World Cup News
To those two lads at the bar outside Stade de France Gate S before the game on Saturday night, we hope you remember some of it. Those nine o’clock kick-offs really do test the reserves and, for any of you travelling to Paris this weekend, it is essential that the stomach is well lined and you peak at the right time. And pack a medical kit for Sunday.
t all comes down to experience, something England have in buckets and which again bore the sweetest fruit against France, putting them into a final against South Africa.
However, the holders have already lost some of crucial nous that comes with winning the “liddle yeller cup”. Josh Lewsey’s hamstring injury, sustained late in the first half against the French, was today diagnosed as a grade one tear, enough to rule him out of the Big One this weekend.
“I feel gutted,” said the Wasps wing, who crashed over for the early try against the French. “Until I went off, I think only Ben Kay and I had played every minute.
“It’s not just yourself. Over the last four years the people around you sacrifice a lot for you to put sport first.
“There’s been some testing times over the last couple years but to go through all that and miss out just when you get to the final of the World Cup is very disappointing.
“But, ultimately, what matters this week is that we win. There will be no-one happier than me come Saturday night if England win. This isn’t the time for any self-pity or anything like that, this is a time to be positive and take it to South Africa.”
When Brian Ashton names his team on Wednesday, the chances are that he will stick with Dan Hipkiss as a replacement in the centre, with Mathew Tait shuffling across to the wing. Mark Cueto, woefully out of form early in the tournament, is a contender, but England are weighing up a replacement for Lewsey in the squad.
The Springboks, meanwhile, offered a clean bill of health following their 37-13 win over Argentina last night. Jake White also drew first blood by winning the toss that gives the Saffers choice of dressing room and training times at the ground later this week. Their only concern was a potential citing for flanker Juan Smith, whose high tackle on Juan Martin Hernandez saw him end the match in the sin bin.
White was also doing his Eddie Jones bit, claiming that England’s know-how makes them favourites, despite a certain 36-0 beating four weeks ago. “You go through Wilkinson and Robinson and Catt and Dallaglio, Kay, Vickery, Corry - the reality is they’ve been there, they’ve done it, they’ve won the World Cup away from home in Australia.
“We can’t be complacent at all. Whatever happened in the pool games is irrelevant.”
Of some relevance, though, will be the officials. The IRB confirmed today that referee Alain Rolland will be supported by touch judges Joel Jutge (France) and Paul Honiss (NZ). So that’s one Kiwi who made the final. Ireland’s Alan Lewis is the fourth official, with Aussie Stuart Dickinson as TMO.
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