England fly out
Rugby stars gather in France for RWC 2007
England fly out
By Sasha Distel September 3 2007
With just days to go to the big kick-off, the world's top rugby players are gathering in France with their national teams ready for the start of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. And while France will get full backing from their home fans, there will be no shortage of support for other teams.
England fly out
With just days to go to the big kick-off, the world's top rugby players are gathering in France with their national teams ready for the start of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. And while France will get full backing from their home fans, there will be no shortage of support for other teams.
Australia were made to feel at home when they held their first training session in Montpellier, a crowd of 8,000 turning out in searing heat to welcome the 2003 hosts.
There was even a rousing chorus of "Waltzing Matilda" - in a French accent - from the crowd as the Wallabies went through a session.
Winger Drew Mitchell said: "To get so many people here, no-one expected that at all. And to run out there and get the reception we did was fantastic."
And there was support for defending champions England from an unexpected source ... sacked former head coach Andy Robinson (right).
He says he believes his former team are certain to reach the semi-finals, and good bests to make the final itself.
England start their tournament against USA Eagles on Saturday, and Robinson told BBC Radio 5Live: "I've got a hunch about England.
"They will certainly get to the semis and, from there, they've got the one-off players to reach the final."
England are only ranked seventh in the world and are not regarded as one of the favourites, behind New Zealand, France, Australia, South Africa and Ireland in most World Cup betting lists.
Robinson added: "New Zealand will obviously start the tournament as favourites, with France also looking strong and you can never write off Australia.
"But I've got a feeling for England."
There was even a rousing chorus of "Waltzing Matilda" - in a French accent - from the crowd as the Wallabies went through a session.
Winger Drew Mitchell said: "To get so many people here, no-one expected that at all. And to run out there and get the reception we did was fantastic."
And there was support for defending champions England from an unexpected source ... sacked former head coach Andy Robinson (right).He says he believes his former team are certain to reach the semi-finals, and good bests to make the final itself.
England start their tournament against USA Eagles on Saturday, and Robinson told BBC Radio 5Live: "I've got a hunch about England.
"They will certainly get to the semis and, from there, they've got the one-off players to reach the final."
England are only ranked seventh in the world and are not regarded as one of the favourites, behind New Zealand, France, Australia, South Africa and Ireland in most World Cup betting lists.
Robinson added: "New Zealand will obviously start the tournament as favourites, with France also looking strong and you can never write off Australia.
"But I've got a feeling for England."
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