And so it begins. The Pom-bashing. It’s Australia versus Jonny Wilkinson on Saturday. That was the line at the ornate State Theatre, where comedians descended, Heineken-sponsored, to entertain the rugby crowds. Jonny kicked 23 of the 28 points against Wales in the quarterfinal, adding all 24 in the semi against France.

When Richard Hill left England’s victorious press conference after Sunday night’s 24-7 semifinal win over fancied France, he said: ”What a waste of fucking time, let’s get out of here.” Hill, back after an injury, was barely questioned about his miracle comeback. Instead, the press conference was all about their supposed weaknesses.

If heroism wins World Cups, Australia will wrap this one up next on Saturday. For 80 minutes on Saturday, in front of a World Cup record crowd of 82 444 including a huge Barmy Army presence, the once-wobbly Wallabies were never less than heroic against their old foe from across the Tasman Sea.

It’s time to stop the painful self-analysis. Cut the crap. Get out there and fry the French. That’s captain Martin Johnson’s team orders before Sunday’s hit-or-bust World Cup semifinal against France. ”It’ll be a close battle, it’ll come down to a few points in the end,” Johnson said.

The purists want New Zealand versus France. The popularists are crying out for England versus Wales. I think it’ll be New Zealand versus England, but only if Clive Woodward’s men finally get their act together against France on Sunday. The semifinal between Australia and New Zealand is getting all the hype in Sydney.

England have axed big-tackling centre Mike Tindall from the semifinal line-up to play France in Sydney on Sunday, drafting in Mike Catt for his first start in two years. Josh Lewsey is back after a hamstring strain and Richard Hill makes his first start since a similar problem against Georgia in the World Cup opening game.

The French launched the 2007 World Cup and named their side for Sunday’s 2003 World Cup semifinal in Sydney on Tuesday. They believe the next World Cup, played at 13 stadiums including Dublin, Cardiff and Edingburgh, will be even better than this one. But they know England are still the favourites to win the 2003 World Cup.

It would be nice to report that South Africa went home with their heads held high last night. Nice … but dishonest. The truth is, they came up against a below-par New Zealand in the first of the World Cup quarterfinals in Melbourne last night and made nothing of it.

A week ago, the prospect of a depleted Samoan side causing the greatest upset of the 2003 Rugby World Cup seemed highly unlikely. Then came South Africa’s lacklustre effort against Georgia in Sydney last Friday, a performance which will live uncomfortably in the memories of this generation of Springboks.

Much has been made of the Samoan crisis at this World Cup. And there’s been plenty of talk about bridging the gap between the minnows and the super powers of rugby. My suggestion is this: Combine the three South Sea islands. Samoa, Tonga and Fiji must join together as one to become Polynesia or The Islanders.