France performed so much higher than expected and put pressure on the AB's - especially in the 2 nd half.
The HAKA incorporated the "throat cutting" which is totally unacceptable.
The French captain was awesome and was awarded man of the match.

 

Cheers Rob, not like I was watching it on catch up or anything

 

Now he has spilt the beans I will say that I thought it was a very even match. It was a toss up who might win.

The French played a very good 2nd half and were unlucky not to get a score.

The Kiwi's need a more accurate kicker.

It is a shame that the older style of open rugby and running the ball seems to have gone by the board. That was far more skilful and made a far better spectacle than the present run until you clump into an opponent and they all have a pushing match. I reckon they must eat steroids for breakfast,dinner and tea these days!

Mind you, I did see Nonu actually pass the ball twice!

Les

 

One of the commentators was saying about finals not being the best..it wasn't!

glad AB's won,however it was far from convincing.

Good effort france.

 

These enlightened days,I am surprised they were not made to change their name to the "All Differently Coloured Team"!

Les

 

It was an immense game.

Whilst it might have seemed close - Weepu had a mare and missed pretty much everything - it could have easily been 17-0 at half time.

France were superb - immoveable object up against a nearly unstoppable force.

 

Yeah and kickers win games. People moan when Wilkinson is included for England but a kicker of his standard would have won the game for either France or NZ. And Wales as well IIRC.

A really tough game. As usual I got it all wrong as I thought Ireland would get further than they did and Australia would win.

But well done the Kiwis.

dl

 

Deleted wrong thread!!

 

What's that got to do with rugby?

 

It looked very much like a typical Northern Hemisphere game.

Overall, the best team in the tournament deservedly won.

 

The devil on my shoulder was wanting France to stage another upset. Mainly because my normally "balanced individual" mates had a major downer on France after the pool stages and the semi final display against Wales. After Wales were out, all I wanted to see was a proper game, not an All Black procession.

I reckon the result was a fair one. TBH I thought France looked a little tired towards the end.

I feel if they'd moved the ball more rather they'd have found gaps. I can see why they want Aurelian Rougerie at centre though!

Question though: How does Ritchie McCaw manage it? He seems offside or meddling in every 3 out of 4 rucks, yet rarely gets pinged.

J.

 

Because he's an All Black