What a weekend!
You should see the Australian and New Zealand papers, especially the latter. NZ and France aren't exactly the best of friends and have a long history.
At least with Aus and England there is a healthy mutual respect both ways - although the behaviour of particularly some of the Australian players on Saturday you have to say put a lie to that.
From Australia's point of view, they were outplayed by a better team on the day as simple as that. They panicked like old ladies whenever the ball got into their 25 yard and forced those penalties. Their attacking play was the only good bit of the game but England were (it has to be said to everyone's surprise) well and truly up to it. And lets not mention the scrums...
Very noble of Mortlock to take the blame for his team's performance when he was probably the pick of the players (or at least one of the best 2 or 3). Yes he missed a relatively easy penalty early in the match but that Mistral means there's no such thing as an easy penalty. Even golden boots missed a couple.
A curious thing about the crowd was that they started pro-Australian and then shortly into the match as it was clear that England were the better team, they became pro-England. This must have had an adverse effect on Australia and a postiive one on England. On reflection this should come as no surprise. Just pick up a history book on WWII...
that said England are not going to be as lucky with the crowd next time around - can't see them swinging behind them against France,somehow. Tough match to call that's for sure
You should see the Australian and New Zealand papers, especially the latter. NZ and France aren't exactly the best of friends and have a long history.
At least with Aus and England there is a healthy mutual respect both ways - although the behaviour of particularly some of the Australian players on Saturday you have to say put a lie to that.
From Australia's point of view, they were outplayed by a better team on the day as simple as that. They panicked like old ladies whenever the ball got into their 25 yard and forced those penalties. Their attacking play was the only good bit of the game but England were (it has to be said to everyone's surprise) well and truly up to it. And lets not mention the scrums...
Very noble of Mortlock to take the blame for his team's performance when he was probably the pick of the players (or at least one of the best 2 or 3). Yes he missed a relatively easy penalty early in the match but that Mistral means there's no such thing as an easy penalty. Even golden boots missed a couple.
A curious thing about the crowd was that they started pro-Australian and then shortly into the match as it was clear that England were the better team, they became pro-England. This must have had an adverse effect on Australia and a postiive one on England. On reflection this should come as no surprise. Just pick up a history book on WWII...
that said England are not going to be as lucky with the crowd next time around - can't see them swinging behind them against France,somehow. Tough match to call that's for sure
. Good game by England!
