 |
| ** Boks seal quarter-final spot  Bryan Habana of the Springboks of South Africa goes over ro score their first try during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between South Africa and Samoa at North Harbour Stadium on September 30, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. ( September 29, 2011 - Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac) **South Africa remained unbeaten in Pool D and move on to the World Cup quarter-finals after beating Samoa 13-5 at North Harbour Stadium on Friday. Samoa knew going in that it would be a tough ask to make it into the quarter-finals, but no one ever doubted they would fight until the final whistle. There was a smidge of 'what might have been' attached to the result though for the islanders as had Mahonri Schwalger grounded a score, who knows what might of happened in the final stages. As it was the reigning champions had enough in the tank to stave off their opponents. * Man of the match: Although on the losing side, Tusi Pisi again showed that he had a big future leading Samoa. The fly-half was light on his feet throughout and marshalled well, finding holes on more than one occasion. Mentions too for Bok props Tendai Mtawarira and Jannie du Plessis at scrum-time and also flanker Schalk Burger, who was a genuine nuisance to Maurie Fa'asavalu and George Stowers. David Lemi was also very impressive.  Frans Steyn of South Africa tackled ( September 29, 2011 - Photo by Gallo Images/Getty Images AsiaPac) ** SA finishes 4-0 Samoa finishes 2-2 **** |
Friday, September 30, 2011
Pool D - S. Africa v Samoa
Pool B - Romania v Georgia
 |
| ** Georgia send Romania home winless  Mamuka Gorgodze of Georgia is wrapped up by the Romania defence during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Georgia and Romania at Arena Manawatu on September 28, 2011 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. ( September 27, 2011 - Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images AsiaPac) **Romania depart the 2011 Rugby World Cup without a win to their name after going down to Georgia 25-9 in Palmerston North on Wednesday. It was a well-deserved victory by the Georgians, who stay on to play Argentina on Sunday with a win under their belt. Scrappy for the most part, both sides threw everything but the kitchen sink at one another however sprung a major leak with handling errors the order of the evening. The scrums were to be the weapon of choice for the two teams, with the Romanians winning the battle up front with some powerful work from their forwards who really stamped their authority in that particular department... but nowhere else. Man of the match: In a tight game where penalties ruled the roost, we have to go for Georgia's number ten Merab Kvirikashvili who contributed 17 points with the boot. http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7208082,00.html *** next test: 10-2 Georgia v Argentina Palmerston North * Romania finishes 0-4 **** |
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Pool A Japan v Canada
 |
| ** Japan held by gutsy Canada  Dth Van Der Merwe of Canada makes a break during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Canada and Japan at McLean Park on September 27, 2011 in Napier, New Zealand. (September 26, 2011 - Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images AsiaPac) ** Japan were denied their first Rugby World Cup victory in 20 years as they were held 23 points apiece against Canada at McLean Park on Tuesday. The game in Napier created the same sharing of the points that occurred in the 2007 tournament in what was an entertaining spectacle for the fans. Japan led a scrappy contest 23-15 with just five minutes remaining, but could not hang on for its first tournament win since 1991 as Canada fly-half Ander Monro crossed for a try and then knocked over a levelling penalty soon after. Man of the match: He was a threat all day with ball in-hand and fully deserves this award. Well done outside centre DTH van der Merwe. Mentions too for Japan centre Ryan Nicholas and blindside Sione Vatuvei, who were both deadly in attach and defence all day. http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7205489,00.html ** next test: 10-2 Canada v NZ Wellington ** Japan finishes 0 - 3 - 1 **** |
Pool C - Italy v USA
 |
| ** Italy 27 - USA 10  Luke McLean of Italy (L) attempts to break free during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Italy and the USA at Trafalgar Park on September 27, 2011 in Nelson, New Zealand. ( September 26, 2011 - Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images AsiaPac) **Italy secured a four-try 27-10 win over the USA at Trafalgar Park on Tuesday in a result that means Pool C will go right down to the wire on Sunday. The five-point success sees the Azzurri go level on points with the Wallabies - who play Russia on Saturday - and just three behind Ireland. Man of the match: USA centre Paul Emerick was impressive every time he touched the ball while Sergio Parisse was his usual destructive self. However, for his scrummaging and try-scoring effort we go with Martin Castrogiovanni. His clash with Cian Healy should be epic. http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7205513,00.html *** next test: 10-2 Italy v Ireland Dunedin *** USA finishes 1-3 **** |
Monday, September 26, 2011
Pool D - Wales v Namibia
 |
| ** Wales canter past Namibia |
Prop Gethin Jenkins of Wales crashes through the Namibia defence on his way to scoring his team's fifth try during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Wales and Namibia at Stadium Taranaki on September 26, 2011 in New Plymouth, New Zealand.
( September 25, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Wales recovered from an indifferent second quarter to dispose of Namibia 81-7 in their Pool D encounter in New Plymouth.
The writing was on the wall when the Welsh notched up three tries inside the first twenty minutes, but the Namibians stood firm and it took another opening of the floodgates in the final quarter to see Wales really run away with it.
The early stages where marred by numerous handling errors from the Namibians, who put pressure on themselves as they failed to execute the basics
Man of the match: The Namibian flankers Jacques Burger and Tinus Du Plessis were massive throughout despite having their backs up against it for 80 minutes.
***
next test:
10-2
Wales v Fiji
Hamilton
***
Namibia finishes 0-4
****
Namibia finishes 0-4
****
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Pool D Fiji v Samoa
 |
| ** Fiji brushed aside by Samoa  Waisea Sedre Luveniyali of Fiji is tackled by Manaia Salavea and Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu of Samoa during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Fiji and Samoa at Eden Park on September 25, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. ( September 24, 2011 - Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac) **Samoa gave their hopes of World Cup quarter-final qualification a boost on Sunday as they easily dispatched Fiji 27-7 at Eden Park in Auckland. While they only scored two tries through scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i and number eight George Stowers, Samoa will be delighted with the win. They were slick, powerful and had ideas that made Fiji fall well short of their rivals. The real test comes next week against South Africa though. Man of the match: Tusi Pisi gave an intelligent showing at fly-half but the workrate and power of George Stowers sees him take this one. Paul Williams deserves a mention. http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7199978,00.html ***  George Stowers of Samoa charges forward during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Fiji and Samoa at Eden Park on September 25, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. ( September 24, 2011 - Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)** next test: 9-30 Samoa v SA Auckland * 10-2 Fiji v Wales Hamilton **** |
Pool C Ireland v Russia
 |
| ** Nine-try Ireland hammer Russia |
Cian Healy of Ireland is tackled by Andrey Garbuzov of Russia during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Ireland and Russia at Rotorua International Stadium on September 25, 2011 in Rotorua, New Zealand.
( September 24, 2011 - Photos by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Ireland strengthened their chances of topping Pool C after claiming a nine-try 62-12 win over Russia at Rotorua International Stadium on Sunday.
With only six players backing up from the 15-6 upset of Australia at Eden Park last weekend, they still maintained their three-point lead over the Wallabies in Pool C heading into the final games.
A mass of green among the 25,661 capacity at the Rotorua venue generated a homely feel for for Ireland. And they steamed to a 43-0 lead eight minutes after half-time before taking off their key men and giving Russia the chance to get on the scoreboard with two late tries.
The Irish will lock up Pool C with victory over Six Nations rivals Italy in Dunedin next Sunday, with the Italians to first play the USA on Tuesday.
Fly-half Ronan O'Gara, the official man-of-the-match in his 115th Test, extended his Irish scoring record to 1,054 points with 15 points from six conversions and a penalty before he was replaced with 15 minutes remaining.
Man of the match: We have mentioned him time and time again but flanker Sean O'Brien continues to impress. He was a tower of strength for the Irish and deserved his first-half try.
***
Sean O'Brien of Ireland is tackled by Sergey Popov of Russia during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Ireland and Russia at Rotorua International Stadium on September 25, 2011 in Rotorua, New Zealand.
**
next test:
10-1
Russia v Australia
Nelson
*
10-2
Ireland v Italy
Dunedin
****
Pool B Scotland v Argentina
 |
| ** Argentina 13 Scotland 12 |
Max Evans of Scotland looks to burst through the Argentina defence during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Argentina and Scotland at Wellington Regional Stadium on September 25, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.
( September 24, 2011 - Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
A superb late try from replacement Lucas Amorosino saw Argentina beat Scotland 13-12 on Sunday, putting one foot into the World Cup quarter-finals.
It was a gripping game at Wellington Regional Stadium as the Pumas came from behind to claim a priceless victory in the Pool B shake-up.
*
Argentina, who lost their opener to England but went on to beat Romania 43-8, now play Georgia in their final match while the Scots must conquer the unbeaten English to ensure a knockout spot.
Man of the match: Sean Lamont and Max Evans were both busy for Scotland, but for playing through the pain barrier Felipe Contepomi gets the nod. He also kicked the winning points.
**
Scrumhalf Nicolas Vergallo of Argentina passes the ball out from a ruck during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Argentina and Scotland at Wellington Regional Stadium on September 25, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.
( September 24, 2011 - Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
next test:
10-1
Scotland v England
Auckland
*
10-2
Argentina v Georgia
Palmerston North
****
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Pool B - England v Romania
 |
| ** England find their Mojo |
Romania and England scrummage during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between England and Romania at Otago Stadium on September 24, 2011 in Dunedin, New Zealand.
( September 23, 2011 - Photos by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Wings Mark Cueto and Chris Ashton both claimed hat-tricks as England smashed Romania 67-3 in Dunedin on Saturday.
England ran in a total of ten tries in a woefully one-sided encounter under the roof of the Otago Stadium.
The result moves England five points clear of Scotland - who face Argentina on Sunday - at the top of the group, virtually assuring their place in the quarter-finals.
*
Most pleasing for manager Martin Johnson will be the massive improvement in England's distribution and option taking, with nine out of ten tries being scored by back-line players (even Croft's try came out wide).
There will still be elements that will concern Johnson, notably the needless penalties England conceded early on which undermined an otherwise bright start.
*
Moment of the match: It took fifteen minutes for England to get their first try but from the moment Ashton cut through the Romanian line to put Cueto clear, the game was all but over. Having missed the wins over Argentina and Georgia due to a back injury, Cueto marked his return in emphatic fashion. England replaced Wilkinson with Toby Flood at half-time - a sign that the struggle for the number ten jersey is far from over.
***
Louis Deacon of England out jumps Cristian Constantin Petre of Romania
**
next test:
9-28
Romania v Georgia
Palmerston North
*
10-1
England v Scotland
Auckland
****
Pool A - New Zealand v France
 |
| ** All Blacks thump France |
Adam Thomson and Richie McCaw of the All Blacks tackle Lionel Nallet of France during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and France at Eden Park on September 24, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.
( September 23, 2011 - Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Israel Dagg claimed two tries as New Zealand romped to a comfortable 37-17 Rugby World Cup win over France at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.
The All Blacks could not have asked for a better performance to celebrate captain Richie McCaw's 100th cap and they are now guaranteed to finish atop of Pool A following three-straight maximums.
Man of the match: Ma'a Nonu was sublime again at inside centre while Israel Dagg, Richie McCaw, Sam Whitelock and Jerome Kaino all put in good shifts. But it was apparent that Daniel Carter seemed to be half-a-step quicker today in both body and mind as he regularly threatened the line while putting in his team-mates on more than one occasion. It looks like he is coming into form at just the right time for New Zealand.
***
Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks is tackled by Maxime Mermoz (L) and Dimitri Szarzewski
(Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
All Blacks Cup revenge dished up cold
By Gregor Paul
Having had four years to stew over things, the All Blacks exacted a clinical and soul cleansing revenge at Eden Park last night.
France were poked in the eye, jabbed with a stick then clubbed viciously with an array of weaponry they had no means to defend themselves against.
*
If there was any doubt about the All Blacks' credentials, there can't be now. No one - not Ireland, Wales, South Africa, Australia or England - would have escaped from Eden Park without significant carnage having been inflicted.
They had the French scrum in disarray by the second half. They turned France, the most vaunted scrummagers in world rugby, into Australia. The French still play off emotion more than any other team and they need sparks to set them off.
"No scrum - no win" remains the motto of French rugby and they had no scrum. It wasn't just there, though, where the All Blacks were rampant. There was one occasion late in the game when Richie McCaw picked up Imanol Harinordoquy and deposited him 15m downfield. It was that kind of physicality - men against nearly men.
*
The French couldn't build anything of significance. By the third phase the All Blacks had numeric advantage at the breakdown. If it wasn't Richie McCaw then it would be Jerome Kaino or Adam Thomson standing strong over a fallen Frenchman trying to wrench the ball free. There was nothing to do but hold on and concede the penalty.
*
Favourites by reputation yesterday morning; the All Blacks were favourites by right last night.
***
Julien Bonnaire of France lifts Richie McCaw of the All Blacks during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and France at Eden Park on September 24, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.
( September 23, 2011 - Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
next test:
10-1
France v Tonga
Wellington
*
10-2
NZ v Canada
Wellington
****
Friday, September 23, 2011
Pool C - Australia v USA
 |
| ** Wallabies power past USA  Will Genia of the Wallabies is tackled by Hayden Smith of the USA during match 23 of the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup between Australia and the USA at Wellington Regional Stadium on September 23, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand. ( September 22, 2011 - Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac) **Australia returned to winning ways after their shock loss to Ireland at the Rugby World Cup after sweeping past the USA 67-5 in Wellington on Friday. The Wallabies punished some weak defence from the Americans (responsible for 24 missed tackles) by running in eleven tries, with wing Adam Ashley-Cooper bagging a hat-trick. **  Blaine Scully of the USA is tackled by Adam Ashley-Cooper ** Man of the match: Count them... one, two, three - it has to be Adam Ashley-Cooper, who proved to be a threat with ball in hand throughout when he wasn't crossing the whitewash. http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7195343,00.html *** next test: 9-27 Italy v USA Nelson * 10-1 Australia v Russia Nelson **** |
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Pool D - SA v Namibia
 |
| ** Twelve-try Springboks run riot  John Smit of South Africa passes the ball during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between South Africa and Namibia at North Harbour Stadium on September 22, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. ( September 21, 2011 - Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac) **South Africa cruised to an emphatic 87-0 World Cup Pool D win over Namibia on Thursday. The Namibian scrum was under the cosh from the start, meaning South Africa's backs had plenty of quality ball and the men in green and gold raced to a 31-0 lead at the break * It was one-way traffic in the last quarter with seven tries being scored in the last twenty minutes. Morne Steyn, and his replacement Ruan Pienaar, made sure that no points were left behind as they slotted all thirteen of their kicks at goal. Man of the match: Hard to pick a single player because the Boks dominated all over the park. The official award went to Willem Alberts, who didn't score but left plenty of Namibians bruised. We'll go for Francois Hougaard however. Something always seems to happen when he has the ball in hand as illustrated by his two tries. http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7193551,00.html ** next test: 9-26 Namibia v Wales New Plymouth * 9-30SA v Samoa Auckland **** |
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Pool A - Tonga v Japan
 |
| ** Tonga too good for Japan  Michael Leitch of Japan tackles Taufa'ao Filise of Tonga during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Tonga and Japan at Northland Events Centre on September 21, 2011 in Whangarei, New Zealand. ( September 20, 2011 - Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac) **Tonga registered their first win at Rugby World Cup 2011 after seeing off Japan 31-18 in Whangerai on Wednesday. Having lost to New Zealand and Canada, crowd favourites Tonga finally gave their fans something to cheer about following a well-earned win over an error-strewn Japanese outfit. The Brave Blossoms had targeted this Pool A match as one of two games they wanted to win, but they were their own worst enemies with ball in hand. http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7191865,00.html ** next test: 9-27 Japan v Canada Napier * 10-1 Tonga v France Wellington **** |
Pool C - Italy v Russia
 |
| ** |
Italy ran in nine tries to hammer Russia 53-17 in a rather one-sided World Cup Pool C encounter at Trafalgar Park in Nelson on Tuesday.
The result means Italy move level with Australia on five points in a pool that could have a massive impact on the make up of the play-offs.
**
next test:
9-25
Russia v Ireland
Rotorua
*
9-27
Italy v USA
Nelson
****
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Pool A - France v Canada
 |
| ** Clerc hat-trick seals win for France  Wing Vincent Clerc of France dives past James Pritchard of Canada to score his team's third try during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between France and Canada at McLean Park on September 18, 2011 in Napier, New Zealand. ( September 17, 2011 - Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images AsiaPac) **France wing Vincent Clerc scored three tries to help see off a resurgent Canada outfit 46-19 in the wet at McLean Park on Sunday. In difficult conditions that made handling of the ball difficult, France scrum-half Moran Parra landed 23 points from the boot to ensure Les Bleus were able to bank their second win of the tournament in Napier. The scrum-half's sure-footed accuracy in heavy rain meant France were able to bounce back from a slow start and quell the fight of the Canucks. Canada tried hard but effort was about all they brought to the contest. The Canadians had twice led early on but they were left to rue the misses from full-back James Pritchard as France were let off the hook. Man of the match: Morgan Parra's kicking from the tee was flawless. http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7186374,00.html *** next test: 9-24 NZ v France Auckland * 9-27 Canada v Japan Napier **** |
Pool B - England v Georgia
 |
| ** Georgia make life tough for England |
Shontayne Hape of England goes over to score his second try during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between England and Georgia at Otago Stadium on September 18, 2011 in Dunedin, New Zealand.
( September 17, 2011 - Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
England ran six tries past Georgia for a 41-10 win, but were made to work overtime for their victory in Dunedin on Sunday.
Whilst England bagged maximum points against the brave Georgians, who never gave up until the final whistle, Martin Johnson will know there's still plenty of work ahead in what was another unconvincing display by his side.
Man of the match: A late inclusion at number eight after Nick Easter's injury, James Haskell produced a lung-bursting defensive performance and gave England some go-forward, but was overshadowed by Georgia openside and our man of the match Mamuka Gorgodze.
**
next test:
9-24
England v Romania
Dunedin
*
9-28
Georgia v Romania
Palmerston North
****
Pool D - Wales v Samoa
 |
| ** Wales still alive at World Cup 2011 |
Shane Williams of Wales is tackled by George Stowers and Sakaria Taulafo of Samoa during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Wales and Samoa at Waikato Stadium on September 18, 2011 in Hamilton, New Zealand.
( September 17, 2011 - Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Wales kept their World Cup quarter-final hopes alive after seeing off Samoa 17-10 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Sunday.
Trailing by four points (6-10) at half-time, Wales dug deep to deny the Samoans victory thanks to a try by wing Shane Williams thirteen minutes from full-time which proved to be the match-winner.
After major upsets in 1991 and 1999 against Samoa, it was Wales' first victory over their bogey team at a World Cup tournament.
The win, following their 16-17 opening loss to South Africa, puts Wales in the box seat to qualify second from Pool D with a likely quarter-final against Six Nations rivals Ireland.
Man of the match: Sam Warburton did some great work for Wales at key moments, and he was at the forefront of his team's effort, however it's hard to look past Welsh Wizard Shane Williams whose try allowed his team to breathe a little easier.
Man of the match: Sam Warburton did some great work for Wales at key moments, and he was at the forefront of his team's effort, however it's hard to look past Welsh Wizard Shane Williams whose try allowed his team to breathe a little easier.
**
next test:
9-25
Samoa v Fiji
Auckland
*
9-26
Wales v Namibia
New Plymouth
****
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Pool B - Argentina v Romania
 |
| ** Pumas hit back against Romania |
Players prepare to engage in the scrum during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Argentina and Romania at Rugby Park Stadium on September 17, 2011 in Invercargill, New Zealand.
( September 16, 2011 - Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Argentina recorded an immediate response to their defeat to England by teaching Romania a rugby lesson in a 43-8 win in Invercargill on Saturday.
The Pumas were full value for their win in a one-sided Pool B encounter that saw seven tries being scored - six of them to Argentina.
There was also am improved showing with the boot as centre Martin Rodriguez, who was guilty of missing too many efforts in the 13-9 loss to England, was more accurate this time as he added 13 points from the kicking tee.
****
next test:
9-24
Romania v England
Dunedin
*
9-25
Argentina v Scotland
Wellington
****
Pool D - South Africa v Fiji
 |
| ** Boks show Fiji no mercy |
Waisea Sedre Luveniyali of Fiji is tackled by Francois Steyn of the Springboks during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between South Africa and Fiji at Wellington Regional Stadium on September 17, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.
( September 16, 2011 - Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
South Africa made up for their opening World Cup wobble against Wales by powering past Fiji 49-3 in Wellington on Saturday.
The defending champions were a far superior outfit from the one that edged the Welsh by one point a week ago, and silenced their critics with a comprehensive six-try victory.
Perhaps the biggest achievement for South Africa was keeping the Flying Fijians tryless, and credit must go to their outstanding defence which was rock-solid for 80 minutes.
Whilst Fiji never took a step back, the Boks simply had too much class for the islanders in a free-flowing spectacle that saw plenty of running rugby - most of which came from the men in green and gold.
Man of the match: Every Bok player from 1-15 put their hand up, but we'll go for Frans Steyn, who was influential throughout.
**
next test:
9-22
SA v Namibia
Auckland
*
9-25
Fiji v Samoa
Auckland
****
Pool C - Ireland v Australia
 |
| ** Ireland shock lifeless Wallabies |
Kurtley Beale of the Wallabies is high tackled by Rob Kearney of Ireland during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Australia and Ireland at Eden Park on September 17, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.
( September 16, 2011 - Photos by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Ireland scored the first major upset of RWC 2011 after stunning Australia 15-6 at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.
There is no hiding the fact that a poor Wallabies side came off second best to the Irish as their key players were superbly contained by a side who in Brian O'Driscoll's words 'dug deep into the well'.
Ireland love silencing the critics - as they have done so many times in the past in such one-off games - and they did just that in a team effort that was spearheaded by loosehead prop Cian Healy
Healy was the heartbeat of an Irish scrum that helped the underdogs claim the majority of their points, while Sean O'Brien, Stephen Ferris and Paul O'Connell chipped in with strong showings.
But for Australia there are some harsh lessons to learn from this shock defeat, not least why their playmaking duo of Will Genia and Quade Cooper were seemingly absent for most of the game.
Man of the match: Little doubt about this one as Cian Healy was at the heart of this victory. He made Ben Alexander's life miserable at Eden Park and kicked on from Tom Court's scrum performance last week. Mentions too for Sean O'Brien and Paul O'Connell.
***
Paul O'Connell of Ireland tries to reach for the ball from Radike Samo
**
Wallabies Rugby World Cup dream hits massive pothole
Wayne Smith in Auckland/The Australian
AUSTRALIA'S Rugby World Cup campaign was reduced to rubble tonight at Eden Park.
Ireland scored the first upset of the tournament with a stunning and well-deserved 15-6 victory over the Wallabies.
The defeat leaves the Wallabies walking a tightrope in Pool C, desperately needing Italy to topple Ireland on October 2 to have any chance to avoiding a quarter-final showdown with South Africa.
Then, if they should win that – no sure thing on the evidence of South Africa’s comprehensive victory over Fiji earlier today – the Wallabies would then have to confront the All Blacks in the semi-final.
No team has ever won the World Cup after losing a pool match. In fact England in 2007 became the only team to lose in the qualifying round and still make the final.
read the whole thing here:
***
Tommy Bowe of Ireland is tackled by James O'Connor
**
next test:
9-23
Australia v USA
Wellington
*
9-25
Ireland v Russia
Rotorua
****
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)