Rugby World Cup 2019: Seven stories you may have missed from a breathtaking Super Saturday
Here are the World Cup stories you need to know after a thrilling morning of world-class rugby
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Your support makes all the difference.The 2019 Rugby World Cup roared into life on Saturday morning, with three huge clashes.
In Sapporo, Australia found salvation in their driving line-out as they survived a scare to dispatch Fiji 39-21 in their World Cup opener. The two-time champions trailed by nine points until they seized the lead for the first time in the 62nd minute before galloping out of sight, the Islanders unable to absorb unrelenting set-piece pressure.
Then, France held off a spirited second-half comeback from Argentina to win their World Cup Pool C opener 23-21 at the Tokyo Stadium. Argentina took the lead late on having trailed 20-3 at half-time, only for penalties from Benjamin Urdapilleta and Camille Lopez’s drop goal to tip the contest in France’s favour.
Finally, New Zealand fired an ominous warning of their grim focus to secure a record third-straight World Cup crown by grinding past South Africa 23-13 in Yokohama. The back-to-back world champion All Blacks fended off everything a turbocharged Cheslin Kolbe and the Springboks could throw at them, powering to an opening victory at times prosaic in style – but every inch foreboding for their foes.
It was a hectic morning of high sporting drama – here are seven stories you may have missed from the three fixtures.
1. Australia survive scare
The Wallabies may have beaten Fiji, but the 39-21 scoreline paints a slightly misleading picture.
The Fijians didn’t waste time as they caught Australia napping early on taking, racing into the lead when an unorthodox penalty kick from Ben Volavola was backed up by a comprehensive Yato try.
By half time, Australia resistance was pegged back by another two penalties and Fiji enjoyed a 14-12 lead, and it got even worse for the Wallabies when Fiji centre Nayacalevu capitalised on a handling error and dived home unopposed.
Then, as the best teams often do, Australia got their act together. Four unanswered tries, two of which from Tolu Latu, and Australia came out the other side perhaps with a flattering scoreline, but a win and a bonus point to boot.
2. Fiji no whipping boys
Fiji look to have graduated from their previous role as mere entertainers. They gave Australia a genuine contest today.
That’s all despite the regular loss of talent the nation suffers as many of its best products decide to represent other nations.
After a valiant effort, it is believed John Mckee and his players feel aggrieved after a tackle on Yato by Australia winger Reece Hodge left the Fijian concussed and unable to continue, with Hodge going unpunished.
Ultimately, the Fiji players that remained on the pitch started to wilt midway through the second half, with Australia’s four unanswered tries taking the gloss off of an otherwise very admirable performance.
3. France won the battle, then there was a war...
It’s hard to remember many games as thrilling as that one. France, electric in the first-half, came very close to undoing all their good work in the second as Argentina responded brilliantly, only to fall short in a 23-21 defeat in Tokyo.
Plenty can be pointed to when deciphering how the game was won, but France’s kicking will surely go down as a big factor. Not just as a result of Camille Lopez’ delightful (Wilkinson-esque?) dink between the posts late on, worthy of winning any rugby match.
But also due to the supreme accuracy of 20 year old fly-half Romain Ntamack who completed two penalty kicks as well as a pair conversions in the first half, one of which sailed between the posts from right on the touchline. Any lapse of judgement from Ntamack could have seen this game end very differently, but he kept his cool.
On the flip side, Argentina saw an albeit tough penalty kick from Emiliano Boffelli sail wide just as it looked to be sneaking home with seconds left. A painful way to lose.
And then of course, at the end of the 80 minutes a last gasp scrum exploded into an all-out brawl.
4. Peak Penaud
Feet were very important for France today, but rugby is a game where hands are the canvas of expression.
With that said, Damian Penaud’s first-half highlights reel would look right at home in the Louvre. He was instrumental to France’s best spell in the game playing his part in France’s two-try blitz that left Argentina reeling.
His contribution is even more crucial when you consider the less than ideal start the French endured. Even with Nicolas Sanchez squandering his first effort, he was able to see Argentina 0-3 ahead just moments later.
But then Penaud sparked into life. For the second try he took three players out of the game with a resilient, slaloming run.
The French confidence quickly disappeared in the second half, but Penaud’s early flurry proved decisive along with Lopez’ late dink.
5. New Zealand supreme
Any suspicions that this New Zealand team have played within itself were convincingly dismissed today.
The world champions scored a simply superb try after falling behind early on. Richie Mo’unga picked out Sevu Reece out wide with a precise kick, Reece made good progress down the wing before moving the play central, where a Beaudan Barrett- George Bridge combination allowed the latter to score the first try of the game.
It was a sign of just how dangerous this thrilling team can be.
6. Mapimpi nightmare
South Africa had done all the right things up until the 20 minute mark, then one mistake unravelled the Springboks’ game plan.
Mo’unga suddenly saw no one between himself and the try line as he burst through the South Africa line. Then what looked like a glorious recovery tackle from Makazole Mapimpi was penalised, with New Zealand perhaps unlucky not to be rewarded a penalty try.
It got worse for the Springbok winger, who was comfortably breached by Reece in the build up to the New Zealand first half try. Mapimpi probably could have stood his ground, but instead committed to the tackle, and was swiftly breached.
7. South Africa beaten by their own costly errors
South Africa started in bewildering, battling fashion in Yokohama. New Zealand, for the first quarter of the game, looked like a side there for the taking despite their reputation for omnipotence.
What was then required? Composure, concentration and discipline. The Springboks didn’t quite manage that with Mapimpi the starring act in an abrupt downfall that saw New Zealand take a 17-3 lead by halftime.
The frustration grew for South Africa when they responded so well in the second half. Peter-Steph du Toit seemed to simply diffuse through New Zealand’s defence unopposed to score a try that brought the game to life. Cheslin Kolbe was a constant threat- dynamic, agile and deceptively strong despite his 5’6 frame. This threat didn’t reap rewards however.
New Zealand reclaimed their grip on proceedings, this time with a pinpoint kick from Mo’unga.
Peaks and troughs for the Springboks in 23-13 defeat. You simply can’t make too many errors against the world’s best side.
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