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Both teams have excellent coaches and they will try and outsmart each other.
Talk about contrasting games at the weekend where the tactics used were totally different. Each game was interesting to watch as you could see clearly what the aim was and both teams that lost were just outplayed.
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New Zealand were out played and out classed and these numbers don't lie. Have England peaked though as that could be a big worry.
England used a high tempo game with quick recycled ball to create chances and pressurize their opponents. Throughout the first half the All Blacks didn't have time to think and were swept aside. South Africa used the same tactic against the New Zealanders and it nearly came off except for a break away try from an unforced error.
South Africa used a much more basic game plan against the Welsh and it was to keep the opponents in their half of the field. This match had a total of 81 kicks as the Welsh used the same ploy, but were outplayed. The game was like one big arm wrestle and it wasn't pretty to watch, but was more physical.
South Africa will play England this coming Saturday for the World Cup and I expect it to be a humdinger of a game. It will be a tight affair and I expect to see one side pull away and control the final stages of the game. I honestly don't know who that will be as both sides have an equal chance of lifting the trophy now.
This is knockout and it is who performs on the day. The South African team hasn't really hit their straps yet and shown what they are capable of.Do they have the flair to open England up is the question I have asked myself? I don't honestly know as I know England have the flair. England and South Africa have both beaten New Zealand recently so it is a tough one to call and as long as there is a clear winner with no controversy I don't really care. England are favorites I think and would rather they had that tag for this match.
I am hoping Nigel Owens gets given the job of officiating in the final as he seems the one referee who is clear and precise. Today with the Frenchmen officiating there were moments of indecision and a few forward passes that were missed. I am just happy I am not over in Japan as the stadium is a shocker for such a big spectacle. France is hosting the next one so I am sure I will be going to a few games then.