Re: Well, this is getting good...

On 30 Sep, 19:10, Uncle Dave <davidco...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
... and it would be nice if it continued. Our less cerebrally endowed
3N brethren are anticipating all SH semis but that has never happened
before and it is unlikely to happen this time either which means there
have to be one or two more shocks in store, the question is who?

First up Australia and England. On form a shoe-in for Australia, but
- apart from the meaningless tours - these two sides have been
surprisingly closely matched ever since the 1991 final and England are
one of two sides showing true team spirit so far. Like Argentina,
they delighted in getting past the pool stage, have had their backs to
the wall for some time (and not just because of all the SH-ers around)
and (though of course we all deny this now about Argentina) nobody
believed they could win it.


What worries me is that England looked at the end of that match as
though it was job done. The 2003 vintage were not that pleased after
the semi as they knew they'd won nothing yet. They've nothing to lose
against Aus, but I worry they'll settle for damage limitation instead
of giving it a real lash. I'm seriously praying for a whole heap of
rain.

Then comes France and New Zealand. NZ overwhelming favourites but up
against a team that has not only caused them problems over the years
but kicked their arses out of the tournament the last time they got
too cocky. Well, OK, the time before last. Nowadays, NZ have the
players who have the stomach for a fight, but nobody has actually
given them one for so long they might have forgotten how to. Playing
in Wales will favour neither team though I suspect it will still seem
like a home game for France though that is no big deal for this NZ
team who have beaten everyone everywhere.


There's a reason Henry kept going there on tour, but the French have
improved over the course of the tournament, and have the tools to
shock them. The AB's would have to have a bad day, but then they are a
bit rusty.

South Africa against Fiji might just prove an upset. The SA game
relies on speed and muscle but so do Fiji. On form it should be SA
but they were rattled by Tonga and though people will quickly point
out that wasn't their full team they are beatable by the right team on
the right day.


Again, Fiji celebrated like they've had their moment. I think SA will
cruise this one.

Of all the QFs, strange to say, it's the last one which on paper looks
the most predictable with Argentina sure to go in as favourites by
some margin. Scotland scored all their points from penalties in their
last group game to qualify and this Argentina side is probably the
least likely of all the Quarter Finalists to give those penalties away
and they stifle attacking sides (as Scotland fancy themselves to
be). If Hernandez destroyed Ireland he can surely deal with
Scotland.


Scotland have a chance if it pours down, otherwise they're doomed.

Personally, the only one of these I'd put money on would be the last
one and then it would have to be your money. Great to see such a mix
of favourites and underdogs with the chance of a surprise or two.
And no, I'm not making any predictions other than to say that I will
definitely have one of the three teams I backed pre-tournament in the
semis and have a 3 in 4 chance of a finalist.

Anyone less lily-livered and prepared to stick their neck out?

UD

I reckon Didge might be going for England!


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