RWC blog: McCabe 15, Barnes 12?

Day 22 from Planet Rugby journalist Adam Kyriacou's day-by-day diary of his adventures in New Zealand at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

For something extra, Planet Rugby has jetted Adam Kyriacou across to New Zealand for him to scribe a day-by-day diary of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Follow Adam on Twitter: @PlanetRugbyAK

Day 22

Looking forward is something all but four nations are doing at the current time. Japan now need a new coach, South Africa need to replace the old with the new and England, well England are having a complete review of their whole set-up. About bleeding time some might fume as copious things have to be fixed from the top down before 2012. It is clear as day in my eyes that the remaining class of 2003 are no longer part of the rebuild. While that may sound a tad harsh on the likes of Mike Tindall and Lewis Moody, who've been fine servants to the Red Rose, the game has changed plain and simple. Furthermore, discipline and self-awareness must be instilled in the squad as this tournament seemed more like a club tour than a World Cup. Again, we look at Wales who are enjoying themselves after wins but in moderation. As head coach Warren Gatland told BBC Sport, “There has been no alcohol ban in this squad. Some of the stuff has been self-imposed by players.” How refreshing ahead of what is a simple start: responsibility and respect for your other team-mates.

Tweet of the Day (Brendan Gallagher) – How can fran cotton lead an 'independent' review when he has made his views so clear??

Speaking of the last Home Nation standing and it's saying something of Rhys Priestland that such a kerfuffle has been made over his absence from their team sheet today. The young Scarlet has been a revelation for Wales during the tournament, seeming like a fly-half who is unshakeable in the Test arena. Like so many in Warren Gatland's squad, he is set for a long international future, if he can stay injury free, and will be hoping that he continues his fine World Cup form in the final on October 23. Fear not Wales fans though, you only have USAP's James Hook and veteran Stephen Jones waiting to step in should he not.

4 – In each of the last four Rugby World Cups, one semi-final has been an all-southern hemisphere battle. Australia and South Africa (1999), Australia and New Zealand (2003), South Africa and Argentina (2007) and Australia and New Zealand (2011).

We will soon find out whether Richie McCaw and Kurtley Beale will be fit or not to start Sunday's semi-final. Australia's players have been shall we say, far from toasty towards questions about how hefty a loss not having Beale would be to their cause, but such a reaction in my opinion illustrates their concerns over being without him. Two names have been mooted to fill in at fifteen; they are Adam Ashley-Cooper and James O'Connor, but can I make an argument for Pat McCabe? The rock-steady back was superb for the Brumbies in the position during Super Rugby while his shift would free up the option of playing Berrick Barnes alongside Quade Cooper, thus helping the out-of-sorts Reds pivot regain the form that has so far seemed irretrievable. Just a thought with a few hours to go Mr Deans.

Day 21
Day 20
Day 19
Day 18
Day 17
Day 16
Day 15
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11
Day 10
Day 9
Day 8
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1