The first big surprise at the Rugby World Cup in France was provided by Fiji, who defeated Australia 22:15. In the group table, Fiji jumped to second place securing a quarter-final place, the Australians will have to beat the so far flawless Wales to advance to the play-offs.
Fiji led after the first half in St. Étienne thanks to four free kicks by Simione Kuruvoli 12:8. After switching sides after an Australian error, they extended their lead and eventually held on to celebrate their first win over this opponent in 69 years.
South Africa crushed Romania 76-0 and have the same number of wins after two matches. In the table, the defending champions are the second point behind the leaders of the world rankings, Ireland, with whom they will face on Saturday for the first place in the group. The English have the same record as South Africa, who beat Japan 34:12.
Today’s victory in Bordeaux was practically decided by the South Africans, who started in a significantly changed lineup compared to the opening duel with Scotland, with four five-pointers in the opening 12 minutes. In total, the “Springboks” scored twelve, Cobus Reinach and Makazole Mapimpi scored a hat trick. Damian Willemse also scored 15 points thanks to five conversions and one five.
In addition, the South Africans will be strengthened by star attack clutch Handré Pollard, who did not make it to the original nomination due to injury. He will now replace Malcolm Marx in the team, who injured his knee in training.
The Japanese in Nice kept pace with the favored Englishmen for a long time. At 12:13, they stopped playing because they were waiting for the referee’s whistle, and the defenders of silver definitively broke the match in their favor with a high five.
Rugby World Cup:
Group B:
JAR – Romania 76:0 (33:0)
Table:
1. Ireland 2 2 0 0 141:24 10 2. JAR 2 2 0 0 94:3 9 3. Scotland 1 0 0 1 3:18 0 4. Tonga 1 0 0 1 16:59 0 5. Romania 2 0 0 2 8:158 0
Group C:
Fiji – Australia 22:15 (12:8)
Table:
1. Wales 2 2 0 0 60:34 10 2. Fiji 2 1 0 1 48:47 6 3. Australia 2 1 0 1 50:37 6 4. Georgia 1 0 0 1 15:35 0 5. Portugal 1 0 0 1 8:28 0
Group D:
England – Japan 34:12 (13:9)
Table:
1. England 2 2 0 0 61:22 9 2. Samoa 1 1 0 0 43:10 5 3. Japan 1 1 0 1 54:46 5 4. Argentina 1 0 0 1 10:27 0 5. Chile 2 0 0 2 22:85 0
