Coping with the Cup cauldron

AFTER one of the most amazing weekends in the history of the World Cup we are left with semi-final pairings that few would have predicted.

On so many occasions in the past this tournament has been far too predictable, with shocks at a premium. The sight therefore of New Zealand and Australia bidding au revoir at the quarter-final stage has enabled both France and Argentina to dream that a first-ever tournament success could be on the cards.

South Africa now carries the torch for the SANZAR countries as they seek to emulate Francois Pienaar and the class of 1995. Holders England, who at one stage looked as if they could be eliminated by Tonga, will now fancy their chances of becoming the first side to retain the Webb Ellis trophy.