Well, whilst no-one rated England's chances in the World Cup, and many point to a easy pool etc., it was great to see England's first half dominance, then sadly left hanging on by their finger nails waiting for the closing 80th minute. At least England has come away with something, unlike the other the northern hemisphere teams, which some may suggest was all show and no go. I find it sad when people seem to choke on the very thought of supporting a local team like England, had in been any of the other northern hemisphere teams in the semi final, or final, I would have supported their efforts.
But it appears that Irelands loadstone continues to be the quarter finals, although France has been in 3 finals if fails to deliver when it matters, as for Scotland and Wales they are there despite all their hype to make up the numbers.........at least a poor performing England has been in 4 finals, '91,'07,'19 and in 2003 the only northern hemisphere team to have won it.
The real difference in the quality of the game between northern and southern hemisphere is laid bare on the World cup stage, with the 9th southern hemisphere championship win to be decided between two teams that already have 7 championships between them.
So I take with a pinch of salt any world rankings of northern hemisphere teams in the intervening years between world cup finals, as clearly playing and winning friendlies counts for nothing, as history shows ,when it comes the the real heat of competition where it matters every 4 years on the world stage. Well done England, I'm sure you will get your arses kicked in the 6 nations, but at least you showed considerable fortitude especially in the last two games when it really mattered
Last edited by JohnHarris; 28/10/23 09:33 AM.
