I'm going to need to go back before I go forward here.
We could go back as far as 1999, when Jonah Lomu was the only man in Black who competed for a full 80 minutes as the All Blacks were bundled out of the Semi Finals by France in Twickenham to our disbelief. If you want to go there, then my Game 23 post (Australia v USA) details my own unfortunate story behind that game.
But I'm only going back four years to the Cardiff Quarter Final against the same nemesis. Surely lightning couldn't and wouldn't strike us twice? The All Blacks had always made the Semis and we had learnt to treat the French with respect. We went to the 2007 tournament easily the best team in the world and we thought this game was merely a stepping stone to our redemption.
At this time I drove a big and beautiful golden Holden HZ Premier, and all through the cup I had an All Blacks flag sitting proudly outside the passenger window. On the day prior to the match I was ferrying our splendid but sometimes obnoxious friend Mikey around town on some errand. We were speeding along Customhouse Quay, past the Civic Square in Wellington, when Mikey muttered something about needing some air, I began yelling "Nooooo..." and only stopped as my beloved flag went flying from the car.
We were unable to stop and get it in the flow of traffic. We looked at each other, nervous that this was some spooky harbinger of disappointment. Mikey wasn't having it, he loudly said "Oh yeah, The All Blacks are going to lose because of your flag....because I lost your silly flag. Get Real!" I didn't say anything. But later the next morning as Megan and I sat in stunned silence at Wayne and Amie's flat in Lyall Bay, after we had witnessed another All Black capitulation. I muttered to myself; "F%$k you Mikey - you lost my lucky flag".
I know a number of other New Zealanders blame themselves for that game, they broke some long standing tradition which led to the loss. But in my heart I know, that it was my fault we lost, because I let Mikey lose my flag.
So this year the lucky flag is behind the driver's seat, and we have not been carrying passengers in that seat, nor will we until the Webb Ellis trophy is lifted, and we are keeping Mikey at a safe distance.
As an added precaution I am not, I repeat not, making the same mistake again. I am not going to live-blog this match - it is way to important for that. The All Blacks need me more than you dear reader.
I will post the tweet of the match and updated try-count shortly after the game ends.
GO BLACK!
Final score 37-17 to the All Blacks
The Good; Israel Dagg, Ma'a, Conrad, DC, the first 20 minutes, a drop goal, Super subs- SBW and Slade, the passion, Kaino, Richie's 100th.
The Bad; The second half scrummaging, injuries, the intercept... there have only been 3 in 25 games, 2 against New Zealand.
The Ugly; Israel's peculiar sock puppet celebration.
25 games 155 tries
Tweet of the match - "What you don't know is that Israel promised to send me a sign about whether he wanted me to make a sock puppet version of him. He does! Woo!" - @annagconnell
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Game 24 - England v Romania - 24th Sept 2011 - Otago Stadium
This is a somewhat uncomfortable stage of the tournament. We've just witnessed two absolute hidings in a row, and yet another is on the cards here. Tonight for the third consecutive game we will be witnessing another massive mismatch, on paper at least.
Romania didn't look like the 18th ranked team in the world against Scotland, when they surprisingly finished within 10 points two weeks ago. And England haven't really looked like the 4th best side in the world, apart from in very short passages. But my guess is that by the end of these 80 minutes, the momentum will have shifted.
England will be intent on getting the focus back onto rugby and off bouncers, dwarves and mystery blondes. They will be feeling very at home in this magnificent stadium. This is their third straight appearance here, and my guess is the Romanians are in for a long and painful night.
Fairly predictably Jonny Wilkinson draws first blood after 3 minutes with a nicely taken penalty. But England can't get the flow on and after ten minutes the score is still just 3-0 to England and Romania haven't even been in the game. England just keep making silly errors and coughing up penalties. If they can conquer these internal demons they'll run way with it.
And conquer them they soon do! After 15 minutes the floodgates well and truly open, and the beneficiary is England's flying left wing Mark Cueto. Then he scores two more tries at the 22nd and 26th minute marks. He completes the tournament's fourth hat trick, but he's scored it in 11 minutes flat. He looks all class. Curiously he came into this game off a 7 game try-scoring drought, but that is long gone by now. Jonny slots only one of the three conversions. The score is 20-0 after 26 minutes.
I've said this before, but the only team at this World Cup with a consistent, proven kicker is South Africa - they are kicking the cover off the ball. Peter De Villiers will be delighted to see Jonny struggling like this. Remember all England's games have been under glass, with no wind or wet to contend with, and his conversion rate is well under 50%.
Next the try scoring moves to the right wing. Chris Ashton looks equally dangerous as he scores two more fine tries on the 31st and 34th minute marks. There is much mirth amongst the commentators as it comes to light that the English team have numbered the various match balls and are choosing a favourite to kick with! Whatever they are doing it seems to be working because Jonny slots these two attempts. 34-0 after 35 minutes.
The Romanians avoid the down trou by grabbing a penalty on 37 minutes and the teams go to the break 34-3.
When they return, Ben Youngs England's hero from the Los Pumas game, scores an amazingly quick try straight from the kick off. Romania aren't able to lay a hand on anyone. Toby Flood is on for Jonny and he misses the conversion 39-3. England after 41 minutes.
Things slow down for the next eight minutes before storming England center Manu Tuilagi breaks the line and lays on a delightful try to his fullback Ben Foden. Tuilagi has looked the most likely of all of the English backs. He just seems slightly faster, stronger and bigger than everyone else - he's having a great match. Flood converts 46-3 England after 50 minutes.
The English pack fall asleep a little and before you know it, the Romanian Oaks are pounding away at their line, they have an offensive 5-yard scrum and they put in a great shove. The English fall back to their usual habit of infringing to prevent the try. Romania take the quick tap, but England have the numbers to defend, they do this steadfastly and England pass the test.
Romania has but one desire left to play for and that is to score a try. For most of us now, that is the only thing left to watch for. England's dominance so far has been paramount. Manu Tuilagi finally bags a try for himself. He breaks the Romanian line and brushes off tacklers to dot it down under the sticks. There is a conversion and the score is 53-3 after 64 minutes.
It turns out that the English penchant for ball selection for conversions is strictly illegal - there has been video evidence of them doing this by now. The law states that you should take the conversion with the ball the try is scored with. This will no doubt soon be dubbed "conversion-gate" or "ball-gate", but surely the balls are exactly the same? It is very odd indeed.
On the 68th minute mark the English forwards and backs combine for the best team try of the night. The ball travels through about ten sets of hands before blind side flanker Tom Croft pops it down in the right corner. Flood converts and it's 60-3.
After the restart they're at it again, and Chris Ashton gets the tournament's fifth hat trick. Those wingers will be shouting later on tonight. Flood converts again, which makes you wonder why they rate Jonny as the superboot? 67-3 after 70 minutes.
Romania struggle desperately to score in the last ten minutes but can't manage it. England get across the line again, but the try is not awarded. Despite both team's endeavours, that's the way it finishes. England couldn't have done more to prove they are up for this tournament, except kick a few more conversions. Martin Johnson will be delighted with his 67-3 win. The defence was sound, and the attack was at times blistering.
Final score: England 67 - Romania 3
24 games 148 tries
Romania didn't look like the 18th ranked team in the world against Scotland, when they surprisingly finished within 10 points two weeks ago. And England haven't really looked like the 4th best side in the world, apart from in very short passages. But my guess is that by the end of these 80 minutes, the momentum will have shifted.
England will be intent on getting the focus back onto rugby and off bouncers, dwarves and mystery blondes. They will be feeling very at home in this magnificent stadium. This is their third straight appearance here, and my guess is the Romanians are in for a long and painful night.
Fairly predictably Jonny Wilkinson draws first blood after 3 minutes with a nicely taken penalty. But England can't get the flow on and after ten minutes the score is still just 3-0 to England and Romania haven't even been in the game. England just keep making silly errors and coughing up penalties. If they can conquer these internal demons they'll run way with it.
And conquer them they soon do! After 15 minutes the floodgates well and truly open, and the beneficiary is England's flying left wing Mark Cueto. Then he scores two more tries at the 22nd and 26th minute marks. He completes the tournament's fourth hat trick, but he's scored it in 11 minutes flat. He looks all class. Curiously he came into this game off a 7 game try-scoring drought, but that is long gone by now. Jonny slots only one of the three conversions. The score is 20-0 after 26 minutes.
I've said this before, but the only team at this World Cup with a consistent, proven kicker is South Africa - they are kicking the cover off the ball. Peter De Villiers will be delighted to see Jonny struggling like this. Remember all England's games have been under glass, with no wind or wet to contend with, and his conversion rate is well under 50%.
Next the try scoring moves to the right wing. Chris Ashton looks equally dangerous as he scores two more fine tries on the 31st and 34th minute marks. There is much mirth amongst the commentators as it comes to light that the English team have numbered the various match balls and are choosing a favourite to kick with! Whatever they are doing it seems to be working because Jonny slots these two attempts. 34-0 after 35 minutes.
The Romanians avoid the down trou by grabbing a penalty on 37 minutes and the teams go to the break 34-3.
When they return, Ben Youngs England's hero from the Los Pumas game, scores an amazingly quick try straight from the kick off. Romania aren't able to lay a hand on anyone. Toby Flood is on for Jonny and he misses the conversion 39-3. England after 41 minutes.
Things slow down for the next eight minutes before storming England center Manu Tuilagi breaks the line and lays on a delightful try to his fullback Ben Foden. Tuilagi has looked the most likely of all of the English backs. He just seems slightly faster, stronger and bigger than everyone else - he's having a great match. Flood converts 46-3 England after 50 minutes.
The English pack fall asleep a little and before you know it, the Romanian Oaks are pounding away at their line, they have an offensive 5-yard scrum and they put in a great shove. The English fall back to their usual habit of infringing to prevent the try. Romania take the quick tap, but England have the numbers to defend, they do this steadfastly and England pass the test.
Romania has but one desire left to play for and that is to score a try. For most of us now, that is the only thing left to watch for. England's dominance so far has been paramount. Manu Tuilagi finally bags a try for himself. He breaks the Romanian line and brushes off tacklers to dot it down under the sticks. There is a conversion and the score is 53-3 after 64 minutes.
It turns out that the English penchant for ball selection for conversions is strictly illegal - there has been video evidence of them doing this by now. The law states that you should take the conversion with the ball the try is scored with. This will no doubt soon be dubbed "conversion-gate" or "ball-gate", but surely the balls are exactly the same? It is very odd indeed.
On the 68th minute mark the English forwards and backs combine for the best team try of the night. The ball travels through about ten sets of hands before blind side flanker Tom Croft pops it down in the right corner. Flood converts and it's 60-3.
After the restart they're at it again, and Chris Ashton gets the tournament's fifth hat trick. Those wingers will be shouting later on tonight. Flood converts again, which makes you wonder why they rate Jonny as the superboot? 67-3 after 70 minutes.
Romania struggle desperately to score in the last ten minutes but can't manage it. England get across the line again, but the try is not awarded. Despite both team's endeavours, that's the way it finishes. England couldn't have done more to prove they are up for this tournament, except kick a few more conversions. Martin Johnson will be delighted with his 67-3 win. The defence was sound, and the attack was at times blistering.
Final score: England 67 - Romania 3
24 games 148 tries
Tweet of the match - "Thing to remember is, the last thing this Romanian tean won was third in the Eurovision song contest" @adamsimpson90
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Friday, September 23, 2011
Game 23 - Australia v USA - Wellington Regional Stadium - 23rd Sept 2011
This feels like de ja vu. Just like last night one of these teams, the USA, should have no hope of staying in the game after 80 minutes. Despite their shock loss to Ireland, the Wallabies are a ripper team, with no real weaknesses in any aspect of their game.
But they do come into this match looking distinctly un-Australian. They have been bleating about New Zealand crowds not getting behind them, and such carping is very out of character. Australians normally believe cheerfully that you make your own luck. They know how to win and have never had any trouble believing in their abilities to win. Do they really think New Zealanders are going to barrack for them while the All Blacks are still in the tournament? As they'd say "not bloody likely mate"
I had the tragic misfortune to be in Oz filming the Melbourne Cup when the All Blacks were sent home from the 1999 RWC by France. Just hours after being stunned by this result, and still short of Zzzs, my crew and I were filming a morning roast Melbourne Cup event in a huge function room at Crown Casino. There were about 1500 people at this do, and this is how we were greeted....
A portly Aussie bloke stands up at the lectern and says... "There's some good news and bad news. The bad news is that there will be a bloody film crew in here this morning filming you all eat". The crowd mumble, grumble and complain. Then the gentleman breaks into a shit eating grin. "But the good news is they are a bunch of bloody Kiwis, so make sure you all let them know how mighty their bloody All Blacks are today". Most of the 1500 punters swept into gales of laughter and derision. After that, the day got worse.
So feel sorry for the Aussies? No thanks. Give them a hug? Not right now. They can toughen up, get over themselves and realise New Zealand crowds will never root for them as they would never root for the Springboks - you don't see them complaining.
The game has been in motion for about 5 minutes, and the Wallabies are looking a bit dejected and rusty. The Eagles are footing it with them pretty well, but as they say it's still early days. And what do you know, the usual suspects Quade Cooper and Kurtly Beale tear the USA midfield up, to manufacture a try for second five Rob Horn - fine try that. Beale misses the conversion 5-0 after 9 minutes.
About a minute later Rocky Elsom finishes off a very similar movement. I've been totally impressed with the way he's moved on since losing the captaincy just before the cup started. He has played with presence, pasion and dignity. Cooper misses this conversion. 10-0 after 11minutes. The Springboks will be happy to see their potential quarter final opponents looking so average with the boot.
Fabulous play by the Eagles - they string together 20 phases as they hammer the Aussie try line, then force Cooper to carry the ball back for a 5 metre scrum. I wouldn't have thought they had the firepower to test the Wallabies like that. Their first scrum doesn't look convincing, but they get a second crack, and their inspirational #8 JJ Gagiano (how's that for a name out of the Sopranos?) takes the ball off a scrum going backwards to sprint over in the corner without a hand laid on him. AWESOME. The conversion is closer than the Wallaby efforts, but no cigar. 10-5 Australia, 25 minutes, game on.
The Eagles press on, but turn the ball over while hot on attack. That man Elsom snaffles it and passes to Beale who ends up returning it 70 metres, right under the Eagles' posts. Cooper can't miss this one. 17-5 Australia after 31 minutes. I think we might see a bonus point try before the half ends. Kurtley Beale looks the best fullback at the tournament by a significant margin.
I thought as much, the Wallabies centre Anthony Faingaa gets their fourth try after 34 minutes. The Eagles need to try and retain possession, because any number of Australians can break their line. Cooper misses again! That was very kickable. 22-5 Australia.
Halftime comes, and in the last 15 minutes the Wallabies have made the game secure, but Robbie Deans will not be happy when he addresses his troops in the break. We can all be sure of that.
Excellent play ref! He plays an advantage long enough to see Quade Cooper get scragged - the crowd cheer. The Eagles don't seem to have much of a plan, and the Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell scores a very easy try early in the second half. Too easy. The Americans need to find some inspiration or they will get dismembered here. Cooper converts, 29-5 after 45 minutes.
Less than a minute later Pat McCabe scores on the other wing. I will refrain from listing the points from here. If I write anything else before the final whistle, it will be in the unlikely event that the Eagles wake up. 34-5 after 50 minutes.
The last 30 minutes were absolutely the Adam Ashley Cooper show. The Wallaby winger scored a hat trick, and replacement second five Berrick Barnes took over kicking duties and couldn't miss. Faingaa bagged a second try too before big replacement #8 Radike Samo scored the lucky last. The Wallabies looked convincing in the end as they strode manfully to a 67-5 victory.
Sadly for all the game had a sickening end as Anthony Faingaa was knocked out cold with a miss-timed tackle, in the final moments. He had an outstanding game, and it is a great pity to see him stretchered off. I'm sure we all hope he recovers from this. I would hug him if I could - I would make an exception!
Final score: Australia 67 - USA 5
23 games 138 tries
But they do come into this match looking distinctly un-Australian. They have been bleating about New Zealand crowds not getting behind them, and such carping is very out of character. Australians normally believe cheerfully that you make your own luck. They know how to win and have never had any trouble believing in their abilities to win. Do they really think New Zealanders are going to barrack for them while the All Blacks are still in the tournament? As they'd say "not bloody likely mate"
I had the tragic misfortune to be in Oz filming the Melbourne Cup when the All Blacks were sent home from the 1999 RWC by France. Just hours after being stunned by this result, and still short of Zzzs, my crew and I were filming a morning roast Melbourne Cup event in a huge function room at Crown Casino. There were about 1500 people at this do, and this is how we were greeted....
A portly Aussie bloke stands up at the lectern and says... "There's some good news and bad news. The bad news is that there will be a bloody film crew in here this morning filming you all eat". The crowd mumble, grumble and complain. Then the gentleman breaks into a shit eating grin. "But the good news is they are a bunch of bloody Kiwis, so make sure you all let them know how mighty their bloody All Blacks are today". Most of the 1500 punters swept into gales of laughter and derision. After that, the day got worse.
So feel sorry for the Aussies? No thanks. Give them a hug? Not right now. They can toughen up, get over themselves and realise New Zealand crowds will never root for them as they would never root for the Springboks - you don't see them complaining.
The game has been in motion for about 5 minutes, and the Wallabies are looking a bit dejected and rusty. The Eagles are footing it with them pretty well, but as they say it's still early days. And what do you know, the usual suspects Quade Cooper and Kurtly Beale tear the USA midfield up, to manufacture a try for second five Rob Horn - fine try that. Beale misses the conversion 5-0 after 9 minutes.
About a minute later Rocky Elsom finishes off a very similar movement. I've been totally impressed with the way he's moved on since losing the captaincy just before the cup started. He has played with presence, pasion and dignity. Cooper misses this conversion. 10-0 after 11minutes. The Springboks will be happy to see their potential quarter final opponents looking so average with the boot.
Fabulous play by the Eagles - they string together 20 phases as they hammer the Aussie try line, then force Cooper to carry the ball back for a 5 metre scrum. I wouldn't have thought they had the firepower to test the Wallabies like that. Their first scrum doesn't look convincing, but they get a second crack, and their inspirational #8 JJ Gagiano (how's that for a name out of the Sopranos?) takes the ball off a scrum going backwards to sprint over in the corner without a hand laid on him. AWESOME. The conversion is closer than the Wallaby efforts, but no cigar. 10-5 Australia, 25 minutes, game on.
The Eagles press on, but turn the ball over while hot on attack. That man Elsom snaffles it and passes to Beale who ends up returning it 70 metres, right under the Eagles' posts. Cooper can't miss this one. 17-5 Australia after 31 minutes. I think we might see a bonus point try before the half ends. Kurtley Beale looks the best fullback at the tournament by a significant margin.
I thought as much, the Wallabies centre Anthony Faingaa gets their fourth try after 34 minutes. The Eagles need to try and retain possession, because any number of Australians can break their line. Cooper misses again! That was very kickable. 22-5 Australia.
Halftime comes, and in the last 15 minutes the Wallabies have made the game secure, but Robbie Deans will not be happy when he addresses his troops in the break. We can all be sure of that.
Excellent play ref! He plays an advantage long enough to see Quade Cooper get scragged - the crowd cheer. The Eagles don't seem to have much of a plan, and the Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell scores a very easy try early in the second half. Too easy. The Americans need to find some inspiration or they will get dismembered here. Cooper converts, 29-5 after 45 minutes.
Less than a minute later Pat McCabe scores on the other wing. I will refrain from listing the points from here. If I write anything else before the final whistle, it will be in the unlikely event that the Eagles wake up. 34-5 after 50 minutes.
The last 30 minutes were absolutely the Adam Ashley Cooper show. The Wallaby winger scored a hat trick, and replacement second five Berrick Barnes took over kicking duties and couldn't miss. Faingaa bagged a second try too before big replacement #8 Radike Samo scored the lucky last. The Wallabies looked convincing in the end as they strode manfully to a 67-5 victory.
Sadly for all the game had a sickening end as Anthony Faingaa was knocked out cold with a miss-timed tackle, in the final moments. He had an outstanding game, and it is a great pity to see him stretchered off. I'm sure we all hope he recovers from this. I would hug him if I could - I would make an exception!
Final score: Australia 67 - USA 5
23 games 138 tries
Tweet of the match - "How is it the Wallabies got to the World Cup without a decent kicker #majorfail" @KateLynchJourno
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Thursday, September 22, 2011
Game 22 - South Africa v Namibia - North Harbour Stadium - 22nd Sept 2011
Oh-oh. I feel pretty worried for poor Namibia here. The biggest mismatch of the tournament beckons.
South Africa are ranked 2nd in the world, and they are taking on the team ranked 19th.
Namibia's most famous ever rugby player, Percy Montgomery played for their neighbouring country South Africa. There are only 1000 rugby players to choose from in Namibia, while across the border there are more like hundreds of thousands.
Namibia's tournament has been patchy at best. They performed credibly against Fiji to whom they lost 49-25. Then they got smashed by Samoa 49-12. They head into a match against the World Champs who are on the improve, and like a big cat, hungry for blood. Namibia aren't merely vulnerable, they are more like a new born crippled antelope who has only just found its feet.
I was at the Cake Tin to see the Boks soak up enormous pressure and then strike back to demoralise Fiji 49-3, and I am certain that much worse awaits the Namibians in the half a stadium tonight. Their nickname is the Welwitschias, and all we can do is wish them well because this will be a cricket score.
Namibia start very well and look somewhat competent for the first 3 minutes, until the first scrum that is. They then get demolished and the Boks earn a penalty which is slotted by Morne Steyn 3-0 SA. Namibia will be smarting, and will try to avoid further scrummaging wherever possible - good luck with that.
Hello! On the 5 minute mark a Namibian spot tackle makes mince meat of Schalk Burger (Sorry I had to do that). Sadly they can't keep hold of the pill and Gio Aplon races away for the first Springbok try after just 7 minutes. Steyn converts, 10-0.
The Namibian forwards can't compete with their bigger and more skilful opposites. Every set piece sees the Boks dominant, with the Namibians only option to infringe to prevent South African progress. It'll be a long night for the blue pack here. Every scrum is hurting them in particular. And the tireder they get, the more this will compound.
Twenty minutes in and Namibia are doing delightfully well. They don't seem to be able to win any set piece ball at all, but they are fighting for the scraps like a starving hyena. But I've cursed them here by commenting on it, because a turnover sees Bryan Habana clocking up a record scoring 39th try as a Springbok. Impressive. Steyn converts 17-0 after 23 mins.
Habana has always been my favourite Springbok, not that there is much contest. I admire Victor Matfield and John Smit too. Habana seems a genuinely likeable guy, and has no apparent badness in him, unlike backs from the James Small and Butch James mould. Also for most of the time he has played, he has been the best winger in the world. He's a class act and deserves every accolade. A little habit I have is singing his name into the song Sierra Leone by Coconut Rough. This is great fun, but probably a little irritating to my companions.
28 minutes in and Namibia are bogged down in their left hand corner. They lose a tight head to the South Africans, then concede a penalty at the next scrum. The Boks opt to scrum again and earn the inevitable Penalty Try. I told Megan it was coming 30 seconds before it happened, for the Springboks this is like shooting fish in a barrel. 24-0 after 30 mins
Jaque Fourie walks in a beautiful try to South Africa after 38 minutes. Namibia are almost out on their feet here - fortunately for them they are saved by the bell. The score is 31-0 at the break.
Despite their pack's obvious dominance, the South Africans will not be very happy with themselves. Their line-out has failed several times, with the Namibians not even contesting many of the throws. In the first 7 minutes of the second spell, the Boks make repeated errors and seem ready to stumble until the 48th minute when Fracois Steyn finds himself on the end of a huge overlap. 38-0 after 50 minutes then.
It takes ten more minutes to crack the Welwitschias again, and Morne Steyn adds a try to his 6 kicks this evening. He adds two more and is subbed of with 7 out of 7 kicks and a try to boot. Nice effort.
Moments later Juan De Jongh gets in on the action getting on the end of another bullocking Springbok attack. The try is converted by Ruan Pienaar 52-0
Moments later Aplin scores his second try. Pienaar converts 59-0 after 65 minutes. Here comes that cricket score.
It has become like an exhibition match. The Namibians are spent, but the Boks have plenty of fresh legs on the pitch, and they all want to get on the scoreboard. The brilliant little halfback Francois Hougaard is next on the sheet, diving over under the crossbar with a ripper showboat. The conversion follows 66-0 after 68 minutes.
The quality of the Springbok kicking is looking a huge factor for the tournament. They have had 10 shots at goal thus far and missed none, using two different kickers. They are like New Zealand's finest netballer Irene Van Dyke! Holy cow, De Jongh gets his second now. It is 73-0 and that is the Springboks' highest ever test score.
I actually am starting to feel like a reporter observing an execution. This is too cruel. I can't do this anymore. I will post a final score at game's end.
It ends up 87-0 with two more tries coming to Danie Rossouw and another to Hougaard. They didn't miss a kick all night! Peter De Villiers will be delighted with his team's defensive efforts. For two games in a row they've conceded the donut. This is a bad sign for every other team in the tournament. They looked rubbish against Wales 2 weeks ago, but that is ancient history now. The Boks are on a roll.
Final score: South Africa 87 - Namibia 0
22 games 126 tries.
South Africa are ranked 2nd in the world, and they are taking on the team ranked 19th.
Namibia's most famous ever rugby player, Percy Montgomery played for their neighbouring country South Africa. There are only 1000 rugby players to choose from in Namibia, while across the border there are more like hundreds of thousands.
Namibia's tournament has been patchy at best. They performed credibly against Fiji to whom they lost 49-25. Then they got smashed by Samoa 49-12. They head into a match against the World Champs who are on the improve, and like a big cat, hungry for blood. Namibia aren't merely vulnerable, they are more like a new born crippled antelope who has only just found its feet.
I was at the Cake Tin to see the Boks soak up enormous pressure and then strike back to demoralise Fiji 49-3, and I am certain that much worse awaits the Namibians in the half a stadium tonight. Their nickname is the Welwitschias, and all we can do is wish them well because this will be a cricket score.
Namibia start very well and look somewhat competent for the first 3 minutes, until the first scrum that is. They then get demolished and the Boks earn a penalty which is slotted by Morne Steyn 3-0 SA. Namibia will be smarting, and will try to avoid further scrummaging wherever possible - good luck with that.
Hello! On the 5 minute mark a Namibian spot tackle makes mince meat of Schalk Burger (Sorry I had to do that). Sadly they can't keep hold of the pill and Gio Aplon races away for the first Springbok try after just 7 minutes. Steyn converts, 10-0.
The Namibian forwards can't compete with their bigger and more skilful opposites. Every set piece sees the Boks dominant, with the Namibians only option to infringe to prevent South African progress. It'll be a long night for the blue pack here. Every scrum is hurting them in particular. And the tireder they get, the more this will compound.
Twenty minutes in and Namibia are doing delightfully well. They don't seem to be able to win any set piece ball at all, but they are fighting for the scraps like a starving hyena. But I've cursed them here by commenting on it, because a turnover sees Bryan Habana clocking up a record scoring 39th try as a Springbok. Impressive. Steyn converts 17-0 after 23 mins.
Habana has always been my favourite Springbok, not that there is much contest. I admire Victor Matfield and John Smit too. Habana seems a genuinely likeable guy, and has no apparent badness in him, unlike backs from the James Small and Butch James mould. Also for most of the time he has played, he has been the best winger in the world. He's a class act and deserves every accolade. A little habit I have is singing his name into the song Sierra Leone by Coconut Rough. This is great fun, but probably a little irritating to my companions.
28 minutes in and Namibia are bogged down in their left hand corner. They lose a tight head to the South Africans, then concede a penalty at the next scrum. The Boks opt to scrum again and earn the inevitable Penalty Try. I told Megan it was coming 30 seconds before it happened, for the Springboks this is like shooting fish in a barrel. 24-0 after 30 mins
Jaque Fourie walks in a beautiful try to South Africa after 38 minutes. Namibia are almost out on their feet here - fortunately for them they are saved by the bell. The score is 31-0 at the break.
Despite their pack's obvious dominance, the South Africans will not be very happy with themselves. Their line-out has failed several times, with the Namibians not even contesting many of the throws. In the first 7 minutes of the second spell, the Boks make repeated errors and seem ready to stumble until the 48th minute when Fracois Steyn finds himself on the end of a huge overlap. 38-0 after 50 minutes then.
It takes ten more minutes to crack the Welwitschias again, and Morne Steyn adds a try to his 6 kicks this evening. He adds two more and is subbed of with 7 out of 7 kicks and a try to boot. Nice effort.
Moments later Juan De Jongh gets in on the action getting on the end of another bullocking Springbok attack. The try is converted by Ruan Pienaar 52-0
Moments later Aplin scores his second try. Pienaar converts 59-0 after 65 minutes. Here comes that cricket score.
It has become like an exhibition match. The Namibians are spent, but the Boks have plenty of fresh legs on the pitch, and they all want to get on the scoreboard. The brilliant little halfback Francois Hougaard is next on the sheet, diving over under the crossbar with a ripper showboat. The conversion follows 66-0 after 68 minutes.
The quality of the Springbok kicking is looking a huge factor for the tournament. They have had 10 shots at goal thus far and missed none, using two different kickers. They are like New Zealand's finest netballer Irene Van Dyke! Holy cow, De Jongh gets his second now. It is 73-0 and that is the Springboks' highest ever test score.
I actually am starting to feel like a reporter observing an execution. This is too cruel. I can't do this anymore. I will post a final score at game's end.
It ends up 87-0 with two more tries coming to Danie Rossouw and another to Hougaard. They didn't miss a kick all night! Peter De Villiers will be delighted with his team's defensive efforts. For two games in a row they've conceded the donut. This is a bad sign for every other team in the tournament. They looked rubbish against Wales 2 weeks ago, but that is ancient history now. The Boks are on a roll.
Final score: South Africa 87 - Namibia 0
22 games 126 tries.
Tweet of the match - "Namibia should stick to what they're really good at.. Which is..... I'll get back to u on that" @Sparkzozo
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Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Game 21- Japan v Tonga - Northland Events Centre - 21st Sept 2011
Wow, this should be an excellent game. 13th vs 15th in the world. Two distinctly different styles of play. Two markedly different cultures.
I think most New Zealanders will be happy to see either team win this because both squads have that underdog X factor we respond so positively to. If there was a way for them both to win, many would opt for that.
As always in our house my wife Megan's Tongan ancestry means we are rooting for the Nation described by Spiro Zarvos (in his excellent book How to Watch the Rugby World Cup 2011) as "reputed to produce the biggest people on earth".
And the Tongans are on fire - out of the blocks like a heavyweight boxer, assaulting the Japanese line with intent. Amazingly a tiny Japanese man Hirotoki Onozawa manages to hold up the rampant rampaging #8 Viliami Ma'afu as he storms over the line.
The Japanese will need to bring that intensity for 80 minutes to stay with the bigger Tongans. 5 minutes gone and it is all Tonga, but no score. This is highly courageous from the Brave Blossoms. But the bravest ant cannot stop an elephant, on 7 minutes the Tongans draw blood as this time Ma'afu will not be denied by the TMO. Conversion missed 5-0 Tonga.
While the Tongans are certainly bigger, the Blossoms are nimbler, and manage to get more players around the park. As soon as they get the chance they are hot on attack themselves, fanning great numbers out wide and darting at the Tongan line. Awesome! They even manage to maul with intent and surprise the Tongans by squeaking over the line. They've gone upstairs and will miss out I'm afraid a clear double movement there.
Hang about, they've awarded the try with the crazy phrase "I do not see there is any reason you may not award the try. You may award the try". I'm sure this sentence structure will create a disaster by the end of the Cup. No conversion 5-5 after 15 minutes .
From the kickoff the Tongans attack a Japanese maul, and quickly spin the ball left. The big lock Tukulua Lokotui dots down in the corner, so exciting. Kurt Morath slots a tricky conversion 12-5 Tonga. My fingers are nearly bleeding here. 16 mins gone.
It's all-action hurly-burly end-to-end craziness, and the Japanese are very lucky to not concede a third try at 19 minutes, as Blossoms' open side Michael Leitch manages to snatch the ball when four Tongans were waiting for it. A get out of jail card for John Kirwin's team.
The little Blosssoms' halfback Fumiaki Tanaka is very impressive. He's tiny but sturdy, very quick with a lovely pass on him. He reminds me a lot of Byron Kelleher.
What a try to open side flanker Michael Leitch! The Blossoms are running the Tongans ragged and stretching them back and forth cross the park. He's saved a try and now scored one. Again no conversion 12-10 Tonga. James Arlidge is having a shocker with the boot.
Kurt Morath quickly makes the Blossoms pay by nudging over another penalty to Tonga. They lead 15-10 thirty minutes into the match. Then Arlidge is unfairly yellow carded, to allow Morath to make it 18-10, but even worse the Blossoms have to finish the half with 14 men. The Tongans could put the game out of reach in this time.
But instead the Blossoms mount plenty of pressure while down to 14 players, and are rewarded with a penalty which is slotted by replacement kicker Shaun Webb - he can keep the job then! They head to the break 18-13 Tonga, and the 15 man Japan will have a real sniff in the next half.
The Tongans hit the second half with a vengeance, and do everything but score a try, only for Onozawa to steal an intercept on his own goal line. They get a good consolation within moments as Morath slots another penalty to put them 21-13 ahead. The work is all for the Blossoms from here.
Tongan wing Fetu'u Vainikolo surely puts the game out of Japan's reach by scoring on the 55 minute mark. Another Morath conversion is slotted and 28-13 sounds like a winning scoreline to me. Until, the 60 minute mark when Tongan Halani Aulika is sent to the sin bin for consistent infringing. The Blossoms will have to score quickly if they are going to surprise the Tongans here.
They get over the line but are held up, and from the resulting scrum, center Alisi Tupuailai, crashes back towards the scrum and barges over for a great try. The score is 28-18 and this could go either way, but the 3 missed Japanese conversions may well prove costly. Within moments Morath underlines his contribution for Tonga by slotting his 4th penalty, his kicking separates the teams. 31-18 Tonga.
Japan are on fire, and so is something behind the grandstand, but their spirit is doused when they concede possession, and territory when the 15th Tongan returns. The gap of 13 between the teams with just 7 minutes left, is surely impregnable.
As predicted earlier I actually want both teams to win, but I guess Tonga deserve this more. With just 2 minutes left another Tongan is yellow carded. Japan need to score quickly, but don't. They've given their all against their bigger opponents all night long. The Blossoms couldn't have been any braver, but this match belongs to Tonga. The final score ends up 31-18 to Tonga.
Final score: Tonga 31 - Japan 18
21 games 114 tries.
I think most New Zealanders will be happy to see either team win this because both squads have that underdog X factor we respond so positively to. If there was a way for them both to win, many would opt for that.
As always in our house my wife Megan's Tongan ancestry means we are rooting for the Nation described by Spiro Zarvos (in his excellent book How to Watch the Rugby World Cup 2011) as "reputed to produce the biggest people on earth".
And the Tongans are on fire - out of the blocks like a heavyweight boxer, assaulting the Japanese line with intent. Amazingly a tiny Japanese man Hirotoki Onozawa manages to hold up the rampant rampaging #8 Viliami Ma'afu as he storms over the line.
The Japanese will need to bring that intensity for 80 minutes to stay with the bigger Tongans. 5 minutes gone and it is all Tonga, but no score. This is highly courageous from the Brave Blossoms. But the bravest ant cannot stop an elephant, on 7 minutes the Tongans draw blood as this time Ma'afu will not be denied by the TMO. Conversion missed 5-0 Tonga.
While the Tongans are certainly bigger, the Blossoms are nimbler, and manage to get more players around the park. As soon as they get the chance they are hot on attack themselves, fanning great numbers out wide and darting at the Tongan line. Awesome! They even manage to maul with intent and surprise the Tongans by squeaking over the line. They've gone upstairs and will miss out I'm afraid a clear double movement there.
Hang about, they've awarded the try with the crazy phrase "I do not see there is any reason you may not award the try. You may award the try". I'm sure this sentence structure will create a disaster by the end of the Cup. No conversion 5-5 after 15 minutes .
From the kickoff the Tongans attack a Japanese maul, and quickly spin the ball left. The big lock Tukulua Lokotui dots down in the corner, so exciting. Kurt Morath slots a tricky conversion 12-5 Tonga. My fingers are nearly bleeding here. 16 mins gone.
It's all-action hurly-burly end-to-end craziness, and the Japanese are very lucky to not concede a third try at 19 minutes, as Blossoms' open side Michael Leitch manages to snatch the ball when four Tongans were waiting for it. A get out of jail card for John Kirwin's team.
The little Blosssoms' halfback Fumiaki Tanaka is very impressive. He's tiny but sturdy, very quick with a lovely pass on him. He reminds me a lot of Byron Kelleher.
What a try to open side flanker Michael Leitch! The Blossoms are running the Tongans ragged and stretching them back and forth cross the park. He's saved a try and now scored one. Again no conversion 12-10 Tonga. James Arlidge is having a shocker with the boot.
Kurt Morath quickly makes the Blossoms pay by nudging over another penalty to Tonga. They lead 15-10 thirty minutes into the match. Then Arlidge is unfairly yellow carded, to allow Morath to make it 18-10, but even worse the Blossoms have to finish the half with 14 men. The Tongans could put the game out of reach in this time.
But instead the Blossoms mount plenty of pressure while down to 14 players, and are rewarded with a penalty which is slotted by replacement kicker Shaun Webb - he can keep the job then! They head to the break 18-13 Tonga, and the 15 man Japan will have a real sniff in the next half.
The Tongans hit the second half with a vengeance, and do everything but score a try, only for Onozawa to steal an intercept on his own goal line. They get a good consolation within moments as Morath slots another penalty to put them 21-13 ahead. The work is all for the Blossoms from here.
Tongan wing Fetu'u Vainikolo surely puts the game out of Japan's reach by scoring on the 55 minute mark. Another Morath conversion is slotted and 28-13 sounds like a winning scoreline to me. Until, the 60 minute mark when Tongan Halani Aulika is sent to the sin bin for consistent infringing. The Blossoms will have to score quickly if they are going to surprise the Tongans here.
They get over the line but are held up, and from the resulting scrum, center Alisi Tupuailai, crashes back towards the scrum and barges over for a great try. The score is 28-18 and this could go either way, but the 3 missed Japanese conversions may well prove costly. Within moments Morath underlines his contribution for Tonga by slotting his 4th penalty, his kicking separates the teams. 31-18 Tonga.
Japan are on fire, and so is something behind the grandstand, but their spirit is doused when they concede possession, and territory when the 15th Tongan returns. The gap of 13 between the teams with just 7 minutes left, is surely impregnable.
As predicted earlier I actually want both teams to win, but I guess Tonga deserve this more. With just 2 minutes left another Tongan is yellow carded. Japan need to score quickly, but don't. They've given their all against their bigger opponents all night long. The Blossoms couldn't have been any braver, but this match belongs to Tonga. The final score ends up 31-18 to Tonga.
Final score: Tonga 31 - Japan 18
21 games 114 tries.
Tweet of the match - "love the japanese, for their size they pack a punch. totally fearless but u dont see any dirtiness from em" @domesticate_me
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Game 20 - Italy vs Russia - Trafalgar Park - 20th Sept 2011
Before I get to the Rugby a wee digression. It's been about 48 hours between games and it seems the New Zealand media needed to keep the tournament in the forefront of our thoughts on Monday's supposed "day off".
The news on both New Zealand TV channels last night was about an off field drinking incident in the All Black camp. Now sportsmen and alcohol have a chequered history as we all know, and the All Blacks are normally very disciplined in this department, so I thought it had to be something big.
I was wrong, the story wasn't fresh news. The incident was 4 weeks old, dating back before the tournament began. And what happened? 23 year old winger Zac Guildford, following a poor performance against the Wallabies in Brisbane, hit the hotel bar hard and drank to excess. And then he went to bed. And that is it.
He didn't get in a fight, he didn't grope anybody, he didn't break any furniture, he didn't shoot a seal, he didn't do anything but drink enough alcohol to become intoxicated. Should this story have even been in the news? Possibly it is a sports news story... possibly. Most rugby aficionados are aware that Guildford has a history with the bottle, and that he has had these issues under control of late. So a wavering in his discipline is perhaps newsworthy. But the lead story in both channels? Give the guy a break.
What does this decision do for him? It puts him under further scrutiny. Footage of him in the Press Conference showed him looking flustered and ashamed. But what he did is entirely understandable to most of us - he had a shocker, he used alcohol inappropriately in a one-off circumstance, and that's it. We need to support him, not hang him out to dry.
To the Rugby! Trafalgar Park is chocker (12 500) and it is a beaut night. My Poker buddies and I are going to see Italy vs USA a week from now here, and it is a tantalising prospect. In the 17 minutes I've been writing this the Italians have already rattled in 3 tries, opting to try and gain a 4-try bonus point rather than kicking penalty attempts. Pool C also includes Ireland and Australia, so the Italians are aware they need to get every point they can if they are to have any hope of qualifying for the quarter finals.
The Italians edge the Russian Bears in most aspects of the game thus far - particularly in the backs where sharp handling has created the space to score the three opening tries, and on the 22 minute mark, they have their fourth! Speedy winger Giulio Toniolatti scores his second try, flying under the sticks in a pretty dive with his blonde locks flowing behind him. The score is already 24-0, and it is hard to imagine the Bears will be able to do anything but save face by scoring a point or two for themselves from here.
The two teams rank 10th vs 21st, and the gulf between them is vast at this early stage of the match. The tournament's 100th try arrives on the 28th minute, and the honour of this goes to... nobody! It is a penalty try - the Bears deliberately collapsing the dominant Azzurri scrum in the left corner. The Russians are looking at an absolute bath here.
Oops talk about curse of the commentator - the Bears finally come to play, with a tidy spell of pressure on the Italian line, resulting in their inaugural try in a Rugby World Cup, scored by little replacement halfback Alexander Yangushkin. He subbed on just a few moments ago and his influence has been obvious, he is busting and organising around the rucks and mauls, and is a little shot of adrenaline in the Bears lineup. The try is greeted by the biggest cheer of the night!
The match continues in the same free flowing vein, with 11 tries scored altogether; 8 to the Azzurri and 3 to the Bears. The Italians look a very good rugby team, and on their night they might be able to foot it with the Irish. This matchup on October 2nd will be the final pool match and may end up being one of the most important in the tournament.
Final score: Italy 53- Russia 17
20 games 108 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Russia should stick to Ice Hockey and Pole Vaulting" @suitegallery
The news on both New Zealand TV channels last night was about an off field drinking incident in the All Black camp. Now sportsmen and alcohol have a chequered history as we all know, and the All Blacks are normally very disciplined in this department, so I thought it had to be something big.
I was wrong, the story wasn't fresh news. The incident was 4 weeks old, dating back before the tournament began. And what happened? 23 year old winger Zac Guildford, following a poor performance against the Wallabies in Brisbane, hit the hotel bar hard and drank to excess. And then he went to bed. And that is it.
He didn't get in a fight, he didn't grope anybody, he didn't break any furniture, he didn't shoot a seal, he didn't do anything but drink enough alcohol to become intoxicated. Should this story have even been in the news? Possibly it is a sports news story... possibly. Most rugby aficionados are aware that Guildford has a history with the bottle, and that he has had these issues under control of late. So a wavering in his discipline is perhaps newsworthy. But the lead story in both channels? Give the guy a break.
What does this decision do for him? It puts him under further scrutiny. Footage of him in the Press Conference showed him looking flustered and ashamed. But what he did is entirely understandable to most of us - he had a shocker, he used alcohol inappropriately in a one-off circumstance, and that's it. We need to support him, not hang him out to dry.
To the Rugby! Trafalgar Park is chocker (12 500) and it is a beaut night. My Poker buddies and I are going to see Italy vs USA a week from now here, and it is a tantalising prospect. In the 17 minutes I've been writing this the Italians have already rattled in 3 tries, opting to try and gain a 4-try bonus point rather than kicking penalty attempts. Pool C also includes Ireland and Australia, so the Italians are aware they need to get every point they can if they are to have any hope of qualifying for the quarter finals.
The Italians edge the Russian Bears in most aspects of the game thus far - particularly in the backs where sharp handling has created the space to score the three opening tries, and on the 22 minute mark, they have their fourth! Speedy winger Giulio Toniolatti scores his second try, flying under the sticks in a pretty dive with his blonde locks flowing behind him. The score is already 24-0, and it is hard to imagine the Bears will be able to do anything but save face by scoring a point or two for themselves from here.
The two teams rank 10th vs 21st, and the gulf between them is vast at this early stage of the match. The tournament's 100th try arrives on the 28th minute, and the honour of this goes to... nobody! It is a penalty try - the Bears deliberately collapsing the dominant Azzurri scrum in the left corner. The Russians are looking at an absolute bath here.
Oops talk about curse of the commentator - the Bears finally come to play, with a tidy spell of pressure on the Italian line, resulting in their inaugural try in a Rugby World Cup, scored by little replacement halfback Alexander Yangushkin. He subbed on just a few moments ago and his influence has been obvious, he is busting and organising around the rucks and mauls, and is a little shot of adrenaline in the Bears lineup. The try is greeted by the biggest cheer of the night!
The match continues in the same free flowing vein, with 11 tries scored altogether; 8 to the Azzurri and 3 to the Bears. The Italians look a very good rugby team, and on their night they might be able to foot it with the Irish. This matchup on October 2nd will be the final pool match and may end up being one of the most important in the tournament.
Final score: Italy 53- Russia 17
20 games 108 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Russia should stick to Ice Hockey and Pole Vaulting" @suitegallery
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Game 19 - France v Canada - McLean Park - 18th Sept 2011
Fifteen thousand people cram into this tiny stadium, on a miserable night, as the Rugby World Cup continues to impress. The enthusiasm of everybody for rugby is quite astonishing and not even driving rain can deter the crowds.
The Canadians arrive at this match full of joie de vivre having beaten Tonga 4 days ago, but backing up so soon against such a classy opponent will be a challenge.
O Canada strike first and fast from the boot of James Pritchard and enjoy a lead of 3-0 for a few minutes.
The terrible conditions mean we don't see much flowing rugby in the first half, but we do see two superbly executed up and unders in the first ten minutes.
Tries to Les Bleus's Vincert Clerk and the Canuck's Ryan Smith cancel each other out. And the game is still in Canada's favour after 7 minutes. 10-7.
Following Smith's try, grown men who look like Grizzly Bears hug and nearly cry with delight
The game is an incredible see saw of fortunes and emotion. The brave Canadian woodsmen compete valiantly with the French all through the first half, only to see them usurp their lead in the final minutes.
They head to the break 19-10. Sadly for Canada, had their kicker James Pritchard been more accurate they could be on level terms.
As the conditions clear in the second half, the French quality begins to become apparent.
The Canadians hang in there with two drop goals to Ander Munro, but the classy French backs take over.
Damien Traille bags a try before Clerk completes a hattrick in the last play of the match. Incidentally, this is Clerk's second hattrick in a world cup, becoming only the second player to achieve this. Tres bon.
The final score flatters France to an extent, but had the match been played in dry conditions it may have been much worse for Canada. The French could pose the All Blacks much sterner resistance next Saturday.
Final score: France 46 - Canada 19
19 games 96 tries
Tweet of the match- "Save a beaver, eat a frog!" @MelenieNZ
The Canadians arrive at this match full of joie de vivre having beaten Tonga 4 days ago, but backing up so soon against such a classy opponent will be a challenge.
O Canada strike first and fast from the boot of James Pritchard and enjoy a lead of 3-0 for a few minutes.
The terrible conditions mean we don't see much flowing rugby in the first half, but we do see two superbly executed up and unders in the first ten minutes.
Tries to Les Bleus's Vincert Clerk and the Canuck's Ryan Smith cancel each other out. And the game is still in Canada's favour after 7 minutes. 10-7.
Following Smith's try, grown men who look like Grizzly Bears hug and nearly cry with delight
The game is an incredible see saw of fortunes and emotion. The brave Canadian woodsmen compete valiantly with the French all through the first half, only to see them usurp their lead in the final minutes.
They head to the break 19-10. Sadly for Canada, had their kicker James Pritchard been more accurate they could be on level terms.
As the conditions clear in the second half, the French quality begins to become apparent.
The Canadians hang in there with two drop goals to Ander Munro, but the classy French backs take over.
Damien Traille bags a try before Clerk completes a hattrick in the last play of the match. Incidentally, this is Clerk's second hattrick in a world cup, becoming only the second player to achieve this. Tres bon.
The final score flatters France to an extent, but had the match been played in dry conditions it may have been much worse for Canada. The French could pose the All Blacks much sterner resistance next Saturday.
Final score: France 46 - Canada 19
19 games 96 tries
Tweet of the match- "Save a beaver, eat a frog!" @MelenieNZ
Game 18 - England v Georgia - Otago Stadium - 18th Sept 2011
We have a good old fashioned mismatch here. England is ranked 4th in the world and are taking on Georgia, ranked 16th.
All the talk prior to this game has been about English skipper Mike Tindall's off field antics. The story has everything; a wronged princess, a mysterious blonde, dwarves, hidden camera footage, a bitter bouncer, and the suspicion of infidelity. Well almost everything, it has bugger all to do with Rugby. If the English team can keep their eyes on the prize they should run away with this.
NZ born Shontayne (how often do you meet a guy called Shontayne?) Hape soon does run away for the opening try within 4 minutes - a good sign for England who need to prove they can score tries as well as kick goals at this tourney. Toby Flood converts 7-0 England.
Georgia clearly haven't read their script because they thrice nearly score tries, and only a foot in touch denies them parity. Nice stuff from these impressive Eastern Europeans. They also fail to convert a kickable penalty - this stadium with no wind, seems to strangely confound goal-kickers.
There must be a huge number of England fans in Dunedin because the stands in the stadium are bathed in white, and a very audible chorus of Sing Low Sweet Chariot resounds. But they won't be in great spirits, because their team are under surprising pressure from the Georgians and are coughing up a disturbing number of penalties.
Normal service resumes after 20 minutes as Hape bags his second following good building pressure from the English back line. The score is 14-0 and if England can keep their hands on the pill they could score a hat full.
You have to feel for Georgia. They have played most of the rugby in the opening 24 minutes and have nothing to show for it - rugby can be a cruel game indeed. But then, having missed 3 penalties already Georgian first five Merab Kvirikashvili at last puts his team on the board. 14-3 after 27 minutes. Georgia really deserved some points - good on them! This is quickly undone by an English penalty. 17-3.
Georgia continue to press and the biggest cheer of the night comes when England hooker Dylan Hartley is yellow carded after persistent infringements. Georgia reject the easy three and opt to scrum, then poetic justice is served as their number 8 Dimitri Basilaia scores under the sticks on the stroke of halftime. What power, what passion - I'm starting to love Georgia.
England will return from the break 14 English players will try to maintain their 17-10 lead over the brave Georgians. Astonishing. If England are going to regain their dignity they will have to get hold of the ball themselves by fair means and then play some footy. If they keep infringing they'll lose more players to the bin and maybe even the match.
The second half is on, it would be smart for Georgia to keep the ball in hand and try and suck another yellow card out of the English team, but they kick away plenty of possession and allow England to regain some momentum. Credit where it's due here - watching the first mintes of this half you have no idea England are down to 14. They are playing pretty damn well with a man missing.
They confirm this by scoring a fine try to left winger Delon Armitage. As much as I'd love to see another boil over tonight, I think that is asking too much of the Georgians; they seem to be wilting.
Kvirikashvili misses his 4th penalty attempt after 50 minutes. If he'd converted them all we would have a tied ball game here instead it is 22-10 England. He misses his 5th kick shortly after and we all know that IF is a very big word sometimes.
With 20 minutes to play Martin Johnston looks ill. For good reason too - his charges merely sit back and wait for Georgian mistakes. Will the English team be able to win this cup without taking control of their games? Are they going to find it easier to play South Africa, or France or New Zealand? Hardly.
That is better, English center Manu Tuilagi earns his team a bonus point in the 62nd minute, with a well worked back line move. This will please his coach. 29-10 the game is in hand, but England will want more in the last quarter.
They get it when right winger Chris Ashton scores a lovely individual 50m try, as he cuts through the tiring Georgian backs like they are drunk. 36-10 England after 65 minutes. And then... nothing happens. England have the fitness and skills but not the temerity to push on. Georgia have ground themselves out.
Oops I spoke too soon, Ashton grabs his second try on the stroke of halftime, with a wee hollywood thrown in for good measure. The final score of 41-10 looks better than it appeared when watching it. New Zealand's victory over Tonga, and South Africa's over Fiji were of a similar scale. But they seemed to be a better caliber. Still England have played two, won two. You can't take that from them.
Final score: England 41 - Georgia 10
18 games 91 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Just saw Mike Tindall snogging a mystery blonde. It MAY have been Lewis Moody." @bigmeiks
All the talk prior to this game has been about English skipper Mike Tindall's off field antics. The story has everything; a wronged princess, a mysterious blonde, dwarves, hidden camera footage, a bitter bouncer, and the suspicion of infidelity. Well almost everything, it has bugger all to do with Rugby. If the English team can keep their eyes on the prize they should run away with this.
NZ born Shontayne (how often do you meet a guy called Shontayne?) Hape soon does run away for the opening try within 4 minutes - a good sign for England who need to prove they can score tries as well as kick goals at this tourney. Toby Flood converts 7-0 England.
Georgia clearly haven't read their script because they thrice nearly score tries, and only a foot in touch denies them parity. Nice stuff from these impressive Eastern Europeans. They also fail to convert a kickable penalty - this stadium with no wind, seems to strangely confound goal-kickers.
There must be a huge number of England fans in Dunedin because the stands in the stadium are bathed in white, and a very audible chorus of Sing Low Sweet Chariot resounds. But they won't be in great spirits, because their team are under surprising pressure from the Georgians and are coughing up a disturbing number of penalties.
Normal service resumes after 20 minutes as Hape bags his second following good building pressure from the English back line. The score is 14-0 and if England can keep their hands on the pill they could score a hat full.
You have to feel for Georgia. They have played most of the rugby in the opening 24 minutes and have nothing to show for it - rugby can be a cruel game indeed. But then, having missed 3 penalties already Georgian first five Merab Kvirikashvili at last puts his team on the board. 14-3 after 27 minutes. Georgia really deserved some points - good on them! This is quickly undone by an English penalty. 17-3.
Georgia continue to press and the biggest cheer of the night comes when England hooker Dylan Hartley is yellow carded after persistent infringements. Georgia reject the easy three and opt to scrum, then poetic justice is served as their number 8 Dimitri Basilaia scores under the sticks on the stroke of halftime. What power, what passion - I'm starting to love Georgia.
England will return from the break 14 English players will try to maintain their 17-10 lead over the brave Georgians. Astonishing. If England are going to regain their dignity they will have to get hold of the ball themselves by fair means and then play some footy. If they keep infringing they'll lose more players to the bin and maybe even the match.
The second half is on, it would be smart for Georgia to keep the ball in hand and try and suck another yellow card out of the English team, but they kick away plenty of possession and allow England to regain some momentum. Credit where it's due here - watching the first mintes of this half you have no idea England are down to 14. They are playing pretty damn well with a man missing.
They confirm this by scoring a fine try to left winger Delon Armitage. As much as I'd love to see another boil over tonight, I think that is asking too much of the Georgians; they seem to be wilting.
Kvirikashvili misses his 4th penalty attempt after 50 minutes. If he'd converted them all we would have a tied ball game here instead it is 22-10 England. He misses his 5th kick shortly after and we all know that IF is a very big word sometimes.
With 20 minutes to play Martin Johnston looks ill. For good reason too - his charges merely sit back and wait for Georgian mistakes. Will the English team be able to win this cup without taking control of their games? Are they going to find it easier to play South Africa, or France or New Zealand? Hardly.
That is better, English center Manu Tuilagi earns his team a bonus point in the 62nd minute, with a well worked back line move. This will please his coach. 29-10 the game is in hand, but England will want more in the last quarter.
They get it when right winger Chris Ashton scores a lovely individual 50m try, as he cuts through the tiring Georgian backs like they are drunk. 36-10 England after 65 minutes. And then... nothing happens. England have the fitness and skills but not the temerity to push on. Georgia have ground themselves out.
Oops I spoke too soon, Ashton grabs his second try on the stroke of halftime, with a wee hollywood thrown in for good measure. The final score of 41-10 looks better than it appeared when watching it. New Zealand's victory over Tonga, and South Africa's over Fiji were of a similar scale. But they seemed to be a better caliber. Still England have played two, won two. You can't take that from them.
Final score: England 41 - Georgia 10
18 games 91 tries.
Tweet of the match- "Just saw Mike Tindall snogging a mystery blonde. It MAY have been Lewis Moody." @bigmeiks
Game 17 - Samoa v Wales - Waikato Stadium - 18th Sept 2011
This is one of the great Rugby World Cup rivalries, and we have a cracker day in Hamilton and a full house too by the look.
For some reason Wales are "favourites". Yes they outrank Samoa (6th v 10th) but the teams have met 7 times in history and Wales are only ahead 4/3 there - twice in Rugby World Cups, where the Manu Samoa team have triumphed on both occasions. Manu Samoa will surely enjoy a home town advantage, being sentimental favourites as our cultural cousins here in Aotearoa. So my guess is they could easily win this one, the next 80 minutes will tell.
Welsh kicker James Hook misses a chance to draw first blood just 2 minutes into the match, but misses. His error rate was a big factor in the Welsh teams opening loss to the Springboks. Wales will want him to put that kick behind him as this game continues.
There is a huge surprise 6 minutes in when a cunning Samoan scrum steals a tight head whilst camped on the Welsh try line. Unfortunately the number 8 Lavea Livi fails to control his chance at an early try.
A high shot 10 minutes in gives Hook a simpler opportunity at goal and he takes it. 3-0 to Wales with the breeze at their backs. No real running rugby yet, with the plays staying one or two off the ruck. Boy I wrote that too early - a Murphy's law thing - in fact as soon as I wrote that sentence the Welsh backs string together about 6 phases over a few minutes, as the play goes right across the field and back, but they find no headway.
With 20 minutes gone I have to say the game is a trifle disappointing, both teams seem set on not losing rather than winning, and I've never seen a Pacific Island team play with so little flair - are the Samoans a bit stage struck here? They are awarded a penalty about 45 meters from goal, and happily take the points as Paul Williams slots the penalty. 3-3 with a quarter of the game gone, please let's see some initiative now.
Rhys Priestland the Welsh first five tries and fails to slot a drop goal after 22 minutes. Surely in these beautiful conditions the teams should be trying to gain points 5 at a time? Next play bogs down into a succesion of scrums which finally eventuate in another Hook penalty. 26 minutes gone the score is 6-3 and I feel like I haven't watched any rugby yet.
This is more like it by Manu Samoa! They rumble the ball up onto the Welsh try line and Maurie Faasavalu dots it down, only to be correctly adjudged to have used a double movement. No try. But Samoa are first across the Welsh line, and I think they will use this to motivate themselves through the match.
Williams sadly misses an optimistic shot at another penalty at 31 minutes. They are only 3 points out of this game and are only just warming up. If Samoa can change up to third gear Wales will be in trouble I feel.
Remember when I said (3 paragraphs ago) that nether team was trying to win, well as Fonzie once said "I was w, w, w, wr, wr... not right". The defining moment of the first half (and maybe the match) occurs 39 minutes in. The Samoans gain a kickable penalty, they ask the ref if they have time for a lineout, he says "Knock yourself out". They kick for touch, win their throw, then rumble for several phases and Anthony Perenise final dots down to the crowd's delight. Williams converts and Manu Samoa are ahead at the break 10-6.
Manu Samoa will have the wind at their back and fire in their bellies in the next half. It is a long way back from here for Wales.
The second half begins with some genius commentary from Grant Fox, the incredibly learned expert on all things kicking. Rhys Priestland opts to take a long penalty attempt into the stiff breeze. Foxy ponders "That's right at the limit of his range into this wind". The kick bounces on top of the crossbar and over - put that man in your Pub Quiz team. 43 mins 10-9, Wales are straight back into the hunt, what is it about this team and the one point margin?
The big difference between the Samoan play and the typical "Island style" is the speed they are recycling ball out of the rucks. They aren't playing at the usual hare em scare em pace. Halfback Kahn Fotuali'i is assessing all of his options and mustering his troops before he releases the ball to the next phase. This means they aren't making many mistakes, but it also means the Welsh are able to organise their defence too. Thus we are seeing a much tighter encounter than we would have expected.
After 60 minutes the score is still 10-9, it seems certain we'll all be on the edge of our seats in 20 minutes time.
Bugger! 65 mins in and Manu Samoa concede a kickable penalty. Their first five Tasesa Lavea may have the best hair on the park, but he keeps infringing in the rucks, and the penalty count is starting to count. Hook pops it over and Wales are ahead 12-10.
Hold the phone Welsh fulback Leigh Halfpenny is on the money, as he returns the kick off straight back down the left wing - he does it all and lays on a try for Welsh try scoring machine Shane Williams in the corner. The conversion is missed. 17-10 Wales. With 10 minutes left.
Madness! The Samoan team twice don't go for 3 points with 5 minutes to play. They might score a try, but it could take minutes of valuable time to tie the game. Argh! Wales steal it. You should never argue with Foxy. With 4 minutes still to play I am sure Wales have this won. I'd love to be w, w, w not right of course.
This whistle happy ref spoils the chance of the players deciding who wins the game, as he awards a senseless free kick against the Samoan scrum. Why would they try and cheat when they are hot on attack, you moron?
Wales deserve some good luck after they were robbed against South Africa, but I really hate to see it coming against the brave Samoans. They win the game 17-10.
Final score: Wales 17 - Samoa 10
17 games 84 tries.
Tweet of the match - "As someone who generally cheers on the underdog this match is messing with my underdog radar" @alilkram
For some reason Wales are "favourites". Yes they outrank Samoa (6th v 10th) but the teams have met 7 times in history and Wales are only ahead 4/3 there - twice in Rugby World Cups, where the Manu Samoa team have triumphed on both occasions. Manu Samoa will surely enjoy a home town advantage, being sentimental favourites as our cultural cousins here in Aotearoa. So my guess is they could easily win this one, the next 80 minutes will tell.
Welsh kicker James Hook misses a chance to draw first blood just 2 minutes into the match, but misses. His error rate was a big factor in the Welsh teams opening loss to the Springboks. Wales will want him to put that kick behind him as this game continues.
There is a huge surprise 6 minutes in when a cunning Samoan scrum steals a tight head whilst camped on the Welsh try line. Unfortunately the number 8 Lavea Livi fails to control his chance at an early try.
A high shot 10 minutes in gives Hook a simpler opportunity at goal and he takes it. 3-0 to Wales with the breeze at their backs. No real running rugby yet, with the plays staying one or two off the ruck. Boy I wrote that too early - a Murphy's law thing - in fact as soon as I wrote that sentence the Welsh backs string together about 6 phases over a few minutes, as the play goes right across the field and back, but they find no headway.
With 20 minutes gone I have to say the game is a trifle disappointing, both teams seem set on not losing rather than winning, and I've never seen a Pacific Island team play with so little flair - are the Samoans a bit stage struck here? They are awarded a penalty about 45 meters from goal, and happily take the points as Paul Williams slots the penalty. 3-3 with a quarter of the game gone, please let's see some initiative now.
Rhys Priestland the Welsh first five tries and fails to slot a drop goal after 22 minutes. Surely in these beautiful conditions the teams should be trying to gain points 5 at a time? Next play bogs down into a succesion of scrums which finally eventuate in another Hook penalty. 26 minutes gone the score is 6-3 and I feel like I haven't watched any rugby yet.
This is more like it by Manu Samoa! They rumble the ball up onto the Welsh try line and Maurie Faasavalu dots it down, only to be correctly adjudged to have used a double movement. No try. But Samoa are first across the Welsh line, and I think they will use this to motivate themselves through the match.
Williams sadly misses an optimistic shot at another penalty at 31 minutes. They are only 3 points out of this game and are only just warming up. If Samoa can change up to third gear Wales will be in trouble I feel.
Remember when I said (3 paragraphs ago) that nether team was trying to win, well as Fonzie once said "I was w, w, w, wr, wr... not right". The defining moment of the first half (and maybe the match) occurs 39 minutes in. The Samoans gain a kickable penalty, they ask the ref if they have time for a lineout, he says "Knock yourself out". They kick for touch, win their throw, then rumble for several phases and Anthony Perenise final dots down to the crowd's delight. Williams converts and Manu Samoa are ahead at the break 10-6.
Manu Samoa will have the wind at their back and fire in their bellies in the next half. It is a long way back from here for Wales.
The second half begins with some genius commentary from Grant Fox, the incredibly learned expert on all things kicking. Rhys Priestland opts to take a long penalty attempt into the stiff breeze. Foxy ponders "That's right at the limit of his range into this wind". The kick bounces on top of the crossbar and over - put that man in your Pub Quiz team. 43 mins 10-9, Wales are straight back into the hunt, what is it about this team and the one point margin?
The big difference between the Samoan play and the typical "Island style" is the speed they are recycling ball out of the rucks. They aren't playing at the usual hare em scare em pace. Halfback Kahn Fotuali'i is assessing all of his options and mustering his troops before he releases the ball to the next phase. This means they aren't making many mistakes, but it also means the Welsh are able to organise their defence too. Thus we are seeing a much tighter encounter than we would have expected.
After 60 minutes the score is still 10-9, it seems certain we'll all be on the edge of our seats in 20 minutes time.
Bugger! 65 mins in and Manu Samoa concede a kickable penalty. Their first five Tasesa Lavea may have the best hair on the park, but he keeps infringing in the rucks, and the penalty count is starting to count. Hook pops it over and Wales are ahead 12-10.
Hold the phone Welsh fulback Leigh Halfpenny is on the money, as he returns the kick off straight back down the left wing - he does it all and lays on a try for Welsh try scoring machine Shane Williams in the corner. The conversion is missed. 17-10 Wales. With 10 minutes left.
Madness! The Samoan team twice don't go for 3 points with 5 minutes to play. They might score a try, but it could take minutes of valuable time to tie the game. Argh! Wales steal it. You should never argue with Foxy. With 4 minutes still to play I am sure Wales have this won. I'd love to be w, w, w not right of course.
This whistle happy ref spoils the chance of the players deciding who wins the game, as he awards a senseless free kick against the Samoan scrum. Why would they try and cheat when they are hot on attack, you moron?
Wales deserve some good luck after they were robbed against South Africa, but I really hate to see it coming against the brave Samoans. They win the game 17-10.
Final score: Wales 17 - Samoa 10
17 games 84 tries.
Tweet of the match - "As someone who generally cheers on the underdog this match is messing with my underdog radar" @alilkram
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