first it was the turn of England, the reigning world champions, playing the Aussies, (for you guys in the US, "world" in this case means other countries not like the NFL "world champions" Indianapolis who beat Chicago ). The Australians were hammered by the mighty manhood and forward power of England and simply had no answer. They are on the long plane ride home, England advance but is it to meet France or New Zealand.

The mighty NZ All Blacks have looked invincible crushing all before them so far, however they are up against the French, the most enigmatic team in world Rugby. Disaster for Howardh, his boys are found wanting and join Aus on the long plane ride home, bad luck boys.

To paraphrase a famous Norwegian commentator when Norway beat England at soccer:

Rupert Murdoch, Kerry Packer, Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Rachel Hunter, the Australian guy who invented the rotary washing line, Kylie Minogue ...

your boys took one hell of a beating here tonight.

Who'd have believed it.

Neil.