Ready to explode

DESPITE the fact that the semi-final pairings had been predicted with virtual certainty prior to the outset of the World Cup competition, the interest in this weekend’s two clashes is phenomenal.

While the All Blacks look set to confirm their pre-tournament billing to reach the final, England’s advance is less certain.

This morning’s head-to-head sees southern hemisphere giants New Zealand and Australia battle for supremacy. The Wallabies have struggled throughout this campaign, and have been subjected to severe criticism in their own country. Hosting a tournament of this nature can have two effects on a side. Home support will either drive a team to unprecedented heights or the pressure to succeed can weigh too heavily on their shoulders. The latter certainly seems to be the case with Australia.