.... and tonight, it's our turn.:laugh3:

 

To lose?

 

Didn't expect England to beat the Aussies.

Next Saturday, ENG-FRAN

What a day of upsets! I wonder what the odds were on there being a France-England semi? Somebody could have been rich!!:stunned:

VIVE LA FRANCE, merci les BLEUS!!! :lol:

 

[ATTACH]24177[/ATTACH]

 

(j'ai repris le drapeau, car il m'a fait rire ce gugusse! Merci...)

France seal famous win over NZ

 

 

New Zealand (13) 18

Try: McAlister, So'oialo

Pens: Carter (2)

Cons: Carter

 

France (3) 20

Try: Dusautoir, Jauzion

Pens: Beauxis (2)

Cons: Beauxis, Elissalde

 

France set up a World Cup semi-final with England after a stunning win over hot favourites New Zealand in Cardiff.

 

The All Blacks dominated the first half but only had Luke McAlister's try to show for it, with Lionel Beauxis's penalty being France's lone score.

 

After McAlister was sin-binned early in the second half, Thierry Dusautoir took advantage to score and level the game.

 

Rodney So'oialo's try restored New Zealand's lead before Yannick Jauzion scored France's match-winning try.

 

France made their intentions clear by staring down the New Zealand haka before kick-off, but the early loss of Serge Betsen, knocked out cold in a fourth-minute ruck, disrupted their plans.

 

Dan Carter's early penalty put New Zealand ahead and it looked like a try was sure to follow when McAlister ran straight through the French defensive line minutes later.

 

But a brilliant tackle by Vincent Clerc forced Ali Williams's feet into touch as he tried to go over in the corner.

 

That McAlister cameo showed just what a threat he was, though, and it was not long before that threat was converted into points.

 

Carter's expertly-timed pass sent Sale's new recruit through the French defence once again and he flew over after swapping passes with Jerry Collins.

 

Another Carter penalty extended the lead as France failed to live up to their pre-match theatrics with any positive action.

 

They chose not to run the ball out of defence in the first half-hour and only had one Beauxis penalty on the board at the break.

 

But the game turned just after the restart, when McAlister was sin-binned for deliberate obstruction on Jauzion as he chased Beauxis's kick-through.

 

France's backs finally sprung into life as a meaningful attacking force, Dusautoir finding a way through on the right to touch down behind the posts.

 

So'oialo slid under several challenges to claim New Zealand's second try and restore the lead, but the introduction of Frederic Michalak had instant effect as France promptly went ahead for the first time.

 

Damien Traille fed the fly-half, whose burst of speed took him away from the chasing New Zealand players before he off-loaded to Jauzion to touch down.

 

Jean-Baptiste Elissalde's conversion put France on top and, inspiring comparisons with their legendary 1999 semi-final win over the All Blacks, they held on for a famous win.

 

New Zealand's defeat meant they failed to reach the semi-final for the first time in World Cup history.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

New Zealand: MacDonald, Rokocoko, Muliaina, McAlister, Sivivatu, Carter, Kelleher; Woodcock, Oliver, Hayman, Robinson, Williams, Collins, McCaw (capt), So'oialo.

Replacements: Hore, Tialata, Jack, Masoe , Leonard, Evans, Toeava.

 

France: Traille, Clerc, Marty, Jauzion, Heymans, Beauxis, Elissalde; Milloud, Ibanez (capt), De Villiers, Pelous, Thion, Betsen, Dusautoir, Bonnaire.

Replacements: Szarzewski, Poux, Chabal, Harinordoquy, Michalak, Dominici, Poitrenaud.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7030471.stm

Scotland v Argentina (Sun)

 

 

Scotland v Argentina

Stade de France, Paris

Sunday, 7 October

Kick-off: 2000 BST

Live on BBC Radio 5live and the BBC Sport website

 

Scotland are targeting a second World Cup semi-final spot when they meet Argentina in Paris on Sunday.

 

But the Pumas, who have never reached the last four, start as favourites, having beaten France and Ireland to top their qualifying section.

 

Both sides are unchanged from their previous outings, with Argentina's leading points scorer, Felipe Contepomi, recovering from a flu bug.

 

Scottish full-back Rory Lamont is fit after an awkward fall against Italy.

 

Argentina are ranked the fourth best side in the world and have beaten Scotland in their last five meetings, the most recent a 23-19 win at Murrayfield in 2005.

 

And the Pumas will be happy to return to the Stade de France, scene of their sensational victory over hosts France in the tournament's opening match.

 

It is also the club home ground for prop Rodrigo Roncero, fly-half Juan Martin Fernandez and full-back Ignacio Corleto, while captain Agustin Pichot also has years of experience with Stade de France.

 

Scotland head coach Frank Hadden has been impressed by Argentina but believes his side will raise their game.

 

"The Pumas are probably the most experienced side in this World Cup," Hadden said.

 

"They play like a club side. Speed is the key to their success.

 

"That's one of their strengths, but I think we have a pack now who are capable of delivering the kind of ball we could only dream about two years ago.

 

"I expect us to improve every time we play. I certainly expect us to step up this time."

 

With Argentina relying chiefly on a powerful pack, Scotland are sure to turn to their impressive kicking game.

 

The Scots are yet to miss a penalty attempt in the competition, with Chris Paterson in fine form, while fly-half Dan Parks has done well with the boot from open play.

 

Pumas coach Marcelo Loffreda has assembled a formidable side and they brushed aside Ireland 30-15 last Sunday.

 

However, Loffreda is anticipating a tight affair against Scotland, who have been efficient if unspectacular so far.

 

"We think Scotland will be tougher than Ireland," said the 48-year-old.

 

"Scotland have a great defence - it is very similar to that of the French.

 

"Those two teams have coaches with similar origins and it will be difficult to find gaps.

 

"We will have to improve our line-out. And we will have to improve our discipline in our forward confrontations to avoid conceding penalties."

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7030460.stm

i can't believe NZ is out....and Australia too......France-England will be a great semifinal....

 

anyway i want to ask you if someone will come to Rome to see ITA v ENG or ITA-SCO for the 6 nations......i'll go there:), i booked the tickets yet;).....will be nice to meet some coldplayrugby fan:P

People actually like rugby... well I'll be damned. :\

We'll see next Saturday what will happen eventually. One never knows. England plays pretty well I must admit.

:)

we are the best " allez les bleus allez les bleus:dance:" lol

All Blacks are out now

and after maybe England

Maybe, not sure though. Next saturday, I'll watch the match in front of the main city-hall in Paris. I want to join this great atmosphere. Already today it was crowded because they have put a huge screen. Today i saw Scottish people in the street. Their match will occur tonight.

Maybe, not sure though. Next saturday, I'll watch the match in front of the main city-hall in Paris. I want to join this great atmosphere. Already today it was crowded because they have put a huge screen. Today i saw Scottish people in the street. Their match will occur tonight.

 

Last time Paris did that the city lost out on the 2012 Olympics. Bit of a risk if you ask me!!:rolleyes:

what's going on??? i'm very puzzled at all these way out results

what's going on??? i'm very puzzled at all these way out results

 

Do you suspect the influence of an Asian betting syndicate??:rolleyes:

I'll go near the main city-hall for fun and for the great atmosphere otherwise i'll watch the game on tv but it will be different. I have a good sofa whereas i'll have to sit on the ground (no seat over there !).

At least South Africa didn't lose to Fiji, beating them 37-20

Yes, I have seen the match. They played very well.

South Africa clinch Fiji thriller

 

South Africa were made to work for the full 80 minutes

 

South Africa (13) 37

Tries: Fourie, Smit, Pietersen, Smith, James

Cons: Montgomery (3)

Pens: Steyn, Mongtomery

 

Fiji (3) 20

Tries: Delasau, Bobo

Cons: Bai (2)

Pens: Bai (2)

 

South Africa edged an absorbing clash with the exciting Fijians 37-20 to book a World Cup semi-final place.

 

The Springbok forwards laid a platform for total domination and South Africa romped to a 20-6 lead in Marseille, but the Fiji backs had other ideas.

 

Two Fijian tries in two second-half minutes levelled the game at 20-20 before South Africa crept ahead.

 

Juan Smith and Butch James added to earlier tries from Jaque Fourie, John Smit and JP Pietersen.

 

South Africa will travel to Paris to play either Argentina or Scotland next Sunday.

 

The Springboks made a thunderous start but Fiji were let off the hook when Montgomery's early penalty bounced back off the posts.

 

A change of kicker saw Steyn make amends shortly after but Fiji emerged more or less intact from the early Springbok forward barrage and demonstrated their intent to play fast and loose.

 

It almost paid off, too, when Fiji pressed deep into Springbok territory and charged down Steyn's attempted clearance, only for Rabeni to knock-on in midfield.

 

But South Africa were playing a controlled game and by sticking to their plan of patient forward effort they rumbled back down the other end and went close when Juan Smith was held up on the line.

 

But the threat remained and they soon worked in centre Fourie for a try in the left corner.

 

Montgomery missed his conversion and Fiji, sparked by the spiky scrum-half and captain Mosese Rauluni, eventually established a foothold with a Seremaia Bai penalty after Bakkies Botha had illegally felled blind-side Semisi Naevo in the line-out.

 

The green machine renewed normal service soon after and a bullocking run from Botha led to a period of intense Springbok pressure, leading to a simple push-over try from skipper Smit.

 

Another score early in the second-half from South Africa might have extinguished Fijian hopes, but it was the Pacific Islanders who narrowed the gap when Bryan Habana held onto the ball and Bai stroked three points.

 

For the first time the Springboks looked rattled, and Fiji went for the jugular with a stunning move orchestrated by, among others, the livewire Rauluni.

 

But maddeningly, for those hoping for a repeat of Saturday's underdog heroics, South Africa turned over the ball and romped upfield before eventually conjuring a good score in the right corner for Pietersen.

 

Fiji suffered a further blow when Seru Rabeni was sin-binned for a late tackle on James earlier in the move. And that seemed to be that.

 

But out of nowhere, Fiji left wing Vilimoni Delasau chipped over the head of Montgomery and won the race to touch down the ball.

 

That seemed to light some sort of magic touch paper and from the restart, Fiji full-back Norman Ligairi broke through the South African defence and set off upfield.

 

The languid Fijians are deceptive movers and the pacy Rauluni took the ball on and offloaded brilliantly to Sireli Bobo, who used his momentum to crash over.

 

Bai's conversion levelled the scores, but South Africa edged back in front when a Fijian infringement during a driving maul gave Montgomery a cheap three-pointer.

 

But the increasingly tense drama was set for more twists. First, Fijian hooker Sunia Koto was held up inches short, before lock Ifereimi Rawaqa was denied a try by the desperate lunge of Pietersen as he dived for the line.

 

And to Fiji's dismay, the South African forwards punished them heavily when they muscled their way to the Fijian line for Smith to touch down.

 

Tempers flared in a fraught final 10 minutes when South Africa set up camp on Fiji's line.

 

The Springboks squandered two scoring chances when Schalk Burger and Fourie du Preez fumbled over the line but with the time almost up, James dived over to seal the win.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

South Africa: Percy Montgomery, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Francois Steyn, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Fourie du Preez, Dannie Roussouw, Juan Smit, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, CJ van der Linde, John Smit, Os du Randt

Replacements: Gary Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp, Jannie du Plessis, Johann Muller, Wikus van Heerden, Ruan Pienaar, Wynand Olivier, Andre Pretorius.

 

Fiji: Norman Ligairi; Vilimoni Delasau, Kameli Raturou, Seru Rabeni, Sireli Bobo, Seremaia Bai, Mosese Rauluni, Sisa Koyamaibole, Akapusi Qera, Semisi Naevo, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Kele Leawere, Henry Qiodravu, Sunia Koto, Graham Dewes Replacements: Bill Gaddo, Jone Railomo, Aca Ratuva, Wame Lewaravu, Jone Daunivucu, Gabby Lovobalavu

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7029687.stm

It was a sad day when we lost to France,cant believe it happened!!!!

 

Although it was kind of on the back of people's minds that it would happen...

all i know is that my own national sorrow is healed by reading new zealnd newspaper's online, the stuff is hilarious.

 

still i can't imagine the wallabies without gregan or larkham. they will be sorely missed

Argentina edge battling Scotland

 

 

Argentina (13) 19

Tries: Longo

Cons: F Contepomi

Pens: F Contepomi (3)

Drop-goal: Hernandez

 

Scotland (6) 13

Tries: Cusiter

Cons: Paterson

Pens: Parks, Paterson

 

Argentina powered their way into the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time after winning a war of attrition with Scotland in Paris.

 

The Scots went ahead with a monster penalty from Dan Parks, but Felipe Contepomi replied twice for the Pumas.

 

Gonzalo Longo then charged down a Parks kick and pounced on the loose ball to score and give Argentina control.

 

Chris Cusiter squirmed over in reply for Scotland after the break, but the Pumas held on for a nervous victory.

 

 

Interview: Scotland's Chris Patterson

 

Argentina, who also reached the quarter-finals in 1999, will now face South Africa in the semi-final in Paris next Sunday.

 

And defeat for Scotland meant there will be no Six Nations treble following surprise wins for England and France on Saturday.

 

Both sides went into the game unchanged, but the Argentines had been more impressive in disposing of Ireland in their last match than the Scots were in a stuffy win over Italy.

 

And, while both sides traded high up and unders during a cagey opening, it was the Pumas who made the better catches and the greater ground when the passes started to flow.

 

However, fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez missed a drop-goal attempt, while Contepomi sliced wide a penalty.

 

And, from the restart, an Argentine infringement gave Parks an opportunity of his own.

 

The fly-half's kick from just inside the opposition half crept over the crossbar to put the Scots in front.

 

Scotland had to withstand a series of Argentine attacks and eventually conceded a penalty after a high tackle on Hernandez by Nathan Hines.

 

Contepomi made no mistake this time from straight in front of the posts to level the scores.

 

And the Pumas went ahead after 28 minutes when he kicked from a tighter angle after Rory Lamont was trapped after hesitating while calling for a mark that the referee failed to award.

 

It got worse for Scotland when Parks' kick was charged down by Longo and the number eight won the race for the ball that squirmed towards the try line.

 

Contepomi's conversion put Argentina in control, but Chris Paterson maintained his 100% record with the boot as Scotland replied by winning a penalty in front of the posts.

 

However, the Scots conceded another penalty within seconds of the restart for an infringement in the ruck and Contepomi slotted over a simple kick.

 

Replacement Andy Henderson won a penalty for Scotland, but Parks fluffed his long-range effort.

 

And Hernandez made it 19-6 after 54 minutes when his own superb kick for touch gave him room for a fine drop-goal.

 

Scotland surged back into the game when replacement scrum-half Cusiter finished off in the corner after a thrilling passing move.

 

The Scots piled forward in search of another score and looked likely to craft a patient forward try before Parks' ill-founded cross kick went straight into touch-in-goal with about a minute left.

 

They were given one final chance to score when the experienced Pichot tried to run down the last seconds in his 22, only to concede a late scrum.

 

But a Scotland knock-on heralded the final whistle to shatter their dreams and kick-start the Argentine party.

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Argentina: Corleto, Borges, M. Contepomi, F. Contepomi, Agulla, Martin Hernandez, Pichot, Roncero, Ledesma, Scelzo, C. Fernandez Lobbe, Albacete, Ostiglia, J. Fernandez Lobbe, Longo Elia.

Replacements: Senillosa for M. Contepomi (67), Hasan for Scelzo (57), Kairelis for C. Fernandez Lobbe (51), Leguizamon for Ostiglia (55). Not Used: Basualdo, Fernandez Miranda, Todeschini.

 

Scotland: R. Lamont, S. Lamont, Webster, Dewey, Paterson, Parks, Blair, Kerr, Ford, E. Murray, Hines, Hamilton, White, Hogg, Taylor.

Replacements: Southwell for R. Lamont (68), Henderson for Dewey (41), Cusiter for Blair (56), Smith for Kerr (56), S. Lawson for Ford (68), MacLeod for Hamilton (56), Brown for Hogg (56).

 

Att: 75,000

 

Ref: J Jutge (France).

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7030460.stm

Wilkinson calms kicking concerns

 

Wilkinson practises on Thursday at the Stade de France

 

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is unfazed at concerns over his kicking ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France on Saturday.

Wilkinson, 28, has a success rate of 62.5% in the tournament, which is well below his usual standard, with the balls being used also questioned.

 

"At the moment, I am doing the best I can," said 28-year-old Wilkinson.

 

"For me that will always be good enough as I know the work I am putting in in preparation for these big games."

 

He added: "My whole ethos has been never to blame your tools and I would have had nothing to say were it not for the fact that it had been mentioned that there were people struggling with the balls.

 

"My response was that they are a little bit different, take a little bit of getting used to and sometimes they do things that you are not quite sure about.

 

"We had an opportunity to kick with the match balls on Thursday.

 

"That's fantastic for getting used to them and, hopefully, giving us a better shot at knocking a few more over."

 

Wilkinson has been cited as a threat by French coach Bernard Laporte but the England fly-half is also wary about the danger the competition hosts pose.

 

"The great strength is that France have this amazing ability to just win at the moment," said Wilkinson.

 

"I think that comes from a huge and well justified self-belief and confidence.

 

"It comes from having all the strengths from one to 15 and that means having the ability to stamp on the game any gameplan and be able to change it at any time.

 

"With the quality of players to come off the bench they also have an ability to cause a huge impact at some point too.

 

"I guess it gives them a huge amount of strength on the mental side as well as knowing there is very little they cannot deal with.

 

"That comes from having a huge power up front, great pace out in the backs and a very talented decision-making core."

 

But Wilkinson insists the England players are making sure they prepare themselves to the height of their powers in readiness for the match.

 

"If anything we are working harder and harder and there are a lot of honest guys who are giving everything to this," he said.

 

"You want to give it your best shot and walk off the field knowing that if you had your chance again you would do exactly the same."

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/7040434.stm

Betsen takes place in France team

 

Betsen was in the stands for most of France's win over the All Blacks

 

Serge Betsen has been named in France's team for the World Cup semi-final against England despite suffering a head injury in the quarter-final.

The flanker lasted just five minutes against New Zealand before sustaining a heavy blow to the back of his head.

 

Coach Bernard Laporte has named the same starting XV and replacements who featured against the All Blacks for Saturday's game with England.

 

Prop Olivier Milloud, who hurt his neck against New Zealand, is fit to play.

 

One of the biggest issues was who should start at fly-half - Lionel Beauxis, who has started the last two games, Frederic Michalak, who turned the game against New Zealand after coming on as a replacement, or David Skrela.

 

But Laporte admitted it would have been hard to make any changes to the team that beat the tournament favourites in such thrilling fashion in the quarter-final.

 

"All the players gave us satisfaction against New Zealand and that made it very difficult for us to take somebody out," he said.

 

Laporte insisted Betsen was completely fit to play, despite having looked extremely groggy as he was helped from the pitch in Cardiff.

 

"He's passed all the medical tests. If we'd had the slightest doubt, we wouldn't have picked Serge," he said.

 

Saturday's game at the Stade de France will be the fourth time the teams have played one another this year.

 

England won the Six Nations encounter at Twickenham 26-18, but France won both pre-tournament warm-up encounters, 21-15 at Twickenham and 22-9 in France.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

France team to face England at Stade de France:

D Traille; V Clerc, D Marty, Y Jauzion, C Heymans; L Beauxis, J-B Elissalde; O Milloud, R Ibanez (capt), P de Villiers, F Pelous, J Thion, S Betsen, T Dusautoir, J Bonnaire. Replacements: J-B Poux, D Szarzewski, S Chabal, I Harinordoquy, F Michalak, C Dominici, C Poitrenaud.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7035303.stm

England unchanged for semi-final

 

Catt keeps his place after a strong performance against Australia

 

England coach Brian Ashton has named an unchanged team for Saturday's World Cup semi-final against France in Paris.

 

After a series of injuries he finally had a full squad from which to pick for this game, but has gone for the same XV and replacements who beat Australia.

 

Centre Andy Farrell, who was forced out of the quarter-final team, is fit but his stand-in Mike Catt keeps his place.

 

Flanker Lewis Moody was the only worry with a sore shoulder but he has recovered sufficiently to play.

 

Ashton admitted it made a pleasant change being able to pick the same team two games in a row, but said they would have to produce a different kind of performance to beat France than they did to beat Australia in the quarter-finals.

 

"It certainly makes a difference. The 22 out there last week more than merit another shot at it this week," he said.

 

"We need to improve in all areas, we know that. I can't imagine we will catch France off-guard in the same way we caught Australia off-guard."

 

The decision to go with an unchanged squad means Andy Farrell, who was originally picked for the Australia game, does not even make it to bench, with Mike Catt and Toby Flood in line ahead of him.

 

"Mike took his chance last week, simple as that. It was a very, very difficult decision," he said.

 

"Toby came on with 18 minutes to go in a hot pressure situation and I thought he handled himself exceptionally well in all areas of the game."

 

England will be led out by Jason Robinson, who is winning his 50th cap.

 

"This is what I came out of retirement for. It is a massive, massive game," said the 33-year-old former Sale player, who is retiring from all rugby after the tournament.

 

Ashton, who coached Robinson when he left rugby league for Bath, said: "He is a remarkable player and I am delighted he came out of retirement.

 

England and France have met three times in previous World Cups, England emerging 19-10 winners in a violent quarter-final in 1991 in Paris, and 24-7 in the semi-finals four years ago.

 

France won the 1995 third place play-off between the teams 19-9.

 

England won this year's Six Nations encounter, but the French recorded back-to-back wins over England in pre-tournament warm-up games.

 

Like Ashton, French coach Bernard Laporte has named the same starting XV and bench that won their quarter-final, against New Zealand.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

England Robinson; Sackey, Tait, Catt, Lewsey; Wilkinson, Gomarsall; Sheridan, Regan, Vickery (capt), Shaw, Kay, Corry, Moody, Easter. Replacements: Chuter, Stevens, Dallaglio, Worsley, Richards, Flood, Hipkiss.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/7033189.stm

Le Crunch: Millions set to tune in for England's titanic rugby clash with France

 

By MICHAEL SEAMARK and PETER ALLEN - More by this author » Last updated at 08:52am on 13th October 2007 Comments (4)

A cross-channel invasion was under way last night as English supporters poured into France for a rugby battle royal.

Travelling by train, boat and plane, a vast army of fans descended on Paris in a fervour of patriotism that invoked the spirit of Agincourt.

Up to 50,000 English fans will be present for the World Cup semi-final confrontation, hoping their team can repeat their 24-7 thumping of France in the same fixture in Sydney four years ago.

Scroll down for more...

Le crunch time: An army of fans are flocking to Paris tonight

 

Read more...

• On the day of Le Crunch between England and France, meet the REAL men of sport

 

The scramble for seats in the Stade de France saw tickets changing hands on the black market for as much as £2,000.

Jonny Wilkinson during Friday's training session

 

Ten million more were expected to be cheering on Jonny Wilkinson and the boys on TV.

It will be a bumper day of TV sport, with the BBC showing the England football team's European Championship qualifier against Estonia at Wembley at 3pm and Sky following our cricketers in Sri Lanka.

The sale of widescreen TVs has jumped by ten per cent in the past week.

Pubs are predicting customer numbers will swell by around nine million compared to a normal Saturday, with beer sales jumping from 22million pints to a predicted 30million.

Asda expects beer sales to double on last weekend.

ITV1, which is showing the Rugby match live at 8pm, believes its viewing figures will easily eclipse the six million who saw last weekend's shock quarterfinal triumph over Australia in Marseilles.

The bookies are not convinced of England's chances. William Hill make France 2/7 odds-on favourites to claim a place in the final against South Africa or Argentina, with England at 5/2.

But that hasn't deterred the fans. Ferry companies, airlines and Eurostar all reported a vast surge in ticket sales.

Scroll down for more...

Rugby Fever: A Birmingham restaurant will be serving a special 'Rugby Curry' on a plate shape like a rugby ball, ahead of tonight's game

 

Brian Rees, a spokesman for P&O, said: "As soon as the whistle blew on the quarter final our bookings jumped.

 

"It's not just those going to the game. Many without tickets just want to get over there and find a bar and watch the game somewhere close by."

A Eurostar spokesman said: "We are taking around 28,000 passengers to Paris this weekend and that's about 40 per cent up on the same weekend last year.

"We have laid on four extra trains, two of those on Saturday, which in total will give us 3,000 extra seats.

"And it's not just England fans who are travelling with us. There's a huge French ex-pat community in London and many are going over for the match."

 

British Airways reported full flights from London to Paris and virtually every private jet in the South East of England has been commandeered by fans rich enough to travel in style.

English fans may outnumber their French rivals in the stadium.

They are snapping up spare tickets far quicker than locals, many being offered by Australian and New Zealand fans whose package deals provided tickets assuming their teams would be in the semis.

"The vast majority are going to England fans," said New Zealander Brett Adams, who had a row of ten to sell at five times face value.

"It's the English who have the passion and the money - they're the ones we are doing business with."

Even the French are selling tickets. "I'd rather make a bit of money and then watch the game on television," said student Philippe Brand, 24, who sold his £250 tickets for £700.

 

A giant screen has been erected at London's O2 Arena, where up to 5,000 fans will be cheering the rugby team on.

But in Rugby, where William Webb Ellis reputedly invented the game in 1823, plans by the town council to erect a giant screen to show the semi-finals have been dashed.

Police in the Warwickshire town told councillors they had safety concerns with so many people gathering in one place.

 

Don't forget the football: England coach Steve McClaren and Steven Gerrard gear up for Saturday's European Championship qualifier against Estonia