9 days have passed since the 2015 Rugby World Cup started
and the tournament so far has lived up to all the hype. When I last wrote about
action in the tournament, I was talking about last Saturday’s shock win for
Japan over South Africa plus the other games that took place on that day. There
has been a lot of rugby since then to talk about. I will go through the games
in chronological order and give some thoughts on them.
Sunday 20th September started off with Samoa
versus USA – two teams that had played each other in the recent Pacific Nations
Cup (with Samoa winning 16-21). The two teams before this contest had played
each other 4 times, with Samoa winning all 4 games but by a slim margin (never
by more than 7 points I believe). The game was entertaining enough but riddled
with errors on both sides. USA looked handy enough at times but it was obvious
Samoa were the better team and won 25-16 – their highest winning margin against
the USA to date. Wales then kicked off their World Cup campaign against
Uruguay. I didn’t give much hope to Uruguay in this one and even when they took
an early lead through a couple of penalties, I didn’t see it lasting. Sure
enough it didn’t. Wales scored 8 tries in this one-sided victory. I’m sure it
could have been more as well. The final game of Sunday was the biggest clash in
Pool C, New Zealand v Argentina. The game set a new record for highest
attendance for a game at a Rugby World Cup (89,019). I missed some of this game
but from what I saw, it looked as though Argentina gave the All Blacks a good
game – they even went in at half time in front 12-13. New Zealand won 26-16 though
denying Argentina a losing bonus point they arguably deserved. One further
point from this game – I heard one of the commentators say that this was the
first time New Zealand had failed to get a bonus point win in a pool stage
game. Amazing record to have had, but if accurate, it is now over.
There was then a 2 day break where the opening weekend was
chewed over a lot before the action resumed. Wednesday 23rd offered
up 3 matches, all of which were very interesting. The day started in Gloucester
with Scotland opening up their campaign against the previous weekend’s heroes,
Japan. There was some chat before the game about how Japan only had a 4 day
turn around between games and whether that would come back to bite them (both
physically and mentally). Regardless of this though, after their win against
the 2 time world champions, you couldn’t write them off. Japan dominated the
first half pretty much, with Scotland on the back foot. When they did attack
though, they made it count, with Greg Laidlaw looking very sharp scoring 4
penalties. Japan on the other hand were on the attack a lot but only had one
try to show for it. Scotland almost got a try just before half time but a
magnificent tackle from a Japanese wing prevented the try from being scored. Half
time was 12-7 to Scotland and before the game, Eddie Jones had said if Japan
were still in the game, they would come back and win it. With 5 points separating
the teams, you had to wonder if this would happen. The first score of the
second half went to Japan thanks to a penalty. From this point on though, it
was all one way traffic. Scotland waited for their opportunity to strike and
took it well. Not long after the Japan penalty, Scotland scored a try. As the
half rumbled on, they scored another 4 tries. Japan looked dead on their feet
during the second half, proving that they just couldn’t handle the 4 day
turnaround between games. Credit where it is due for both teams though, as this
was a really good game of rugby. Full time score was 45-10 to Scotland.
The day’s other games were Australia v Fiji and France v
Romania. I think deep down I had hoped for an upset in one of these games but
realistically knew it wasn’t going to happen (that Japan win has thrown me
through a loop with how I think games will end). Due to the timing of the game,
I missed the bulk of the first half of Australia/Fiji as I was at work and then
travelling home from work. Fiji looked pretty good against the Wallabies, but
it was clear who the stronger team were. That said, Fiji did manage to frustrate
Australia in the second half. Australia won 28-13 but did not pick up a bonus
point win – in Pool A, which could be crucial. Speaking of teams being
frustrated, France were by Romania at times. They picked up a bonus point win,
which probably doesn’t come as much of a shock, but Romania really caused them
problems at times. They also looked pretty solid at the lineout and scrum – a good
platform to build off of. I’m not sure if it was Romania tiring or France
stepping up a gear (or both), but 3 second half tries confirmed the bonus point
for them in a 38-11 win.
Thursday saw New Zealand field a weakened (!) team against
Namibia. 1st in the world vs 20th – this one was pretty
much an open and shut case – the All Blacks would win. Win they did as well,
58-14. I didn’t see the game but I was told Namibia actually did quite well at
times and deserved their try. Richie McCaw came on and broke another record,
most appearances for an All Black at a Rugby World Cup. It is going to take
some player to break the records he has set. Friday saw Pool C opponents
Argentina take on Georgia. At half time it was 14-9, and Georgia were looking
alright and deserved to be close to Argentina. In the second half however,
disaster struck. Their captain and talisman, Mamuka Gorgodze got sent to the
sin bin. In the 10 minutes he was off the pitch, Georgia shipped 21 points.
When he came back, Georgia were defeated and Argentina had their tails up. They
secured a bonus point and won the game 54-9.
It was at this point we arrived at the second weekend of the
Rugby World Cup. There were 3 games scheduled for yesterday – Italy versus
Canada, South Africa versus Samoa and then the headline act – England versus
Wales. Italy against Canada was going to be an interesting one. I suspect
neither team will qualify from the pool but both teams would want to win this
game as they don’t tend to win many games. Canada held their own throughout the
game, and caused Italy a few scares at times. In the end though, it was 2 kicks
which separated the two teams on the scoreboard with Italy winning 23-18. South
Africa versus Samoa was going to be an interesting clash on the grounds that it
really could have gone either way. Pre-tournament, I would have said South
Africa without hesitation but after the Japan game, I had to give it some more
thought. Samoa would go into this game hoping for a win anyway, but after the
result the weekend before, I reckon belief would have soared in the Samoa camp.
They however needed to turn up and play their absolute best as South Africa would
be looking to strike back with a vengeance. I think it is fair to say that on
reflection, Samoa didn’t play their best. I don’t think South Africa did either
but I also don’t think they needed to. South Africa won 46-6 and it could have
been more if their kicking stats were better. Samoa will be disappointed with
this result for sure. They did however set a new first, having 3 brothers from
the same family on the pitch at the same time – Ken, George and Tusi Pisi made
history at this World Cup.
England versus Wales – what can I possibly say to describe
how big this match was. The biggest between the two teams? Arguably. There was
a lot of chat in the build-up about team selection. It started with the news
that Ben Morgan and Jonathan Joseph were injured and would miss the game. It
was obvious that Billy Vunipola would step in at No.8. What wasn’t obvious
though was what the centre partnership would be. It was leaked in the week that
Farrell would start at 10 ahead of George Ford and the centre partnership would
be Burgess at 12, Barritt at 13 – another new centre partnership under Stuart
Lancaster for England. I wasn’t happy with this team change – given the
options, I would have started with Burgess or Barritt at 12 (probably Barritt),
and Slade at 13. I’d also have preferred Ford to Farrell, but I understand why
Farrell was picked. Going into the game, I suspected Wales would win. I thought
it would be close, but I just didn’t see this England team being good enough to
beat Wales. It should go without saying, but despite my opposition to the
selection changes, I would still back the team 100%, whatever the result.
I hate being right. The first half was an even affair which
I would say England edged. England conceded a few sloppy penalties which Dan
Biggar had no trouble punishing England for. Farrell also looked good from the
kicking tee and scored a drop goal. England’s only try came in the first half
for Jonny May who was on the end of a well worked move. 16-9 and half time, and
I found myself believing it was possible that a win would come. I had concerns
about the partnership of Burgess and Barritt but up to this point, they had
played well (and only been found out once). The second half started and again,
England’s discipline was poor. Wales again did not hesitate to punish them.
England were 10 points up on two separate occasions, but continued to concede
penalties and Wales remained within 7. At one point they were within 4 until
Wales conceded a pen and England were back in front by 7. It was 25-18 to
England when a defensive lapse occurred (Watson and Barritt the main culprits
for England) and Wales scored a try under the posts which was then converted.
England then conceded a penalty for not releasing about 50 metres from the
posts. Biggar proved that Wales were not missing Halfpenny by slotting the kick
and giving Wales the 25-28 lead which would be the final score. It however
could have been different but for one decision by Robshaw. Right towards the
end of the game, in the Wales 22, England are awarded a penalty by the touch
line. Instead of going for posts and hopefully securing a draw, the call is
made to kick to the corner. The subsequent lineout is secured but the players
could not form a driving maul and instead, Wales put them into touch. At this
point, it was game over. It could be said that Wales wanted the win more, but
my view of the game is that England generally played well enough to win, as did
Wales. England’s biggest fault was they conceded too many penalties and allowed
Wales to remain in the game. Of course, questions will be asked of Robshaw for
that penalty call. Was he thinking of the Japan game? Did he think any kick
would be too difficult to make? Did he think a draw would not be enough? These
questions and more will be asked of him. But bigger questions need to be asked
of the whole team, especially if they have an early exit in a fortnight. Wales
suffered heavily though with this win, with two players stretchered off and
another going off with what looked like a dislocated shoulder. You never want
to see that and I hope the players all make a quick recovery.
What is the state of play then, just over a week in?
Pool A – Australia are top, having just beat Uruguay 65-3.
They are on 9 points. . Wales are currently second on 9 points. England are third
on 6, Fiji and Uruguay fill up the bottom spots, each with 0 points. England,
to remain in the tournament, have to beat Australia. Wales need to avoid a slip
up against Fiji and at least get a LBP against Australia. As for Australia,
they have their two hardest games left, and they need to make sure they get
something out of them both. This pool is far from decided, but the pressure is
on England to remain in the tournament.
Pool B – South Africa went to the top of the pool with their
big win over Samoa, and are currently on 7 points. Scotland are second with 5.
Samoa and Japan are 3rd and 4th respectively, both with
4. The USA currently have no points. Scotland versus the USA is the next game
after Australia v Uruguay concludes. I imagine Scotland will win, get a bonus
point again and open up a 3 point lead at the top of the pool. They then
however play both Samoa and South Africa. If they can beat Samoa, they will
qualify. If they win both, they will of course top the pool.
Pool C – New Zealand top with 9 points. Argentina second
with 5. Georgia 3rd with 4. Tonga are 4th with 1 and
Namibia are bottom with 0. Tonga versus Namibia is the next game that will take
place in Pool C.
Pool D – France are top with 9 points. Ireland are second on
5 (but have only played one game). Italy are 3rd on 4. Canada are 4th
on 1, and Romania are bottom with 0. I expect Ireland, when they play Romania
today will get a bonus point win and sit atop of Pool D.
Exciting times have happened, and there is still plenty more
to get excited about. England have everything to do in order to progress in
this World Cup. There will be some big questions to be asked this week, and
potentially some even bigger ones to be asked next week.
No comments:
Post a Comment