#RWC2019 Week 2 Round-Up

Monday 23rd September

#WALvGEO FT43-14 (Pool D)

Kick off 11:15am, Toyota Stadium

After controversy off the pitch, Wales kicked off their RWC2019 campaign with a flurry of tries, banking a bonus point by half time. A rejuvenated Georgia answered Wales’ first half dominance with two tries of their own in the second, but it was not enough, and Wales had the final word with two more tries to add to their total tally of 6 tries. A promising start for Wales.

#RUSvSAM FT9-34 (Pool A)

Kick-off 11:15am BST, Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Kumagaya City

An incredible and unexpected first half score as Russia led by 1 point (6-5). Even at 50minutes, it remained a one point game, but Russia was ultimately unable to take full advantage of Samoa’s two yellow cards leaving Samoa plough forward and ahead for the win.

Wednesday 25th September

#FJIvURU FT27-30 (Pool D)

Kick off 06:15 BST, Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Iwate Prefecture, Kamaishi City

Wednesday morning presented RWC2019’s first upset, as Uruguay stormed their way to a spectacular win against Fiji. It came right down to the wire, and the best the Fijians could do was secure the losing bonus point after the gong had sounded. This is Uruguay’s third ever World Cup victory and the last time they did this was 16 years ago!

No-one was expecting such a passionate performance by the tournament underdogs, but Uruguay’s historic win has certainly made Pool D an interesting contest…

Thursday 26th September

#ITAvCAN FT48-7 (Pool B)

Kick off 08:45 BST, Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City

The Azzurri get the RWC2019’s two top scores so far with a punishing defeat over Canada. A missed kick by Canna meant Italy just missed out on hitting the tournament’s first half century score. Tommaso Allan, however, became the first player to hit 20 points.

#ENGvUSA FT45-7 (Pool C)

Kick off 11:45 BST, Kobe Misaki Stadium, Kobe City

Scoring a total of seven tries, with 2 of those by Cokanasiga either side of half time, England comfortably bagged their second bonus point pool game. The Eagles secured a last minute try avoiding being the only team in World Cup history to score zero points in a match. The game saw the tournament’s first red card following a reckless shoulder barge on Owen Farrell by John Quill, which subsequently left Quill with a three match ban. This citing adds to the totally tally of three bans we have seen in the tournament for high tackles so far, following the introduction of new new (and much needed) safety regulations. Whilst pundits, fans and squads continue to argue over whether decisions were right or wrong, this red card was as certain as it gets.

Saturday 28th September

#ARGvTGA FT28-12 (Pool C)

Kick off 05:45 BST, Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka Prefecture, Higashiosaka

With the bonus point secured in the first half, Los Pumas looked strong against a spirited Tongan second half performance.

#JPNvIRE FT19-12 (Pool A)

Kick off 08:15 BST, Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa, Shizuoka Prefecture

Well, if they haven’t gone and bloody done it again! First South Africa in RWC2015 & now we have a sequel to the “Miracle in Brighton” courtesy of this incredible defeat of Ireland in 2019! Another iconic World Cup upset from our hosts, the Giant Slayers, with a defeat of the team ranked second in the world!

I wasn’t expecting to be breaking the Irish biscuit today. What an incredible result for the Brave Blossoms and I think I speak for everyone else that we are all backing them to the Quarters!! Pool A is officially wide open!

#RSAvNAM FT57-3 (Pool B)

Kick off 10:45 BST, City of Toyota Stadium, Aichi Prefecture, Toyota City

No upset for the final game of the day, with a much improved South Africa hitting the first 50 points of the tournament.

Although Namibia failed to score a try, the 54 point margin is significantly smaller than their previous encounters with RSA, evidence that the so-called “minnow” teams are closing the gap with higher ranked sides, which can only be good for the future of the game.

Sunday 29th September

#GEOvURU FT33-7 (Pool D)

Kick off 06:15 BST, Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Saitama Prefecture, Kumagaya City

After a thrilling victory over Fiji on Wednesday, Uruguay was unable to defend Georgia’s superior set-pieces and relentless attacking play no matter what they tried. Georgia picked up a bonus point for their five tries and moved up the table out of the bottom spot.

#AUSvWAL FT25-29 (Pool D)

Kick off 08:45 BST, Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo

My goodness, that was a nail biter!! Australia chased Wales’ first half lead right into the final seconds, but Wales held tight to secure their first RWC victory against the Wallabies since 1987! Whilst victory against Uruguay will guarantee Wales a place in the quarterfinals, Wales will be eyeing the Table top spot. Da lawn bois!