Sport 17-11-2003 England Kick For Glory who: England Rugby Team what: Beat France 24-7 in World Cup semi-final where: Sydney when: Yesterday snippet: "Rising to the occasion as they promised they would, England confidently booked their place yesterday on the biggest stage of all," says The Guardian`s Robert Kitson after Jonny Wilkinson kicked every point to beat the French 24-7 in the Rugby World Cup semi-final. "Contrary to most pre-match forecasts it will be Martin Johnson`s men who face Australia in Saturday`s final. Rain or shine, an epic collision awaits." Australia beat New Zealand 22-10 on Saturday to set up the dream final. "The French contributed to their own demise with ill discipline and poor handling in wet conditions and its backrow and backline critical in making France the form team of the tournament were nullified," says The Indpendent`s report. "Wilkinson won the critical flyhalf duel with 21-year-old Frederic Michalak, who went into the semi-final as the tournament`s leading scorer but missed four shots at goal and was off target with his tactical kicking before he was replaced in the 64th minute." The Mirror says Jonny`s mum, Philippa, couldn`t watch. "Everyone handles these things in their own way - I just go out for the day," she says, from her home in Corbridge, Northumberland. "My husband watches and he lets me know Jonny is OK. I actually found out the score today by text message from him. I was out in the countryside enjoying the sunshine, and I will watch the match now that I know the score." [... more]

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