VideoVitae

YouTube - Favourite Music Videos Statistics

2008-07-26T22:05:00.002Z

Below, some comparison statistics on the popularity of various music videos - as measured by number of views and times favourited.

A small sample but I had fun putting the list together.

4hero - Les Fleur
Views: 145,333
Favorited: 1,304 times

SEBASTIEN TELLIER - DIVINE - OFFICIAL VIDEO
Views: 863,627
Favorited: 3,613 times

Sebastien Tellier, l'amour et la violence
Views: 84,172
Favorited: 179 times

jon spencer blues explosion live at the french tv
Views: 109,398
Favorited: 816 times

THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION - Bellbottoms
Views: 74,655

LCD "losing My Edge"
Views: 40,899
Favorited: 290 times

DR FEELGOOD - ROXETTE
Views: 323,504
Favorited: 1,259 times

Radiohead - No Surprises
Views: 3,954,485
Favorited: 23,463 times

Positive K - I Got A Man (1993)
Views: 216,548
Favorited: 1,714 times

Isley Brothers - Live It Up (1974)
Views: 23,080
Favorited: 155 times

Tom Waits - In The Neighborhood - 1983
Views: 69,514
Favorited: 729 times

Tom Waits - I Don't Want To Grow Up
Views: 857,929
Favorited: 6,919 times

Ramones - I don´t want to grow up
Views: 489,283
Favorited: 2,781 times

Ramones - Spider-Man
Views: 378,512
Favorited: 2,329 times

Blancmange - Living on the Ceiling
Views: 165,413
Favorited: 2,269 times

Manuel Orantes

2008-04-07T19:45:00.002Z

Manuel Orantes playing at the 1974 Wimbledon tennis tournament.

Tennis in the Street

2008-02-26T17:55:00.001Z

Central Johannesburg, 1977.

Referees Hate England

2008-02-10T18:23:00.000Z

A scrappy win for England Rugby away at Stadio Flaminio in Rome, and one that was in the balance right up to final whistle as Italy bowed out all guns blazing.

Fair play to the Italians, they fronted up and played some great rugby. They never dropped their heads even as England were stretching away by the end of the first half. In the second half they gave it a lash.

But only because they were allowed to.

Here are some stats for the second period:
possession - Italy 68:Eng 32
territory - Italy 62:Eng 38
penalties against - Italy 3: Eng 15

Eh?

The referee is, in essence, saying that Italy were so good that England were reduced to cheating to keep them from scoring. Yet the match was not like that. Furthermore, these are Premiership players with bags of experience. They don't do it in the league so why would do they do it in the test arena?

The answer is they don't. The answer is a lot of international referees secretly hate us.

Today it was Irishman Alain Rolland's turn. A twerp with a chip on his shoulder he's got form too. For it was he that almost lost us the World Cup 2007 quarter-final against Australia when England's forwards were shitting all over the Australian pack yet we got given nothing.

This is happening too many times for it to be a coincidence. The most notable occasion of course being André Watson's almost surreal non-performance that almost cost us the World Cup in 2003. Our scrum in that match was clearly, obviously, 110% the dominant force yet he kept on not only nullifying it but actually penalising us for, in effect, bullying the poor Australian front row.

It's time someone spoke out about the celtic and antipodean bias against England. We're getting royally screwed almost every game we play. We have to play twice as well as the opposition just in order to win by a couple of points. What's the matter with these people? Did they get bullied when they were young? Do they have mental issues with the success of our fair isle? So what if they think we're arrogant? They're still supposed to play by the rules. Our arrogance or otherwise is irrelevant. I note that the refs who give England the fairest shout are the Frogs - whose own sense of arrogance is such that they're above having a chip on their shoulder.

Enough! Grow up and get over it colonials. You owe it to the game.

Pancho Gonzalez and Lew Hoad

2008-01-11T16:53:00.000Z

Two classic tennis players from 1970s, Sancho from North America and Lew from Australia, team up for a photo before their match at the 'Clows Classic' in Johannesburg, South Africa (1971).

Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling

2008-01-09T22:19:00.000Z

On this blog we like to cover all the classic sports - tennis, football, golf, cricket. And cheese rolling. The old west-country sport of chasing a cheese down a hill. Celebrate the skill and athleticism of the competitors in the following video.

Gloucestershire Cheese rolling 2007
Uploaded by Gloucestershire

Frankly, it's a wonder that our New Labour uberlords have not yet banned this annual test of bravery.

Vijay Amritraj

2007-11-28T18:19:00.000Z

Picture of a very young Vijay playing in the USA in 1974. A claasic player and strong in doubles with his brother where they used lots of cunning angles and creative wristy shots.

Chrissie Evert

2007-11-27T19:42:00.000Z

A picture of a young Chris Evert in action at the 1974 Forest Hills tournament.

Jimmy Connors - A Trip Back In Time

2007-11-19T00:00:00.000Z

Hello sports fans. Here's a great pic of Jimmy Connors in full flight in his prime during the US Open at Forest Hills in 1974, a tournament he went on to win.

Football Coach Stands Up To The Press

2007-10-28T20:02:00.000Z

glumbert - Football coach has beef with newspapers

Hamilton Blows It

2007-10-21T17:33:00.000Z

Brazil Grand Prix 2007 - Pressured right from the off as both Kimi Raikkonen and then Fernando Alonso pushed their way past into the first corner, Lewis Hamilton showed off his rookie status and completely lost the plot. Trying unnecessarily to get back past Alonso at turn four, Hamilton ran off the track and found himself down in eighth place when he rejoined.

He spent the next few laps slewing around trying to improve his position. Then, on lap eight, his car slowed down. Something was wrong. He was trying hard to find his gears but no response and in the blink of an eye (OK, a few blinks) he was at the back of the field some 40 seconds behind the leaders.

It was panic, it was palpitations, it was pressure. It was pathetic. Mr Arrogant, who thought he was the new Senna, was suddenly beat.

Hamilton eventually got things going again but he was now way behind. He needed a miracle.

Alonso could have won if he had made second place his own, but at no point in the race did he seem to have more pace than the Ferraris. He was to finish third.

All that remained was for the Ferrari team to finesse Kimi into first place and x-fingers nothing mad happened behind them. Some spectacular crashes and slides did occur but not enough to let Hamilton move up the field to more than 7th place, which left him one point behind in the championship.

Raikkonen was Formula 1 champion by one point - one point from both Alonso AND Hamilton. The Fin of course went totally crazy and was seen to smile and crack at least two jokes in the post-race press conference. That's what passes for unrestrained joy up his way and you could almost taste the chilled vodka being prepared in his motor home for the celebrations.

Alonso was asked about the 'difficult year' at McLaren and played the perfect flat response, droning on in a measured pace about 'working together' and 'finishing the job' etc. blah blah blah. Despite losing the championship you sensed that he felt just a touch justified. Alonso was brought to the team as the No.1 driver and saw his position undermined the minute team boss Ron Dennis thought his protege could win it. It's the 'my car is so good the driver is unimportant' syndrome and it bit him in the bum.

This championship was lost by McLaren not won by Ferrari.

New Zealand Papers have Their Say

2007-10-06T23:26:00.000Z

France Beat New Zealand - World Still Spinning On Axis

2007-10-06T21:14:00.000Z

Half an hour ago the French rugby team pulled of the third genuine 'shock' of the current Rugby World Cup. Having been on the receiving end of the first shock, when the Pumas whipped them on the opening day, it was some turnaround to beat New Zealand.

A thrilling, heart-pounding match, I was intrigued to see how it passed on a live forum and had a look at the BBC's 606 live chat. Reading the comments all the way through, starting from the pre-match mud-slinging all the way through to the end gloating was fascinating.

I liked especially the way the All Black supporters, or those who were confidently predicting an easy win, started to fall back on criticising the ref.

Below is a copy of these comments: If you can bear it, work your way through from beginning to end. It's a great psychological study of the passion of supporting.

comment by joekiwiposted 12 Hours Ago
Why would you love to be wrong?, surely the best team should win, or do you just love the underdog?Its going to be a tough Test, we have beaten the French by big margins for the last 6 years or so, but if any team are capable of playing unbeatable sublime rugby they are.I just think that mentally we are too well prepared and have too much talent, but I wont be betting the house on it........Cant wait.

comment by alangrahamposted 12 Hours Ago
c'mon the blacks..they have been the best team in world rugby for the last twenty years and this current crop of players is even better than the 95 side which is the best
side never to have won the world cup, Also, don't fool yourselves if they hadn't capitulated 4 years ago then there is no chance our chums south of the border would have
won..
No offence to england, just the all blacks were better..

comment by throatwobblerposted 12 Hours Ago
But the point is that the all blacks always do capitulate at the world cups. What is the point being the best team between the world cups if you can't win the one tornament
that every team in the world is trying to win.As for the 95 team, they may have been the best team in the world never to win the world cup but heres the point. THEY DIDN'T WIN IT.I for one I'm hoping for a french victory tonight.

comment by Cowshotposted 11 Hours Ago
Yep, I'll be shouting for Les Bleus. Nothing against the Kiwi's, but France are the NH representatives and the souschiens.

comment by fats_aposted 11 Hours Ago
i don't think it's that clear cut. france may have this, it wont be the AB's playing badly, the french could shine.....
this will be a close game, the last french team the AB's played was a C grade french team, this'll be quite different.
i don't really understand all this 'come on the NH' rubbish seems so silly, and childish, surely as a neural you'd want the a great game with best winning, making it a good
day for rugby regardless of what hemisphere they are from.
I, however am not neutral and will be screaming for the AB's who may take this, but it's not the sure ting that some are saying.
the ENG v AUS game is a sure thing though, sorry brits.....you do other things much better than the ozzies though - and for what it's worth, i'll be supporting you in that
game...(none of this SH v NH rubbish)

comment by wombat2posted 11 Hours Ago
ABs 43 : les bleus avec score.

comment by joekiwiposted 11 Hours Ago
Throatwobbler and cowshot, desperately hoping for any geographical success now that your teams have been consigned to their rightful place in the also rans then.......?Sad.... Clinging on to the hope that NH rugby is anything other than woeful.

comment by oldfashionedrespectposted 11 Hours Ago
Being English living in France, I support England first and France second (I live in the heart of French rugby-land so I'd get lynched if I didn't......!). I don't think the
AB's will choke this time so whoever wins will do it simply by playing better. The French are smarting from having to play their QF in Cardiff. Their own fault on two levels
- first, using the promise of games in Cardiff & Edinburgh to bribe votes away from England to stage the RWC, second, losing to the Pumas. This only adds to their motivation.
Losing their 'choker' label will do the same to the AB's. I can't wait for this evening but I have to agree, my head says the AB's, but not by much.
alangraham: "No offence to England"? The other one's got bells on.
fats_a: Thanks for your support! Nothing is ever a "sure thing". France/AB's 1999 at Twickenham.

comment by aklatsposted 10 Hours Ago
I can hardly wait for this game, I hate the fact I have to play rugby myself today, a horrible distraction from my build up for the AB's game...and I have to miss seeing
England strike it lucky!
Why NZ will win: too much quality, Graham Henry is steering the ship, we've never entered a world-cup ranked so far ahead of the opposition before (IRB rankings) and because
we've learned from '99...
Why we might stumble: We have the highest error rate of the world cup apparently and France love teams making errors, PRESSURE, and because again we have to wear those cack
jerseys! Oh and because we know better than anyone the French don't always surrender!
Glad Michalak (sp?) is on the bench though, he's dangerous, and I hope French try to play the All Blacks at their own game, rather than exhibiting their dangerous flair...

comment by Cowshotposted 10 Hours Ago
joekiwi: Another 4 hours 'til we are consigned to also-rans! And there's just a chance (remote as it is) that we won't be.
Exciting, isn't it?

comment by cantabnzposted 10 Hours Ago
I am not one for superstition but the last time NZ won the world cup - er,...was when they played in christchurch against scotland who were in there home shirt (blue) and NZ
played in the old white strip. Deja vue anyone? The ABs to win quite easily. The french have played seven tests since august this will be their eighth. The french might be in
their new strip, but I think the alternative team will show, or rather won't. Comment.

comment by TrippyHippy2posted 9 Hours Ago
Based upon the average score of the last 5 NZ-France matches from the last four years - NZ should win by about 30 points or so. Something like 42-13, I'd guess.

comment by joecloudsposted 9 Hours Ago
France are kidding themselves on, why are people saying france might win if they do this, or do that. New zealand will destroy them, how big the score is depends on how much
the all blacks ease up in the last 20 when the game is wrapped up.

comment by Berba_Is_Kingposted 9 Hours Ago
Come on New Zealand! How any Englishman could want anything other then the French to suffer a crushing defeat is beyond me!
Seriously though; the Eng-Aus game is a big one of course but the NZ-Fra match it going to be one for the purists and should be a very good spectacle.

comment by etienne-frenchieposted 8 Hours Ago
Its BIG. This is the biggest game of the tournament so far. I am French and despite my head saying the All Blacks can't lose, my heart is telling me other wise. I was a child
watchng TV when i saw France beat New Zealand in 1999. My dad was at twickenham that day and it was the day that I started to love rugby. The power of the All Blacks with
Umaga and of course Lomu on the wings vs the French Flair with Dominici and Lamaison... it was brilliant. One of rugby's greatest games.
And now 8 years later I believe that france can do it again. We are playing Beauxis rather than Michalak and Traille is going to play full-back. Will it work? I hope
so.Laporte has gone for strong kickers capable of clearing territory. No French flair then? There will be. I know it. I hope France can win....
I shall be watching the game with my best mate who is a Kiwi. This fixture is the big, it always has been... Allez les bleus.
"IMPOSSIBLE N'EST PAS FRANCAIS"

comment by wrexhamjack123posted 5 Hours Ago
Comment by JoeKiwi....Sad.... Clinging on to the hope that NH rugby is anything other than woeful
What was the score with England V Australia today?

comment by oligold11posted 5 Hours Ago
Beauxis is a genius, and if he can pull the strings then France stand a much stronger chance than anyone gives them credit for. In Bonnaire, they have a very strong 8 who has really picked up his form, and elissalde's form has been exceptional. Jauzion may not have done too much so far, but he is one of the finest players in the world, and might just prove the difference-maker.New Zealand to lead at half-time, France to turn it around and win!

comment by fastasfk2posted 5 Hours Ago
NZ then they get beat by England and if they are lucky they can share the flight home with Australia....or head off for a bit of backpacking around Europe. Eurorail ticket
anyone?

comment by Pieman79posted 4 Hours Ago
cantabnz
NZ played in thier away kit against Scotland in 1995 as well. That time they won ans played and beat England in the semis. We won't talk about the final though.

comment by walgertposted 4 Hours Ago
you made me giggle wrexhamjack and fastasfk...of course anything is possible, as seen between Aus vs Eng, what made me giggle is the the english supporter mentality, first
you knock your team around, call the players all sorts of names and now, you are going overboard..again, you won the Cup already! maybe England will meet France in the
semies, maybe not..,maybe Fiji throws a spanner into the South Africans dreams as well, wouln't that be a feast. oh and yes the Pumas. what are they going to do, lifting the
WC? anything is possible. but I ..will settle for the AB's......period!!
by the way, well done England, you bored ..as one english supporter said..the Aussies to death
comment by wrexhamjack123posted 4 Hours Ago
I am Welsh

comment by Cowshotposted 4 Hours Ago
Yaheeeeeeey!!!!
Whooopeeee!!!!!
YES!

comment by walgertposted 4 Hours Ago
I thought so

comment by wrexhamjack123posted 4 Hours Ago
so why did you say that i was using the typical english supporter mentality then?

comment by walgertposted 3 Hours Ago
sorry..then I didn't know you where Welsh!

comment by LHBatsmanRHBowler,Sobers-What a playerposted 4 Hours Ago
Allez les bleus! Having just watched England am feeling particularly europhile, Rather play France than ABs any day, but if France can just do a bit of damage....

comment by walgertposted 3 Hours Ago
if France can do a bit damage..just to themselfs

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 2 Hours Ago
Doesn't anyone realise that Wrexham is in Wales (the Welsh football team have played internationals there!)?
All things are possible. I'd love to see France win because an England v France semi would be a real classic. However, I just can't see it. France need to play out of their
skins and New Zealand to have an off day.

comment by Wackster219posted 2 Hours Ago
So England are gonna play the winners out of New Zealand + France
And the other semi is gonna be, Argentina/Scotland Vs Fiji/Scotland
Is that right?

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 2 Hours Ago
That's right Wackster.
You can't help thinking that the two halves of the draw are of slightly different strength. The side that gets through the half with Australia, New Zealand, France and
England really is doing it the hard way.

comment by truewitposted 2 Hours Ago
For some reason Casablanca is running in the back of my mind: 'I remember everything about that day: you wore blue, the Germans wore grey'.

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 2 Hours Ago
Mr. Harlow, you may be right. It could well have been the undoing of Australia in the first Quarter Final. But New Zealand's average score in the first round was a little
matter of 78-9. Weak sides were dispatched with brutality. It doesn't make you think that New Zealand are taking things easy.

comment by truewitposted 2 Hours Ago
That is right Wackster: you can get 25-1 on Fiji.

comment by adamjenkins9posted 3 Hours Ago
wrexhamjack123, I'm amazed your proud to be welsh after this world cup, I'd keep my head down if I was you.France are formidable, All Blacks equally tough on the day but the true decider will be the ENGLISH ref, lets see how many tries he disallows.

comment by MaverickWonderposted 2 Hours Ago
Wackster219, no you mean Fiji/South Africa not Scotland. It's weak because the French screwed up against Argentina.
Can't see France having a chance against the All Blacks. Of course, I thought the same about England against Australia.

comment by truewitposted 2 Hours Ago
I just hope Henry imposed a news blackout on the Australia-England result: the ABs don't need to be thinking about the next game when they are on the pitch.

comment by roddersrugbyrefposted 2 Hours Ago
Allez Les Bleus!
Then Scotland tomorrow...
Sorry this England win has sent me delirious

comment by Caymanianblueposted 2 Hours Ago
It is true that South Africa has got the easier run, but as the last big games showed that it is actually better for a team to go through the hard knocks to improve their
game. It worked for England and it may prove NZ's downfall.Go France!

comment by fleprechaunposted 2 Hours Ago
Traille and Beauxis to kick and kick and kick again, pinning the All Greys in their own 22 and winning 16-15.

comment by allblackpatposted 2 Hours Ago
France must keep the ball in hand to beat the All Blacks, picking a kicking fly-half in Beauxis and inexperienced fullback in Traille isn't the way to go.

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 2 Hours Ago
Mr Harlow, that was 78-9 as in "78 to 9" not 78.9...
Not a bad points difference!

comment by Brooksonlyposted 2 Hours Ago
missed it - got the England Oz game- wow - lucky - but so what- a win is a win and Oz looked like they were beat anyway.

comment by Phil Harlow - BBC Sportposted 2 Hours Ago
My mistake! Maths never was my strong point!

comment by Barnseyposted 2 Hours Ago
sorry to ask, because I'm sure someone has asked before but why is this being played in Cardiff?

comment by slogger_6posted 2 Hours Ago
Come on France.This game revolves around the first 20 minutes and which France comes out. Hopefully one full of grit and determination.

comment by gburg_chrisposted 2 Hours Ago
New Zealand has always been unfortunate with their world cup endeavors, but there is always a chance that they could turn their bad luck around....Honsetly as a Englishman i
find it hard to support France but to see the All blacks go down would be sweet!!!!
May the Best Team (OF THE DAY) Win

comment by fleprechaunposted 1 Hour Ago
Wayne Barnes is the ref. He's soft and won't penalise the Greys. Pity.

comment by abc_timposted 1 Hour Ago
ALLEZ FRANCE! ALLEZ LES BLEUS!!!!!!!

comment by walgertposted 1 Hour Ago
there we go, I just hope, your prediction of the english Ref will not come to the fore!GO BLACKS!!

comment by EnglishmaninFranceposted 1 Hour Ago
If you think France haven't got a chance tonight you should come down here to the Cote d'Azur. There isn't a Frenchman here who doesn't remember 1999! P.S. They gave us great
support at Marseilles this afternoon

comment by neoharry16posted 1 Hour Ago
The All blacks look more like the London sky in those shirts

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 1 Hour Ago
The radio is describing the injury. Sounds really bad. The Spanish sports magazine has broken off from the football to talk about it and are sounding really worried.

comment by Caymanianblueposted 1 Hour Ago
Both teams are serious about keeping the game fast with hardly any time between set pieces. France are looking even with NZ at the moment.

comment by fleprechaunposted 1 Hour Ago
Glad I'm not Betsen...

comment by bladeswingerposted 1 Hour Ago
Would it not be a thing of unspeakable beauty if the final was between two NH teams?
Come on France...!
To go off at a slight tangent, this Haka nonsense has got to stop. In a rugby international it has ceased to mean what it was supposed to mean, and has now become a form of
abuse. Full stop. And with every passing year, the sides who perform it look more and more absurd.
Haka, my bum. In NZ's case it should be called The Hokey-Chokey.......Hahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah

comment by walgertposted 1 Hour Ago
bladeswinger, swing away with your nonsense...makes no sense to me! GO BLACKS!

comment by Caymanianblueposted 1 Hour Ago
NZ on the attack but the French defence is superb. No score as of yet making a lot of bookies very nervous.

comment by HG_orwhateverposted 1 Hour Ago
I'm all for a new reality vote, adjudicated by Phil 'The Harlot' Harlow.
Readers of the BBC website should be able to award points to the best pre-kick off display, whether its the Haka, the French lining up against that, or simply Phil Vickery
mooning to the world........points mean prizes.

comment by Kalahari_Surferposted 1 Hour Ago
i think this game really has the potntial to be the game of the world cup, both sides are capable of playing really superb rugby. But have to say The All Blacks are probably
going to win.
......but then again the French on their day.... ), well here's to an entertaining match.

comment by hooptasticposted 1 Hour Ago
Stuck in Brussels, can't find a screen to see the game, "watching" on text on the BBC website!!! Sounds good...Allez Les Bleus!!!

comment by BulletInTheFaceOfposted 1 Hour Ago
Forgive my ignorance here, by why exactly are World Cup matches being played away from France WHICH IS HOSTING THE TOURNAMENT?!? It doesn't make any sense to me. If FIFA try
having a World Cup match in Brazil when South Africa are hosting, and the teams playing are Japan and Portugal, they'll be lynched!

comment by roomurrhamilposted 1 Hour Ago
impressive all blacks

comment by walgertposted 1 Hour Ago
10 silch AB's superb try..fast and furios, the French need to lift their game, GO BLACKS!!!!!!!

comment by hawickposted 1 Hour Ago
Merde if the French, Haymans Beauxais Traille even Josien and co are just going to hoof the ball back to them all night, (which is what Laporte wants, more fool him) I think
the All Blacks might work it out............
The Blacks just so confident, that chip ahead in their own 22, so much trust in each other. This could get very one sided.

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 1 Hour Ago
10-0 already. France are just about holding their own though. However, one more New Zealand score and you'd have to think that it will be just about all over as a contest.
This was the start that Australia failed to get against England.

comment by preciousMerryboyposted 1 Hour Ago
Scores NZ 10 France 0 Come on the All Blacks

comment by Caymanianblueposted 1 Hour Ago
NZ just threw the nitrous switch and are running amok between the backs. France is desperate with kicks into the NZ half. France will have to change tactics to disrupt the NZ
unslaught.

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 1 Hour Ago
Penalty AB done, but France defenceis holding well so far

comment by danielgpposted 1 Hour Ago
Anyone else see the punch on Betsen - Kiwi knocked him out cold with a fist, was NOT a knee.
Hope they show this at half time, and we get the French now.
If NZ win whoever did it should be banned rest of the World Cup - digusting...

comment by bobstyles007posted 1 Hour Ago
Vive le France

comment by walgertposted 1 Hour Ago
no I didn't...if so, you might get your wish! GO BLACKS!!

comment by Shootsposted 1 Hour Ago
I'm not claiming to be a tactical genius, but surely giving the Kiwi's more possession by continually kicking the ball down their throats is not the best course of
action...as is proved by a 13 point lead.
Very strange indeed

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 1 Hour Ago
13-0 and NZ just stretching away.
That heavens they are underdone! What would the score be if they were playing at 100%?

comment by Caymanianblueposted 1 Hour Ago
France is slipping away into a typical defensive style with no ambition to turn the ball over quickly to the outside backs. NZ is doing the opposite and it is killing France.
Great rugby from NZ letting France play the kicking game into their very capable running rugby hands.

comment by EnglishmaninFranceposted 1 Hour Ago
Les Blues have done it before. Don't forget 1999!

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 1 Hour Ago
I mean "Thank heavens..."
At this rate New Zealand will be just running into form by the end of the final. Pity their poor opponents!

comment by walgertposted 1 Hour Ago
stargazer, they just do the basics, holding a bit back I feel...on the other hand, one can just adept to what the opposition does and the french just try to disrupt the AB's
flow...bad tactic, they just should start to play rugby!

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 1 Hour Ago
Remarkable Walgert, that such a brilliant side has won just one World Cup.
It seems that Mr. Harlow and the text commentary have died. The radio is admiring the French for sticking in there and not let NZ get away, but 13-0 is a clear enough lead,
especially if France are not looking like running in tries.

comment by bladeswingerposted 1 Hour Ago
Absolutely appalling live text coverage - currently 20 mins behind.
And thank you, BBC for making live broadcasts unavailable to overseas listeners.
Contemptuous nonsense.

comment by hawickposted 1 Hour Ago
The All Black kicking is almost as inept. Can't see Laporte changing the gameplan so the players need to do a 1999 second half and rip up their coach's plan on the field,
play from memory, with flair and imagination.
Can't see it though.
I take it our Mr Harlow has given up and gone down the pub. Can't blame him.
comment by walgertposted 1 Hour Ago
mindgames Englishmanin France..the French kicking game is disastrous, what are they doing? 1999 is the past, RIP!

comment by IRISHFOOTBALLGUYposted 1 Hour Ago
Any time today Phil..

comment by Caymanianblueposted 1 Hour Ago
NZ looking not that great in their own 22. A few bad decisions from Carter and the French are all over them. The score is a little timid in portraying this game.

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 1 Hour Ago
France had let All Blacks to settle very early in the game and will be just near impossible to cause another sensational upset. The score is building already (13-0) and
doesnt look like Les Bleu have anything left in the tank.Or maybe another drama...

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 1 Hour Ago
Bladeswinger, it's a rights issue. The BBC has to pay for the right to broadcast. World broadcasting rights have to be negotiated separately and are far more expensive. In
some countries they would need to pay country by country.
13-3 says the radio. Can France hang in there and close the gap a bit more?

comment by Shootsposted 1 Hour Ago
Les Bleus are paying the All Blacks too much respect. It's as if they came into the game expecting to lose.
They need to keep the ball in their hands - NZ had 12 phases at one stage. I don't recall the French having more than 3.

comment by Phil Harlow - BBC Sportposted 1 Hour Ago
Apologies everyone - our system has gone down here at the BBC. Believe me, it's as frustrating for me as it is for you.
Here is the last few minutes' commentary:
22 mins: France win another contested penalty decision after a New Zealand player gets on the wrong side of the ruck. The All Blacks are falling foul of the referee’s
interpretation at the moment.
But the kick at goal, from a fairly tight angle, by Lionel Beauxis fades right of the post.
26 mins: A lovely box-kick from Byron Kelleher gives Sitiveni Sivivatu the chance to absolutely cut Vincent Clerc in half, but France do recycle the ball.
As they have done on every occasion so far, they ignore the possibility of an attack from deep and instead decide to kick long for territory.
30 mins: PEN New Zealand 13-0 France Dan Carter kicks a long-range penalty after France are pinged for an offence at the breakdown. This is not going to plan for Les Bleus so
far. Surely they will have to start trusting their instincts and keep the ball in hand?
32 mins: Damien Traille persists with the policy of kicking long and pays the price as the ball rolls over the deadball line, giving New Zealand a scrum 5m inside the French
half.
35 mins: France win a penalty as New Zealand creep offside in midfield, and the kicking duties are handed over to scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde.
But Elissalde, under the watchful gaze of French president Nicolas Sarkozy in the crowd, has no more luck and pushes a fairly straightforward kick wide of the posts.
38 mins: All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock muscles his way straight through to turn the ball over as France try to attack in the 22.

comment by weonlysingwhenwefishposted 1 Hour Ago
I thought Rugby was a Running with the ball game with the odd kick now and again. Its like a game of tennis.Hope it gets better second half along with the text coverage.
Strange isnt it they can follow the game from France but not Wales.

comment by Philsterboy61posted 1 Hour Ago
All Blacks need to stop giving away penalties.They will penalise themselves out of the cup if they keep on the way their going

comment by Kalahari_Surferposted 1 Hour Ago
13-0 is could be a whitewash from the All Blacks

comment by bobstyles007posted 1 Hour Ago
all blacks good but other teams can beat them. SA and France. wait for 2nd half

comment by Phil Harlow - BBC Sportposted 1 Hour Ago
We have a computer support guy in the office as we speak trying to get to the bottom of it.
40 mins: PEN New Zealand 13-3 France Lionel Beauxis lands a penalty with the final kick of the match to give France some hope going into the half-time break.

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 1 Hour Ago
Laporte, A la Porte (sack him..). Im not a trainer but i know that if a tactic doesnt work , you change it.. He looks he wants to loose with a small margin instead of winning
the game...

comment by Phil Harlow - BBC Sportposted 1 Hour Ago
Of course that should read:
40 mins: PEN New Zealand 13-3 France Lionel Beauxis lands a penalty with the final kick of the HALF to give France some hope going into the break.

comment by walgertposted 1 Hour Ago
lol, looks like Wales hasn't paid its broadcasting fee's or they still miffed they're not in the tournament anymore

comment by weonlysingwhenwefishposted 1 Hour Ago
Phil can i just comment about the coverage its all very well putting it on here but not everyone reads these articles. The commentary on ITV is no better. At least its not
Barnes,

comment by Caymanianblueposted 1 Hour Ago
Tactical kicking works great against teams that does not have a great counter attack and poor forward support. NZ is not that team and, I dare say, it would be better not to
give away possession that easily to NZ.

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 1 Hour Ago
comment by Philsterboy61posted Just Now
All Blacks need to stop giving away penalties.They will penalise themselves out of the cup if they keep on the way their going....................................
Agree with and All Blacks paid for it Make that score line 13-3

comment by hawickposted 1 Hour Ago
So far the tv feed I am watching the first half highlights have been the Haka and a kick ahead by Traille that went over the dead ball line. About right.

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 1 Hour Ago
You can't help thinking that New Zealand are thinking that it's Christmas. No need to overstretch themselves, just enjoy a gentle game and at some point they plan to turn it
on for 10 minutes and score a couple of tries.
I hope, for the sake of my French friends, that I'm wrong.
comment by pauldb79posted 1 Hour Ago
danielgp,
yes I thought it was a punch on Betsen, as he started to rise. only obvious from the angle they showed live. NZ's no 4 - hope he gets cited.

comment by walgertposted 1 Hour Ago
anybody can be beaten..ask the Aussies!well done England, loos we meet in the Semies!! GO BLACKS!!

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 1 Hour Ago

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 1 Hour Ago
13-3 HT, could be worst for France, after paying wrong tactics

comment by roomeatthetopposted 1 Hour Ago
A few sides have suffered kicking the ball away for territory, SA vs Tonga comes to mind, SA let Tonga play the open running rugby they like and almost paid the price. Then
again it worked well for SA vs England, sorry to rain on the English parade after the win today but its true

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 1 Hour Ago
If it was a punch, given the seriousness of the injury and the precedents in this tournament, you can imagine the culprit getting a very long ban.
No comments though elsewhere. What I've been hearing was that it appeared to be a chance collision with a knee.

comment by rsuppardsposted 1 Hour Ago
What are the odds on Robinson getting cited for what looked like a very cynical take out on Betsen? Betsen was getting to his feet after the first tackle.
And can Smith tackle anyone without trying to rip their face off?
Otherwise a nice competitive game.

comment by Caymanianblueposted 58 Minutes Ago
There is that French flare!

comment by walgertposted 56 Minutes Ago
and the English Ref gets into the game...well, well, predictions come through. what a Mister Barnes

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 55 Minutes Ago
Caymanian, what flair???
The radio has given up on the rugby and the text commentary is still struggling to catch up. What has happened????

comment by Welshdragon164posted 1 Hour Ago
Only 10 points in it. Still anybody's game!

comment by drdisskposted 1 Hour Ago
Did anyone not spot the punch on Betsen? He didn't go down from the collision with Rokocoko it was a punch that knocked him out

comment by weonlysingwhenwefishposted 54 Minutes Ago
Is it me or is this Murray Mexted watching a different game. Arent Commentators meant to be not bias. But hey it is ITV

comment by walgertposted 53 Minutes Ago
that was nothing, McCallister turned and the Ref interpreted as taking a player out, the sideline Ref had no quarrel with it, what a call Mister Barnes, what a call!!

comment by Philsterboy61posted 53 Minutes Ago
ABs lineout is still dismal

comment by terrypaineposted 52 Minutes Ago
Caymanianbleu: "There is that French flare" Going up in smoke?

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 52 Minutes Ago
If France can use this moment to score a try or at least two penalties we might just in for another drama and before i finish the sentence make the score line 13-6

comment by hawickposted 52 Minutes Ago
Now we might have a game. Maybe the French onfield can rip up Laporte's plan.
On tonight's showing from both teams England will not be worried.
But so professional from the Blacks, 19 phases just burning up so much of the ten minutes from the sin bin.
Expect NZ to step up a gear now.......

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 51 Minutes Ago
The radio now says 13-6, but with time running out.
This is frustrating. Perhaps Mr. Harlow has had to run to yet another office...
Hmmmm. The text suggests that the English referee is not necessarily injust in penalising even New Zealand.

comment by itsmaselposted 1 Hour Ago
At this rate, France are going to shut the world cup down and leave the home nations to get on with it.
comment by Philsterboy61posted 50 Minutes Ago
Ref shouldnt be there.Too inexperienced

comment by Caymanianblueposted 48 Minutes Ago
I am saying that they are giving up on purely kicking for territory and starting to run the ball more, however NZ is better at that game hence the battle running all the time
between the two 22 lines. Exiting stuff. You can watch the game live on Setanta broadband live which is what I am doing.

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 46 Minutes Ago
13-13 says the radio.
Another stunning French comeback???

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 57 Minutes Ago
Dirty play by the AB , now they are 14for 10 min and score 13-6

comment by hawickposted 45 Minutes Ago
Stargazer updates more or less ok now 13-13; 56 mins gone as I type

comment by Caymanianblueposted 45 Minutes Ago
My words are hardly cold and France scores a great try.

comment by moggydave1posted 45 Minutes Ago
Yellow card was tough but you sometimes see them given and sometimes not. Could be crucial though.
This is exciting. Chabal should have started as France need a bit more physicallity.

comment by KINGSEVILposted 44 Minutes Ago
Is it my imagination, or do New Zealand look very ordinary?

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 44 Minutes Ago
I cant seem to forget that night eight years ago at Twickeham when All Blacks seemed cruising and what happened.......13-13

comment by Wot Kuyt 'e didposted 42 Minutes Ago
What's happened to the text commentary, stalling 6 minutes behind..?
Are they just checking it's true? France are back to 13-13! Upset on the cards?

comment by DrBulletposted 53 Minutes Ago
Come On France!!!!Following online in Canada. Using three sites to get the most complete coverage

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 40 Minutes Ago
The text seems to run hot and cold: sometimes it is very slow, as much as 10 minutes behind, this time I heard the score called on the radio and the text has updated very
quickly.
BBC gremlins, unfortunately. I wonder where the text commentary is coming from.

comment by KINGSEVILposted 39 Minutes Ago
Chabal...what a player. A creative wrecking-ball! Starting to resemble Jesus more and more as the tournament progresses. Hmm...

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 38 Minutes Ago
At 13-13 its game on and Les Bleu seem to have their tails up and the noise in the stadium is electrifying coz expecting have reached maxima....potential semi final of
England vs France looming

comment by Wot Kuyt 'e didposted 38 Minutes Ago
France doing a lot of defending... just a matter of.. seconds...
Try for the ABs

comment by hawickposted 38 Minutes Ago
This is not the All Black team of 6-9 months ago. Warning signs were there in the Tri-Nations. Perhaps as usual they peaked too soon. Still expect them to win this game, but South Africa (who were a shambles 6-9 months ago) emerging as tournament favourites for me.
All Black try!

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 37 Minutes Ago
And Dan Carter goes off injured. New Zealand must be wishing that they had put some more points on the board earlier when the French were playing like headless chickens and
New Zealand were just cruising.
Can France bring off a second massive shock of the day?

comment by roomurrhamilposted 37 Minutes Ago
tough game !!!

comment by Caymanianblueposted 36 Minutes Ago
NZ is not looking anywhere near the impervious team they were made out to be. Bad criticism maybe, scoreline speaks the truth!

comment by KINGSEVILposted 36 Minutes Ago
Ah, it was my imagination. But New Zealand look very beatable.
comment by andy_clogsposted 31 Minutes Ago
who else thinks murray Mexted is the most biased commentator on tv?? he is constantly going on about how NZ are getting hard done by by the ref... no NZ are just not the
"awsome" team everyone thinks they are..

comment by roomeatthetopposted 30 Minutes Ago
hawick from your lips to gods ears!!

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 30 Minutes Ago
What is the score someone????
The radio is talking about the football and the European Women's Basketball Championship. Now that the football has started they have forgotten the rugby.

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 30 Minutes Ago
Finally the French resistance is broken, let see how they respond to that..

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 48 Minutes Ago
Vaillant French defence, its Verdun again!

comment by warriorwillposted 46 Minutes Ago
Horrible ref....horrible....

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 46 Minutes Ago
Chabal Caveman. Could France win with him? in

comment by walgertposted 27 Minutes Ago
I think the AB's are a bit underdone, not from the French though, but the AB's haven't got their rythm ..yet!but there is no doubt in my mind, the go and win this one! French look very tired, the tackles they made, incredible. Michalak comes on, see what he has to offer!

comment by Wot Kuyt 'e didposted 26 Minutes Ago
Could be down to who's going to tire most in the last 10 mins... & who's going to have clear head & be able to create an initiative.
ABs in front on balance of play for me, so the score looks fair at 18-13. England earlier were a nose in front v. Oz from the beginning, so...
... then it takes a French breakaway!
18-18 conversion to come!

comment by andy_clogsposted 26 Minutes Ago
awsome!! try time france!! get in u blues!

comment by roomurrhamilposted 25 Minutes Ago
great game !!!

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 25 Minutes Ago
18-18 says the radio. Is that true?
I take back what I said about this not looking like being a close game!!
Now the radio says that France are leading, but won't give the ruddy score!!!

comment by duckmachineposted 25 Minutes Ago
France are using up there luck .. clear forward pass for me ... but still, 'Allez les bleus!'

comment by hawickposted 25 Minutes Ago
LOL Room. -
What a finish French try 20-18 Bleux; 9 mins left.

comment by Caymanianblueposted 24 Minutes Ago
Oh God, I am in tears. How will I ever get back to normal working life after this tournament. Too much excitement for this ticker.

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 24 Minutes Ago
Another drama on the card France goes into the lead 20-18

comment by chrisoxposted 24 Minutes Ago
Come on Frogs!!

comment by bobstyles007posted 44 Minutes Ago
Blacks are beginning to crack

comment by danielgpposted 43 Minutes Ago
Glad it wasn't just me that saw the punch on Betsen...amazed the pundits didn't show it at half time, if he doesn't get cited I'll be furious...esp wioth Betsen being a
pretty key player, disgracefully cynical.
Brilliant try they just scored tho' - Vive Le France!

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 43 Minutes Ago
TRY FRAAAAAAAANCEEE Excellent play!!! :o)
comment by Wot Kuyt 'e didposted 23 Minutes Ago
20-18 to les Bleus
These guys are roasting! They can smell 1999 all over again!
8 mins to go...

comment by neoharry16posted 42 Minutes Ago
Alle la francais, 18-16 to France in the end

comment by nuttywrayposted 41 Minutes Ago
Send the all blacks back with the Aussies! Im sure they can share the same flight back.

comment by muthabalooposted 41 Minutes Ago
Shocking commentary by Murray Mexted. He needs shooting for making such biased statements on international TV. How could he possibly say that nobody was impeeded after the
chip for the possible French try? Moron. I hope the French wipe the floor with the Semi Greys now.

comment by ArgieGastonposted 39 Minutes Ago
I can't believe that I can't see this online!!!allez les bleus, I want to play them again in the final!!!!:o)

comment by Lorcan's Manchester Reds (Champions of England 06/07)posted 22 Minutes Ago
If France win then England are going to get Killed in front of the French

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 21 Minutes Ago
Under 10 minutes and we will have France -England semis how about that...

comment by Johnposted 21 Minutes Ago
I can`t see it ,I can`t hear it,I`m living off these updates,sounds like a cracking game,COME ON FRANCE.

comment by hawickposted 21 Minutes Ago
5 mins left. What price NZ like Oz get one kick to win the game.

comment by chrisoxposted 20 Minutes Ago
5 mins to go and NZ driving fwd 14th phase

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 20 Minutes Ago
Now might be the moment to put some money on Fiji and Scotland!
Australia and New Zealand both losing in the Quarter Finals? You'd have got very VERY long odds on that happening.

comment by duckmachineposted 19 Minutes Ago
surely it has to b a drop goal

comment by Wot Kuyt 'e didposted 19 Minutes Ago
4 mins left... French on their line...
Time to screw it all up

comment by Zasar_Manposted 18 Minutes Ago
Allez Les Bleus! Lets send all these Southern hemisphere big mouths back home!

comment by EnglishmaninFranceposted 37 Minutes Ago
I don't like to say I told you so....but I told you, don't forget 1999!

comment by norfstandladposted 35 Minutes Ago
This is turning out to be a very ineresting game...except that I've got to follow it on BBC text. No radio feed....
Why is there no BBC radio feed if you're outside of the UK?
Bloody frustrating....

comment by Johnposted 18 Minutes Ago
I`d swear Wales were playing ,my heart is beating like a drum,COME ON FRANCE you can do it.

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 18 Minutes Ago
I wouldnt bet against Fiji and Scotland also...the clock is ticking for All Blacks or 1999 de javu

comment by chrisoxposted 16 Minutes Ago
26 phases from NZ to within 5 yards and they lost possession it is back on the French 22 with NZ looking menacing....... Frenach win the ball again and 2 mins remaining.....
into touch on half way and it is looking desperate now for NZ.

comment by hawickposted 16 Minutes Ago
Ref saved France there hands in ruck. Comments about Englishman wanting Francce in semi final to Phil harlow
comment by Wot Kuyt 'e didposted 17 Minutes Ago
One foolish pen...?
1 min...

comment by shop assistantposted 16 Minutes Ago
come on france.

comment by Exhookerposted 16 Minutes Ago
OMG neither of these sides are mine and this is incredible none the less!

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 16 Minutes Ago
The big screen is saying we have 2 minutes...its now or never for All Blacks or are they choking again

comment by roomeatthetopposted 15 Minutes Ago
chrisox I think someone at the beeb needs to give you a job

comment by KINGSEVILposted 15 Minutes Ago
Ha! Ha! Ha! Invincible All Blacks! Don't make me laugh. King of the chokers!!!

comment by Johnposted 14 Minutes Ago
I can`t bear it ,someone tell me France have won Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

comment by Shootsposted 14 Minutes Ago
Les Bleus - I applaud you!!!
Fantastic turnaround

comment by roomurrhamilposted 14 Minutes Ago
woowwww the abs didnt want to win this definitely

comment by ste1000posted 13 Minutes Ago
vive la france

comment by Cold War Kidposted 13 Minutes Ago
It a Southern Hemisphere massacre.Can't wait for the England France game.

comment by shop assistantposted 13 Minutes Ago
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
get in!

comment by Lawro_Slayerposted 13 Minutes Ago
Fiji tomorrow anyone?
The way it's going it's a possibility.

comment by duckmachineposted 13 Minutes Ago
I'm staggered - I never would have believed that the Kiwis could choke yet again ...

comment by Zasar_Manposted 13 Minutes Ago
Bye bye New Zealand. New Zealand in Rugby and South Africa in Cricket the biggest chokers ever.
So much for the Southern Hemisphere shut out!

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 13 Minutes Ago
I don't believe it!! I don't believe it!!!
A stunned and emotional Spanish commentator announces a French victory.

comment by walgertposted 13 Minutes Ago
yes excellent play France congrats!!

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 13 Minutes Ago
Done its official France vs England

comment by jim040zposted 12 Minutes Ago
i always said an england scotland final .

comment by bobstyles007posted 36 Minutes Ago
vive la france
comment by Exhookerposted 16 Minutes Ago
Sacred Feces!!! What a day for Rugby. England v France. Oh baby!!!!

comment by bobstyles007posted 36 Minutes Ago
vive la france

comment by moggydave1posted 16 Minutes Ago
So many oppurtunities for the drop goal when they were at the 22 and they only had a go when at the halfway line. They cracked.
Well done Les Bleus. Vive La France

comment by arightleftwingerposted 15 Minutes Ago
The two most arrogant teams in world rugby have now been beaten - Australia and New Zealand. So much for the vaunted Southern Hemisphere dominance. Allez Les Bleus

comment by graeme82posted 15 Minutes Ago
Unbelievable! What a day for NH rugby! Well done England and France, great results! Now I hope Scotland can copy and get past Argentina...

comment by hackerjackposted 15 Minutes Ago
FFFF this, thats the last match i'm watching in the RWC. We have been denied the best team in the tournament by yet more stupid and incompetent refereeing. Every single
person in the stadium sa a pass go 45 degree forward to Michilak for the French try but the officials CHOSE not to see it, yes CHOSE, there is no way that three of them could
have missed it, not 3 people in the stadium or watching on TV missed it live.
FFFF the RWC, FFFF Rugby.
(BTW, I'm not a New Zealander, I'm Welsh, i'd have loved to see France beat the All Blacks fairly.)

comment by Johnposted 15 Minutes Ago
Yahoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo,ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa,chockers again,4 more years ,4 more years ,4 more years,

comment by MightySpurs07-08posted 14 Minutes Ago
bahahahahaha!

comment by IRISHFOOTBALLGUYposted 14 Minutes Ago
Black Monday (1999) Black Sunday (2007)

comment by Zasar_Manposted 14 Minutes Ago
Although, France will now crush England next week though.
If the All Blacks are struggling to get through that defence what hope for England?

comment by LatvianAllBlacksFanposted 14 Minutes Ago
Hats off to French - about 170 tackles to about 40. Congratulations! Now I'm wholeheartedly will support France (and Argentina) in this cup.
Oh, geez... all forums definitely will be full of "choking" thing. Seems, I will have to ignore forums for another 4 years.

comment by Englandlad23posted 13 Minutes Ago
Four More Years Boys!!!! Four More Years Boys!!!! Four More Years Boys!!!! Let the moaning beging, let it begin. Like i said there was always a chance with NZ having breezed
through the semis ... looks like the Northern Hemisphere sides have turned up to the tournament.

comment by Exhookerposted 13 Minutes Ago
Hacker jack...seriously? all I have is the text feed, no visual.

comment by Lorcan's Manchester Reds (Champions of England 06/07)posted 13 Minutes Ago
MARK MY WORDS:
ARGENTINA WILL WIN THE WORLD CUP

comment by Austin_SJposted 13 Minutes Ago
Northen hemisphere teams ftw, that foward pass it was not the most obvious bit of bad refereeing i have seen, the all blacks have got away with some appalling stuff in the
past, as have other teams, and what goes around comes around. allez les blues for tonight then it's england all the way.

comment by Shrews07-08posted 12 Minutes Ago
Haha stupid kiwis

comment by shop assistantposted 12 Minutes Ago
hackerjack don't turn rugby into the whining mess that is football support.
or every match will just become an excuse for every amateur lawyer to whinge on about various incidents in the game.
welsh eh? look forward to meeting you in the final then. what's that? you're out already?
shame.

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 32 Minutes Ago
TRYYYYY FRANCE!!!!!!! 18 all!!!

comment by DaiRbuposted 32 Minutes Ago
The Kiwis are just Lambs!

comment by AClarkinposted 32 Minutes Ago
This ref is a joke obviously wants an easier semi final for England!

comment by Kalahari_Surferposted 35 Minutes Ago
Wow, what a game, 2 tries.WOW. And France leading now

comment by Johnposted 15 Minutes Ago
if I had one wish now ,I would wish I was in a Walkabout pub in Earls Court full of Aussie and Kiwi fans,ARRRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAA.

comment by Cricketing_stargazerposted 15 Minutes Ago
Talk about "The Great Escape". New Zealand were cruising and felt that they could score enough points at will. Instead of killing France dead in the first half they let them
back in.
Amazing. One of my French colleagues has already emailed me. Methinks that we will all watch the game at his house next week.
Who would have bet on England and France knocking out Australia and New Zealand given the way that both teams started the tournament?

comment by roomeatthetopposted 14 Minutes Ago
As a bok fan heres hoping thats enough upsets for this world cup thanks

comment by Justice_wa_Barutiposted 14 Minutes Ago
Good nite everyone and please enjoy the celebration and also enjoy the Chinese grand prix tomorrow...hope we will be celebrating another victory of perhaps major proportion.

comment by norfstandladposted 28 Minutes Ago
This is shaping up to be a classic !
And NO RADIO FEED OUTSIDE UK
Aaaargh

comment by Kalahari_Surferposted 27 Minutes Ago
5 mins to go, AB on the attack,i wonder how it will end?
Any bets yet guys?

comment by RebelArmyRedDevil(Official Matchday Thread Man!)posted 13 Minutes Ago
One of the great sporting events of the decade.Cracking atmosphere and what a game!
Ellisalde running towards the touchline at the end was one of those things you won't forget for a long time.

comment by kinsangposted 12 Minutes Ago
Well done to the French - they played their hearts out. No doubt a bad missed call with regards to the forward pass, but NZ still had good chances to put the game away, also
had so many chances for a drop goal attempt when close to the game-line.

comment by Johnposted 11 Minutes Ago
altogeather now,4 more years,4 more years ,4 more years,4 more years ,4 more years ,4 more yeeeeeaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrsssssssssssssssssss. goodbye mr henry ,hello new coaching team.

comment by Hendraluxposted 11 Minutes Ago
All the hot air from the Antipodeans has gone blowing in the wind. The arrogance and over-confidence ended in gutless performances from Aus and NZ when it really mattered.
Their dismissal of NH rugby now looks foolish. I think the word 'chokers' was created just for the All Blacks.

comment by RobVillaposted 11 Minutes Ago
Aussies thought they just had to turn up to win and lost big style up front to seriously the most mediocre England team in 20 years.So did New Zealand who seemed oblivious to today's previous result and played into France's hands. When NZ lost in previous tournaments the opposition has been inspired not
so today.

comment by LatvianAllBlacksFanposted 10 Minutes Ago
Now I can see a possibility of England retaining the world cup. Which - for the game itself and for Englands development - will be a utter disaster.
What a black day.

comment by richie4eva1posted 10 Minutes Ago
Who would have thought it? South Africa last of the Tri Nations standing and an England v France semi final

comment by rsuppardsposted 10 Minutes Ago
So what about that then?Good pulsating stuff - and to think only a week ago I was wondering if the AB's had peaked too soon.
On this form anyone left in as of tonight must seriously fancy their chances.Neither side tonight looked too convincing up front Now let's see if England can produce a repeat performance of the 6 nations.

comment by Kalahari_Surferposted 26 Minutes Ago
and everyone predicted it would be SH teams in the semi's.
Wondr if France will mkae it like England did?

comment by ronhutchposted 26 Minutes Ago
come on the all blacks another southern hemisphere scalp always welcome

comment by joshyg1306posted 25 Minutes Ago
C'mon france, i dont want england playin NZ!!!

comment by bobstyles007posted 25 Minutes Ago
WOW Vive la france

comment by moggydave1posted 11 Minutes Ago
It was a forward pass I think....
That being said NZ (and most good modern teams) win by getting away with what they can.
NZ should have won not because of this but simply because they had so many easy drop goal oppurtunities in the last 5 mins and didn't have ago untill it was too difficult.

comment by Zasar_Manposted 10 Minutes Ago
Yes the Walkabouts will a great place to be tonight.
It would be great if Scotland take out Argentina tomorrow now. It was also great to see the look of disbelief on Graham Henry's face. I can't stand that man!

comment by Kalahari_Surferposted 25 Minutes Ago

comment by EnglishmaninFranceposted 25 Minutes Ago
I said I told you so twice now. Does nobody believe me about the spirit of 1999?

comment by Kalahari_Surferposted 25 Minutes Ago
a minute to go, how will it end? Are the Boks rubbing their hands cos France win?

comment by Kalahari_Surferposted 23 Minutes Ago
omg, the French did it AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

comment by saracen5dposted 22 Minutes Ago
Allez Le Bleu ....... well done France
From an ecstatic English Fan

comment by bobstyles007posted 21 Minutes Ago
Vive le france HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORAAAAAAAAAAAy

comment by Spiro1959posted 21 Minutes Ago
New Zealand -Chokers once again !!!!!!

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 21 Minutes Ago
OOUIII YEEESSSS BRAAVEEE SUPERB FRAAANCCEEEEEEEEEEEEE

comment by leveseposted 20 Minutes Ago
Amazing. NH going to have their cup of tea in the most classic match. But just until the final match...

comment by nuttywrayposted 20 Minutes Ago
2 upsets! this is a legendary tournament!HAHA!! Australia and NZ have a lloonnggg flight back home!

comment by Austin_SJposted 9 Minutes Ago
hang on, brian ashton is trying new development tactics, and who cares about playing good rugby, surely winning is good? NZ and Australia are out, no one can say that they
have the right tactics now can they?If england are dominant through the fowards and kicking then it is a good tactic, and well done to Brian ashton for his choice of development.

comment by moggydave1posted 8 Minutes Ago
Also, G Henry and S Hansen may be out of a job now, which would be good for us Welsh....

comment by lostinflyzposted 20 Minutes Ago
that was the worst ref. i have ever seen. ever. ever. if he ever goes to new zealand he will be lucky to leave alive

comment by jmdonoghueposted 20 Minutes Ago
Good for England's chances,France still rubbish

comment by Greekmacedoniaposted 19 Minutes Ago
Love you les anglais, what a great semi final in my birth town

comment by donkeyadamsposted 19 Minutes Ago
By binning McAlister that ref robbed New Zealand, they levelled the game then. I think his meteoric rise to reffing this game at 28 was a bit too fast, it was never a binning
offence.

comment by Scubar2k8posted 19 Minutes Ago
Im shocked that New Zealand lost to a team like france. This world cup keeps getting stranger and stranger.
Whats next Fiji beating South Africa and Argentina beating Scotland ?

comment by Camel Hair Coatposted 19 Minutes Ago
I'd buy the kiwis a beer but I'm worried they might get knocked out when they choke on it

comment by abc_timposted 14 Minutes Ago
J'ADORE!!!!!! ALLEZ
Now bring the Roses

comment by KennyBarnesTorresposted 14 Minutes Ago
I am one happy man!!!! i bet on France vs South Africa Final...NOW I HAVE WON...only 2 Rugby teams left in the tournament
SOUTH AFRICA WILL WALK THIS NOW

comment by DrBulletposted 14 Minutes Ago
FANTASTIC!!!Just goes to show, you can spend 4 years doing all the flashy stuff but, at the end of the day, rugby is a man's game! Only ONE tri-nations team in the semis.Another 4 years for New Zealand...most of their team won't even have been born when they won it!Joy.

comment by bobstyles007posted 13 Minutes Ago
YIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

comment by Zasar_Manposted 2 Minutes Ago
I was under the impression that Carter was supposed to show that he was the greatest 10 ever, in this game!

comment by Spiro1959posted 13 Minutes Ago
Enjoy it now France-Jonny will destroy you next week !!!

comment by bubwalposted 13 Minutes Ago
Having seen my side knocked out in a blaze of embarrassment - (Wales) it is our national sport after all - and we are as critical of the Welsh rugby side as the English are
of their fottball team, I am please to have seen the Wallabies and now the Kiwi's knocked out at the quarter finals. It is great for Northern hemisphere sides - who said the
southern sides played better rugby!! Graham Henry said he was happy where he was when questioned by the Welsh media about becoming head coach of Wales again - not so sure
now, he may be sacked and submitting his CV to the WRU.

comment by edwardo63posted 12 Minutes Ago
Four more years boys....four more years....oh dear.

comment by TeniPuristposted 12 Minutes Ago
hahahahahahahaahahahah what a great day! the arrogance of the aussies and the kiwis comes back to haunt them!!! to tink of all those ars**oles before licking their lips at
the prospect of playing england in the semis....I DONT THINK SO!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA GO BACK TO THE 3rd WORLD !!

comment by subedeithemomgolposted 12 Minutes Ago
Always thought forward passing was illegal in rugby - obviously not. So, was this disgraceful display of refereeing just incompetence, or something more sinister?

comment by lostinflyzposted 12 Minutes Ago
looking at the teams you would have to say they have a really good shot

comment by barker657posted 12 Minutes Ago
What a fantastic second half. The French substitutions ultimately won it for them, as well as the All Blacks injuries to key players but not to take anything away from the
final try from the French. Exciting stuff!
No-one at the start of the day would have believed a French - English Semi...
Looking forward to it.

comment by tafer2ukposted 11 Minutes Ago
Agreed, two of the best three teams in the world are out of the 2007 RWC. It just goes to show spirit and heart can beat arrogance and complacency any time. NZ you choked
(again), Australia thought the game was already won before a ball had been kicked. These two results don't mean England or France are better than Aus and NZ, just that on the
day they were! Well done to both of you!

comment by TheSavageGunnerposted 11 Minutes Ago
Refereeing failures ruined the game, seemed like he wanted to give every decision to France. Not good enough in a World Cup QF. Did anyone honestly think that an English
referee wouldn't be biased? Pathetic.

END ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Men In Black

2007-09-10T15:36:00.000Z

Clad all in black with only the white Nike stripes showing on headband and left shoulder breaking the shadowy effect, Roger Federer moved into equal second spot on the Tennis Grand Slam list this Sunday with a regulation win at the US Open.

He now has 12 slams and sits only 2 behind the Sampras record.

On the same weekend, only one team really showed form capable of winning the Rugby World Cup - and they too, were clad all in black. Whilst hosts France incredibly lost to an inspired and obdurate Argentina, the New Zealand All Blacks put 70 points on Six-Nations Italy and barely broke into a sweat whilst doing so. Frightening.

Meanwhile England scraped through against the US, Ireland were pushed close by Namibia, as were Wales by Canada, and Scotland had a lot of luck in their game against Portugal.

Clearly Nike are looking for a black period in sporting dominance. And it looks like they're going to get it.

Carlos Moya versus Djokovic and Time

2007-09-08T12:02:00.000Z

At 32 years Carlos Moya is getting towards grandaddy age in professional tennis terms. However, the former world number 1 and ex-Roland garros champion had made solid progress through to the quarter-finals of the US Open Tennis using his experience to wins over some pretty good young guns.

Still in tip-top physical shape, Moya was moving well and you could see he felt confident. In one of his matches your correspondent caught a couple of middle-aged women spectators almost fainting with desire in the first rows everytime the rugged Spaniard served in front of them. At that point in his 3rd-round tie, two sets in and the humidity of the New York nights making him glow with perspiration, if you had captured a thimble-full of that sweat I reckon you could have sold it to the ladies for a couple of hundred bucks.

Unfortunately for Carlos his quarter final set him up against the new kid on the block Djokovic, a Serb who looks like he could give King Roger a run for his money in the very near future. Although this match looked like a last crack at a big title for Moya and you knew he would try to pull out all the stops, youth was definitely in the ascendant here. The unforgiving clock had run on a bit too far for the old-timer.

And so it proved. Djokovic dispatched Moya in 3 straight sets to set up a semi against another Spaniard, Ferrer. This will be a good match up because Ferrer is fast and persistent - something the young Serb has yet to face, but on present form, and providing his dodgy back holds up, we are looking at a new champion - at least sometime soon.

Women's Marathon Athletics World Championships

2007-09-02T01:04:00.000Z

Osaka, Japan: Catherine Ndereba of Kenya wins the female marathon title, breaking her three main opponents at 2 hrs 25 minutes into the race when she stole a 30 metre lead and never looked like letting it go - finishing nine minutes later in a time of 2 hours 30 minutes 37 seconds.

Top Ten Finishing Positions - Women's Marathon - World Athletics Championships.

At 2hrs 17 mins: 2 Kenyans hit the front - one of them is Ndereba. Pack of eight gets split leaving five - 2 Chinese and Tosa from Japan.
2.19: Leading pack now down to four - 2 Kenyans and 2 Chinese.
2.21: Ndereba pushes and takes the two Chinese with her - It's Zhou and Zhu.
2.22: Your reporter checks he read that correctly.
2.23: He did, amazingly, and Tosa appears to be bridging the gap to the front three.
2.25: Ndereba now pushes again and steals a 30 metre gap on Zhou who also puts 30 metres on Zhu.
2.26: Tosa is catching Zhu in third.
2.28: Ndereba is grimacing but is holding the gap steady on her pursuer as she enters the stadium.
2.30: She's the champion, Catherine Ndereba wins and she's on her knees and now hunched over. Incantations and she's up again to collect obligatory national flag for waving. Zhu comes in second 8 seconds behind and Tora grabs a medal for her adoring home crowd a further ten seconds behind.

The Loneliness of the Long Distance 20km Walker

2007-08-28T22:40:00.000Z

Osaka, Japan for the World Athletics Championships and it's all action all of the time. Even the 20km pretend-to-walk-while-really-jogging event. No, really.

20km Walk-Racing, as I believe it is correctly designated, is one of those sports on the very edge of being acceptable as a 'true' sport. It's in there with rhythmic gymnastics and synchronised swimming as something that clearly requires sporting endeavour but lacks an obvious point. Why not just do gymnastics - what's with all the balls and ribbons? Why walk if you can run?

In fact, to get around this existential dilemma, many of our walking heros do seem to decide to run anyway and hope they won't get caught. The secret appears to jog along but try and waddle enough to fool the on-course judges that you are indeed walking. Just very, very seriously.

Unfortunately for some in Sunday's race their waddling was not enough to avoid receiving the dreaded second warning and then expulsion. The judges seem to spring from the side of the course and suddenly point a red card at the ambling offender, who waddles on for a few more yards as momentum and realisation come to a collision, and then drops away and off. It must be hard to walk back to the changing rooms at this point one would have thought. Maybe they prepare wheelchairs for the stricken.

Beyond these poignant and personal dramas lay the medal chase. An Ecuadorian was pumping away clear in first place. If he had been wearing a tuxedo he would have appeared to be doing the cha cha cha, without a partner, in running shoes. He sachayed over the line and promptly collapsed in a fit, his legs shaking uncontrollably, which was more of a jitterbug really but the judges had already got their men and were back in the saloon playing cards and drinking Sapporo whiskey.

Meanwhile, with medics attending to our the gold medal winner, second place hove into view. Down the final stretch he came but as he approached the finish the metres seemed to get harder and harder. A Spaniard in third position was motoring away some twenty metres behind. Smoothly slipping the gears he honed in on the stuttering man in second place. He was in full jogging-but-really-really-trying-hard-to-appear-walking mode. Some of the sparse, drowsy crowd, most still sipping their first coffees of the day and leafing through their programmes, saw what was happening and started to scream. With five metres left stutterer realised something was happening, turned to gauge the threat and was left in a puff of wind, well a light zephyr of a breeze at least, as Diego zipped past and fair dipped for the line.

What drama, what courage, what suspense. If that's international race-walking then I'm a convert. The 20km Walk - it's the new curling.

When Tennis Was Cool - Back to 1970s Part II

2007-08-23T19:06:00.000Z

More classic tennis pictures from 1974. I give you John Newcombe (in very cool Adidas trainers), a 17 year old Bjorn Borg, Yvonne Goolagong and Stan Smith, + a quite awful ad for Kawasaki tennis racquets - now what ever happened to them eh?

Waiting For Alonso

2007-08-04T13:19:00.000Z

Qualifying Day - Hungaroring - 4th August. World champion Fernando Alonso claimed pole position for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix after a controversial qualifying session. Lewis Hamilton was seemingly delayed by his team-mate in the pit lane meaning he was too late for his final lap.

Alonso had come in to change tyres in time for one last flying lap, and proceeded to sit in the pit-box eating sandwiches and discussing the weather with the pit crew, while Hamilton sat revving his engine behind him. Eventually Alonso engaged gear and took off, but when Hamilton emerged from the pit-lane it was too late and the session was closed

Then, in the final seconds, the Spaniard pipped the 22yr old British rookie by 0.107 seconds, dropping him to second - and on a track notorious for lack of overtaking opportunities.

As the drivers came in after qualifying for weight-checking and interviews the TV cameras caught a steaming Ron Dennis throwing a mini-tantrum at the McLaren control point and then having whispered words with Alonso, who pointedly ignored him. This made Dennis even more livid and you could almost see the steam coming out of his ears.

Oh to be a fly on the wall in the team meeting this evening.

Its clearly been a trying week and this was the ultimate way to make the McLaren chief lose even more hair. Ferrari-gate had seen him in Paris to defend the team, increasingly strident press-conferences had seen him make some odd accusations, and now his teammates playing silly buggers in his cars.

However, his cars are 1 and 2 on the grid for the race, 1 and 2 in the world championship standings and he is leading the constructors championship. Blimey. I'd hate to see Ron Dennis when things weren't going well.

No Need For Drugs For Disco

2007-07-29T22:36:00.000Z

PARIS: The goal was to have a scandal free tour. It ended up a scandal-ridden one. At one stage the 'King of the Mountains' jersey was seemingly going to the rider who scored the most drugs, rather than the one who won the most points. And you wondered how much of the 180 strong peloton would make it into Paree.

For the Discovery Channel however, it was a clear result - nothing on the breathometer, Contador the winner and Leipheimer making the podium.

"We came here with certain ambitions and we have exceeded all our ambitions," Discovery Channel sporting director Johan Bruyneel said. "Last year nothing worked, and this year our goal was to get on the podium ... Levi for third place and Contador for the white jersey."

Yaroslav Popovych of Ukraine finished eighth overall, giving the American team three riders in the top eight, exceeding all expectations.

"Last year we had a different year, but this time we're back and I'm very proud." Bruyneel said. George Hincapie proved to be a key support rider, particularly in the Pyrenees, where he rode high tempo after the climbs so that Cadel Evans and his exhausted team would have no chance to rest.

Discovery's performance banked nearly three times more money than any other team, receiving 723,240 euroeweenies (US$987,295), compared to €235,060 (US$320,880) for Evans' Predictor-Lotto team.

Bruyneel expressed awe at Contador's surprising performance. "Alberto was on an amazing level," he said. "I thought he would be with the best for two weeks, for 10 days let's say. But I expected he would be a bit weaker in the Pyrenees. The last Pyrenees stage he was a lot worse than his results show. He tried to attack but he didn't have the legs to attack."

Lance Armstrong summed things up - "I think we've seen the future of Spanish cycling and perhaps international cycling."

And Now Rasmussen Goes

2007-07-27T19:27:00.001Z

Tour de France update: Rasmussen, the tour leader, is sacked by his team for not telling them where he was prior to the tour (and, indeed, not telling anybody, thus missing 4 out-of-competition drug tests). What a naughty boy.

It seems to me the Tour would be better if everyone was on trendy scooters. No need for all the effort and you would instead win points for style, presentation and number of fights with Rockers at the beach.