RUGBY WORLD CUP: Results 1 October

01.10.2011
Australia 68, Russia 22 in Nelson (World Cup, Pool C
Tonga 19, France 14 in Wellington (World Cup, Pool A)
England 16, Scotland 12 in Auckland (World Cup, Pool B)

Briefly
Another exciting day at The Cup.

Tonga caused a major upset by defeating France 19-12. Tonga’s loss to Canada earlier cost them a chance to reach the quarter finals for the first time. Last nights shock win was not enough to see them through. But the streets of Wellington were alive with the noise of a victorious Pacific Island nations who number in the thousands against a major rugby nations in the millions.

On the other hand a woeful French side gained a bonus point and that was enough to get them to the quarter finals. Can they lift their game to proceed further at the quarter final stage. On that performance certainly not!

Australia picked up more injuries in their game against Russia. They won comfortably but the Russians will be overjoyed they were able to score 3 tries against the Wallabies.

England 16, Scotland 12. Well it wasn’t a great game of skill but what a game of passion. Scotland needed to win by 8 points to knock England out of the tournament. They lead 12-3 at one stage. England surged back and scored the winning try with minutes to go. No it wasn’t pretty but boy it was exciting.

Sunday
The last round of pool play which signals my World Cup adventure comes to an end. I’ll see Georgia play Argentina in the rain today in Palmerston North and then fly home Monday.

Argentina v Georgia in Palmerston North (World Cup, Pool B)
New Zealand v Canada in Wellington (World Cup, Pool A)
Wales v Fiji in Hamilton (World Cup, Pool D)
Ireland v Italy in Dunedin (World Cup, Pool C)