Pool D: South Africa v Samoa

Pool D: Wales v Fiji

Pool D: South Africa v Samoa

Pool D: Wales v Namibia

Wow. A tad one sided that: those pie charts don’t show much blue possession, and you can see that Wales were getting building consents granted they were down in that Namibian 22 so much of in the second half.

A mismatch? Yeah ... nah. That was Namibia’s fourth match in fourteen seventeen days. That is ridiculous, considering those four matches were against Fiji, Samoa, South Africa and Wales. The IRB has to do something about this, its bullshit.

Namibia played with heart and passion for 80 minutes every game, but no preparation with their resources is going to allow them to compete on that schedule. The NZRU and All Blacks would never tolerate four games in fourteen seventeen days.

Personally, I rate their Captain Jacques Burger, I am working on a Minnows (though I hate that word) XV, and he is the Captain, first name down. Loved his attitude in post-match interviews, and the the fact that every time a ruck disassembled he was at the bottom, and evry last ditch Namibian tackler was often him. Legend, bro.

Wales. Well, its a bonus point. They should go through. But that may just flatter to deceive. We’ll see.

Pool D: Fiji v Samoa

Pool D: South Africa v Namibia

One sided? A bit. And there can’t have been a full can of Castle Lager left anywhere on the North Shore - this could have qualified as a home game for both teams given the local area’s ex-pat community.

If I was being cynical I might say it was a case of almost a feeder nation playing the team where its best and brightest might have ended up once ... but maybe not now. These Namibians never got on the scoreboard tonight, but they never, never gave up ... and if Chrysander Botha is not in a South Afrocan Super team next season it will be a crime. Did you see the bravery of that silky little 75kg player in bringing down Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira in full flight? He succeeded whee Mike Catt failed with Jonah back in 1995.


I think the Namibian 10 Kotze also deserves praise, as does their Captain, Jacques Burger who just came across as a consummate professional in every post-match interview: he knows what they up against, what they have to expect from themselves ... and is honest if they fall short. Hope to see more of this attitude and this player.

South Africa? Well, I think it was a step down in intensity from Fiji, and that showed in their play. I am still liking this Double Steyn 10/12 axis ... it really gives them penetration, and having Hougaard to cover wing and halfback is very lucky. I’d still maintain that we are seeing glimpses of a coming Springbok team with the likes Aplon, de Jongh, Hougaard ready to fill big boots when certain players leave after the World Cup.

So, an 87 point win, and 10 RWC wins on the trot for the Boks. Look out everyone, they are warming up ... and they simply do not miss kicks at goal or many chances to score.

Pool D: Tonga v Japan

I can’t wait for Japan v Tonga now, I really like watching Japan play - I think they are a nuggety outfit that play smart, varied rugby. The old cliché of them ‘lacking size’ is starting to fade away, and they just get on with it, even against the likes if those big Tongans. The way the Japanese change attack angles, pick and go, chip and chase, kick for ground ... its a mix of tactics that shows good coaching, confidence in their abilities and a great attitude on the field. The get big props for it.

And I bet those Tongan fans are thrilled, eh? They deserve that win for all the colour and mad bloody support they unleashed on Auckland and the rest of country - I think the Tongan fans actually kicked the World Cup off!

One thing is for sure: All the Japanese players would know one Tongan phrase after 80 minutes, as would all the Tongans have learnt and absorbed one phrase in Japanese ... “What teh f*ck is this ref up to?!”

Please note: all IRB rankings on the graphics from now on have been updated since new rankings were issued end of last week.

Pool D: Wales v Samoa

Another wrestle, and Samoa go so close. Check the numbers (here and at ruckingoodstats.com) ... it was real close! No one can ever talk about Samoa over achieving, or punching above their weight anymore: they are in the tent, they are at the table and frankly are probably better than their ranking of 10.

Sure there was a bit of guess the rule interpretation with Rolland there, but this was another physical game, battle out in the middle of the park.

Wales will be relieved - it was close and not pretty, but they are getting it right, and Priestland, Roberts, Warburton and AW Jones were legends.

How good is Kahn Fotuali’i? He is class ... a player that kept Andy Ellis as No. 2 halfback at the Crusaders. Manu Samoa, you rock, and your fans rock. Go get those Bokke now!

Pool D: Ireland 15 - Australia 6

Ferdy says:

Wow!  Have there been some amazing games at this RWC or what? A tryless test, yet every bit as thrilling as an 83-7 point exhibition match. By upsetting Australia, Ireland have put this tournament on the map and have brought some much needed respect from the south for northern hemisphere rugby.

I hate to gloat - but I've had the Irish down as dark horses of this tournament ever since November. (And I drew them in my office sweepstake). It got me thinking, if NZ have to lose the RWC - then I could *almost* handle a team like Ireland winning it, because they always endeavour to play a style of rugby that isn't just about kicking at goal.

What happened to Oz? Hardly any old wise heads meant the youth couldn't turn this match around. Quade Cooper was rudderless (shades of Carlos Spencer on a bad day). Oz missed Ioane and Pocock desperately. And as for that Eden Park hoodoo? The last game Oz won in Auckland was 1986.  It has to have knocked the wind out of their sails, especially after a successful Super 15 and Tri Nations campaign. Good.

Irish defence was immense (keeping the Wallabies tryless is no mean feat). The Irish back row I will now admit is arguably one of the best in the world. Their backs did all they had to do. They played with passion and heart, spurred on by a crowd of 55,000 Irish supporters (56,000 there tonight).

This victory for Ireland has now changed the shape of the draw. All going to plan, they will play NH teams until the final and Australia will have the daunting prospect of facing the Springboks for a quarterfinal and the All Blacks for a semi. Although I didn't want to meet Australia before the final, I'm kind of glad we won’t have to overcome two Tri Nations teams. Or maybe the ABs could put Jimmy Cowan on one wing and Piri Weepu on the other for France next Saturday?

Pool D: South Africa v Fiji

Slugso says:

Once again, a great atmosphere at The Cake Tin last night. The Bok fans are so colourful and noisy it was like a home game for them again (North Shore’s match will be!) ... but the Fijian fans an supporters were hugely visible too, just a shame their team didn’t really get to show their style more.

I have to say last night’s games have really turned this World Cup on its head. Australia’s loss to Ireland (see Ferdy’s post) has kncked the wind out of the Wallabies’ sails and restored some pride to the Northern teams ... and means Australia will proably meet the Boks in a quarter-final.

So what of the Boks? Well, they may have fielded a slightly tweaked XV but they really announced their presence last night. The defence was huge ... bigger than a Fijian No. 8! They never let Fiji get quick ball or even any real line breaks ... first and maybe second tackles nailed them, and stopped any Fijian Sevens Rugby. The game was probably quite 50/50 in terms of the numbers, but South Africa were superbly clinical when they had the  ball - they really converted their scoring opportunities.

They showed more determination to attack last night -was this the difference of having Frans Steyn at 12 maybe? Man, no disrespect to Morne Steyn (who to be fair got a try and hit thr line more last night than recently) ... but what could a Bok inside back combo of du Preez, Lambie, Frans Steyn & Fourie do? Would be awesome.

I think they have the players to really go all the way: JP Pietersen was a rock, Danie Rossouw a deserved MOTM, Hougaard is a game-changer ... it goes on. I see them as a huge favourite now, though Samoa could still be a banana skin. However, if Samoa were to beat Wales then the Boks may wheel out a 3rd XV on that game.

Bokke! Bokke! Bokke!

 PS Can someone get Jacques Fourie onside ;-)

Pool D: Samoa v Namibia

Pool D: South Africa v Wales

The wife and I had a great time last night at this game, it was awesome - my best experience at the Cake Tin since All Black Tests a few years ago, back in Tana’s captaincy - there was just such a positivity- inflected edge to it all; pressure & banter but in good spirit. So close, and though Wales sprayed two more chances to win it, I am still surprised that Barnes did not go to the TMO for that kick. This is the World Cup FFS and that game’s result has significant impact on the whole draw, definitely the pool.

I maintain that Wayne Barnes is simply not up to that level. That is not a direct jibe because of Cardiff in 2007. He is just not good enough. Jacques Fourie and Fourie du Preez were constantly offside!!!

Warburton was immense for Wales, as was Jamie Roberts. But Brussouw! What a scrounger, and F Steyn was class. Remains interesting in that Pool as Wales & Sth Africa only have one points differential, that could come into play if Samoa can rack up a win or two close games.

The Bokke fans were in great voice, as were the Welsh ... plus I think most Kiwis were backing the Red Dragons, as I was. That’s not out of any real dislike of the Boks, for me it was more backing the underdog - and frankly, I like the enterprise of the, always have, even if it sometimes falters completely.

The weekend was so good! Japan were real quality. Namibia can play some good rugby. Romania nearly beat a 6N team. Aaargh. And no one has cracked 50 pts against a 'minnow' yet? brilliant.

Pool D: Fiji v Namibia

The Namibians are the lowest ranked side at RWC 2011 - they did not play like it.