Mike Catt Q&A - Soundbites - Rugby- Sport

Mike Catt answers your Rugby World Cup questions

Mike Catt's World Cup Q&A is now closed. See his answers to all your questions below.

iona from dundee:

Oct 8, 14:38

As a Scot and having a sister who has dual Scottish/Austrailan nationality i wanted Austraila to win. However i felt england thoroughly deserved to win on Saturday! It looked like Austraila didn't want it as much as england did, wouldn't you agree?

Mike Catt:

*I can't speak for Australia but we were certainly up for it and knew we could win if we stuck to our game plan and played to our strengths. The pack was absolutely unbelievable and it took me back to the France game in the 2003 semi-final where our forwards blew the French forwards away. I haven't seen a scrummaging performance like that from an International side in a long time. They were all immense and defensively we were good at the break down. I think we dominated almost every facet of the game and could have won by even more.
DOUG from HERTS:

Oct 8, 14:16

HI MIKE WHAT HAPPENED TO JWILKINSonS KICKING on SATURDAY

Mike Catt:

Jonny did miss a couple but he's been fantastic all the way through. You'd have to ask a kicker but players have complained about this World Cup ball, including Dan Carter. It has a slightly smaller sweet spot and a couple of occasions where Jonny has kicked it perfectly and it looks like it's going straight through the middle of the sticks, it's drifted off at the last moment.
Aaron from Bedfordshire:

Oct 8, 10:43

Since France and England know each other pretty well and so far this year France have already beaten England, where do you believe England are stronger than France and what do England have to do to stop France from playing?

Mike Catt:

As Brian Ashton said recently, we know we should have beaten France at Twickenham and we played poorly in Marseille. We've certainly come a long way since then and have a game plan against the French. They're a great side and I'm sure it will be a great match.
Wes from Gloucester:

Oct 8, 07:34

Has this World Cup told us anything about investment and world cup preparation?

Mike Catt:

Good question Wes. Unfortunately, we have not had the preparation we enjoyed in 2003 as a result of the Heineken Cup, untimely injuries and the tour to South Africa. One thing it does tell you is that time together is vital to gel a team and we're only just starting to see the fruits of this pay off after spending time together over the last month or so.
Michael U from Belfast:

Oct 7, 11:14

As a Paddy I'm biased, but on the last few years form I expected Wales and Ireland to be the strongest of the home nations,would you agree and what do you put the England resurgence down to?

Mike Catt:

Before the tournament, I certainly would have been surprised if someone had told me neither Ireland or Wales would make the quarter finals. Ireland were actually one of my dark horses before the tournament started! As for England, we've worked very hard in training, improved with every game and are playing the way we want to play. And a few wins under the belt certainly works wonders for the confidence of the squad.
Jonny from Sunderland:

Oct 6, 16:09

Congratulations on the win. Are you feeling more confident now?

Mike Catt:

There's a real air of confidence and a buzz around the team now after the Australia win Jonny. Once you're in the semi-final of the World Cup, you need no extra motivation and there's a belief that we can go all the way.
derek gore from *blueyonder.co,:

Oct 3, 12:33

What is the difference between union and league footballs?

Mike Catt:

The rugby union balls are a size bigger and longer whereas the rugby league balls are shorter and fatter which is why they don't kick as much in league.
pugrugby from wirral:

Sep 30, 22:16

The weekend games are all over now and draws for the next round have been made. Who do you think will get to the final and why?

Mike Catt:

Hopefully it will be England but at the moment I think the two form sides are South Africa and New Zealand.