The Biggest Sporting Weekend of 2007 is here
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This is my first article for some time... That's A Levels for you... And a whole heap of Maths, projectiles, imaginery numbers, hypothesis testing, and French fish have all contributed to my time away.
But this weekend, I take time off to inform you all of some massive sporting events coming up.
Tonight, the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup Final takes place between England and South Africa. England only just about beat the United States early on in the tournament, and were then thumped 36-0 by the South African's in their group. England then struggled on past Tonga and Samoa to make the Quarter Finals. South Africa marched into the Quarter Finals.
England then beat a lacklustre Australian side, much against any expectation, by 12-10. In another Quarter Final, New Zealand were beaten by France in a shock 20-18 result. That pitted England against France in the Semi Final. Played in France, England overcame the French 14-9 to make the Final. South Africa coasted to a win over Fiji, and then beat Argentina, who were the story of the tournament. An amateur rugby nation at home, their side plays mainly abroad. They have been shunned by the rugby world, and excluded from major competitions - yet they beat France to finish third (for the second time in the World Cup).
England are defending champions, but have been awful in the four years since then - until the Quarter Final against Australia. Yet tonight, they can win it, and the streets of Paris have a very French feel about them. The return of Jonny Wilkinson has been a big lift - he has been playing really badly, but he has given everyone around him confidence. England are still big underdogs to be the first country ever to defend the World Cup, but that sits well with them - they have been underdogs against Australia and France in the tournament already and won.
Then tomorrow, as you settle down to another week of the NFL, down in Brazil, Lewis Hamilton will attempt to be the first British World Champion (Formula One) since Damon Hill in 1996. Hamilton led by 12 points going into the penultimate race, but crashed into the pit lane in China. As a result, his lead is 4 from teammate Fernando Alonso, and 7 from Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen. It will be the first three way battle since 1986, when Nigel Mansell had a puncture to gift the championship to Alain Prost.
Both are primetime in Britain, and it will be a massive weekend of sport over here.
Another big event is the final of the Snooker Grand Prix, in Aberdeen. But even for me, it is at the back of my mind!
England could have two World Champions by the end of tomorrow, on what could be our top sporting weekend ever. If your team has a bye week, why not give it a watch? It will be one of the highlights of the sporting year.
