Aussies think it's all over ................................though England have just begun

[josie andrews]

WANTED. One engraver. Must be able to spell the word Australia. Apply Rugby League World Cup organising committee. Poms need not apply.

To say that the host nation's 30-6 victory over New Zealand has put an extra spring in the step of the already chipper Australian media is putting it mildly. Not since the battle of the Somme has there been such a hysterical outbreak of going over the top.

'Nothing is going to stop Australia now' screamed the two-page headline in the Sydney Daily Telegraph after Australia had run five tries past the hapless Kiwis, while The Australian headlined its match report with 'Fears of a World Cup cakewalk.'

The Sydney Morning Herald went one further by stating categorically in its editorial that "the World Cup is already over as a contest. After England, the third favourites, struggled to beat the might of Papua New Guinea the tournament needed New Zealand to stand-up and be counted. It didn't happen.

"Anything can happen but the Kiwis haven't got it in them to win this event and they were almost a more likely threat than the Poms."

The Telegraph also opined that "it is difficult to deny that the tournament is a foregone conclusion" while veteran columnist Ray Chesterton wrote that "if the Kangaroos comfortably beat England, the only other competitive side in the series, this weekend in Melbourne the engraver can start writing Australia 2008 on the giant silver World Cup."

Chesterton did state that although Australia's win was clear cut, it was "(not) so comprehensive that the rest of the tournament field might be spooked."

There was little sign of fear in the England camp yesterday, nor much indication of a lack of competitiveness at Parramatta, where the English media outnumbered the locals by a significant margin for the hugely enjoyable match between Ireland and Tonga.

"That's the best match I've seen all season," declared one Aussie journalist, a view unlikely to be shared by Morning Herald contributor Jessica Halloran, who gave the poor old Poms a gong they could do without.

"Villains – The Poms. Yes, you've made it all very boring – again. If only England had lost to Papua New Guinea on Saturday night – as appeared could be the case at half-time – then the Rugby League World Cup could have become a bit interesting."

Poor old England. Slaughtered because of the way they won; crucified for not having had the decency to lose.

Just imagine what nonsense they'll write should the Poms – still ranked third in the world despite having beaten the
Kiwis 3-0 last autumn,a result which appears to have passed this most insular of nations by – come good this weekend or, heaven forbid, in the final.


http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/rugby-le ... 4634671.jp

How arrogant can one country/team be :sly:

[platt-warrior]

Don't worry Josie it's all part of the Aussie wind-up it may all backfire

[THE 18th Man]

Dont worry, the Australians know that they cant beat us without trying to put us off, it didnt work last time and wont work again.