#RWC19 Weekend Wrap

The path to the quarter finals is slowing starting to take shape. While Pools A and C will hinge on the results of one, maybe two more games, the other two pools seem fairly settled. This weekend kept mostly to the script, even if that script demanded plenty of imagination. 

Argentina got back on track with a routine win over Tonga. The game delivered the expected grunt but Argentina were always going to be too good for the small island kingdom. Tonga were brave, but Argentina were better. 

Irish captain Rory Best said after his teams loss to Japan that ‘’anyone who is utterly shocked hasn’t seen how good they are’’. Clearly his team mates had not been paying attention then.  Japan were as sharp as a Kitana blade but Ireland almost stopped playing after their two early first half tries. 

Their attitude was summed up by Joe Carberry’s decision to kick the ball into touch to end the game instead of having one last go at the Japanese defence. At best it may have resulted in a draw but the game ended with a disappointing whimper. Everyone’s hearts exploded for Japan but the only shock was how utterly below average the Irish were 

The Springboks dealt with Namibia the same way they would a Currie Cup second tier team. It may have been the widest gap in class between two teams that we have seen this tournament. Regardless, Namibia played with pride, humility and honour. If they keep coming back eventually they will break their duck. It may not be against New Zealand but their last game against Canada could be a special send off. 

Uruguay failed to reproduce the heroics of their opener against Fiji. Georgia had the momentum from early in the first half and barring a few glimmers, Georgia were far superior. One may sight the shorter recovery period that Uruguay had and if this is the case, perhaps rethinking the scheduling for the 2023 World Cup is necessary.  Players not at their optimum is not what this showpiece is about. 

Possibly the game of the tournament so far was the last of the weekends action. Australia and Wales played all 80 minutes with an astounding level of tempo and commitment. Wales were the dominant side in the first half but the half time score of 23-8 was deceptively flattering. The Wallabies showed renewed spirit in the second half to bring the scores within one, at 25-26. It would end 29-25 to Wales but the Wallabies will be confident knowing they are heading in right direction.