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France dominate Italy to book World Cup semi-final spot
By PA
A dominant second-half performance by France has seen them blow Italy away 39-3 in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final. The contest at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei seemed fairly even at the half with France up 10-3 before they returned to pile on the points.
They enjoyed a stunning 74 per cent of territory and 61 per cent of possession throughout the match, which allowed them to score four second-half tries to go with one before the break. Three of those went to winger Joanna Grisez, including her final score in the 70th minute which came after a typical team effort to create an enormous overlap.
Italy, who made history with their first World Cup quarter-final appearance, were forced to muscle up in defence as they made 195 tackles to their opponent’s 112. At one point they endured 14 phases in defence before stealing the ball under their own posts.
France captain Gabrielle Vernier admitted in a post-match sideline interview it had been a “tough few weeks”, but the inside centre added her side on Saturday “proved we are one of the best and we hope to do our best next week”.
With Italy beaten, France will next face New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland after the tournament hosts defeated Wales.
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Latest Comments
No just because the personal is much better than last year. I've shown no antagonism of Crusader players, you must be confusing me with someone else.
I have critized Razor for picking players he knows occasionally?
I said I'm not surprised because of his style, he's more a grinder player like Cane, not going to show up on peoples radar until you see how bad the other choices are. This year players like Clarke have been on fire and just show a bit more.
Are you one of those posters continually taking it easy on Razor because he doesn't have his Crusaders stars available? Do you think the rugby world is going to up to him suddenly once Mo'unga returns? lol
Go to commentsJohn you have been beating this drum for a couple of years, if you get proven right get back to us.
The last recent and decent Aussie coach was Ewen McKenzie, he was undermined and forced out by a couple of slimy Aussie players who were given a free pass when they should have been disciplined.
So our history since McQueen is very checkered and it seems to make little difference whether we have an Aussie coach or a Kiwi coach. The players have been entitled for a long time and we had to hit bottom to get them back into reality and to stop thinking it is all about them.
Cheika was an OK coach but his 'go our and destroy the opposition' tactic worked for a while and then didn't.
Please give me a list of great Aussie coaches that I have missed.
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