19.10.2007

Argentina 34, France 10 in Paris (World Cup, Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

Argentina won by 24 points. I predicted France by 10.

Previews

This is perhaps the most unwelcome international rugby fixture of the World Cup. For both teams the World Cup is, in truth, over. With the emotional disappointment involved it comes as no surprise that the quality and intensity of rugby in these matches falls well short of the standard these teams produced in the semi-final. In the past this match was important because the 3^rd placed team carried an automatic qualifying status for the next World Cup. This no longer applies which poses the question, why?

Argentina will miss their pack leader Ledesma and possibly they have little actually to play for. France must gain something from the disaster of dipping out of the final in front of their partisan and very critical home crowd. The fall out from the cup has already started with some players, including today’s fly half Michalak, criticizing the coach.

http://www.ffr.fr/index.php/ffr/historique/2007/france_angleterre__6

http://www.uar.com.ar

Match Data Sheet