penalty made the difference. Two weeks ago he had been whitebait fishing on the Waikato River when he was summoned as squad replacement for an injured Colin Slade.
Donald took over from Aaron Cruden - stricken Dan Carter's World Cup deputy - as New Zealand's fly-half fitness jinx stalked them to the very end of the competition.
But France proved the moral victors of a game short on points - it was the lowest-scoring final and smallest winning margin in World Cup final history - yet high on intensity, passion and power.
France coach Marc Lievremont will step down after the tournament to be replaced by Philippe Saint-Andre, yet he could have asked no more from players who had been in bitter disagreement with him for much of his eventful reign.
New Zealand supremo Graham Henry is also set to depart the Test scene - Henry's current assistant Steve Hansen is his likely successor - but he could never have expected France to provide such inspired opposition.
Not until reserve scrum-half Andy Ellis kicked the ball high into the Eden Park stands during added time could New Zealand relax as they became the first host nation world champions since South Africa 16 years ago.
France dominated the opening 10 minutes, looking to move the ball, wide, and a nervous All Blacks start was underlined when scrum-half Piri Weepu sent his opening penalty kick well wide.
France suffered a major injury scare 12 minutes into the contest as fly-half Morgan Parra came off a distinct second-best after attempting to tackle juggernaut All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu, although there appeared simultaneous contact from McCaw's knee.
Parra received extensive treatment on the pitch and was then helped off to make way for Francois Trinh-Duc, before Weepu found touch deep inside Les Bleus' 22.
And the All Blacks pounced, courtesy of flanker Jerome Kaino's clean lineout take that found Woodcock, who then surged through a gaping defensive hole to score.
Weepu failed with his conversion attempt, but New Zealand had made a telling statement from their first notable attack as Parra returned to the action.
New Zealand were growing in confidence following a nerve-riddled opening, and when Trinh-Duc appeared as a permanent replacement for Parra, he found himself thrust into a defensive role, such was the All Blacks' mounting pressure.
But New Zealand's cause was not helped by Weepu's wayward direction off the tee, and a third successive miss suggested he would need to hand over kicking duties.
France, having managed to repel a series of threatening All Blacks attacks, worked their way back upfield, yet technical indiscipline let them down at crucial periods.
Cruden then followed Parra out of the action, limping away to be replaced by Donald, and New Zealand needed to regroup during the interval, having played second fiddle during much of a half that saw Les Bleus produce their best 40 minutes in the tournament.
Donald increased New Zealand's lead through an early second-half penalty, but France came storming back and opened their account just two minutes later when Dusautoir rounded off a sustained spell of pressure.
Trinh-Duc's conversion made it 8-7, and the All Blacks found themselves under pressure they had rarely experienced on home soil as France remained a driven team heading into the final quarter.
The closing minutes were played out against a backdrop of shredded nerves on and off the pitch, but New Zealand finally reached their promised land - world champions for the first time since 1987, when France, as on Sunday, finished runners-up.

http://www.espnstar.com/rugby/rwc/news/detail/item695056/All-Blacks-win-the-Rugby-World-Cup/

[sudzz]

Rugby is the worlds most Chu_ _ _ cut sports we should not even be talking about it....

Dude its ok. Someday you will get over the trauma you have suffered as a kid! ( ps i am joking please dont take it seriously)

actually I hope he takes it seriously! About time we have some serious talk here.

All the gangulians have gone into hiding after being beaten up. I dont really blame them for being so scared that they are ok rubbing their noses in the same gutter that Ganguly lived in. So maybe someone can get offended by something else? Sexy Dexy needs it

Abey CP mein kab se Gangulian ho gaya, though not as rabid as you I have never been a gangulian ever

[sudzz]

Rugby is the worlds most Chu_ _ _ cut sports we should not even be talking about it....

Dude its ok. Someday you will get over the trauma you have suffered as a kid! ( ps i am joking please dont take it seriously)

Dude KS trauma or no - I don't like to see a bunch of overgrown men rubbing against each other and chasing after a pigskin very great...

[k-slice]

Rugby is the worlds most Chu_ _ _ cut sports we should not even be talking about it....

Dost merein yeh unkha khel hain. chahe woh khele ya Ambani ke Shulab shochalya mein jaake baithe aap ko kya lena dena?

[dhruvdeepak]

Rugby is the worlds most Chu_ _ _ cut sports we should not even be talking about it....

Dude its ok. Someday you will get over the trauma you have suffered as a kid! ( ps i am joking please dont take it seriously)

Dude KS trauma or no - I don't like to see a bunch of overgrown men rubbing against each other and chasing after a pigskin very great...

funny. replace pigskin with cowhide and that's what the england boys have done today. i refer you to the intense ball-cupping KP has done to Craig Bedwetter after he took a blinder of a catch today. pictures will surely be out soon

[dhruvdeepak]

in fact no need to point fingers at other side.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zqd9PbCdkLM&rel=0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/Zqd9PbCdkLM&rel=0</a>

[Blwe_torch]

in fact no need to point fingers at other side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqd9PbCdkLM&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLA9644C986EE5BEC6

yaar iska alag thread banta hai........this is 'rubby'.........not rugby anyway.