Despite many of the quarter final positions being already decided before we got to the final weekend of group matches, it didn’t stop the good, bad and unusual seeping through…
Rise of the minnows
If this Rugby World Cup has shown us anything, it is that whilst we have been focusing on the ‘top’, the ‘bottom’ has caught up. Georgia, Romania, Uruguay and Namibia have all impressed, and in doing so, made us all stop and think about how we can get these sides more meaningful rugby.
The embodiment of this movement, however, has to be Japan. Their victory over South Africa has been backed up by effective and confident victories over Samoa and USA, and they become the first nation to win three matches and not qualify for the knockout stages. I have been completely won over by their rugby ability. They are now, quite simply, a very good rugby nation. Credit must go to the coaching staff but most of all the players. They have made me fall in love with rugby all over again. Theirs was the final match of the group stages on Sunday night and so it should have been. Here was some World Rugby scheduling to shout about. Let’s see some more next year. Japanese Rugby is the abiding memory I will take from this competition.
Scotland the brave
Scotland overcame their 2011 demons with a fine victory over Samoa on Saturday afternoon. And despite everyone talking about how they shouldn’t start slowly, the Scots allowed Samoa to find their rhythm and the Islanders looked like the force we all thought them to be. In a pulsating game, Greg Laidlaw scored most of Scotland’s points and the crucial try, sneaking through the smallest of Samoan holes. They now face Australia in the last eight. Which, right now, feels like they’ve won a romantic dinner with Katie Hopkins.
Yellow Brick Wall
There have been some heroic performances at this year’s World Cup. And then there was Australia versus Wales. Down to thirteen men (Genia and his Mumm were both in the bin), the Wallabies dug deep and Wales left Twickenham with no tries, no points, yet more injuries and the delightful prospect of the Springboks next Saturday. I can only remember one other team pulling off those sort of heroics previously – England in the summer of 2003. And that ended quite well, didn’t it?
Forgotten few
Talking of England, they played Uruguay on Saturday night as the four part mini-series ‘Lancaster Bombing’ (the one we were all excited about but ultimately hugely underwhelmed by) came to a conclusion. The supporting cast were give a few lines and some began to show some real promise. Easter and Nowell both bagged a hatrick and Henry Slade impressed. Brian O’Driscoll, who knows a thing or two about centre play, remarked via his Twitter account that he’d like to see more of Slade and Joseph at 12 & 13. Really Brian? Have you not seen Brad Barritt play?
Handshakes and kicks at goal
Two wonderful moments from Sunday afternoon. Firstly, Namibian prop forward Johannes Redelinghuys taking the conversion of his nation’s final try in RWC 2015: in his last game before retiring, he was given the chance to sign off in style and collect an incredibly rare prop two-pointer. He looked the part during set-up and the crowd was on its feet in expectation, but sadly all of that pretence came crashing down as he spooned it wide and short. Still, we all smiled. Not bad for one of the fat lads.
For Romania, sin-binned lock Johann Van Heerden sought out referee Roman Poite when returning to the field and shook him by the hand. The Romanian No.4 offered his apologies for being so rude as to end up with a yellow card in the first place; Poite nodded sagely and asked him to continue his good behaviour. Quite where van Heerden’s hand had been for ten minutes, no-one is quite sure – but it looked great for the cameras.
Luck of the Irish (and Welsh)
No one has done more for the profile of rugby physios than our Celtic friends. The injuries sustained by Wales are almost laughable. Liam Williams, who has given ‘being out of the World Cup’ quite a few goes recently, finally won his battle on Saturday and it leaves Gatland with very few genuine options. The Valleys are whispering Henson; oh how the well-groomed one would love to stroll back into town.
Not to be outdone, and playing at the home of Wales Rugby, Ireland suffered at the hands of the injury gods with three key players limping out as they took on France. First Sexton, then O’Connell and finally O’Mahoney succumbed. With only the fly-half Sexton having a sniff at turning up against Argentina next weekend, it is desperately unfair on Paulie and PO’M, and the former looks to have played his final game in green. Not a worthy way to go out, especially when you are as genuinely wonderful as O’Connell. Wretched luck for Ireland; the Pumas must think Christmas has come early. If injuries weren’t enough, Sean O’Brien’s ‘hadouken’ on Pascal Pape will be enough to get him cited.
New Zealand vs France
Oh yes indeedy. Despite all of New Zealand shouting at their screens in unison as France played Ireland, Les Gallics have opted for a rendezvous with an old friend. They looked pretty abject against the Paddies on Sunday evening but expect something special to turn up against the ABs next Saturday night. No doubt Wayne Barnes will be given the game, Michalak will be starting QB and will find his wide receiver in acres of space! ‘Play on!’ Wazzer will shout and the Kiwis will cough and splutter their cornflakes all over the kitchen floor. Careful now New Zealand, don’t choke…
By Sam Roberts (@samrobertsrugby)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images