What an atmosphere. Eden Park is packed with more Gold and Green jerseys than ever seen before.
The Irish fans most certainly outnumber the Aussie ones if our ears are to be believed. In fact the "Ireland" chant seems more audible than any "All Black. All Black. All Black" chants in my memory.
Just as New Zealand has France as its RWC bogey team, so do the Wallabies have Ireland - well sort of. Because Ireland always nearly beat Australia at the Rugby World Cup, heartbreakingly they have been ahead in the final moments of these matches only for the Wallabies to claw their way back. If only the ABs could have bogey team like that.
My mate Paul Schrader is at this game and he's texted me to say he is sitting within spitting distance of Welsh Rugby Scribe Stephen Jones (how tempting). Jones is a great hater of Southern Hemisphere rugby in general and the All Blacks in particular. And his biggest criticism of our Rugby; too many tries, too much flamboyance, too little defence, not enough drop kicking.
I hate to say it but this game is Stephen Jones's idea of a wet dream. Despite the enterprise of the Wallabies, the Irish defensive pattern is too good and tough for the whole of the first half. It is a kickfest, and not a great one. Jonathan Sexton and Justin Bieber, oops sorry James O'Connor, trade penalties in the first half and the half time score is 6 apiece.
Schrader tells me at halftime that Jones seems to be trying desperately to find any sort of alcohol from anywhere, which probably explains his predilection for piss poor rugby.
Second half and Ireland get first blood at the 50 minute mark when Sexton puts them 9-6 ahead. Also the Wallabies look a trifle flustered. The Irish pack have them well rattled at scrum time and they cough up another penalty within moments of the last. Sadly Sexton's compass is out and he hits the woodwork.
As the Irish gain the lead and time ticks away, the crowd become a big factor. Essentially this feels like a home ground advantage to the Irish and like Jake the Peg, they are growing an extra leg... Deedle, Deedle, Deedle Dum.
All Black nemesis Quade Cooper is the usual menace in broken play, but tonight he hasn't had the luck of the bounce. With 57 minutes gone Ireland have a thimble sized 9-6 lead. Full credit to the Irish though, they are willing to chance their arm, and crazily counter attack from their own goal line. The Wallabies seem stunned by the audacity.
The aforementioned Schrader is half Australian and lived in Melbourne for 8 years, and he wants the Irish to win this. They are so loveable - easily the most loveable of all the Home Unions. Please let them win this! The chance of this increases when Sexton slots his 4th penalty at 64 minutes. 12-6 Ireland!
The Irish go for the jugular and string together 12 phases and smash the Australian goal line. The Wallaby loosies who have played so well of late, seem missing in action. You can see big Samo's afro in the shot, so clear in HD, but he never seems near the ball. In his last match he was everywhere and irresistible. Have the Australians been drugged?!? Nope more likely the Irish are playing the game of their lives.
This is awesome. Another Sexton penalty makes it 15-6 and it the rain is now pelting down. This will make it extra hard to peg back a 9 point lead. There are now only 8 minutes left. Is this a dream? It is too good to be true.
The Aussies are chancing their arm more as the minutes tick away, whereas the Irish are using the Gary Owen (up and under kick) to turn the big Australian pack. The pill is treacherous in these conditions, and the Wallabies aren't up to defend this classic wet rugby tactic.
The Australians led by the always outstanding Will Genia assault the Irish line with 4 minutes to go, but the Irish tight 5 are resolute. They hold back the waves of attack, but the Wallabies earn a 5 yard scrum.
Holy Smokes - Quade Cooper has a brain explosion at 78 minutes and flicks a no look behind the back pass to Irish winger Tommy Bow. He runs this intercept the length of the field and is pulled down by Bieber inches short of the line. Then the Irish are robbed of a try to Conor Murray moments later, as the ref Bryce Lawrence spots an indiscretion in the ruck.
The only person in Auckland happy about this is Stephen Jones who wouldn't want a try to spoil this otherwise perfect result. But the Irish don't care a jot. They win this outstanding match, and finally live up to their bogey team status, on the back of an outstanding performance from their pack in particular.
These 15 men (plus 6 odd replacements) will never have to buy another pint for the rest of their lives! And why not, I'd buy any one of them a beer after this.
There won't be many Kiwi tears shed for the Aussies, but like a cockroach they will doubtless survive this spray of poison and be back for more later in the tournie. And unfortunately the way things are going South Africa, New Zealand and Australia will stand in each other's way, on the way to the final. So it may be a case of be careful what you wish for.
Final score: Australia 6 - Ireland 15
16 games 82 tries.
Tweet of the match - "I'd love to be the Guiness rep for Auckland after tonight's sales... Ireland will drink the place dry!" @Mr_Mark_Brown
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Game 15 - South Africa v Fiji - Wellington Regional Stadium - 17th Sept 2011
What a splendid experience it was to enjoy the passion of this tournament at the Cake Tin. The crowd seemed to consist of 1/3rd passionate South Africans, 1/3rd passionate Fijians and 1/3rd Kiwis who mostly seem to be backing Fiji.
As a Fijian born New Zealander I was fully behind the team in white, and I believed for the first 20 minutes before it all turned to custard.
Fiji played with fire, strength, bravery and determination. It didn't get them anywhere.
They must have strung together dozens of phases that were 95% effective. Sadly there was always a mistake. A dropped pass here, a turnover there, a poor kicking option, a failed grounding, a forward pass, a silly penalty... all night long.
What was worse was that the mistakes often occurred just when the Boks were on the verge of succumbing. The Springboks on the other hand were happy to soak up the pressure and then when handed the turnovers, counter attack with deadly precision.
The game was surprisingly even given the final score line, but while the South Africans executed almost perfectly, the Fijians failed to execute at all.
The final score of 49-3 was Fiji's worst result since the inaugural RWC. It was also a great stepping stone for a South African team who are most definitely building. The Fijians threw everything at them and South Africa's defence stayed fast, unlike the All Blacks in both games so far.
The All Blacks, Wallabies, English and French will watch replays of this game and wonder how tough a nut the Boks will be for them to crack.
Final score: South Africa 49 - Fiji 3
15 games 82 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Poor Fiji. Trying so hard & still getting shut down at every turn. This is the big leagues now boys" @moniera
As a Fijian born New Zealander I was fully behind the team in white, and I believed for the first 20 minutes before it all turned to custard.
Fiji played with fire, strength, bravery and determination. It didn't get them anywhere.
They must have strung together dozens of phases that were 95% effective. Sadly there was always a mistake. A dropped pass here, a turnover there, a poor kicking option, a failed grounding, a forward pass, a silly penalty... all night long.
What was worse was that the mistakes often occurred just when the Boks were on the verge of succumbing. The Springboks on the other hand were happy to soak up the pressure and then when handed the turnovers, counter attack with deadly precision.
The game was surprisingly even given the final score line, but while the South Africans executed almost perfectly, the Fijians failed to execute at all.
The final score of 49-3 was Fiji's worst result since the inaugural RWC. It was also a great stepping stone for a South African team who are most definitely building. The Fijians threw everything at them and South Africa's defence stayed fast, unlike the All Blacks in both games so far.
The All Blacks, Wallabies, English and French will watch replays of this game and wonder how tough a nut the Boks will be for them to crack.
Final score: South Africa 49 - Fiji 3
15 games 82 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Poor Fiji. Trying so hard & still getting shut down at every turn. This is the big leagues now boys" @moniera
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| Fiji supporters at the stadium |
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| These Fijian/NZ kids were chanting "FIJI. ALL BLACKS. FIJI. ALL BLACKS" |
Game 14 - Argentina v Romania - Rugby Park - 17th Sept 2011
Invercargill is sunny and resplendent, and there is a packed crowd to see a game between two promising but still relatively minor nations. Full credit to the New Zealand crowds - we promised the IRB a grandstand of 4 million and by golly we are delivering well into this tournament.
Argentina are ranked 9th in the world vs Romania who are 17th.
The Los Pumas will have been kicking themselves for failing to take the English team's scalp last week. They have become more and more formidable over the last decade, with their prowess stemming from their menacing forward pack and renowned skill at executing the 10-man game. Peculiar that their goal kickers Contemponi and Rodriguez should misfire so spectacularly underneath the only roof at the RWC.
The Romanian Oaks did well to stay within 10 points of a disappointing Scotland side 7 days ago, and they will be hoping they can go one better today and upset their latin foe.
The Argies failed to score a try in Dunedin, but any fears that we are in for a dour fest today are quickly wiped away by a nifty opening try by Puma Santiago Fernandez after just 4 minutes. Also prompting a feeling of bonhomie is the Romanin strip which makes them look like 15 very athletic court jesters.
The Los Pumas are irrepressible, and continue to notch up 5 pointers with gay abandon, gaining their bonus point 4th try by the 29th minute. A white (and blue) wash is beckoning with the score 26-3 after 30 minutes (the Romanian points coming from the boot of Tiberius Dimofte).
But the Romanians discover their inner Oak and fight back to score a majestic sweeping try down their left wing to Ionel Cazan. It is the best try of the match thus far and the crowd are getting their money's worth and then some!
The Argentinians nearly score the try of the tournament on the 39 minute mark following a delightful 50 metre break chip 'n' chase from fullback Amorosino. Sadly the final pass is grassed, the teams head to the break 26-8.
And Megan and I head to the cake tin! The thing about this tournament is that the games are so tightly packed that if you go to game as we are about to (South Africa v Fiji) then it means you must miss something. I tell you what - I'll eat my hat if Romania go on to win this one.
Back from the energetic Springbok vs Fiji match now, to discover the second half of this game was all Pumas. They had to grind out the first 20 minutes of the second half before scoring a try, but kept the pressure on the Oaks for the full 80 minutes to win by a comprehensive 43-8.
The gifted Argentinean full back Amorosino scorer of one try and creator of much magic deservedly took the man of the match award. He certainly reminded me of Christian Cullen, with such great handling skill and intense acceleration. The Pumas could certainly go through from the Pool B "Group of Death" if they can beat a so-far lacklustre Scotland - they must have a better than even shot at that.
The Oaks earn a pass mark for grit, and the try was a bonus, but they have a long way to come to be competitive at this level.
Final score 43 Argentina - 8 Romania
14 games 76 tries.
Tweet of the match- "the argentine fullback is one of the best performers at the world cup" @Freedzmaster11
Argentina are ranked 9th in the world vs Romania who are 17th.
The Los Pumas will have been kicking themselves for failing to take the English team's scalp last week. They have become more and more formidable over the last decade, with their prowess stemming from their menacing forward pack and renowned skill at executing the 10-man game. Peculiar that their goal kickers Contemponi and Rodriguez should misfire so spectacularly underneath the only roof at the RWC.
The Romanian Oaks did well to stay within 10 points of a disappointing Scotland side 7 days ago, and they will be hoping they can go one better today and upset their latin foe.
The Argies failed to score a try in Dunedin, but any fears that we are in for a dour fest today are quickly wiped away by a nifty opening try by Puma Santiago Fernandez after just 4 minutes. Also prompting a feeling of bonhomie is the Romanin strip which makes them look like 15 very athletic court jesters.
The Los Pumas are irrepressible, and continue to notch up 5 pointers with gay abandon, gaining their bonus point 4th try by the 29th minute. A white (and blue) wash is beckoning with the score 26-3 after 30 minutes (the Romanian points coming from the boot of Tiberius Dimofte).
But the Romanians discover their inner Oak and fight back to score a majestic sweeping try down their left wing to Ionel Cazan. It is the best try of the match thus far and the crowd are getting their money's worth and then some!
The Argentinians nearly score the try of the tournament on the 39 minute mark following a delightful 50 metre break chip 'n' chase from fullback Amorosino. Sadly the final pass is grassed, the teams head to the break 26-8.
And Megan and I head to the cake tin! The thing about this tournament is that the games are so tightly packed that if you go to game as we are about to (South Africa v Fiji) then it means you must miss something. I tell you what - I'll eat my hat if Romania go on to win this one.
Back from the energetic Springbok vs Fiji match now, to discover the second half of this game was all Pumas. They had to grind out the first 20 minutes of the second half before scoring a try, but kept the pressure on the Oaks for the full 80 minutes to win by a comprehensive 43-8.
The gifted Argentinean full back Amorosino scorer of one try and creator of much magic deservedly took the man of the match award. He certainly reminded me of Christian Cullen, with such great handling skill and intense acceleration. The Pumas could certainly go through from the Pool B "Group of Death" if they can beat a so-far lacklustre Scotland - they must have a better than even shot at that.
The Oaks earn a pass mark for grit, and the try was a bonus, but they have a long way to come to be competitive at this level.
Final score 43 Argentina - 8 Romania
14 games 76 tries.
Tweet of the match- "the argentine fullback is one of the best performers at the world cup" @Freedzmaster11
Friday, September 16, 2011
Game 13 - New Zealand v Japan - Waikato Stadium - 16 Sept 2011
I'm blogging this game after the fact, so I won't go into quite as much detail as in earlier postings.
Megan and I were invited to Paul, Mary and Zeb's for dinner and we watched this splendid game there.
There had been a lot of talk about the ABs going into the game half-baked, with McCaw, DC, Keiren Reid and Mils Muliaina all unavailable through injury, but on the other hand Japan were fielding a B team in order to save their energies for games they had more chance of winning. So no real qualms there.
Looking back on the game I'd say we would have done little better had the injured players been able to appear. The All Blacks really came to play and outmuscled the Brave but somewhat scrawny Blossoms. They hit the scoresheet very early indeed when Conrad Smith dotted down after 3 minutes, and they built on this great start to demolish Japan in every department.
Several of the starting All Blacks played brilliantly. Jerome Kaino was impossible for the Japanesse to contain, as more, then more Blossoms had to commit themselves to his bullocking runs. His outstanding work in the loose led to many All Black high-points, and he also grabbed a superb try for himself in the tight. It was a 12 out of 10 performance from him.
Ma'a Nonu was golden, he played one of his best 80 minutes as an All Black. Richard Kahui and Cory Jane totally dominated their wings, but it was the Waikato kid who hit the score sheet twice bagging 2 more tries to join Fijian winger Vereneki Goneva atop the RWC leaderboard with 4 tries for the tournament. Cory never stopped trying , set up plenty for others and defended brilliantly, but he would certainly have wanted to bag a try of his own tonight.
Also top draw were, Andy Ellis, Conrad Smith, Victor Vito, Adam Thomson and Brad Thorn.
No All Black had an absolute shocker, but Colin Slade struggled to find his kicking boots early and was responsible for the ABs worst moment later, so he might not sleep soundly tonight. Everyone else will have done their chances no harm at all.
The real talking point has to be Sonny Bill Williams; with Smith and Nonu appearing so settled and incisive in the centers, the All Black Coaching staff have been struggling to work out what to do with SBW. Tonight they found out how! He was brilliant in his 30 minutes on Cory Jane's wing. He carried with menace, he tackled like a bulldozer, he off loaded, he set up the try of the night (to Ma'a in the 61st minute) and he scored two himself.
The smile on Sonny Bill's face after he scored his first was worth the price of admission alone. This moment produced the biggest cheer of the night (so far), proving most New Zealander's love this freakish talent, not that this will silence his critics for long.
The biggest cheer of the night ended up coming at the 57minute mark, when superbly named Japanese speedster Hirotoki Onozawa latched onto (by this stage) fullback Slade's mispass and raced away for Japan's sole try. This was also only the second intercept in 13 games, quite a low ratio in anyone's book.
New Zealand have been bundled out of a World Cup before by an intercept, how I hate to remember it... Stirling Mortlock's intercept after 8 minutes in the 2003 semi final was a blow the All Blacks were unable to recover from. So my guess is that Japan's moment of glory will result in some hard training yards over the next few weeks for the All Blacks.
Bad memories aside it was an evening of festival rugby, that will have left a smile on every dial. But I do have one final quibble. When Andrew Hore replaced Kevin Mealamu as both hooker and skipper, he became the first convicted Seal Killer to captain the All Blacks. Call me old fashioned but I consider this a new low in our rugby history.
Final Score New Zealand 83- Japan 7
13 games 69 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Both teams have well-documented weaknesses for killing water mammals." @dritchie
Megan and I were invited to Paul, Mary and Zeb's for dinner and we watched this splendid game there.
There had been a lot of talk about the ABs going into the game half-baked, with McCaw, DC, Keiren Reid and Mils Muliaina all unavailable through injury, but on the other hand Japan were fielding a B team in order to save their energies for games they had more chance of winning. So no real qualms there.
Looking back on the game I'd say we would have done little better had the injured players been able to appear. The All Blacks really came to play and outmuscled the Brave but somewhat scrawny Blossoms. They hit the scoresheet very early indeed when Conrad Smith dotted down after 3 minutes, and they built on this great start to demolish Japan in every department.
Several of the starting All Blacks played brilliantly. Jerome Kaino was impossible for the Japanesse to contain, as more, then more Blossoms had to commit themselves to his bullocking runs. His outstanding work in the loose led to many All Black high-points, and he also grabbed a superb try for himself in the tight. It was a 12 out of 10 performance from him.
Ma'a Nonu was golden, he played one of his best 80 minutes as an All Black. Richard Kahui and Cory Jane totally dominated their wings, but it was the Waikato kid who hit the score sheet twice bagging 2 more tries to join Fijian winger Vereneki Goneva atop the RWC leaderboard with 4 tries for the tournament. Cory never stopped trying , set up plenty for others and defended brilliantly, but he would certainly have wanted to bag a try of his own tonight.
Also top draw were, Andy Ellis, Conrad Smith, Victor Vito, Adam Thomson and Brad Thorn.
No All Black had an absolute shocker, but Colin Slade struggled to find his kicking boots early and was responsible for the ABs worst moment later, so he might not sleep soundly tonight. Everyone else will have done their chances no harm at all.
The real talking point has to be Sonny Bill Williams; with Smith and Nonu appearing so settled and incisive in the centers, the All Black Coaching staff have been struggling to work out what to do with SBW. Tonight they found out how! He was brilliant in his 30 minutes on Cory Jane's wing. He carried with menace, he tackled like a bulldozer, he off loaded, he set up the try of the night (to Ma'a in the 61st minute) and he scored two himself.
The smile on Sonny Bill's face after he scored his first was worth the price of admission alone. This moment produced the biggest cheer of the night (so far), proving most New Zealander's love this freakish talent, not that this will silence his critics for long.
The biggest cheer of the night ended up coming at the 57minute mark, when superbly named Japanese speedster Hirotoki Onozawa latched onto (by this stage) fullback Slade's mispass and raced away for Japan's sole try. This was also only the second intercept in 13 games, quite a low ratio in anyone's book.
New Zealand have been bundled out of a World Cup before by an intercept, how I hate to remember it... Stirling Mortlock's intercept after 8 minutes in the 2003 semi final was a blow the All Blacks were unable to recover from. So my guess is that Japan's moment of glory will result in some hard training yards over the next few weeks for the All Blacks.
Bad memories aside it was an evening of festival rugby, that will have left a smile on every dial. But I do have one final quibble. When Andrew Hore replaced Kevin Mealamu as both hooker and skipper, he became the first convicted Seal Killer to captain the All Blacks. Call me old fashioned but I consider this a new low in our rugby history.
Final Score New Zealand 83- Japan 7
13 games 69 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Both teams have well-documented weaknesses for killing water mammals." @dritchie
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Game 12 - USA v Russia - Stadium Taranaki - 15 September 2011
It is hard to believe that a game between teams ranked 18th and 19th in the competition could capture the imagination, but this one has.
USA v Russia is one of those grudge matches that titillates the senses. I saw a superb documentary at this year's film festival about the 1972 rivalry between American Bobby Fischer and Russian Boris Spassky. They were playing chess, and their series played out before a global audience of millions. People crowded around outside window displays of TV shops in the States to glimpse at the action in Iceland.
This has to have something to do with the enmity between these two nations. This is sure to be continued tonight, and New Plymouth is as unlikely a venue for shenanigans between these two superpowers as Reykjavik was back in the 70s.
The Americans have to be favourites. Off the back of their stalwart efforts against Ireland on the weekend, they played a whole lot better than a team ranked 18th and will want to build from this tonight. Also the Eagles have won the last 3 encounters with the Russian Bears, so maybe it will be a tough night for them.
Curiously New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is at the game. Is there no end to his brown nosing of the Americans? Hopefully for the crowd he doesn't do a Letterman top 10 at half time.
Kick off, and the Russians quickly live up to their name. The rush with the ball and they employ rush defence to surprise the Americans and the crowd. Their early dominance results in a 3 pointer to Yury Kushnarev. 3-0 Russia after 3 minutes.
The Bears must have been sitting in their hotel drinking Vodka and eating raw elk steaks while waiting the 6 days from the start of the tournament to play, because they are fired up like you wouldn't believe.
Despite the Russian fire, the Eagles begin to work their way back into the game, and gain enough field position to earn a penalty of their own. Chris Wyles knocks it over to tie the scores at 3 apiece.
Maybe the Russians have gone out too hard because from the 15 minute mark on, the Eagles begin to totally dominate the game. They prove irresistible, as a neat movement sweeps up the left with a final pass dished to little halfback Mike Petri who crosses under the sticks to bag a 7 pointer. 10-3 USA.
USA look very good all over the park. Their forwards and backs both have the edge on the Russians. Particularly impressive are the Suniula brothers who form a formidable first and second five combo and are breaking the advantage line with ease. The only low point of the evening thus far is the moronic "USA USA USA" chant that accompanies the many good deeds of the Eagles, although I guess a Hurricanes supporter doesn't have any right to complain about moronic chants.
The Americans don't seem able to convert the pressure and field position into a big points advantage. The teams head to the break 7 points apart, and if the Bears can get their tails up in the second half they'll have a good crack at a surprise victory.
A torrential downpour at halftime threatens to dampen proceedings, but neither the crowd's spirit, nor the quality of the footy suffers after the break. The Ruskie's look good for the first few minutes, but the Eagles regain their composure and begin to dominate. The teams, if anything, go harder in the slippery conditions, and neither seem to alter their tactics. The Yanks are game to have a crack from anywhere.
By the 60 minute mark the score remains 10-3 despite everyone's endeavours. But this isn't rubbish lacklustre footy like last night's snore fest between Scotland and Georgia - it is genuine entertainment.
Then at 64 minutes Chris Wyles bags 3 more points for the Eagles from a penalty. Hard to see the Bears bridging a 10 point gap right now - they seem to be pretty pooped. 13-3 USA.
The Russians dig deep and press the American resources, and as the Bears start to front up, American tempers begin to fray. The Russians ain't going down without a fight, and the fight earns them a penalty. Silly play by the Eagles, if Russia can slot this they'll be within striking distance. Alas the easy kick is missed. 8 minutes to play and the margin is still 10 points.
Big American lock John Van Der Giessen does his team a huge service with 5 minutes to play by stealing a Bears throw on his own goal line. Not surprising that America aren't short of heroes - it is part of their mindset, as demonstrated by the crazy Superhero American fans in the crowd..
Surprisingly the Bears swap kickers and bag a 3 point penalty to Konstantin Rachklov with just 3 minutes to play. 13-6. It is all on! This would be an amazing result if the Russians can score a converted try to draw.
It isn't to be. The Bears for all their spirit lacked the necessary execution to get a result. At least they will get a bonus point for finishing within 7. The Americans worthy victors.
Good game of footy alright.
Final score 6 - 13
12 games 55 tries.
Tweet of the match- "world politics can learn a lot from rugby; beat each other up for 80 mintes, then shake hands and move on." @bbann230
That was the tournament's 12th game - the tournament is now 25% over.
USA v Russia is one of those grudge matches that titillates the senses. I saw a superb documentary at this year's film festival about the 1972 rivalry between American Bobby Fischer and Russian Boris Spassky. They were playing chess, and their series played out before a global audience of millions. People crowded around outside window displays of TV shops in the States to glimpse at the action in Iceland.
This has to have something to do with the enmity between these two nations. This is sure to be continued tonight, and New Plymouth is as unlikely a venue for shenanigans between these two superpowers as Reykjavik was back in the 70s.
The Americans have to be favourites. Off the back of their stalwart efforts against Ireland on the weekend, they played a whole lot better than a team ranked 18th and will want to build from this tonight. Also the Eagles have won the last 3 encounters with the Russian Bears, so maybe it will be a tough night for them.
Curiously New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is at the game. Is there no end to his brown nosing of the Americans? Hopefully for the crowd he doesn't do a Letterman top 10 at half time.
Kick off, and the Russians quickly live up to their name. The rush with the ball and they employ rush defence to surprise the Americans and the crowd. Their early dominance results in a 3 pointer to Yury Kushnarev. 3-0 Russia after 3 minutes.
The Bears must have been sitting in their hotel drinking Vodka and eating raw elk steaks while waiting the 6 days from the start of the tournament to play, because they are fired up like you wouldn't believe.
Despite the Russian fire, the Eagles begin to work their way back into the game, and gain enough field position to earn a penalty of their own. Chris Wyles knocks it over to tie the scores at 3 apiece.
Maybe the Russians have gone out too hard because from the 15 minute mark on, the Eagles begin to totally dominate the game. They prove irresistible, as a neat movement sweeps up the left with a final pass dished to little halfback Mike Petri who crosses under the sticks to bag a 7 pointer. 10-3 USA.
USA look very good all over the park. Their forwards and backs both have the edge on the Russians. Particularly impressive are the Suniula brothers who form a formidable first and second five combo and are breaking the advantage line with ease. The only low point of the evening thus far is the moronic "USA USA USA" chant that accompanies the many good deeds of the Eagles, although I guess a Hurricanes supporter doesn't have any right to complain about moronic chants.
The Americans don't seem able to convert the pressure and field position into a big points advantage. The teams head to the break 7 points apart, and if the Bears can get their tails up in the second half they'll have a good crack at a surprise victory.
A torrential downpour at halftime threatens to dampen proceedings, but neither the crowd's spirit, nor the quality of the footy suffers after the break. The Ruskie's look good for the first few minutes, but the Eagles regain their composure and begin to dominate. The teams, if anything, go harder in the slippery conditions, and neither seem to alter their tactics. The Yanks are game to have a crack from anywhere.
By the 60 minute mark the score remains 10-3 despite everyone's endeavours. But this isn't rubbish lacklustre footy like last night's snore fest between Scotland and Georgia - it is genuine entertainment.
Then at 64 minutes Chris Wyles bags 3 more points for the Eagles from a penalty. Hard to see the Bears bridging a 10 point gap right now - they seem to be pretty pooped. 13-3 USA.
The Russians dig deep and press the American resources, and as the Bears start to front up, American tempers begin to fray. The Russians ain't going down without a fight, and the fight earns them a penalty. Silly play by the Eagles, if Russia can slot this they'll be within striking distance. Alas the easy kick is missed. 8 minutes to play and the margin is still 10 points.
Big American lock John Van Der Giessen does his team a huge service with 5 minutes to play by stealing a Bears throw on his own goal line. Not surprising that America aren't short of heroes - it is part of their mindset, as demonstrated by the crazy Superhero American fans in the crowd..
Surprisingly the Bears swap kickers and bag a 3 point penalty to Konstantin Rachklov with just 3 minutes to play. 13-6. It is all on! This would be an amazing result if the Russians can score a converted try to draw.
It isn't to be. The Bears for all their spirit lacked the necessary execution to get a result. At least they will get a bonus point for finishing within 7. The Americans worthy victors.
Good game of footy alright.
Final score 6 - 13
12 games 55 tries.
Tweet of the match- "world politics can learn a lot from rugby; beat each other up for 80 mintes, then shake hands and move on." @bbann230
That was the tournament's 12th game - the tournament is now 25% over.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Game 11 - Scotland v Georgia - Rugby Park - 14 September 2011
Before the rugby some personal information...
My wife Megan and I are expecting twins in November/December. We have called them (for the mean time) Pebbles and Bambam. We don't know their gender yet and are going to keep it a surprise.
My wonderful cousin Cameron is partnered up with a gorgeous but formidable woman Juanita. She hails from the Waikato and is the wisest Rugby commentator I have ever met. They have a beautiful boy Cormac who is my second cousin. He has just turned two.
Juanita sent me an email encouraging me to make the most of my sabbatical rugby watching. It is so impressive I must share it with a wider audience.
Consider your future rugby watching experience:
The haka is done - fierce as ever - you crack open that beer (or woody -whatever) and put your feet up. Crying noises from the babies' room - you are sure that a 2 minute pat and shoosh will do the trick.
20 minutes later you emerge - 13 - 8 to the ABs - you have no idea what happened. Never mind you My Skyed it (didn't you? Oh crap!) Back in your Eames and feet up - the Boks are on attack and looking threatening - scrum 5 metres out - Piri screaming at the troops - this is more like it. More screaming - not from Piri.
Desperate not to miss anything - you race in, chuck a bub under each arm and run back to the lounge. Scrum being reset for the third time -phew. But there's only 28 men on the field - you have no idea what happened. The ear-splitting crying doesn't matter - the No 8 clears from the back - centre tries to bust up the middle nowhere to go - ball dies in there somewhere - scrum.
Suddenly Bam Bam - tummy upset by the rugby hold you have him/her in, throws up all over Pebbles. You clean them up - fast as poss. Halftime score 20 - 13 to the Boks - you have no idea what happened.
55th minute - finally the ABs have some decent field position and quick turnover - magic offload from Kahui to Dagg and ... shit Pebbles is choking on a Burger Ring! You deal with it - reminder to self to keep snacks out of reach. 20 all - you have no idea what happened.
75th minute - tension is building - Carter misses 2 penalties in a row, and the Japies a drop-goal. Engrossed, you have failed to notice that Pebbles has had his/her hands down nappy and is now smearing the contents all over Bam Bam.
You deal with it at pace and return. Fulltime. Ted's being interviewed and he doesn't look happy - but then, he never does. You have no idea what happened.
Blog that
Why Cam hasn't yet married this marvellous specimen of a woman is beyond me.
To the Rugby, I'll keep it brief. Scotland v Georgia should be a whitewash 7th ranked team vs 15th ranked team.
Only no one told Georgia. They come to Invercargill dressed like England and do an amazing impression of their, big, bolschy, forward-dominated 10 man game. So much so that they score first with a monster penalty at 16mins to Kvirikashvili. Georgia lead the game briefly 3-0.
But he who lives by the sword dies by the sword and Scotland answer this kicking game with something better. Dan Parks slots 2 penalties and a drop goal in the first half. At the break Scotland lead 9-3.
Both teams try their hand to spread the ball at times, but the conditions and poor execution conspire to deprive the crowd of any tries in a dour night. The 10 000 punters see an arm wrestle and nothing more.
Scotland end up winning 15-6 in the poorest match of the World Cup so far. The "highlight" the first Georgian penalty; a kick of about 45 meters. Parks and Kvirikashvili are the only players to get anywhere near the score sheet.
11 games 54 tries.
Tweet of the match - "I put a fiver on <6 tries in Scotland/Georgia game. I kind of expected there to be at LEAST 1 or 2, however. That was easy money" @freezingkiwis
His windfall of $2.40 not worthy compensation for putting up with this dreadful 80 minutes.
My wife Megan and I are expecting twins in November/December. We have called them (for the mean time) Pebbles and Bambam. We don't know their gender yet and are going to keep it a surprise.
My wonderful cousin Cameron is partnered up with a gorgeous but formidable woman Juanita. She hails from the Waikato and is the wisest Rugby commentator I have ever met. They have a beautiful boy Cormac who is my second cousin. He has just turned two.
Juanita sent me an email encouraging me to make the most of my sabbatical rugby watching. It is so impressive I must share it with a wider audience.
Consider your future rugby watching experience:
The haka is done - fierce as ever - you crack open that beer (or woody -whatever) and put your feet up. Crying noises from the babies' room - you are sure that a 2 minute pat and shoosh will do the trick.
20 minutes later you emerge - 13 - 8 to the ABs - you have no idea what happened. Never mind you My Skyed it (didn't you? Oh crap!) Back in your Eames and feet up - the Boks are on attack and looking threatening - scrum 5 metres out - Piri screaming at the troops - this is more like it. More screaming - not from Piri.
Desperate not to miss anything - you race in, chuck a bub under each arm and run back to the lounge. Scrum being reset for the third time -phew. But there's only 28 men on the field - you have no idea what happened. The ear-splitting crying doesn't matter - the No 8 clears from the back - centre tries to bust up the middle nowhere to go - ball dies in there somewhere - scrum.
Suddenly Bam Bam - tummy upset by the rugby hold you have him/her in, throws up all over Pebbles. You clean them up - fast as poss. Halftime score 20 - 13 to the Boks - you have no idea what happened.
55th minute - finally the ABs have some decent field position and quick turnover - magic offload from Kahui to Dagg and ... shit Pebbles is choking on a Burger Ring! You deal with it - reminder to self to keep snacks out of reach. 20 all - you have no idea what happened.
75th minute - tension is building - Carter misses 2 penalties in a row, and the Japies a drop-goal. Engrossed, you have failed to notice that Pebbles has had his/her hands down nappy and is now smearing the contents all over Bam Bam.
You deal with it at pace and return. Fulltime. Ted's being interviewed and he doesn't look happy - but then, he never does. You have no idea what happened.
Blog that
Why Cam hasn't yet married this marvellous specimen of a woman is beyond me.
To the Rugby, I'll keep it brief. Scotland v Georgia should be a whitewash 7th ranked team vs 15th ranked team.
Only no one told Georgia. They come to Invercargill dressed like England and do an amazing impression of their, big, bolschy, forward-dominated 10 man game. So much so that they score first with a monster penalty at 16mins to Kvirikashvili. Georgia lead the game briefly 3-0.
But he who lives by the sword dies by the sword and Scotland answer this kicking game with something better. Dan Parks slots 2 penalties and a drop goal in the first half. At the break Scotland lead 9-3.
Both teams try their hand to spread the ball at times, but the conditions and poor execution conspire to deprive the crowd of any tries in a dour night. The 10 000 punters see an arm wrestle and nothing more.
Scotland end up winning 15-6 in the poorest match of the World Cup so far. The "highlight" the first Georgian penalty; a kick of about 45 meters. Parks and Kvirikashvili are the only players to get anywhere near the score sheet.
11 games 54 tries.
Tweet of the match - "I put a fiver on <6 tries in Scotland/Georgia game. I kind of expected there to be at LEAST 1 or 2, however. That was easy money" @freezingkiwis
His windfall of $2.40 not worthy compensation for putting up with this dreadful 80 minutes.
Game 10 - Tonga v Canada - Northland Events Centre - 14 September 2011
Ah Whangarei, I'm very fond of the place. I directed a season of Dream Home there and was up there for about 10 weeks. I drove past this stadium many a time.
The locals jokingly call Whangerai the Land of Liquid Sunshine, but the weather today looks impecable.
Canada have tough opponents for their first game, however with World Rankings of 14th vs 12th respectively, they should have a good shot at this.
The Tongans acquitted themselves superbly well against the All Blacks 5 days ago. Although they should be weary, they might also be confident that they can play on the world stage and compete with the best.
The first five minutes are all Tonga, but they don't score any points. There is a remarkable looking blind side flanker in the Canadian team by the name of Adam Kleeberger. He looks like some kind of Yukon lumberjack, with a wool red ZZ Top style beard. He seems to be all over the park, but this might be because his look is so unique you can't help but spot him. I feel he's one to watch.
That will explain it! Canada draw first blood and score a superb try to one Jebb Sinclair, who looks like some kind of Yukon lumberjack, with a wool red ZZ Top style beard. There are two of them! No in fact closer inspection reveals there are more strange ginger-bearded lumberjacks in the Canadian forward pack. No wonder they beguiled the Tongans so! A nice conversion to James Pritchard and the maple syrup swigging Canadians can rejoice 7-0 up!
With 20 minutes gone there are just 7 points in it, as the Tongan goal kicker Kurt Morath misses two relatively straight forward penalties. I must admit I'm surprised by how competitive the Canadians are.
They are also more disciplined and Morath slots a three pointer on the 25 minute mark to make it a healthy 10-0 lead to the Maple Leaves. The Canadians are coached by stalwart ex-All Black Kieran Crowley, and they play his kind of no nonsense, no flashy rugby. It is working.
Back to the beards for a moment - the beards are one thing but it is pretty extraordinary that they are all ginger. These Canadians look like super-sized versions of my poker buddy Sam Meikle. No doubt they all listen to Bon Iver in the changing room as they psych up for the game.
Moments before halftime we have a period of scintillating rugby. The Tongans pound the Canadian try line for 19 phases over about three minutes, and just when it seems the Canadian pack have repelled the frenzy, the Tongans spin it wide to Siali Piutau who scores a richly deserved try. This is also the 50th try of the tournament to boot!
Morath's conversion makes it 10-7 to Canada at the break.
The second half begins at a cracking pace and the teams swap penalties within the first 5 minutes of the half. 13-10 Canada after 46mins. It seems at every breakdown a wooly bearded Canadian behemoth emerges with the pill. The Canadian forwards are outpointing their counterparts, and the Tongan backs have the edge out wide. Either team could win this.
It is the Tongan backs who draw blood first in the half, as the rampaging centre Piutau cuts through the Canadians like a hot knife through flapjacks to nab his second try under the sticks. 17-13 Tonga.
My beautiful wife Megan is part Tongan - you can see it in her powerful calves! And I must confess I would love to see them win this for her sake, but these big hearted Canadians are also loveable.
58 minutes in, what did I say about liquid sunshine! Whangerai is crazy, you would never have thunk that it could have been raining 60 minutes ago - what a changeable climate. This weather should suit the Canadians. But Morath puts the Tongans 7 points clear with 15 minutes to go.
Hold the phone. The Lumberjacks strike back immediately with another big old forward rumble eh, as number 8 Aaron Carpenter's try puts them back in the hunt. The conversion is missed. 20-18 Tonga 70minutes played.
O Canada! They score their third and most vital try a few minutes later. This time a winger Phil MacKenzie capitalises from the hard work of his forwards. 25-20 Canada. The Tongans look ragged - probably the result of two intense matches within 5 days, but they aren't looking for excuses. They now have 6 minutes to try and win this.
The Canadians have shown more courage and ticker up front, and that is why they are ahead. They also have scored one try more than their opponents. They graft out the last 4 minutes to earn the respect of the crowd and the notice of world rugby. This is the first upset of the World Cup - what a great start for Canada!
The man of the match, sports a bushy beard... it is that eye catching Kleeberger - I told you so!
Final score 20-25
10 games 54 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Canada vs Tonga just kicked off - but Canada's already won the "team with the biggest beards" competition."@databasedave
The locals jokingly call Whangerai the Land of Liquid Sunshine, but the weather today looks impecable.
Canada have tough opponents for their first game, however with World Rankings of 14th vs 12th respectively, they should have a good shot at this.
The Tongans acquitted themselves superbly well against the All Blacks 5 days ago. Although they should be weary, they might also be confident that they can play on the world stage and compete with the best.
The first five minutes are all Tonga, but they don't score any points. There is a remarkable looking blind side flanker in the Canadian team by the name of Adam Kleeberger. He looks like some kind of Yukon lumberjack, with a wool red ZZ Top style beard. He seems to be all over the park, but this might be because his look is so unique you can't help but spot him. I feel he's one to watch.
That will explain it! Canada draw first blood and score a superb try to one Jebb Sinclair, who looks like some kind of Yukon lumberjack, with a wool red ZZ Top style beard. There are two of them! No in fact closer inspection reveals there are more strange ginger-bearded lumberjacks in the Canadian forward pack. No wonder they beguiled the Tongans so! A nice conversion to James Pritchard and the maple syrup swigging Canadians can rejoice 7-0 up!
With 20 minutes gone there are just 7 points in it, as the Tongan goal kicker Kurt Morath misses two relatively straight forward penalties. I must admit I'm surprised by how competitive the Canadians are.
They are also more disciplined and Morath slots a three pointer on the 25 minute mark to make it a healthy 10-0 lead to the Maple Leaves. The Canadians are coached by stalwart ex-All Black Kieran Crowley, and they play his kind of no nonsense, no flashy rugby. It is working.
Back to the beards for a moment - the beards are one thing but it is pretty extraordinary that they are all ginger. These Canadians look like super-sized versions of my poker buddy Sam Meikle. No doubt they all listen to Bon Iver in the changing room as they psych up for the game.
Moments before halftime we have a period of scintillating rugby. The Tongans pound the Canadian try line for 19 phases over about three minutes, and just when it seems the Canadian pack have repelled the frenzy, the Tongans spin it wide to Siali Piutau who scores a richly deserved try. This is also the 50th try of the tournament to boot!
Morath's conversion makes it 10-7 to Canada at the break.
The second half begins at a cracking pace and the teams swap penalties within the first 5 minutes of the half. 13-10 Canada after 46mins. It seems at every breakdown a wooly bearded Canadian behemoth emerges with the pill. The Canadian forwards are outpointing their counterparts, and the Tongan backs have the edge out wide. Either team could win this.
It is the Tongan backs who draw blood first in the half, as the rampaging centre Piutau cuts through the Canadians like a hot knife through flapjacks to nab his second try under the sticks. 17-13 Tonga.
My beautiful wife Megan is part Tongan - you can see it in her powerful calves! And I must confess I would love to see them win this for her sake, but these big hearted Canadians are also loveable.
58 minutes in, what did I say about liquid sunshine! Whangerai is crazy, you would never have thunk that it could have been raining 60 minutes ago - what a changeable climate. This weather should suit the Canadians. But Morath puts the Tongans 7 points clear with 15 minutes to go.
Hold the phone. The Lumberjacks strike back immediately with another big old forward rumble eh, as number 8 Aaron Carpenter's try puts them back in the hunt. The conversion is missed. 20-18 Tonga 70minutes played.
O Canada! They score their third and most vital try a few minutes later. This time a winger Phil MacKenzie capitalises from the hard work of his forwards. 25-20 Canada. The Tongans look ragged - probably the result of two intense matches within 5 days, but they aren't looking for excuses. They now have 6 minutes to try and win this.
The Canadians have shown more courage and ticker up front, and that is why they are ahead. They also have scored one try more than their opponents. They graft out the last 4 minutes to earn the respect of the crowd and the notice of world rugby. This is the first upset of the World Cup - what a great start for Canada!
The man of the match, sports a bushy beard... it is that eye catching Kleeberger - I told you so!
Final score 20-25
10 games 54 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Canada vs Tonga just kicked off - but Canada's already won the "team with the biggest beards" competition."@databasedave
Game 9 - Samoa v Namibia - Rotorua International Stadium - 14 September 2011
Another cracker day in Rotovegas.
9 games 49 tries.
Manu Samoa stunned the rugby world by beating the Wallabies in Sydney just a couple of months ago.
They've been on the sidelines watching all of the favourites play in the RWC up until now.
And Samoa may have been thinking that no other team seems all that intimidating.
If they can come out and put on a cricket score against Namibia today then they could make a whole lot of people (myself included) take their chances more seriously.
Holy smokes! They announce their intentions right from kickoff. Little halfback Kahn Fotuali'i takes the ball all of the way up the right touchline in implausible fashion. He scores the best individual try of the tournament thus far, and the game isn't even a minute old. What a try!
A great conversion by the superbly named Tusi Pisi makes it 7-0.
The Namibians are rattled here. They kick the restart out on the full, and then defend wave after wave of attack for many more minutes.
A penalty is conceded and Samoa are doing this Pisi! 10-0.
The terrifying thing about all if the Pacific teams is that when they tackle they seem to delight in hitting their opponents as hard as possible. The Samoan defence looks even meaner than what we've seen from Fiji and Tonga thus far.
By the 15 minute mark the poor Namibians look so wary on attack they want to give the ball away before they get tackled. The Samoans are irresistible on attack and soon the left winger Alesana Tuilagi scores another ripper try.
The conversion... too Pisi 17-0. This could be a bath.
Tusi Pisi isn't just place kicking well, he is running this game superbly well. This could be the best game by any first five in the tourney thus far... albeit under little pressure.
Pisi makes it 20-0 with his 2nd penalty and 4 kicks from 4 attempts at the 24 minute mark.
DISASTER for Samoa 27 minutes in. Tusi Pisi makes a great break and almost scores a try, but picks up an injury. He has been the best player on the park, and while they look ready to account for Namibia today, they will want him for the rest of the tournament. It's his hamstring, what a pity. He was completely commanding this game.
To their credit the Namibians aren't shirking their role in this game. They start putting in some harder hits of their own, but it is like trying to swat away a locomotive. Tuilagi scores an incredible bullocking try, he reminds me of Via'aga Tuigamala in scoring this try. He kind of propels himself at the line like a rocket from 10 meters out. 3 defenders try and slow him, but they just bounce off him.
All Black great BeeGee Williams' son Paul is the new Samoan kicker, but he misses, 25-0. All Samoa here. Then Williams blots his copy book further and is yellow carded on half time. He was dismissed for a dangerous tackle, but to be fair to him it wasn't in any way malicious - it's just that Samoans hit like wrecking balls.
Namibia's one shot at credibility is to try and score in the first ten minutes of the second half while Williams is off the park. If they can't manage this, we should see a comprehensive victory to Manu Samoa.
Second Half.
Namibia don't score while Williams is off, and when he returns at 50 minutes it is goodnight nurse.
Alesana Tuilagi completes the tournament's second hat trick, then Williams makes amends for his indiscretion and the score is 42-0 at 3/4 time.
Poor Namibia conceded the other hat trick too, when bullocking Fijian winger Vereneki Goneva bagged four against them. I hope for their sake that Tuilagi doesn't know this because if he starts to try harder then they are in big trouble!
Then Namibia score a great try against the run of play! Danie Van Wyk scores after a great chip 'n' chase by Llewellyn Winkler. They've avoided the down trou and deservedly so. 42-5 after 65 minutes.
With 10 minutes to go Manu Samoa smash the Namibian scrum, and collect a penalty try. A fair decision by the ref - the Namibians collapsed the scrum when a try was certain. 49-5, and the tournaments first half century beckons Samoa
It is not to be. Namibia seem determined to score again and find the resolve to pound away at the Samoan line for the remainder of the game - it is amazing what pride will do. Theuns Kotze scores the final 7 points of the match, following numerous phases of Namibian attack.
The final score of 49-12 is a fair reflection of Manu Samoa's dominance, but also Namibia's endurance.
9 games 49 tries.
Tweet of the match - "Despite the score, Namibia has been a delight to watch. Great character & fight in the face of a losing battle" @alistairjhogg
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Game 8 - South Africa v Wales - Wellington Regional Stadium - 11 September 2011
Ah the caketin. Big props to all the 30,000 rugby fans who are there tonight.
Megan and I could be there, but have decided to save our money to see the Tongan and Fijian matches instead. She's part Tongan, I was born in Fiji, blood is thicker... yada, yada, yada.
This is a very important match. The reigning World Champs are ranked 3rd in the world and they are taking on the 6th ranked Welsh.
After tonight, with all respect to Samoa, we will have seen the eventual winner of the tournament. The way things are going one of these two could be that team.
Prior to kickoff the Welsh destroy everyone else's anthem with a stunning rendition of Land of my Fathers. But when the South African anthem sounds, the rousing voices in the stadium signal that there are a huge number of South Africans in the house. There are an unusual number of South Africans living in Wellington, and there seem to be plenty of travelling fans.
The Boks will be wanting to maintain the momentum gathered at Port Elizabeth when they comfortably accounted for an understrength All Black side 3 weeks ago. After kick off they soon show they mean business. The inspirational Brian Habana makes a great break, whose surge continues to result in a nifty try to Francois Steyn in the right corner. 7-0 within 4 minutes!
Back in South Africa, Francois looked like he'd been on the spliff. He sported a bogan mullet that would grace any Bondi beach, but he's come to RWC with a crew cut, and his menacing look is a big improvement in terms of providing an intimidation factor.
While this is a set back to the Welsh they quickly gain some possession and soon play themselves back into the match. They gain field position and slot a penalty, before being bizarrely denied another penalty conversion by the touch judges at the 16 minute mark. In cricket the third umpire can confirm if a ball crosses the boundary for 6 - it seems crazy that you can't go upstairs to see if a team have been robbed of 3 points.
7-3 after 16 mins.
Next the teams trade penalties, both kickers Morne Steyn and James Hook, are having very steady games, unlike the shenanigans in Dunedin last night. The crowd are patently on the side of the Welsh, and with this home town advantage they front up for the rest of the half.
Amusingly both sides attempt drop goals before the break to extremely loud booing from the crowd. You are a long way from Johannesburg/Cardiff now Dr Ropata!
10-6 at the interval - it's anyones game.
Warren Gatland must have said something inspirational to his charges in the break because Wales are firing immediately in the second half. They press the Springbok line, but to no avail. Will the chinks emerge in 20 minutes time? When South African skipper Victor Matfield limps off the field, there is a clear sense the World Champs are vulnerable. Go Wales!
The first 10 minutes of the half are all Wales and they are awarded a penalty as they bombard the Boks' line. The score is now 10-9. It should be 12-10 to Wales.
Holy smokes! Toby Faletau scores a ripper try to Wales on the 55 minute mark, 16-10.
All of the games this weekend have shown that many teams at this cup have the ability to beat many others on a given day, especially when you factor in the pressure of playing in front of very vocal and impassioned crowds.
Faletau nearly does it again moments later. If this was a heavy weight prize fight, the Boks would be praying for the bell. If the Welsh can score again soon they may KO the World Champs in their first outing.
Please please please cut to Peter De Villiers - I would love to see his crazy face right now.
With 18 minutes to play, the Springboks are 6 points behind and playing without many of their go-to heroes; Habana, Smit and Matfield are all off of the park. They turn down an easy 3 with 15 minutes to go, will they regret that by the final whistle?
Maybe not, because replacement winger Francois Hougaard scores a 7 pointer to put them in front, with the best show-boat of the tournament thus far. He flings himself so far through the air, in his touch down he nearly goes over the dead ball line. A pretty try nonetheless.
Wales 16-17 South Africa after 68 mins. Great game here.
The New Zealand crowd prove themselves to be hypocrites because they cheer Wales's second drop kick attempt. The truth is we really don't like drop kicks because we can't do them - well we can't when it counts. It seems we'll make an exception this time because we want Wales to win. Sadly for the crowd and Wales it misses by a country mile.
72 mins. Penalty to Wales! Kickable. Unfortunately James hooks it wide!
COME ON WALES! remember they should be ahead 19-17 because they were denied a 3 pointer which went over the sticks.
78 mins We've seen this before. South Africa will just try to keep hold of the ball for the last 2 minutes to score a sketchy win.
79 minutes Turnover! Wales need to go end to end to win the game - they deserve to win this.
They don't. The Boks take it 17-16. But this tournament is alive and kicking.
The difference between the teams is one try and an error by the touch judges. A crying shame.
8 games 41 tries.
Tweet of the match "Greenpeace could save the wales by harpooning those touch judges" @daihenwood
Megan and I could be there, but have decided to save our money to see the Tongan and Fijian matches instead. She's part Tongan, I was born in Fiji, blood is thicker... yada, yada, yada.
This is a very important match. The reigning World Champs are ranked 3rd in the world and they are taking on the 6th ranked Welsh.
After tonight, with all respect to Samoa, we will have seen the eventual winner of the tournament. The way things are going one of these two could be that team.
Prior to kickoff the Welsh destroy everyone else's anthem with a stunning rendition of Land of my Fathers. But when the South African anthem sounds, the rousing voices in the stadium signal that there are a huge number of South Africans in the house. There are an unusual number of South Africans living in Wellington, and there seem to be plenty of travelling fans.
The Boks will be wanting to maintain the momentum gathered at Port Elizabeth when they comfortably accounted for an understrength All Black side 3 weeks ago. After kick off they soon show they mean business. The inspirational Brian Habana makes a great break, whose surge continues to result in a nifty try to Francois Steyn in the right corner. 7-0 within 4 minutes!
Back in South Africa, Francois looked like he'd been on the spliff. He sported a bogan mullet that would grace any Bondi beach, but he's come to RWC with a crew cut, and his menacing look is a big improvement in terms of providing an intimidation factor.
While this is a set back to the Welsh they quickly gain some possession and soon play themselves back into the match. They gain field position and slot a penalty, before being bizarrely denied another penalty conversion by the touch judges at the 16 minute mark. In cricket the third umpire can confirm if a ball crosses the boundary for 6 - it seems crazy that you can't go upstairs to see if a team have been robbed of 3 points.
7-3 after 16 mins.
Next the teams trade penalties, both kickers Morne Steyn and James Hook, are having very steady games, unlike the shenanigans in Dunedin last night. The crowd are patently on the side of the Welsh, and with this home town advantage they front up for the rest of the half.
Amusingly both sides attempt drop goals before the break to extremely loud booing from the crowd. You are a long way from Johannesburg/Cardiff now Dr Ropata!
10-6 at the interval - it's anyones game.
Warren Gatland must have said something inspirational to his charges in the break because Wales are firing immediately in the second half. They press the Springbok line, but to no avail. Will the chinks emerge in 20 minutes time? When South African skipper Victor Matfield limps off the field, there is a clear sense the World Champs are vulnerable. Go Wales!
The first 10 minutes of the half are all Wales and they are awarded a penalty as they bombard the Boks' line. The score is now 10-9. It should be 12-10 to Wales.
Holy smokes! Toby Faletau scores a ripper try to Wales on the 55 minute mark, 16-10.
All of the games this weekend have shown that many teams at this cup have the ability to beat many others on a given day, especially when you factor in the pressure of playing in front of very vocal and impassioned crowds.
Faletau nearly does it again moments later. If this was a heavy weight prize fight, the Boks would be praying for the bell. If the Welsh can score again soon they may KO the World Champs in their first outing.
Please please please cut to Peter De Villiers - I would love to see his crazy face right now.
With 18 minutes to play, the Springboks are 6 points behind and playing without many of their go-to heroes; Habana, Smit and Matfield are all off of the park. They turn down an easy 3 with 15 minutes to go, will they regret that by the final whistle?
Maybe not, because replacement winger Francois Hougaard scores a 7 pointer to put them in front, with the best show-boat of the tournament thus far. He flings himself so far through the air, in his touch down he nearly goes over the dead ball line. A pretty try nonetheless.
Wales 16-17 South Africa after 68 mins. Great game here.
The New Zealand crowd prove themselves to be hypocrites because they cheer Wales's second drop kick attempt. The truth is we really don't like drop kicks because we can't do them - well we can't when it counts. It seems we'll make an exception this time because we want Wales to win. Sadly for the crowd and Wales it misses by a country mile.
72 mins. Penalty to Wales! Kickable. Unfortunately James hooks it wide!
COME ON WALES! remember they should be ahead 19-17 because they were denied a 3 pointer which went over the sticks.
78 mins We've seen this before. South Africa will just try to keep hold of the ball for the last 2 minutes to score a sketchy win.
79 minutes Turnover! Wales need to go end to end to win the game - they deserve to win this.
They don't. The Boks take it 17-16. But this tournament is alive and kicking.
The difference between the teams is one try and an error by the touch judges. A crying shame.
8 games 41 tries.
Tweet of the match "Greenpeace could save the wales by harpooning those touch judges" @daihenwood
Game 7 - Ireland v USA - Stadium Taranaki - 11 September 2011
When Taranaki play in New Plymouth this park is dubbed the Bull Ring. But it feels a whole lot more cosmopolitan than that tonight.
The USAEagles team will be sentimental favourites for most today, given that this match is played on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Strictly speaking this is not true, for New Zealander's awoke on September the 12th 2001 to discover the world had changed, but why let that spoil the sentiment?
The Irish team have plenty of support at the ground however and they are in fine voice. Hopefully the sodden pitch allows some free spirited footy as these teams open their campaigns.
If the first seven minutes are anything to go by this looks like it could be the most one-sided contest so far - the Irish look to have a visceral dominance upfront, and have a dangerous back line to boot.
But Ireland fail to take easy points from an early penalty, and then struggle with their handling in the tricky conditions.
Ironically one of the standout American players is centre Paul Emerick which sounds a lot like Limerick in the commentary.
There was a big centre called Paul
Who was always strong on the ball.
He hoodwinked the other team.
By sounding like one of them.
And thus created confusion for all.
After 17 minutes the Irish look the stronger unit, but only have a 3-0 lead from the boot of the Daniel Carter-ish Jonathan Sexton. Then the USA have a better spell around 20 minutes but fail to convert a penalty to bring them level. Every time Emerick touches the pill they look likely.
The only truly world class player on the pitch is Brian O'Driscoll. His first touch at 30 minutes nearly results in a try but the tricky conditions foil the move. If the Irish can put the ball back in O'Driscoll's hands they will surely start to cut the Eagles up.
The first half is closed out with an assault on the Eagles line which results in a try to Tommy Bowe. At last to the Irish have broken through. They head to the break with the score at 10-0, it doesn't look like there will be any giant killing tonight then.
The first ten minutes of the second half make me look like a lier, as the Eagles emerge from the sheds with renewed vigour. They bombard the Irish until they concede a kickable penalty. The Eagles have landed! 10-3 following Patterson's kick.
But the Eagles hope is short lived. Ireland compose themselves and quickly claim tries to Rory Best and another to Bowe. At 22-3 with a quarter to play it is goodnight nurse. Still the Irish will want to press on and finish the Yanks in style, because momentum is such an important aspect of tournament play.
For the Americans, scoring a try would provide a fill up after a solid first 50 minutes.
In the end it is my man Emerick of Limerick who steals the curtain call racing away for the tournament's first intercept try. The Eagles can be happy with the 22-10 scoreline - Ireland won't be.
I'm stoked, because my own Limerick written 60 minutes ago has proved amazingly prescient. They passed the ball to him detecting and Irish lilt, and payed a 7 point price!
Final score 22-10
7 games 38 tries.
Tweet of the match- "I'm thinking to myself- "what's the worst thing that can happen on 9/11" - and then I switched on the match" @The_Real_Wayno (posted about the dreary 35 minute mark)
The USAEagles team will be sentimental favourites for most today, given that this match is played on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Strictly speaking this is not true, for New Zealander's awoke on September the 12th 2001 to discover the world had changed, but why let that spoil the sentiment?
The Irish team have plenty of support at the ground however and they are in fine voice. Hopefully the sodden pitch allows some free spirited footy as these teams open their campaigns.
If the first seven minutes are anything to go by this looks like it could be the most one-sided contest so far - the Irish look to have a visceral dominance upfront, and have a dangerous back line to boot.
But Ireland fail to take easy points from an early penalty, and then struggle with their handling in the tricky conditions.
Ironically one of the standout American players is centre Paul Emerick which sounds a lot like Limerick in the commentary.
There was a big centre called Paul
Who was always strong on the ball.
He hoodwinked the other team.
By sounding like one of them.
And thus created confusion for all.
After 17 minutes the Irish look the stronger unit, but only have a 3-0 lead from the boot of the Daniel Carter-ish Jonathan Sexton. Then the USA have a better spell around 20 minutes but fail to convert a penalty to bring them level. Every time Emerick touches the pill they look likely.
The only truly world class player on the pitch is Brian O'Driscoll. His first touch at 30 minutes nearly results in a try but the tricky conditions foil the move. If the Irish can put the ball back in O'Driscoll's hands they will surely start to cut the Eagles up.
The first half is closed out with an assault on the Eagles line which results in a try to Tommy Bowe. At last to the Irish have broken through. They head to the break with the score at 10-0, it doesn't look like there will be any giant killing tonight then.
The first ten minutes of the second half make me look like a lier, as the Eagles emerge from the sheds with renewed vigour. They bombard the Irish until they concede a kickable penalty. The Eagles have landed! 10-3 following Patterson's kick.
But the Eagles hope is short lived. Ireland compose themselves and quickly claim tries to Rory Best and another to Bowe. At 22-3 with a quarter to play it is goodnight nurse. Still the Irish will want to press on and finish the Yanks in style, because momentum is such an important aspect of tournament play.
For the Americans, scoring a try would provide a fill up after a solid first 50 minutes.
In the end it is my man Emerick of Limerick who steals the curtain call racing away for the tournament's first intercept try. The Eagles can be happy with the 22-10 scoreline - Ireland won't be.
I'm stoked, because my own Limerick written 60 minutes ago has proved amazingly prescient. They passed the ball to him detecting and Irish lilt, and payed a 7 point price!
Final score 22-10
7 games 38 tries.
Tweet of the match- "I'm thinking to myself- "what's the worst thing that can happen on 9/11" - and then I switched on the match" @The_Real_Wayno (posted about the dreary 35 minute mark)
Game 6 - Australia v Italy - North Harbour Stadium - 11 September 2011
What a difference a day makes. After the glorious weather and footy of the first two days of the Rugby World Cup, we are served up with a reminder that it is a winter code after all.
We're back at the North Half a Stadium, which yesterday played host to the best game of the tournament so far. The Japanese gave the French the scare of their lives in a game memorable for an impassioned, generous and uncharacteristically enthusiastic crowd. It was certainly better than any North Harbour crowd. And proof that there is something special about this event.
When the 2nd best team in the world plays the 11th you'd expect a rout, but I don't think that is what we'll see. The distance between the worst and best teams in this tournament has diminished year on year in this professional era. Nowadays most teams are able to field 15 men who play rugby for a living.
This weather is also a blessing for the Italians as it should slightly blunt the edge off of the razor sharp Wallaby back line. Also in the mix is that the majority of the crowd will always want to back any team playing New Zealand's nemesis.
Speaking of our nemesis, how about Quade Cooper? If he had stayed in the country of his birth, he would now be a lovely humble maori boy, instead he's been left in the hot Brisbane sun for too long and has morphed into a nasty, irritating little cockroach. The boy can play however, and 20 minutes into the game, he is the only reason the Aussies are up 3-0.
The Italians are fronting up all across the park, and the only real mistake they've made thus far is not resisting the urge to tackle Cooper late - can you blame them?
The other threatening looking Wallaby is the much more pleasant Kurtly Beale. He has handled the ball a few times in the first 25 minutes and always poses a threat. He is such an exciting player he is hard to dislike, also he is the doppelganger of Kid Creole from the Coconuts fame. I urge you to witness this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-NGlOB4hJA
Half an hour in, and the score is 6-0 to the Wallabies thanks to two Cooper penalties. The Italians have shown real purpose with the ball in hand, and they are by no means out of the match yet, but they will want to score before half time.
Life is imitating art, because as I type the sentence above, the Italians win a penalty and it is slotted by Bergamasco... 6-3, then in short time Cooper concedes another penalty in front of the sticks and they head to the break with the honours shared. 6 apiece.
In most New Zealanders wildest dreams, Italy will go on to upset the Wallabies, but I won't be popping down to the TAB to bet on it. Robbie is bound to come up with something in his team talk to give the convicts an edge in the second half.
The second half begins and the Australians emerge from their changing rooms with genuine purpose, and threaten the Italian line, then monster them at scrum time. The Italians only hope appears to be to hold them out for long enough to make them panic. I'd say if the Wallabies can score next, the game will be over before we know it.
As expected at 48 minutes the Wallabies put together an end to end try which features every player the All Blacks fear most. Kurtly Beale, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, the Captain Holwell, Will Genia and Radike Samo provide the impetus and Ben Alexander collects the 5 pointer.
If the Italians can get back into the match from here I'll be astounded. Fortunately for them the Justin Beiber-like James O'Connor misses an easy conversion. 11-6. And in theory the Italians can get back into the game if they score next.
Well it's not going to happen, with 56 minutes gone Adam Ashley-Cooper scores a fabulous try to put the game out of reach. 18-6 And then Bieber himself caps a 19 point ten minute spree to take the game to 25-6 with a quarter to go.
James O'Connor has made a big difference since coming on, and the Wallaby back line look slick, smooth and threatening. Robbie Deans is a canny one alright He has managed to discipline his youngest prodigy over the last month, and in doing so given him a hunger to redeem himself.
If the Italians were hoping that with the game locked up the Aussies would take their foot off the gas, then they are confounded by the best try of the lot to Ioane at the 68 minute mark. It is turning into a bath at 32-6.
That's how it ended. This is a great tournament. 6 games 34 tries. But every game having moments of genuine competition and tension.
My player of the match is Radike Samo who looks a shoe-in to make a best of tournament XV, so imposing is his presence on the game.
Final Score 32-6
6 games 34 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Australia are here everyone! They apologise for being 40 minutes late." @Dukevfr
We're back at the North Half a Stadium, which yesterday played host to the best game of the tournament so far. The Japanese gave the French the scare of their lives in a game memorable for an impassioned, generous and uncharacteristically enthusiastic crowd. It was certainly better than any North Harbour crowd. And proof that there is something special about this event.
When the 2nd best team in the world plays the 11th you'd expect a rout, but I don't think that is what we'll see. The distance between the worst and best teams in this tournament has diminished year on year in this professional era. Nowadays most teams are able to field 15 men who play rugby for a living.
This weather is also a blessing for the Italians as it should slightly blunt the edge off of the razor sharp Wallaby back line. Also in the mix is that the majority of the crowd will always want to back any team playing New Zealand's nemesis.
Speaking of our nemesis, how about Quade Cooper? If he had stayed in the country of his birth, he would now be a lovely humble maori boy, instead he's been left in the hot Brisbane sun for too long and has morphed into a nasty, irritating little cockroach. The boy can play however, and 20 minutes into the game, he is the only reason the Aussies are up 3-0.
The Italians are fronting up all across the park, and the only real mistake they've made thus far is not resisting the urge to tackle Cooper late - can you blame them?
The other threatening looking Wallaby is the much more pleasant Kurtly Beale. He has handled the ball a few times in the first 25 minutes and always poses a threat. He is such an exciting player he is hard to dislike, also he is the doppelganger of Kid Creole from the Coconuts fame. I urge you to witness this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-NGlOB4hJA
Half an hour in, and the score is 6-0 to the Wallabies thanks to two Cooper penalties. The Italians have shown real purpose with the ball in hand, and they are by no means out of the match yet, but they will want to score before half time.
Life is imitating art, because as I type the sentence above, the Italians win a penalty and it is slotted by Bergamasco... 6-3, then in short time Cooper concedes another penalty in front of the sticks and they head to the break with the honours shared. 6 apiece.
In most New Zealanders wildest dreams, Italy will go on to upset the Wallabies, but I won't be popping down to the TAB to bet on it. Robbie is bound to come up with something in his team talk to give the convicts an edge in the second half.
The second half begins and the Australians emerge from their changing rooms with genuine purpose, and threaten the Italian line, then monster them at scrum time. The Italians only hope appears to be to hold them out for long enough to make them panic. I'd say if the Wallabies can score next, the game will be over before we know it.
As expected at 48 minutes the Wallabies put together an end to end try which features every player the All Blacks fear most. Kurtly Beale, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, the Captain Holwell, Will Genia and Radike Samo provide the impetus and Ben Alexander collects the 5 pointer.
If the Italians can get back into the match from here I'll be astounded. Fortunately for them the Justin Beiber-like James O'Connor misses an easy conversion. 11-6. And in theory the Italians can get back into the game if they score next.
Well it's not going to happen, with 56 minutes gone Adam Ashley-Cooper scores a fabulous try to put the game out of reach. 18-6 And then Bieber himself caps a 19 point ten minute spree to take the game to 25-6 with a quarter to go.
James O'Connor has made a big difference since coming on, and the Wallaby back line look slick, smooth and threatening. Robbie Deans is a canny one alright He has managed to discipline his youngest prodigy over the last month, and in doing so given him a hunger to redeem himself.
If the Italians were hoping that with the game locked up the Aussies would take their foot off the gas, then they are confounded by the best try of the lot to Ioane at the 68 minute mark. It is turning into a bath at 32-6.
That's how it ended. This is a great tournament. 6 games 34 tries. But every game having moments of genuine competition and tension.
My player of the match is Radike Samo who looks a shoe-in to make a best of tournament XV, so imposing is his presence on the game.
Final Score 32-6
6 games 34 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Australia are here everyone! They apologise for being 40 minutes late." @Dukevfr
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