Well swipe me down, a Northern Hemisphere semi final...

Now as much as I would have loved to see the AB's deservedly take home the biggest prize for being the best team in global rugby, I have to say I wasn't overly keen to come up against them in the semis; I hadn't actually given it too much thought on the basis that I figured we wouldn't get past Ozzy... The English media have over-hyped the abilities of the English pack for far too long, and only today have we seen them live up to their reputation... Well played Andrew Shiridan, Nick Easter et al... Now for the Frenchies!!!

I still long to see a world-class set of backs line up behind them of course, but at least we can be proud of the achievement and give 100% next week...

Whatever happens, English rugby can now look to the next 4-year cycle with a foundation on which they can build...