The rugby world cup needs a story and we have been spoilt for choice. The conditions have created wins that we don’t deserve leaving many prediction models in tatters. But this weekend the most important line of the story has been written. After the introductory game against Russia in which they were sluggish the Japanese …
Continue reading “Japan pull of upset against Irish in Miracle 2”
Much has been made of the Eagles rise, the victory against Scotland last year helped to announce the USA’s arrival on the International stage. This victory v Scotland was a strong performance but the game against England saw their threats nullified. The USA struggled to get any real possession having to play out their own …
Itallian back row shine as Canada squander chances Italy and Canada had the misfortune of following the greatest game of the tournament so far. However, they didn’t struggle or languish instead serving up a great game in which the very cliche of the score not representing the balance of play summed up the occasion. Canada …
Continue reading “Itallian back row shine as Canada squander chances”
The game between Fiji and Uruguay took place on historical ground. Not for the best tries, not for a nail biting World Cup decider. But in the smallest stadium of the World Cup, one packed with passion and emotion. The history of Kamiashi should not be lost amidst the celebration, an area devastated in 2011, …
Samoa and Russia served up a less than remarkable game, in which Samoa Struggled to really assert control. The game will be marked by controversy, not covered here, for hits from Ray Lee-lo. But this background sets the stage for an at times dull game of rugby. The game was filled with errors, with both …
Wales and Georgia in a slightly underwhelming game following the Weekends feast of rugby. However, Wales taking advantage of the underdogs tag are starting to build again after perhaps a disappointing warm up series. Fitness severely tested vs Ireland and England with a lack of innovation caused slight worry amongst Welsh fans. The eternal pessimism …
Continue reading “Tipuric stars as Wales comfortably see of Lelos”
England and Tonga shared a physical battle one that finished off the weekend well and tonga proved staunch opposition in England’s first game. From the games beginning Tonga and England brought full blooded ferocity with close quarters being the theme of the opening salvoes. Whilst lacking the open play skills of Fiji, Tonga brought a …
Continue reading “England do enough to defeat physical Tonga”
The second game on Sunday, brought the first home nations into combat. A celtic clash with effects that would be felt by the home nation as well as those back home in Europe. Fighting for most likely top spot, Ireland dominated Ireland in a wet Yokohama International Stadium. The overall game from Ireland was simple …
Continue reading “Poor Scotland taken apart by Ireland in key game”
While certainly no showcase game, Italy and Namibia shared a great game with Namibia putting up a strong fight. Their defensive strength restricted Italy in the first half to only 3 tries, and they even managed to grab one of their own. This intent while not kept throughout the game, resulted in them scoring 3 …
Continue reading “Namibia put up strong performance against Italy”
When the Rugby World Cup groups were announced we all took an intake of breath, at the mouthwatering prospect of South Africa and New Zealand sharing the field in the pool stages. The rivalry is one of the best in World Rugby, and not even we could have predicted how great this game was going …
Continue reading “All Blacks send doubters message with strong showing versus Springboks”
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