James Simpson-Daniel- The Shed's favourite son?

 Sinbad has been an outstanding servant to Gloucester rugby, however, he has been unlucky to miss out on a more illustrious International career because of injuries.

James Simpson-Daniel or ‘Sinbad’ as he is commonly known became one of the Shed’s favourite players within months of his Gloucester debut against Rotherham in 2001 in which he scored his first try for the Cherry and Whites. The Gloucester flier is known as one of the best finishers in European rugby, however, sadly for him, he has had his promising career blighted by injury.

Simpson-Daniel made himself a household name at Kingsholm with sterling performances for his club, with Sinbad on the wing or in the centres; Gloucester has achieved great success in topping the Premiership table in 2003, 2007 and 2008, whilst also winning the European Challenge Cup in 2006. The Cherry and Whites won the Powergen Cup in 2003 and are the current holders of the LV= Cup. So far, Simpson-Daniel has played 240 games in all competitions for Gloucester. He has scored a remarkable 111 tries for his club and his contribution is not limited to finishing. Because of his dangerous attacking repertoire, he is a marked man by his opposition and this means he can create space for others to exploit. This is extremely useful as Gloucester have the likes of Charlie Sharples, Henry Trinder and Lesley Vainikolo to rely on to finish off strike moves.

James’ outstanding skills did not go unnoticed by National selectors; in 2002 he was picked for the Hong Kong Sevens series and justified his selection with a hat-trick in the final of the tournament that England went on to win. Soon after, he was selected to play in a non-capped International for England against a very experienced Barbarians side at Twickenham. The match went well for the young Gloucester winger as he famously outpaced Jonah Lomu to score in the corner. Simpson-Daniel’s superb form continued as he was selected to play in the November Internationals for England. He has a dream debut for his country against the All Blacks in England’s 31-28 win.  He then played the next game against Australia and set up a fantastic try for Ben Cohen in the narrow 32-31 win. It turned out that he had played the game with Glandular fever and then missed the final Test match before the Six Nations. This was a devastating blow to such an exciting talent who had just broken through on to the International stage.

 James Simpson-Daniel's fantastic try vs. the Barbarians in 2002

Simpson-Daniel missed out on the final 30-man squad for the 2003 World Cup in Australia with a back injury. Injury once again ruled him out of the 2005 Six Nations and in 2006 he missed the summer tests in Australia with a dead leg. His poor fortune continued in 2007 when he broke his collarbone in pre-season training with Gloucester. This ruined his chances of selection in the November Internationals. Because he seemed to be injury prone, Simpson-Daniel was cast aside by the England management and it was not until earlier this year until he was given another chance with England. Earlier this year, Simpson-Daniel made England’s World Cup training squad with his club colleague Charlie Sharples. Unfortunately for him, he was not given a chance in any warm up games and was released at the first stage of dismissals by Martin Johnson. This was perhaps Simpson-Daniel’s last chance at International representation; it is likely England’s selectors will give young talent a chance in the November Internationals with the likes of Owen Farrell, Charlie Sharples and Manu Tuilagi looking likely to take English rugby forward.

England’s loss is Gloucester’s gain; that has been the long held opinion of the Shed faithful. Were it not for a devastating injury record, Sinbad may have won 50 caps by now; however, he has only won 10 caps for his country. Nonetheless, he will go down in Gloucester folklore as one of the most entertaining talents to have ever graced the West Country club. With the sad passing of Tom Walkinshaw in December of last year, contract negotiations were delayed until the New Year. The capture of Simpson-Daniel’s signature was a sign of Gloucester’s intent to keep a blend of experience to go with the young talent at Bryan Redpath’s disposal. It was reported that Simpson-Daniel was offered tempting offers in France with higher salaries than Gloucester could match, however, the Gloucester winger has been such a servant to the club and felt happy at Kingsholm so he signed on for another 3 years in the Spring of this year.

James Simpson Daniel does not seem to have lost much pace over the years, but his role may change over the next few seasons, he will become more of a playmaker and mentor to Gloucester’s youth, instead of being the pace man. The real speed in the side lies with Charlie Sharples and Jonny May, who are the two fastest players at Gloucester. They Cherry and Whites face tough challenges this season in an ever increasingly-competitive Aviva Premiership and also, Gloucester are back in the Heineken Cup in a group with French giants Toulouse, current Amlin Cup holders Harlequins and Connacht. In the LV= Cup, Gloucester got off to a mixed start with an inconsistent 58-27 win over Sale and a humiliating 40-14 loss against Leicester at Welford road. For Bryan Redpath, the priority will be the Premiership and Gloucester will look once again to make the top-four to qualify for the play-offs.  Any progress in the Heineken cup will be a benefit, but it is hard to see Gloucester topping the pool and it will be incredibly difficult for them to go through as runners up as there will not be many bonus points in pool 6. Gloucester’s European competitors will have to watch out for Simpson-Daniel’s mazy running style and deceptive strength however, as he is capable of scoring tries from any area of the pitch.

Have you got any thoughts or comments? Please leave a comment below or post/follow me on twitter @tommyd91. This post is also on www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk 

New Zealand end 24 years of hurt with a narrow victory over France

New Zealand finished off a fantastic tournament with a nervous narrow 8-7 victory against France at Eden Park in Auckland

After passionate renditions of France’s and New Zealand’s anthems the crowd buzzed with anticipation for the Haka. The French faced the war dance in an arrow head as they held hands, the All Blacks lead by Piri Weepu looked fierce and ready for the match. As the Haka continued the French stepped forward as a line to challenge the Haka to the disapproval of the crowd. Both sides looked ready for the match.

New Zealand won first battle as they won back their own kick-off and then Dimitri Yachvilli made the first mistake by kicking the ball out on the full. Early nerves as Kiwis lost their first line-out and France looked to move the ball out wide. They played some nice phases, but they held onto the ball at the ruck and were penalised as they made inroads into New Zealand’s half.

Another sloppy line-out followed, but New Zealand won the ball back and looked to release Richard Kahui down the left-wing, but Morgan Parra just edged offside to give the All Blacks their first shot at goal that Piri Weepu shanked to the left of the posts.  The French took possession from the 22 metre drop-out and once again put together some excellent phases, however, the ball was turned over and Ma’a Nonu was on hand to clear the ball deep into French territory.

Nonu charged into Parra and then Richie McCaw smashed into the ruck and Parra got a knee to the face. Parra was replaced by Francois Trinh-Duc which meant the French were playing with an out and out fly-half in the No.10 shirt. This looked to have been a replacement due to Parra’s injury, however, it seems that the French used it as a blood substitution and Parra returned ten minutes later.

From a New Zealand penalty they kicked into the corner and won the line-out as they set up a clever move to release Tony Woodcock for an easy try from about five metres out. Weepu could not add the extras as he pushed the kick wide. France 0 New Zealand 5

 Tony Woodcock scored New Zealand's only try and celebrated with Piri Weepu

The All Blacks looked dangerous going forward with the ball and started to gain some momentum, but Kahui could not avoid being dragged into touch. The French defence was looking up to the job. Parra went off the pitch once again; perhaps it was not a blood injury the first time he went off? Maybe he just needed a rest after getting hit in the head. Israel Dagg put the French under real pressure with a fantastic kick to the corner.

The All Blacks demonstrated their world class counter-rucking skills with a powerful turnover that won them a penalty. Weepu composed himself once again; however, once again he missed the kick at goal. Kicks in finals are crucial; New Zealand had to decide whether to give the young Aaron Cruden the kicking duties. Weepu’s place-kicking was not going well put he found touch once again to put the French under pressure in their 22. The French won a great line-out and cleared their lines.

Cruden looked to make a break through the French line, unfortunately, he hyper-extended his knee forwards. Another All Black fly-half injured and Stephen Donald came on to make his World Cup debut in the Final. He had to settle in quickly to make sure that New Zealand started to pull away from France.

The French won a line-out following a penalty in New Zealand’s 22 and looked for a drop-goal; however, Trinh-Duc pushed the attempt to the right of the uprights. The All Blacks won back the 22 drop-out and kicked the ball clear. A kicking battle followed and then Trinh-Duc made an outstanding break and was only brought down by a heroic tap-tackle from Weepu.

Weepu kicked the ball out to force the half-time whistle. Half time:  France 0 New Zealand 5

At half-time New Zealand seemed to be in the lead without stretching themselves too much, however, Weepu’s goal-kicking had to improve or he would have to hand over the kicking responsibilities to Stephen Donald. The French would have been happy with the half-time score and hoped to pull off the unexpected.

The French made a strong start to the second-half as they charged into New Zealand’s half and won a penalty because Richie McCaw went in at the side of the ruck. Yachvilli just missed the kick at goal by a matter of inches.  New Zealand bounced back from the re-start and put another testing kick into the French 22.  The French cleared their lines and then New Zealand won the resulting line-out and was awarded a penalty. Donald stepped up to take his first World Cup kick at goal and just about managed to keep the ball between the posts. France 0 New Zealand 8

France took advantage of a turnover and broke through the All Black defence. Vincent Clerc looked to be in for a try; however, the offload to Yachvilli was unsuccessful as the scrum-half slipped. A few phases later Thierry Dusetoir managed to crash over to score France’s first try just to the right of the posts. Trinh Duc added the simple extras France 7 New Zealand 8 with half an hour to go the game was in the balance. The next scorer would probably win the match. Weepu was substituted after a disappointing performance off the tee and some defensive errors.

 Thierry Dusetoir crashed over by the posts for France to make the final stages of the game nervous for New Zealand

Neither side could establish their dominance in the game, for nearly ten minutes not a lot happened. The French forced a penalty from the scrum and Trinh-Duc missed the long attempt at goal.  The All Blacks had a shaky moment when France put up a high ball and Israel Dagg lost the ball to Trinh-Duc in the air. However, the French knocked on.

New Zealand fans in Eden Park must have been worrying about their side choking once again in a pressured situation. However, the All Blacks seemed far too happy to settle for a one point win as Donald once again kicked to the corner to keep the pressure piled on the French. 

With ten minutes to go the French had the lion’s share of possession and gradually edged themselves further into New Zealand’s half. The threat of a drop-goal or penalty was a serious worry, New Zealand had to be disciplined and keep their defensive line.  They managed to force France to spill the ball, but the referee gave the scrum to France. Sonny Bill Williams came on to replace Ma’a Nonu hoping to create an impact. New Zealand forced a knock-on an was awarded a scrum.

With four minutes to go New Zealand had to grind down the clock. All the All Blacks had to do to become World Champions was to pick and go with the forwards.  France looked frustrated as they desperately tried to force a turnover or a penalty. However, the penalty went New Zealand’s way and Donald cleared the ball into French territory. 30 seconds remained and the All Blacks took on a driving maul. The French went offside at the ruck and they cleared the ball into touch to claim their 2^nd World Cup Title on home soil. The whole of Eden Park erupted with cheers and the substitutes and playing staff flooded the pitch, relief overwhelmed Richie McCaw and his men as they finally won World Rugby’s biggest prize.

Full time: France 7 New Zealand 8 the final was much closer than many people expected, missed kicks nearly cost the All Blacks dearly. The French can be proud of their performance as they performed for the first time in the Tournament. The best team in World Rugby over the past three or four years became World Champions after overcoming the adversity of several injured fly-halves.

Man of the Match:  Richie McCaw he was outstanding at the breakdown and he led the team with confidence. He has been one of rugby’s best captains and will be so proud of his team.  He lifted the trophy to rapturous applause.

Preview of the 1987 World Cup Final re-match- New Zealand hope to banish 24 years of hurt

Richie McCaw has been the Captain of one of the best sides in World rugby, however, the William Webb-Ellis Trophy so far has eluded him. 

Can the All Blacks make ammends against France?

Tomorrow France take on the hosts of the 2011 World Cup- New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland, the French have limped to the final and the All Blacks have eased though to the Final. The French have lost two matches en route to the final and face their pool stage opponents again. When the sides met in the pool stages the All Blacks comfortably won 37-17, however past meetings and current form will be irrelevant on the day.

The All Blacks have been unfortunate with injuries in the World Cup, they lost their two fly halves in  Dan Carter and Colin Slade  which means that the 22 year-old Aaron Cruden has had to step up to the plate in the biggest matches of his career to date. So far Cruden has not really been pushed and pressurised because New Zealand’s pack has created such a strong platform for him and his backs. However, when the first whistle goes tomorrow, he will have the hopes and dreams of the whole of New Zealand on his shoulders. From what we have seen so far Cruden has a key eye for a gap and looks to release his dangerous outside backs in most areas of the park, his one weakness is that he does not have the kicking game of Carter. This however is a harsh criticism as Carter is one of the World’s best tactical kickers, luckily for Cruden, Piri Weepu will be on hand to take some pressure of the young Kiwi.

Piri Weepu was outstanding against Argentina in the Quarter-Finals; however, he had a slightly nervous game against Australia. His goal-kicking was slightly off target, but the All Blacks were coping well against the Wallabies. Weepu’s kicking will have to be accurate against the French as the French have talented kickers in Dimitri Yachvilli and Morgan Parra who can punish any penalties given away by New Zealand. Weepu’s form will be vital to inspire confidence in Cruden; the All Blacks have some of the best backs in World Rugby at their disposal so the half-backs have to work well together to release the attacking potential.

Any article about New Zealand rugby would be incomplete without mentioning the genius that is Richie McCaw, the open-side flanker has struggled with a foot injury that he sustained earlier this year, but the Captain of New Zealand is mesmeric at the breakdown. He wins turnovers all over the field and wins his team quick ball. As long as his performance at the breakdown stays on the right side of the referee’s whistle the All Blacks will be incredibly tough to beat. McCaw has been one of the best captains in the rugby World and it would be fitting if he becomes the 2^nd Rugby World Cup winning captain on home soil.

Another area that the Kiwis have dominance over France is at full-back, Israel Dagg has been one of the best players in the tournament having scored 5 tries and he always looks dangerous on the counter-attack. Dagg is also an authoritative figure under the high ball and a technically strong defensive full-back.  Dagg will look to link up with his wingers Richard Kahui and Cory Jane to form one of the most dangerous back-three’s in the World. New Zealand has a balance in their side that any team in the World would dream of; they can tear a team apart with their powerful yet skilful backs who have the pace the run rings around any team whilst having the luxury of relying on their abrasive set of forwards who can win the battle at the breakdown in the set-piece.

France also have some outstanding backs who can unlock defences, England underestimated France’s desire to go wide in attack at their peril. Vincent Clerc is the current top try scorer in the tournament with an impressive 6 try haul so far. Clerc’s footwork is masterful and he has deceptive strength, if the French backs manage to squeeze through half a gap and release Clerc, New Zealand will be in trouble. The other members of the back-three are Maxime Medard and Aurélien Rougerie, both players are real threats in attack, however, they will have their work cut out in defence. They will have to field plenty of high balls from the likes of Weepu and Cruden and their counter-attacking skills will be tested as New Zealand’s kick chase is committed to closing down any space for their opponents.

Some suggest that the key battle in the Final will be between the back-rows in the forwards. Imanol Harinordoquoy and Thierry Dusetoir have led a miss-firing French side to their first Final since 1987. The French rely on their back-row to secure quality possession for their backs; however, Dusetoir and Harinordoquoy will have to attempt to quash the impact of McCaw if they hope to have any chance of winning the World Cup. This will not be an easy task, both players are highly experienced and will have to give everything to try and stop the All Blacks from stealing their possession.

Dimitri Yachvilli and Morgan Parra are to excellent tactical kickers; they will have to give their side territory and will look to put pressure on New Zealand’s backs early on with plenty of high balls and kicks to the corner. Both Yachvilli and Parra can place kick so they have excellent options should New Zealand transgress in their own half. Parra had a shaky start to his World Cup playing in the No.10 shirt, however, he played well against the 14-man Welsh side last week and he pulled the strings against England in the Quarter-Finals. Parra is usually a scrum-half, but he has started to make the fly-half position his own. Luckily for him he is not facing Dan Carter tomorrow evening, he facing a relatively inexperienced No.10 in Aaron Cruden so he will look to test his defensive skills by releasing his forwards down his channel early on and he will look to weave his way past the young Kiwi if he can. Yachvilli is one of the best-scrum halves in the World, he shouts at his forwards like a drill-commander and knows exactly when to play and when to kick downfield. If Les Bleus hope to win their first World Cup, they will have to front up and give their talented backs a platform.

New Zealand are overwhelming favourites according to most pundits, however, you never know what kind of French side will turn up. The French according to Marc Lièvremont are using their underdog status to their advantage as a motivational tool, it will be a tense first-half, but it is hard to look past New Zealand as the next Champions of World Rugby. Prediction: It will be a shaky start, but the All Blacks will look to make history again with an outstanding 2^nd half performance New Zealand by 20 points and Aaron Cruden to become the new hero for New Zealand Rugby.

Any thoughts or comments? Please message below or contact/follow me on twitter @tommyd91

New Zealand book themselves a final on home turf with a comfortable win over Australia

 Israel Dagg was a key man for the All Blacks against Australia. 

It was a nervy start for Australia at Eden Park as Quade Cooper kicked the ball out on the full from the kick-off. New Zealand showed no nerves as Piri Weepu kicked to corner to show the All Black’s intent to assert their dominance early on. New Zealand put together some promising phases together and had the best part of possession and territory in the early stages.

After a great simple backs move with ball in hand, the ball was thrown out wide to Israel Dagg who beat one defender then drew the last man. Dagg offloaded to Ma’a Nonu, who was in support, and Nonu crashed over in the corner to open the scoring for the Kiwis. Weepu struck the conversion well, but he pushed the ball to the right of the posts. New Zealand 5 Australia 0

Soon after, following a lovely kick through the Wallaby defence by Nonu, the All Blacks stole the line-out and won a penalty just to the right of the posts. Weepu smashed the ball into the post and New Zealand won back the ball. Were the All Blacks going to miss the kicking gurus in Dan Carter and Colin Slade?

Aaron Cruden made a fantastic break and he looked to beat the last man, however, he was just brought down. David Pocock was penalised for going off his feet at the breakdown.  Weepu made no mistake this time as he added the 3 points to make the score New Zealand 8 Australia 0

When trying to clear New Zealand’s line, Weepu’s box-kick did not find touch, Digby Ioane; the Wallaby with electric pace and considerable strength nearly got to the line.  A glimpse of Australia’s attacking threat was shown; the All Blacks would have to keep the scoreboard ticking over to keep the Wallabies out of the game.  Australia won a penalty and James O’Connor opened Australia’s account New Zealand 8 Australia 3

Weepu had another attempt at goal after Australia was penalised at the scrum, however, Weepu once again put the kick wide. A clever cross-kick from Cruden was put ahead of Cory Jane to chase and O’Connor had to walk the ball into touch. Following a good line-out and nice hands from Dagg in the wide channel, New Zealand looked to set up a drop-goal.  After a few phases, Cruden dropped back into the pocket and slotted a drop-goal from 35 metres. New Zealand 11 Australia 3

Will Genia put in an excellent kick for Australia forced Richard Kahui to make a mistake which gave Australia a line-out.  Australia ran a few phases of possession and Cooper dropped back into the pocked and slotted an easy drop-goal.  The game clearly had plenty of life left in it. New Zealand 11 Australia 6

Adam Ashley-Cooper was caught in an offside position and was penalised. Weepu found his composure again to add the three points.  Weepu stretched the lead just before half time to make the score: New Zealand 14 Australia 6

Half time: New Zealand 14 Australia 6

New Zealand should have been in the lead by more than 8 points, but the place kicking of Weepu had not been accurate, perhaps Cruden should have taken over the kicking duties. Australia looked nervous and Quade Cooper did not look like the man to guide his side into their first World Cup final since 2003.

Weepu was given a chance at the very start of the 2^nd half and he made no mistake. New Zealand 17 Australia 6

Australia had plenty of possession in New Zealand’s half but it was a bit static. A few strong carries from Rocky Elsom and James Horwill looked to get Australia back into the game, but, they could not make it count and they lost possession.

With 20 minutes to go, New Zealand looked to close out the game, but, they could not place the final nail in the Australian coffin as they gave away a penalty on the Australian 5 metre line.

New Zealand destroyed an Australian scrum and Pocock let his frustration show as he lashed out at the Kiwi forwards. Cruden missed to the right of the posts with his first place kick attempt, would he regret his miss?

There was plenty of blood on display from both sides which demonstrated the ferocity of the game as Weepu returned from the bench as a blood replacement. With 10 minutes to go, the Kiwis won another penalty at the scrum.  The short time on the bench did Weepu some good as he split the uprights.  Weepu helped secure the win with a successful kick: New Zealand 20 Australia 6

With five minutes to go, Australia looked to inject some life into the game, Quade Cooper made a break and was tackled by two All Blacks, however, Sonny Bill Williams, who had just come on was given a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. Williams used his shoulder but it was not dangerous and he definitely did not deserve a yellow card.  Australia looked to score to set up a nervy final few minutes, but they were turned over and New Zealand won a penalty. In the final minute, time started to slowly count down and New Zealand dropped the ball. This gave the Wallabies one final play.  However, the ball was spilt forward and hacked on by Kahui, who smashed Cooper into touch.

Full time:  New Zealand 20 Australia 6.

Man of the Match: Israel Dagg: the full-back was commanding under the high ball and looked dangerous in attack. Dagg has made a real claim for the no. 15 shirt on a permanent basis.

New Zealand were in complete control in the 1^st half, they went off the boil a little in the 2^nd half, but they got the job done and kept Australia from crossing the try-line. The All Blacks will feel confident heading into next week’s final vs. France, hoping to avenge the failures in previous World Cups since 1987.

Sam Warburton’s Red card ends Welsh hopes of a first World Cup Final

Wales lost their inspirational Captain Sam Warburton to a contraversial Red Card for a spear tackle on Vincent Clerc after only 20 minutes.

 

The match started off with some nervy phases as Dimitri Yachvilli tested Leigh Halfpenny playing at full back; Halfpenny struggled to field the ball and gave the French early possession in Welsh territory.  The French struggled to set up any solid phases and Wales were able to clear the ball. Soon after with Wales progressing into French territory they were awarded a penalty for Thierry Dusetoir going offside at the breakdown. James Hook opened Wales’ scoring account to the delight of the travelling Welsh fans. France 0 Wales 3

The Welsh seemed to be off to a great start as they won another penalty at the scrum as France were penalised for collapsing the scrum. Unfortunately, as Hook took the kick he slipped and pushed it to the right of the posts. Every point counts in a Semi-Final, Wales would soon rue their missed chances. A fantastic attacking chance came up as Jamie Roberts made an outstanding initial break; however, his offload fell through the hand of Jonathan Davies.

From a French Line out, Sam Warburton put in a huge hit on Vincent Clerc, however, during the tackle he lifted Clerc and let him fall on his head. Warburton was issued with a red card from Alain Rolland, it was a surprising decision, admittedly, it was a poor tackle, but it should have been a yellow. Perhaps Warburton showed his naivety for the first time in this World Cup and it would cost Wales dearly.

With Warburton off the field Wales struggled in the set-piece as they were penalised at scrum time on their own ball. Morgan Parra opened the scoring for France and levelled the score. France 3 Wales 3

Morgan Parra made a lovely break past Jamie Roberts and kicked the ball through for his wingers to chase; Hook’s clearance kick was charged down and Wales lucky to get away without letting in a try.  Soon after, Wales were back into French territory, Rolland gave a penalty to Wales for France going offside, sadly, Hook missed it again as he pushed his attempt to the right.

The French were awarded a penalty straight in front of the posts and Parra slotted the easy kick.  France snuck ahead for the first time in the match Wales 3 France 6

A high kick from Hook was fielded terribly by Maxime Medard; the strong Welsh chase put pressure Medard. Wales was awarded a scrum for the knock on and put some phases together, the pressure built up and Hook had a go at a drop-goal which fell miserably short. The ball was kicked out for half-time by Yachvilli.

Half Time: France 6 Wales 3

Wales did well to keep the score to 3 points down. It would prove to be a test of discipline, focus and fitness in the 2^nd half. The Welsh would have to make their chances count in the 2^nd half.

2^nd half

France started the 2^nd half with aplomb, after successful phases of possession, they opted for a drop-goal attempt; however, the shot at goal went wide of the posts.  There was a slight lull in play until France won penalty as Wales collapsed a maul. Parra made no mistake with the attempt at goal and he extended the French lead to 6:  France 9 Wales 3

Suddenly a burst of life was injected into the match as the impressive Mike Phillips scored a powerful try from the base of a ruck; Phillips managed to hand off to forwards on his way to the line. It was a case of poor defending, but it was a well taken try.  Jones narrowly missed the kick; however Welsh fans started to believe in the impossible France 9 Wales 8.

Wales started to make inroads into the French half as Toby Faletau made a nice break, Roberts was sent on a crash ball into the French defence which created a great platform for Stephen Jones who had replaced Hook. Jones went for a drop-goal when he was not set up properly so he had to take it left-footed. Welsh fans despaired as they remained a point down with 20 minutes to go.

After a poor box kick from Yachvilli, which gifted the Welsh excellent territory; Toby Faletau dropped the ball. Somehow Wales managed to recover the ball which gave them one more chance. Stephen Jones made a bizarre decision to run the ball instead of taking on a drop-goal. As he went into contact he dropped the ball and looked to have blown Wales’ last chance.

However, Wales were given one more chance to get themselves into their first final as France were penalised for being offside at the breakdown. Leigh Halfpenny stepped up to take the kick and he struck it well from 50 metres. However, the kick fell just short of the crossbar, Welsh fans around the World thought he had made the kick and given Wales a dream ending, however, Halfpenny just missed out on glory. The French ran down the clock and Yachvilli booted the ball into touch. Wales could not quite make the final with 14 men. They fought hard, but ultimately being a man down for 60 minutes cost them dearly.

Full Time: France 9 Wales 8.

Man of the Match: Morgan Parra, he was instrumental in guiding France to victory and he was outstanding with ball in hand. Also, crucially he kicked his goals. He will be a key man for France in their final against New Zealand.