Monday’s rugby news has the Wallabies massive win, England apologising, fines dished out for media failings and more Gatland criticism.
[one_half last=”no”]
Foley stars in Wallabies win
Bernard Foley has described his performance against England as a “dream come true” as he guided the Wallabies to a 33-13 triumph at Twickenham. Foley finished with 28 points – two tries, four penalties and three conversions – in a near-perfect performance that has cemented his place as Australia’s first-choice No.10.
Foley emphasised that his World Cup duties were far from over: “You want to take momentum into the finals. It is really important for us to have a good performance against Wales next week and finish off the pool stages strong,” ensuring a quarter-final clash with either Scotland or Japan
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
English team apologise for loss
England coach Stuart Lancaster and Captain Chris Robshaw have issued abject apologies after Australia dumped the host nation out of the World Cup on Saturday. Lancaster acknowledged that his future is now uncertain after England became the first host nation to fail to get out of the World Cup after their 13-33 loss to Australia.
“As you can imagine the changing room is a very quiet place. We feel we let the country down today,” said Robshaw. “We apologise to them. Australia played very well – but we’re gutted.” Lancaster, awarded a new contract last year until 2020, also apologised while admitting that he was uncertain about his coaching future.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
Fines for poor media showing
England’s misery over their World Cup exit may be compounded by a possible fine for their failure to meet World Rugby regulations for post-match media requirements.Every team is obliged to send 10 players into the mixed zone to speak with media after the match has finished, but England only provided two – Tom Wood and Richard Wigglesworth – despite requests for more players to appear.
The World Rugby representative on duty in the mixed zone confirmed that the matter would feature in his report. It is understood that a fine is the sanction available to World Rugby if they decide a punishment is necessary.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Gatland criticises ‘Pool of Death’
Warren Gatland has blasted World Cup organisers for creating the ‘pool of death’ that has now claimed the English side. The draw put Australia, England and Wales into Pool A which became known as the ‘Pool of Death’ because only two teams out of the heavyweights would reach the last eight.
As shockwaves from England’s elimination spread, Gatland said that the fact that one of those big 3 teams had to miss out was a massive blunder on behalf of organisers. “Why was the World Cup draw done three years ago?,” asked Gatland. “That’s just ridiculous as far as I am concerned. If they had followed the football model, then we wouldn’t be in this position.”
[/one_half]
