Rugbyworldcup.com caught up with Georgia’s coach Claude Saurel to get his thoughts on the Tournament thus far and which teams he fancies for this weekend’s semi finals.
The Frenchman guided Georgia through a tough Pool C in their RWC debut where they performed admirably against heavyweights England and South Africa.
He has remained in Australia to soak up the finals fever.
How do you see the semi finals?
“It is an opposition of two different styles that will be fought out between the All Blacks and France who are focussed on attack and their opposition Australia and England (respectively) whose play is more based on defence.
“For the Southern Hemisphere match you only have to take the back three of the All Blacks in Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko and Mils Muliaina to understand the difference between the two teams.
“Australia’s triangle of Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers is built to go through defences more so than the New Zealand trio who look for spaces and like to go through any little holes on defence.”
He added that Howlett, Rokocoko and Muliaina were not the only players with attacking ability in a New Zealand team that is brim full of offensive talent.
“If the All Blacks are able to resist the physicality the Australians will bring to the game the talents of (fly half) Carlos Spencer – the Zinedine Zidane of World rugby – will shine.
“But the match hasn’t been played yet and both semi finals will be very hard to predict.”
Are England the favourites?
“No. The key for the French is to get a lead early and force England to attack.”
Saurel pointed to the fact Georgia were able to disrupt England with a full scale physical assault up front for the opening minutes of their pool match before the English got into their rhythm and ran away with it.
He believes France had to do something similar to contain England for the full 80.
“England focus their game on the triangle of defence, occupation and conquest. With this the kicking game of (Jonny) Wilkinson is enough for them. Tries are an accessory.
“England is very good in the contact area but are less at ease when they have to create opportunities during a game.
“On the other hand England has the ability to physically handle a lot of phases, (their game against) Wales was a prime example of this.
“If France can starve England of opportunities they can destabilise their game. With their elaborate game France have enough weapons to do that.
“If they can go about their play with vigour the match will be very good for France, but they mustn’t forget the basics. They must occupy the field and not fail in the conquest.”
Have you got any preference for the style of game played by New Zealand or France?
“No, I respect all styles. The one who I like is the one who wins. But I think New Zealand France would be a dream final with both teams promoting such attractive, attacking rugby.
What are your thoughts on the Tournament so far?
“The Rugby World Cup is a wonderful event. I’ve seen all the matches and I’ve liked most of them.
“I’ve also liked the atmosphere at the matches and the Australian public has been brilliant, especially with the support of teams like us (Georgia).
“For a little team like Georgia all of this was very important and the experience (of the RWC) will stick with the players for as long as they live.
“I liked the quarter final action last weekend. New Zealand versus South Africa was a wonderful fight. The Springboks were surprised by the speed of the All Blacks and they lost the physical fight.
“I loved the wonderful first half between France and Ireland, I was in Melbourne for the match. It was delicious. The second half was not so good but that is normal because the match was already won by France by that stage.”
Saurel was also hugely impressed by the stirring performance of Wales against England in the fourth quarter final and suggested the introduction of Mike Catt to the midfield was the key to the men in white hanging on for victory.
Other matches he enjoyed during the Tournament include England versus both Samoa and South Africa and Ireland against Argentina.
“There were some great moments of rugby. It’s a great competition with a wonderful quality of matches.
Has rugby evolved since the previous RWC in 1999?
“Players are now fitter, have less injuries are better prepared and play the game more physically now and I must congratulate teams’ physical trainers for that.
“The improvements have made the players playing faster, (able to play for) longer and stronger. I think rugby is definitely going in the right direction.”