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World Cup Daily - September 27 Review
It was another busy Sunday in the rugby World Cup. Day eight of the tournament saw the return of some big names, including the might of Australia and the in-form Irish. Total Sport looks back on a high scoring day of action packed rugby union...
The World Cup yesterday
Australia kicked off the day in the Midlands, with their lunchtime clash against Uruguay at Villa Park. Beginning their campaign in relaxed fashion by disposing of Fiji, the Wallabies found their stride once again on Sunday, by going on to crush the South Americans 65-3.
The Aussies notched a dominating 89 per cent tackle success rate in the tie, winning seven of the 13 scrums and stealing five line-outs throughout the play.
Following on, Scotland walked out as the home side at Leeds’ Elland Road stadium, fresh off the back of a landslide victory over Japan. Their opponents for the day, USA, had been beaten by Samoa seven days previous.
After a faltering start, Scotland produced a much improved second half display to win the tie 39-16 and pick up the all important bonus points. Tries from Tim Visser, Sean Maitland, WP Nel, Matt Scott and Duncan Weir saw the Scots dispatch of their American opponents, and stands them in good stead going into the looming bout with heavyweights South Africa.
Ireland finished off the day at Wembley, hammering Romania 44-10. With a squad of an average age of 29, Ireland turned up the heat from the off in London, blowing away their opponents and leapfrogging France at the top of the group with a second bonus points win.
The big talking point
The Aussies mean business. They demolished Uruguay and enjoyed doing so. A portion of their back division comprised only second string players, yet their play was scintillating and evidenced the strength in depth the Wallabies have – strength, which will be vital in the latter stages of the competition. Pool A was dubbed the group of death from the off, yet the Australian camp are treating it as business as usual. England must pay heed.
Around the RWC
Injuries have been a running theme so far this tournament. They make things interesting, but they’re never nice to see. Capturing the attention of the rugby world, South African captain Jean De Villiers retired from international duty this week, after fracturing his jaw during his nation’s clash against Samoa.
Elsewhere, Wales’ injury curse continued, as Hallam Amos and Scott Williams were ruled out of the tournament during the dramatic victory over England. They now join high profile stars Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb watching from the stands, also unable to represent their nation after being crocked. Wales are still monitoring the situation with prop Samson Lee, hoping some good news will finally come their way regarding the bearded wonder’s fitness.
Inside the England Camp
All rather desolate following the last gasp defeat to Wales, the red rose are trying to keep their spirits high as they embark upon the mental Everest of progressing from pool A. Captain Chris Robshaw shouldered the burden of responsibility following England’s last minute attempt not to take a penalty kick. Opting for a line-out instead, the men in white squandered the opportunity to take a draw – a more than acceptable result given the stage of the tournament. While their bravery of pushing for the victory was lauded by some, England must now face up to the realisation that their position within the ‘pool of death’ is looking rather precarious. Dealing with injuries of their own, England must prepare for their revival without the influential Billy Vunipola, after the big forward was ruled out of the tournament with a knee ligament strain.
And now for something a little different
There was royalty present for the England v Wales clash – and we don’t just mean Jonny Wilkinson. Prince Harry joined his brother William and sister-in-law Kate Middleton to watch the action from the royal box. The famous ginger also looked visibly annoyed when his company began singing the Welsh national anthem, and cheering for the visitors. While Harry wore white, William and Kate each wore the red official jacket of the Welsh national side, perhaps considering themselves lucky charms for the dramatic late win for Warren Gatland’s men.
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