France must be immortalized in NZ folklore and hopefully French folklore for their efforts last night. They way they stood up the haka told everyone that it was going to be a game for the ages.
I can't find a good youtube clip of it - this is the best I can find
Rugby world cup final haka all blacks - YouTube
I don't care about France losing to Tonga and NZ in the pool play. As far as I am concerned those 15 men are one of the stronger French teams I have seen. The number 13 in particular is a warrior. Yes they only played one half against England but if they had've tried in the 2nd they could have won by more.
Going into the game I knew that France had 14 good players - the only player I was shy of was their number 10 - and when he went off the field I thought here we go.
I am not sorry we won - I wanted it badly. But I am sorry for France. I do hope they can win the cup one day having been to the final three times now.
I don't think Weepu will be given the goal kicking duties again in a long time. Whether he was injured or not in the warm up as some have suggested we will not know. But certainly he did choke if choking exists. I thought Cruden looked dynamite while he was on the field.
If they made a movie out of 1995 in SA - then they will make a movie out of this - and part of it surely must centre on Stephen Donald. Surely he considered his AB days behind him. And i think even after this cameo they still could be. From Goat to hero. Surely he must have had his self belief tested. And his kick only just sneaked inside the right hand upright.
Why France replaced Yachvilli with a debutant with 4 minutes to go - we will never know their coach seems foolish - replays showed his replacement knocked it on at the base of the ruck and France never touched the ball again.
What a world cup it has been - outstanding games. And drama. And unforgettable memories of teams and players playing above the level that their talent should have allowed for. Playing on raw adrenaline and emotion.