The shocking setback that might encourage Wallabies supporters is “It’s not impossible.”.
Only two points were involved, but that was all England needed to defeat the Wallabies in the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match in France.
With under five minutes left, Wallaby Stephen Hoiles came off the bench as Australia fought valiantly for what might have been a tournament-changing three points in Marseille.
But England persisted.
With just under three minutes remaining, Stirling Mortlock missed what would have been the game-winning penalty, hooking his shot wide left.
As referee Alain Rolland called time on the Test at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, the pain, hurt, and frustration of losing in the quarterfinals started to set in.
But the rugby community began to pay attention to another big-budget film.
That night, in the second quarterfinal, France faced off against tournament favorites New Zealand, and that shocking result will live in infamy.
Hoiles recalls that outcome as “the only thing” that could cheer up Wallabies supporters on an otherwise difficult night when the All Blacks were eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Hoiles continued, “I played in the last World Cup in France in 2007, and we lost a quarterfinal to England.
It was depressing, and it seems like what you saw on the screen last week for the Wallabies.
The Australian fans’ enjoyment of watching the All Blacks lose to the French was the only thing that made them happy.
I won’t say that we are sitting here clapping for them.
“.
Hoiles compared the Wallabies’ “sombre” attitude to the current generation of Australian players, who were defeated by Wales 40-6 in a record World Cup defeat last weekend.
The Wallabies, who had earlier in the competition fallen to Fiji, are almost certain to exit pool play for the first time ever.
The All Blacks and Wallabies could, however, have their World Cup dreams dashed at the same stage of the competition, much like that event in France sixteen years ago.
New Zealand will almost certainly not advance to the quarterfinals if they are unable to defeat Italy on Friday night at Lyon’s OL Stadium, which is also the site of the Wallabies’ match against Wales.
“This Italian team is excellent.
This Italian team is arguably the best to have ever competed in a World Cup.
Over the past couple of years, they’ve had some significant victories in the Six Nations,” Hoiles continued.
“I do believe the All Blacks will be too good, but it’s not impossible for them to beat the All Blacks; the game is more evenly matched than it has ever been.
“.
