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Rugby World Cup 2007
New Zealand vs Portugal
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<blockquote data-quote="Gay-Guy" data-source="post: 145219"><p>I thoroughly enjoyed this game.</p><p></p><p>Portugal played with a passion that did not diminish for the entire 80 minutes. They did not give up at all despite the scoreline and despite their fitness. They played liked their LIVES depended on it. In a way I suppose they realised this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and that they may never ever get the chance to do it again...that they were making history. So they played as men who were worthy to have such an opportunity. They truly desevered to be on that field.</p><p></p><p>The All Blacks also gave a performance that was deserved of the Portugese....they did not play touch rugby and simply spread it wide at every opportunity and go sideline to sideline. Instead they played the structure they normally play and treated this game as a true international by hitting the midfield target before shifting it quickly on the second phase. They also kept Portugal honest by working the pick and go moves a few times before spreading it wide. When they were in their 22 they kicked for territory using Evans. So Portugal experienced playing against the structure the top international teams would employ when they play each other rather than the touch rugby style that top teams are tempted to use whenever they play a minnow. In this regard I think the AB's showed Portugal great respect by playing the game professionally</p><p></p><p>It was however the end of game proceedings that really got my attention. The way both teams stayed at the ground well after the final whistle and applauded their fans in the French heat spoke volumes of the spirit this game was played in</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Gay-Guy, post: 145219"] I thoroughly enjoyed this game. Portugal played with a passion that did not diminish for the entire 80 minutes. They did not give up at all despite the scoreline and despite their fitness. They played liked their LIVES depended on it. In a way I suppose they realised this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and that they may never ever get the chance to do it again...that they were making history. So they played as men who were worthy to have such an opportunity. They truly desevered to be on that field. The All Blacks also gave a performance that was deserved of the Portugese....they did not play touch rugby and simply spread it wide at every opportunity and go sideline to sideline. Instead they played the structure they normally play and treated this game as a true international by hitting the midfield target before shifting it quickly on the second phase. They also kept Portugal honest by working the pick and go moves a few times before spreading it wide. When they were in their 22 they kicked for territory using Evans. So Portugal experienced playing against the structure the top international teams would employ when they play each other rather than the touch rugby style that top teams are tempted to use whenever they play a minnow. In this regard I think the AB's showed Portugal great respect by playing the game professionally It was however the end of game proceedings that really got my attention. The way both teams stayed at the ground well after the final whistle and applauded their fans in the French heat spoke volumes of the spirit this game was played in [/QUOTE]
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Rugby World Cup 2007
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