OWN CORRESPONDENT, Cardiff | Friday 4.00pm.
AUSTRALIAN fullback Matt Burke has jumped to the defence of much-maligned northern hemisphere rugby.
Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have done their utmost to make World Cup 1999 an exclusive Tri Nations affair, and will fill three of the top four places.
France are shock finalists, courtesy of their stunning victory over the devastated All Blacks, but home nations England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland all failed to reach the last four.
“There always seems to be this criticism that northern hemisphere rugby is not up to the southern hemisphere standard, but I don’t think that is true,” Burke said.
“We are seeing some fine football from the European countries at present.
“Wales have produced good rugby, Ireland gave us a really tough game in Perth a few months ago when we only won by six points, and look at France.
“They’ve proved themselves with that fantastic victory over New Zealand in the semi-finals, so I don’t support the view that this so-called gulf exists.”
The fact remains though, that a Wallaby triumph will ensure rugby’s Webb Ellis Cup remains south of the equator following New Zealand’s 1987 triumph, Australia (1991) and South Africa (1995).
And for Burke, the prospect of getting his hands on the World Cup is something he will savour more than most.
The 26-year-old has twice made successful comebacks from serious injury since being on the losing side when England ended Australia’s World Cup hopes in Cape Town four years ago.
A groin problem initially sidelined him from the game, then last year he shattered his shoulder during Australia’s 19-14 victory over New Zealand in Sydney.
Reconstructive surgery was deemed essential, and a lengthy recuperation period meant that Burke missed the Super 12 series before resuming his Test career after a 10-month lay-off as a second-half substitute against Ireland last June.
Another successful international season has moved him to within striking distance of 500 test points, Australia’s second-highest scorer behind Michael Lynagh, and he will have a critical role in Saturday’s final. — AFP