Pool B - Argentina v Georgia

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Pumas get the job done

Irakli Abuseridze of Georgia passes during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Argentina and Georgia at Arena Manawatu on October 2, 2011 in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
( October 1, 2011 - Photo by Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images AsiaPac)
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Argentina laboured to a 25-7 win over Georgia at Arena Manawatu in Palmerston North on Sunday, to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Any hope Scotland may have had of sneaking into the last eight through the back door, was shut in their face following the Pumas' three tries to one victory in Pool B.
As the scoreline reflects, Georgia put up a brave fight and at times another World Cup upset looked on the cards - especially after leading Argentina by two points (5-7) at half-time.
However, the South Americans scored 20 unanswered points after the break that included a 67th minute try to skipper Felipe Contepomi and another by replacement Agustín Gosio on the stroke of full-time to put the result beyond doubt.
But whilst Argentina march on to face the injury-hit All Blacks in next weekend's knockout clash, the Georgians leave New Zealand with their pride intact.
Man of the match: Pumas loose forward Juan Manuel Leguizamón was a tireless figure for 80 minutes.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7217128,00.html
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next test:
10-9

Argentina v NZ

Auckland

*

Argentina finishes 3-1

Georgia finishes 1-3

****

Pool B - Romania v Georgia

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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)

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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
****

Pool B - England v Georgia

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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)

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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.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7186254,00.html

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next test:

9-24

England v Romania

Dunedin

*

9-28

Georgia v Romania

Palmerston North

****



Pool B - Scotland v Georgia

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Scotland grind past Georgia

Rory Lamont of Scotland is tackled during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Scotland and Georgia at Rugby Park Stadium on September 14, 2011 in Invergargill, New Zealand.

( September 13, 2011 - Photos by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Scotland made heavy work of their second World Cup win on Wednesday, labouring to a 15-6 win over Georgia in Invercargill in probably the worst game so far in the 2011 World Cup.

Four penalties and a drop-goal from Dan Parks were enough to hand Scotland four pool points in a try-less encounter in wet conditions.

After struggling to get the better of Romania in their opening fixture on Saturday, Scotland once again failed to impress against a side playing rather negative rugby.

Opportunities were not lacking for Scotland, but their poor execution suggests that they will struggle to make the quarter-finals.  

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7175597,00.html

***

next test:

9-18

Georgia v England

Dunedin

*

9-25

Scotland v Argentina

Wellington

****