Monday, September 12, 2011
Rugby World Cup Daily - Heartbreak for the Welsh
Yesterday three matches took place in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, with the pick of them being Wales' great effort against the reigning champion Springboks. Here is the daily show with short recaps of what went down.
Australia 32 - 6 Italy
The Wallabies put in a strong second half performance, led by their forwards, as they took control of matters at North Harbour Stadium. They were tied at 6-6 after the first half, but four quickfire tries in the second half made it more than comfortable for the Tri Nations champions in the end.
"Getting that result was key," said coach Robbie Deans. "I've got a lot of respect for the Italian side. They're a tough side. They defend very well and they'll create some grief for some teams."
Ireland 22 - 10 USA
Ireland got the result they would have expected after two Tommy Bowe tries set them on their way, but a late intercept try to the USA's Paul Emerick made the score look more respectable for the Americans. On the tenth anniversarry of the World Trade Center attacks, they atteneded a memorial earlier in the day.
"In the grand scheme of things, this is a game," said USA captain Todd Clever. "We're talking about thousands of lives. I'm so glad that we were able to pay our respects to them."
South Africa 17 - 16 Wales
The game of the day was always going to be the meeting of the Springboks and the Welsh in Wellington, and it didn't fail to disappoint as Wales, who have only ever beaten South Africa once, put them to the sword with controlled pick and go rugby, and good use of their midfield. They starved the Boks of possession for the most part, but the experienced champions took the little ball they had, and scored from it.
Heartbreaking for the Welsh, who missed a sitter of a dropgoal attempt late in the match, as well as a penalty that could have taken them into the lead. Job done for South Africa, but they need to lift their game and get over one or two injury and selection problems if they're too hang onto the trophy.
Also in this edition of RWC Daily, Buck Shelford talks about the best moment in his great career, and legendary New Zealand coach Sir Brian Lochore gives his thoughts on who can win the World Cup.
More clips will get posted soon, but for now you can view the match highlights on the official Rugby World Cup website. If you've having trouble viewing, make sure you have Silverlight installed.
Posted at 9:30 am | 13 comments
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Posted in Rugby World Cup 2011
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Viewing 13 comments
IrishBob September 12, 2011 12:35 pm
Ireland suffering from Kidney Failure.
And for god sake drop d'arcy. He is not competing at this level anymore.
Bruno M September 12, 2011 12:36 pm
Grips September 12, 2011 1:28 pm
Ireland, had they not had that intercept probably would of got the fourth bonus point try, giving a score of 29-3. Which considering other results so far against minnows as said before, is one of the better results!
Dont be hasty, I expect Ireland to push Australia all the way and have a fair-good chance of winning. Ireland have been planning for Australia since 2009. Just like Italy have been planning for us since the same time. Italy could be the game we need to target more.
D-dub September 12, 2011 2:29 pm
Colombes September 12, 2011 3:17 pm
on a side note, despite the very doubtful hook penalty, the referring was not so bad durind the first matchs. but someone remarked the video refs problems? after the disallowed try for Toeiava vs Tonga which was IN, and Nallet who clearly touched down vs Japan, also refused... it's curious to see some video refs to do this type of mistakes. hope there won't be others during crucial matchs
Ultra404 September 12, 2011 4:00 pm
i love bacon September 12, 2011 5:08 pm
But how awesome was the stats at the end? 101 tackles made by USA. Compared to the woeful defense that was shown in the warmup games, that's a remarkable improvement. Now if we could only learn how to compete at set pieces...
And one other thing - I said it a few weeks ago as something of a joke, that if the Eagles were going to score a try, it'd be because of D'Arcy or Paddy Wallace at 12 - incidentally, that's how the only USA try was scored. :)
Maybe we can pull something off against Russia? And maybe Italy will be more of a close match (though their scrum will mutilate the Eagles...)...or at least someone will hopefully put some huge hits in on Quade Cooper and make him see stars. That'd be pretty satisfying.
Third Centre September 12, 2011 6:50 pm
Gutted for the Welsh. Hopefully Fiji or Samoa can do them a favour and beat the Saffers !
Ultra404 September 12, 2011 6:52 pm
themull September 12, 2011 9:26 pm
it was not the day for complicated back moves, especially considering how wide the backs were standing....I hope to God we can improve come next weekend, with SOB and Healy coming back...And hopefully he plays Trimble or Bowe at centre...
Wales' and SA's group could really be the group of death..I wouldn't be surprised if Samoa took points off of either SA or Wales or both...Fiji also capable of causing an upset perhaps too....
AK-NZ September 13, 2011 2:01 am
Hard luck to Wales, I personally felt they played really well and fully deserved to put one over on the Boks. I'm going to the Samoa v. S.A game in a few weeks so hopefully they can cause an upset to rival the one against Australia. Come on Manu Samoa!
Carlos September 13, 2011 4:21 am
I guess SA will go home in the quarter finals if they keep playing like that.
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