IRB World Cup 2007: Closed

Finally after about 2 month, IRB Rugby Union World Cup had reach it's closing stages with a pretty interesting final and third-fourth place matches: A rematch of their respective group stages. England, who overcome Aussie and France en route to the final met South Africa, whom they lost 36-0 against South Africa in pool A; while Argentina who beat the host France in the opening match in pool D, yet again met the host in the third-fourth place match.

Argentina-France match was held on Friday (Saturday morning GMT+9), a pretty interesting match to watch. France has already lost to Argentina in the group stage, so they're full of spirit to avenge the loss. France looks to be the better side in the first 15 minutes, scoring the first penalty, though it takes just several minutes for the Argentine to level 3-3. However, sloppy play saw their play was overhauled by their opponent, costing them the match. Argentina lead 17-3 at half time thanks to some fine play that lead to 2 tries. France still struggle at half time but they're unable to overcome Argentina' best ever performance who eventually win 34-10. Full report here
Then the next day is the final, the repeat of pool A match between England and South Africa. This is the 2nd successive WC final for England, should they win it'll be another sweet memories for them for bringing the cup yet again to the north atmosphere. However against South Africa whom they lost without reply in the group stage, it'll be a difficult task for them. And it's indeed a difficult task, as the match was dominated by South Africa most of the time. There is no try in the match, only penalties that determine the winner and loser. Both team had a pretty solid defence to denies the opponent' try (both side almost have a try in the first half, just a few inches away from the try line). But Montgomery, the Springboks fullback proves to be the better kicker at the night as he lead his team 9-3 at half time. The game continue, yet England still can't find a way to penetrate into RSA defence and eventually lost 15-6. Wilkinson, who reveals pain when kicking the ball, missed several kicks to give any hope to England. This, South Africa is the World Champion for the 2nd time, bringing the cup back to southern hemisphere. Full report here