The RWC - Source for Argument?

posted on 19 October 2011

As we edge towards the 'big' game on Sunday morning, I have been thinking about what this World Cup will be remembered for. What iconic symbol will we look back on in the years to come?

Serge Blanco in 1987, Jonah in 1995, Jonny in 2003, please lets not say Sam Warburton in 2011 - surely it has been better than that?

For me, the Irish win over Australia was a game that epitomised this World Cup. The ferocity of that Irish performance was something to behold. Tonga's win over a demoralised French team was good, but if there is ever a team to capitulate only to end up winning the thing is the French.

Four paragraphs in, I guess we'll have to jump on the bandwagon and talk about Sam's Red. I'm not going to get into whether it was or it wasn't, what has riled me somewhat is the reaction to it.

France have been dismal this World Cup, but for a sharp 20 minutes early on against an equally out of form English team, they are a shadow of their Grand Slam selves from 2010. Even with 14 men, Wales should have won that match at a canter, now why can't anyone admit it?

Adam Jones left the field early on, leading to 10 minutes of French dominance in the scrum leading up to Sam Warburton's Red Card. It was evident then that the French were going to butcher the Welsh set-piece. Paul James, Jones' replacement, is a Loose-head without doubt. Why on earth did Gatland not have a tighthead cover on the bench.

Even England have Matt Stevens and at a push Dave Wilson who can knock-in on both sides? This is amateur selection I'm afraid.

Martin Johnson is getting a tirade of abuse for his poor squad selection, the lack of control he had over his players, the lack of attacking prowess in his game plan. So much so, his P45 is probably already in the post.

Had England beaten France and then edged Wales in the semi-final - red or not - I just wonder what the opinions on the head coaches would be.

TBC