David Giffin was as happy as anyone to see the Wallabies beat England last Sunday (AEDT), perhaps more so considering that while he was a member of the 1999 World Cup-winning Australian side, he was also in the team that lost the 2003 final in Sydney to England to a Jonny Wilkinson drop goal in extra time.
But as the English rugby team continues to face criticism for its imminent World Cup exit after its last pool game against Uruguay at Manchester on Sunday (AEDT), Giffin has some compassion for the under siege England squad. "It's disappointing," said Giffin of the public judgment of England this week.
Asked if he felt England supporters would rally behind the team against Uruguay, Giffin said: "I'm sure the guys who participated are absolutely gutted. I am surprised they are out at such an early stage. [They are] coping with enormous disappointment, but you'd hope they would get a fair go from fans and supporters."
The former Test lock admits he was a little worried about Australia's chances in the World Cup before it began, with them drawn in the 'pool of death' with England, Wales, Fiji and Uruguay. "I was certainly very nervous going into it, given how the pool had fallen and what they had to do to get through," said Giffin. But he felt after their wins against Fiji and Uruguay that "they were outstanding" against England.
Giffin joined the praise for the Wallabies scrum, saying: "They have come a very long way just in 12 months. From the scrummaging effort on the spring tour last year to where they are today, it's chalk and cheese. They have gone a very long way to dispelling concerns around their scrum from the opposition."
It's not all black
A lot is being said – and possibly a tad prematurely - about the world No.1 All Blacks and their unconvincing yet undefeated performances in pool C with Namibia, Argentina and Georgia. However, as Japan coach Eddie Jones said after his side beat South Africa, tier 1 teams like the Springboks and All Blacks aim to peak in the finals. Or as All Blacks coach Steve Hansen interestingly explained this week, he has limited the playing options for his team in pool games to keep them secret for the finals. Believe what you will, former Wallabies flanker Phil Waugh thinks the best is yet to come from the 1987 and 2011 World Cup winners, saying: "They're thinking about getting through to the finals and the end of October, not September. Whilst they have been rusty – and they'd be the first to admit it – when it gets to the big stage, that's when these guys step up. They believe that's what they'll do. I don't think they are too concerned."
What's doing Wallabies?
Training free day … welcome freedom midway into a tense World Cup. For Matt Toomua, a chance to indulge in his love of coffee? He's been known to visit five cafes in a day in search of the perfect blend
Making news
'Japan sets Rugby World Cup record TV audience with 25m viewers,' – The Cherry Blossoms continue to succeed on and off field reports stuff.co.nz on their national television audience for their 26-5 win over Samoa on Saturday night (AEDT)
'England slip to eighth in world rankings following exit from Rugby World Cup,' – The bad news just keeps coming for crestfallen England in theguardian.com
They said it
Irish back Johnny Sexton in The Irish Times on how Michael Cheika was able to turn around the fortunes of his Irish club Leinster, and then the Waratahs and Wallabies: "Because everyone's probably scared shitless of him, if I was being honest. He knows his rugby as well, he's a very clever guy, but he does have that presence where he's a pretty scary guy when you get on the wrong side of him."
What to Watch
Wednesday/overnight: Canada v Romania – Leicester (2.45am AEDT), Fiji v Uruguay – Milton Keynes (6am AEDT)
Thursday/overnight: South Africa v USA – London (2.45am AEDT), Namibia v Georgia – Exeter (6am AEDT)
