Monday 30 September 2019

#SCOvSAM FT34-0

Kick off 11:15 BST

Kobe Misaki Stadium, Kobe City

Scotland’s RWC campaign is back on track as they secured a bonus point win against Samoa. After an early flurry of points for the Scots, it took them right until the final minutes to get their fourth try in what was a hot and humid Kobe stadium.

Wednesday 02 October 2019

#FRAvUSA FT33-9

Kick off 08:45 BST

Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium

It could have been a bad day at the office for the French, as the USA took advantage of France’s indiscipline coming within three points of them as they approached the 64th minute mark. But there late tries saved the game for France, as they regained their composure to win with a bonus point with a far more flattering score line than their performance deserved.

#NZLvCAN FT65-0

Kick off 11:15 BST

Oita Stadium, Oita Prefecture

There was never any doubt who would be victorious in this Pool B game, and there were no upsets today with all three Barrett brothers scoring tries. Whilst the men in black are “just guys in shorts playing rugby”, they are unreservedly the best guys in shorts playing rugby.

Although the game itself warranted no specific comment, it will be remembered as the first World Cup game in which a planned donned Rugby Google’s. Ian McKinley has been pioneering these for some time, but now Ardie Savea joined him in this historic moment in World Rugby. Such an important addition to the game by allowing players with eye conditions to continue competing and enjoying the sport safely.

Thursday 03 October

#GEOvFJI FT10-45

Kick off 06:15 BST

Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka Prefecture, Higashiosaka City

At the end, it was a hammering for Georgia. But the floodgates didn’t open until the fifty minute mark, when Fiji finally unveiled their flair and showed us how dangerous they can really be if they put their minds to it. The convincing win has set the bar for Fiji’s critical Pool D match against Wales on Wednesday.

#IREvRUS FT35-0

Kick off 11:15 BST

Kobe Misaki Stadium, Kobe City

It was a comfortable win for the Irish, but it was by no means a confident win for them, and their injury woes continue as Sexton was taken off the field at half time. Ireland will progress to the Quarterfinals, but there is some work for them to do if they are to progress beyond that.

Friday 04 October

#RSAvITA FT49-3

Kick off 10:45 BST

Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa, Shizuoka

After a dismal 2015 RWC, the Boks are back and Italy faced the brunt of their clinical set pieces on the field. Italy’s already difficult task was made more so with Lovotti being sent off just after half time. South Africa took full advantage of the dismissal scoring plenty of tries, two of which from the brilliant Kolbe either side of the half time break. Unless Italy can pull off a miraculous win against the All Blacks next week, Italy’s World Cup campaign is over. Furthermore, title hopefuls will not fancy their chances in the knock-outs against this formidable Boks pack and it is great to see these rugby giants back on form.

Saturday 05 October

#AUSvURU FT45-10

Kick off 06:15 BST

Oita Stadium, Oita

Australia top Pool D after a seven try win against a spirited Uruguay side. Wales’ game against Fiji on Wednesday will decide whether wales or Australia finish top of the table.

#ENGvARG FT39-10

Kick off 09:00 BST

Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo

A bonus point win for England, made all the easier after Argentina was reduced to 14 men after a first half red card for Tomas Lavanini. This is the fifth red card of the tournament. The new high tackle rule has brought with it a corresponding referee crackdown on dangerous tackles and the percentage of all time ever red cards of only 17 since the World Cup started in 1987 is at an all time high. We are likely to see this figure increase further over the next few weeks, and it is quite possible we will see the issuing of a red card having a significant impact on the outcome of a match during the knockout stages.

This win does now mean England have guaranteed their place in the Quarter finals, the first of the contenders to do so.

#JPNvSAM FT 38-19

Kick off 11:30 BST

City of Toyota Stadium, Aichi Prefecture, Toyota City

Another incredible performance by the Brave Blossoms. They remained patient and disciplined to the end, securing a critical bonus point in extra time. The win means that they could lose to Scotland and get through provided they get at least one bonus point. Of course, they will be focussed on the win, but with the table continuing to remain wide open, all eyes will be on Pool A results this week…

Sunday 06 October

#NZLvNAM FT71-9

Kick off 05:45 BST

Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo

After Namibia took the lead within the first few minutes and keeping the @allblacks on their toes for a short while, New Zealand regained control over the game with a crushing result.

#FRAvTGA FT23-21

Kick off 08:45 BST

Kumamoto Stadium, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto City

France are through to the quarterfinals but they scraped a win in a thrilling match against Tonga. The first half was very much a French affair, but Tonga stepped up the pace in the second half falling oh so short of the deserving win. Next week will see France and England go head to head to decide the two top spots in Pool C.

We are now coming up to the last week of pool games, and it is crunch time for a number of teams, all looking to secure a place in the quarter finals!

#GingerBreadOfHeaven #RWC2019