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 October 22 - As a
staff writer for GamblingSA, I have written more than one scathing
story on the Springboks' various dismal performances during the year, most of
them I believe well deserved, but as I write these words I can honestly say -
hand on heart - that there is simply no
better rugby union team in the whole world than the Bokke.
After the performance of our boys in green and gold on Saturday night at the
Stade de France in Paris to win the 2007 Rugby World Cup final against a
tough English team by 15 to 6, I have to admit that in my eyes the Springboks,
as well as coach Jake White, can do no wrong because when it came to the crunch
they delivered and showed that they have the match play temperament to be the
world's number one rugby side.
While the World Cup final match to decide who would take home the coveted
William Webb Ellis Trophy and title of Rugby World Champions could not easily be
described as pretty, both South Africa and England gave it their all with a fine
display of hard-tackling, defensive rugby from both teams. I am certain that the
South African and English spectators alike were sitting on the edge of their
seats, biting their nails to the quick back
home, hoping for the other side to make a crucial mistake or ten.
However, apart from some controversial decisions from the game's various
referees, the game seemed fairly well balanced with both teams defending well,
and the Boks showing a slightly better attacking game, resulting in the few extra kicks that South Africa managed to capitalise on that
held out to give them the final winning score. Neither of the sides managed
to score a try, if you ignore the controversial try by England that was
disallowed, that will surely become one of the most talked about rugby moments
in history.
England's Mark Cueto dived over the line in the left corner but faced
disappointment, as did the rest of the team and all of England, after
video referee, Stuart Dickinson, ruled that the winger's foot had in fact touched
the line before going over. Unfortunately the decision was just one of many that have plagued the tournament from the start.
Now I was going to write a play-for-play on the match and comment on individual
players, but if you, like me, watched the game
live, or at least taped it, you'll have the match ingrained in your brain and
acknowledge the important rolls that Percy, Bryan and the rest of the lads
played in the game, with no recap required. If you did not watch
the match or have no desire to, I suggest you apply to the United States for a
Green Card and leave these fair shores forever!
Congrats again to all of the Springboks and Jake White, and thank you!
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