Remembering the 2007 Rugby World Cup

September is fast approaching and for local Rugby fans the month represents years of highly anticipated Rugby World Cup action on our fair shores. With the excitement almost palpable, Rugby fans would do well to look back at past Rugby World Cups to tide them over until September's competition. The 2007 Rugby World Cup saw more than its far share of excitement.

The drama came early when France was upset by a determined Argentinean team 17-12. France was not alone in their early struggles, as other traditional rugby powerhouses fought to find their footing in the early stages of the Cup. Plagued by the injury of star Jonny Wilkinson, England fell early to a daunting South African squad in an early Pool A clash. Also beset by injuries, the Australian team struggled early, but managed to come out atop Pool B.

In Pool A, Tonga delighted its devoted fans by defeating rival Samoa for the first time in seven years. Japan and Canada etched their names to the World Cup history books by recording only the second draw in Cup history when their pool match ended in a 12-12 tie. Fiji earned its first quarter final appearance in some twenty years with a stunning 38-34 defeat of Wales and Argentina added to their early victory over France by topping the tough Irish team 30-15 and winning Pool D.

The quarter finals saw the French upset tournament favorites New Zealand, the English narrowly defeat Australia, and South Africa and Argentina recording wins over Fiji and Scotland respectively. In the semis, England squeezed by the French squad 14-9 and the Argentinian team's luck finally running out against powerful South Africa.

In a repeat of their earlier Pool match, England faced South Africa in the Cup final, but fell short of victory and fell to their rivals 15-6. The South African squad will make their way to New Zealand to defend their title against a determined field of opponents in what is sure to be an equally thrilling 2011 Rugby World Cup.