France through to final of Rugby World Cup 2011-Rugby World Cup News
France secured their berth for the grand final of the Rugby World Cup 2011 while thumping Wales in the semi-final in a nail biting contest of 9-8 on October 15 at Eden Park, Auckland. Morgan Parra displayed a wonderful performance to seal the victory for
his team and scored all nine points on penalty goals.
Wales decided to go with one change for the battle before a jam-packed Eden Park. James Hook replaced Rhys Priestland at the fly-half’s position. Priestland got himself injured during their knock out clash against Ireland and failed to recover in time for
this tough header.
Meanwhile, Les Bleus got ready for their opponents while naming their first unchanged starting line-up of the Rugby World Cup. Although the success ratio of their unchanged sides has always remained very low and they have won just one match after five similar
outgoings.
Wales took an early lead over France as James Hook, who made his entry into the match in place of Priestland, guided the ball into the French goals on a penalty kick just in the eighth minute of the match. The Welsh side was looking in good colours after
taking an early lead over the French side but their effort to maintain the pressure over their rivals cost them their skipper.
Sam Warburton was thrown out from the match in the 18th minute of the match for brutally tackling Vincent Clerc on a run. The Welsh side was reduced to 14 men for the whole game immediately after the incident which was a boost for the trailing
France.
Soon after, France equalised the score to 3-3 as Morgan Parra scored a composed three pointer for his team. He repeated the same feet once again before the interval to end up the first half with a slight margin of 6-3. Wales could be well ahead of France
if they had availed the penalty goal scoring opportunities successfully.
The motivated French side came back with a determination to secure their berth in the grand final and increased their lead to 9-3 with yet another penalty goal of Parra.
Mike Phillips boosted Wales with a much needed try in the 59th minute and reduced the French lead to 9-8. This could have been a turning point of the match but the flawless defence of France denied further aggression.
France will now wait for the next semi-final of the global showpiece to determine their rivals for the big final on October 23.
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