Come on England ! (Rugby World Cup final thread)

England have found an unlikely ally in their bid for World Cup glory with Scotland legend Gavin Hastings predicting they are "destined" for victory in Saturday\'s final.

Hastings, scorer of more World Cup points than any other player, defended England\'s much-criticised strategy during the knock-out stages in Australia.

And he insists stand-off Jonny Wilkinson should be lauded for his dedication and talent rather than attacked for winning England matches.

"I think England are destined to win this World Cup," Hastings told BBC Sport.

"I backed them before the competition started and I see no reason to change my mind now.

"When they beat New Zealand and Australia on successive weekends in the summer, I think that was a turning point for them.

"They knew then they were capable of coming down to the southern hemisphere and winning.

"While they haven\'t reproduced that sort of form, the way the tournament has panned out has suited them perfectly.
   
"They have done all that has been asked of them, and won even when they were put under a lot of pressure."

Hastings believes England are capable of playing a more expansive game against Australia, as they showed in beating the hosts in Melbourne in July.

But he would not be among the critics if the boot of Wilkinson - who now has a record seven drop goals in World Cups - is again the chief source of English points.

"This guy has an unbelievable skill, he can step off either right or left foot, and he should be applauded for it," Hastings said.
"You can\'t criticise someone for being totally professional in everything he does. He epitomises England and the spirit they have had throughout this World Cup.

"Jonny has set new examples for others to follow, and is a wonderful role model for youngsters to aspire to.

"He has worked 365 days a year for occasions like Saturday - it is his whole \'raison d\'etre\'. He has been living and breathing for this sort of opportunity."
As well as Wilkinson, England also have a huge travelling support on their side.
And despite Australia\'s home advantage, Hastings believes the red rose hordes will have a crucial role to play.

"The Barmy Army are well and truly established and when you are away from home and you get that sort of passionate support it means everything," Hastings added.

"The crowd and teams will be pretty evenly matched but to hear that level of noise from their fans will give England a huge lift."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/rugby_world_cup/team_pages/england/3286085.stm

You Ozzy\'s Don\'t stand a chance....

We are gonna thrash youse.

Did you see the game against New Zealand last Saturday? OUCH, that was an awesome match.

[Cerberus]

Originally posted by ##RaCeR##
We are gonna thrash youse.

Did you see the game against New Zealand last Saturday? OUCH, that was an awesome match.

That was a 1 off game, you won it by playing well, but it was just as much down to NZ playing bad.

Egland will win, and if it\'s raining, they will win easily.

England are just too powerful.

^

Thats why we won teh last world cup  :o

[Cerberus]

Originally posted by ##RaCeR##
^

Thats why we won teh last world cup  :o

Stop living in the past.

Oh well a postive attitude always helps.

[Kurt Angle]

As much as I would like England to win, I can\'t see it happening.

[Bobs_Hardware]

Should be a good match.

I see Australia getting up.  I think everyone was surprised that we beat New Zealand.  Now they are a powerful  team.

I\'m also glad that France didn\'t beat England.  I didn\'t like our chances against the Frenchicles.

[Kurt Angle]

Well it\'s now full time and Australia have levelled the score with the final kick of the game. 14-14 extra time here we come!

england wins!!!!
that was a quite a game!!!:eek:
20-17 in extra time

Rugby... must be a Commonwealth thing.

[Kurt Angle]

WOOOOOOOOOOOT!!

I\'m so happy

That has got to be the best game of Rugby I ever watched.

[Cerberus]

Originally posted by Samwise
Rugby... must be a Commonwealth thing.

Nope, that\'s why it\'s called "The World cup"

Racer, you lot have done yourselves proud, you put on a good show, and according to a few english people I talk to on the net that have visited, they have been made to feel welcome by everyone. And most important, your team surpassed all expectations by pushing england so close.

Our problem these last few weeks, has been putting too much expectation on Wilkinson, and for that, we had a few dodgy games. I guess it proves that he is only human.

We are going to celebrate until new year over here, but the majority of us are noble in victory, and gracious in defeat, we know all too well what you must be feeling, we\'ve been there ourselves.

But, this is our moment, and we are going to live it up.

*Cerberus duffs his cap to the Ozzies