Josh Lewsy's early tryThe traditional rivalry between the English and French was re-ignited in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals yesterday. The English must defend their championship title against the French on their own turf in Saint Denis.
France is the host country for this year's rugby world cup. The French had very high hopes of going into the finals and winning the the world cup for the first time.
The game was telecast live at The Celtic, an Irish pub along Monot Street (like Mohammad Sultan in Singapore). The mood was high as the pub was crowded with French and English supporters there to cheer their national teams on in this important match.
An Irishman told me, due to obvious reasons, he is sticking with the French. Interesting.
An early try two minutes into the game by Josh Lewsey brought England ahead by 5 points. Johnny Wilkinson's failure to convert the try to increase the score margin would haunt England for the entire game as both sides were neck to neck in their score throughout the game.
Both teams were so evenly matched, no more trys were scored for the first half. The French were able to capitalise on a couple of penalties conceded and led the score over England at half time. Half time - France 6:5 England.
French supporters celebrating their half time leadThe second half was nail-biting for me to watch as the French were slowly inching their way towards victory holding on to their 1 point lead. The British were unable to gain any points as the game will soon draw to a close. England supporters, undaunted, sang the anthem in support for their team both at the stadium and in the pub:
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
The bartenders were obviously not taking sidesWilkinson back on par in the second half scored a penalty and a drop kick with 6 minutes remaining in the game and brought England to victory. Final Score - France 9:14 England
Oh Sweet victory! England supporters celebrating their team's winWorld cup dream for les bleu is over. England will play either South Africa or Argentina in the finals on 20 Oct next Saturday.
UPDATE: SPRINGBOK TAKES THE WORLD CUP (OCT 21)
Despite playing well, the English team lost to the South Africans in the finals yesterday. =(
No repeat victory for England =(
South Africa wins Rugby World Cup for 2nd time
1 comment:
You have some great articles here, there are not many expatriates who currently write about their experiences in Algeria, I hope you keep this blog going and gain more followers.
I have added you to my website under the algerian community section, I hope this will bring you some well earned traffic.
you can find your link here:
http://www.theexpatdirectory.com/community/Algeria.htm
I spent some time in Singapore in 98, 99 and 2002. I must admit its one of my favourite places in the world, but so humid. I still think it has the best zoo in the world and I would love to visit one of the food markets again. I hope algeria compares well to your homeland.
By the way, if you want to share your experinces about algeria, we have a chat room. No one has posted about Algeria yet, so feel free to set the standard. Registration is free so join us if you have time.
forums are here:
http://forums.theexpatdirectory.com
King Regards,
TED
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