Pool A - New Zealand v Canada

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Twelve-try All Blacks crush Canada

Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks looks to offload as he is tackled by Conor Trainor (L) and Aaron Carpenter (R) of Canada during the IRB Rugby World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Canada at Wellington Regional Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.

( October 1, 2011 - Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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The All Blacks reacted to the bad news of the last 24 hours by running twelve tries past Canada to win 79-15 in Wellington on Sunday.
Wing Zac Guildford grabbed four tries as Canada were unable able to cope with the pace at which New Zealand launched attack after attack.
With superstar fly-half Dan Carter having been ruled out of the tournament and captain Richie McCaw forced to watch from the stands due to a foot injury, a big win was just what the doctor ordered.
Top of that list will be the scrum which continues to impress and was rewarded with a push-over try, a rare sight in Test rugby these days.
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It wasn't all bad news for the visitors though as Conor Trainor became the first Canadian to score two tries against the All Blacks. And they were just reward for Canada's efforts - not just at Wellington Regional Stadium, but over the last three weeks.
Man of the match: A few candidates here, and you have to mention Guildford, who not only scored four tries but had a hand in setting up a couple more. But the gong goes to Jerome Kaino, who not only scored two tries of his own, but ruled the breakdown area with an iron fist.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7217366,00.html
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Jerome Kaino of the All Blacks breaks through the Canada to score his team's eighth try during the IRB Rugby World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Canada at Wellington Regional Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.

( October 1, 2011 - Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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next test:
10-9
NZ v Argentina
Auckland
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NZ finishes 4-0
Canada finishes 1-2-1
****

Pool A Japan v Canada

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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)
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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
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next test:
10-2
Canada v NZ
Wellington
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Japan finishes 0 - 3 - 1
****

Pool A - France v Canada

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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)

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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
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next test:
9-24
NZ v France
Auckland
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9-27
Canada v Japan
Napier
****



Pool A - Canada v Tonga

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Canada get the better of Tonga

Adam Kleeberger of Canada lifts William Helu of Tonga during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Tonga and Canada at Northland Events Centre on September 14, 2011 in Whangarei, New Zealand.

( September 13, 2011 - Photos by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Canada opened their World Cup account with a deserved 25-20 win over crowd favourites Tonga in Whangarei on Wednesday.

The Canucks outscored Tonga three tries to two in a cracking game, and were full value for their win after leading 10-7 at half-time.
The islanders bounced back in the second half though and looked on course for their first victory after losing to New Zealand in last Friday's opening World Cup match. Tonga centre Siale Piutau picked up his second try while Kurt Morath chipped away at the lead.
However, Canada had other ideas and stormed back in front thanks to tries from number eight Aaron Carpenter and wing Phil Mackenzie.
With just a converted try to win the match, Tonga pushed hard until the final whistle but were unable to breach Canada's rock-solid defence.
The defeat now leaves the Tongans with a mountain to climb in Pool A, after suffering back-to-back defeats in the tournament.
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Man of the match: Tough one. For Tonga, a brace from Siale Piutau wasn't enough to see his side through. And for Canada, Ander Monro and Phil Mackenzie shone in the backs while Aaron Carpenter stood out in the forwards. But not as tall as flank Adam Kleeberger who got through a mountain of work for his team in a tireless performance.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7175537,00.html
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next test:
9-18
Canada v France
Napier
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9-21
Tonga v Japan
Whangarei
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