Cape Town - In this week’s ‘You said it!’, Sport24 readers discuss France’s mediocre Rugby World Cup, Australia’s exit from the tournament and Craig Joubert’s appointment to referee the final.

Zzzz...France flop into final

Consistent only for their rank mediocrity, France have become the first side to book their place in next Sunday’s RWC 2011 showpiece.

“I must say this will go down as one of the least exciting RWC's for me, with the only highlight being how some of the second tier and minnow teams upped their game. Other than that is a flop.” – The Prodigy

“I think this RWC will be remembered for the shocking performances from the referees more than anything else.” - Richard
 “Welcome to our world, Wales. Now they feel how we felt last Sunday.” – Louis Mare

“Sam Warburton - you silly, silly boy!” – Michael

“What a pathetic final it is going to be. Well done, IRB. Rugby is the loser.” – Christo

“It was technically the correct decision (under new dangerous tackle laws a spear tackle is straight red). You can't blame the ref here, you have to blame the law makers.” - Andrew


Was this the moment that the 2011 RWC became a complete flop? (AP)

Pocock policed, Oz to gallows

Many South Africans will feel some sense of justice with Australia’s semi-final exit from the World Cup at the hands of trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in Auckland on Sunday.

“It was fantastic to see Pocock's astonished face when he got blown up, not this week mate!” - Peter

“The look on Pocock's face... Absolutely Bryceless.” – ChrisRedl

“How average do you appear to be when you have to play within the rules. From hero to zero.” – Robs

“Unfair that Australia were forced to play the whole game with only 15 men. Last week against the Boks they were allowed 16.” - Rod

“The Springboks luckily won the Rugby World Cup in 2007 after avoiding the form teams due to freak results. Now the same thing has happened to New Zealand. The Rugby World Cup has become a farce.” - Fakmore


New Zealand have become overwhelming favourites to lift the Webb-Ellis trophy for only the second time in their history (AP)

Joubert to ref RWC final

South Africa's Craig Joubert will referee the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and France, the International Rugby Board (IRB) announced on Monday.

“What do you call a South African in the Rugby World Cup Final? - Answer: Referee.” – Fakmore

“That's interesting, out of our five World Cup appearances, we have either won the tournament in the final (twice) or had one of our referees handle it. It shows the class we have here in South Africa.” – Brett McDonald

“Congrats Craig Joubert, referee of the tournament so far.” – Craig

“At least there will be one South African who gets a World Cup Medal.” – Nathi

“Well Done Craig. Now please remember also to keep a watchful eye on Ritchie McCaw for his ‘borderline transgressions’ of the Laws. Make SA Proud. The World will be watching.” - Jay


Since re-admission South Africa has always had a representative in the final, be it as the team or the referee. (AFP)