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.