Always fierce rivals in sport, Australia and England’s World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday should be a classic if it matches the same level of animosity that has dominated the build-up. The players have stuck to the sportsman’s mantra that they respect their opponents and will have to be at their best to win.
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/ 29 September 2007
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Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell continued his try-scoring feast at the World Cup with a double in Australia’s 37-6 victory over Canada on Saturday. Mitchell crossed twice in the second half to lift his tally for the tournament to seven tries from just four games, breaking David Campese’s Australian record for the most tries in a single World Cup with his six in 1991.
Australia have fired the first shot in a psychological war of words with New Zealand, claiming the All Blacks have passed their peak before the World Cup has even begun. New Zealand are strong favourites to win the tournament starting next month in France, but the Australians suspect the All Blacks have misjudged their timing.
Australia and New Zealand may consider scrapping their remaining Tri-Nations matches against South Africa if the Springboks insist on leaving their best players at home to keep them fresh for the World Cup. Australian and New Zealand officials are furious that the South Africans have picked a weakened squad for their two away matches.
France coach Bernard Laporte was full of praise for his young team despite their comprehensive 42-11 loss to New Zealand in the first Test at Eden Park on Saturday. The odds were heavily stacked against the French after they had to field an under-strength team because most of their senior players stayed home.
New Zealand’s players have been warned not to overplay their hand in Saturday’s first Test against France at Eden Park. Assistant coach Wayne Smith has ordered his players to curb their natural instincts so as not to give away any secrets before this year’s World Cup.
George Gregan has been sacked as Wallabies captain for the 2007 international season, ending his record run as Australia’s longest-serving Test skipper. The 34-year-old scrumhalf was selected in a 30-man squad for Australia’s seven Tests leading up to this year’s World Cup, but not as captain.
The Australian government says it would be surprised if Zimbabwe accepted an offer to play Australia at a neutral venue after the ”humiliation” of being boycotted. The Australian government ordered the national team to cancel their scheduled three-match tour of Zimbabwe in September to protest against President Robert Mugabe’s regime.
New Zealand lock Ali Williams has been dumped from Auckland’s Super 14 squad because off repeated bad behaviour, including drinking alcohol on the night before matches. The Auckland Blues released a statement on Monday announcing Williams had been sent home from South Africa after ”recent late night excursions”.
Michael Phelps scooped up his fifth gold medal at the World Swimming Championships on Friday but is still to face his toughest test. The 21-year-old American stayed on course to win an unprecedented eight titles in Melbourne when he made it five from five with victory in the 4×200 metres freestyle relay.