VIBE
A cool, cloudy but still night in Kingsholm Gloucester saw a match-up between old foes RWC2019 hosts Japan and the sleeping giant of world rugby, USA. Japan, everybody’s second team of the tournament after their earlier efforts in the Pool, were shooting for three wins, whereas the USA were looking to break their duck. Despite the result not having any material effect on the tournament, it was bound to be an interesting match.
And so it proved. The Blossoms again entertained with fine tight technique and highly skilled passing and running, whereas the USA, despite a 50kg weight advantage in the scrum, were unable to dominate as they may have hoped. The USA also possessed the worst line-out in the tournament, and they again shared that with us. The Japanese started a team with only six gaijin, highlighting the ever-growing pool of native rugby players, which augers well not only for the emerging Super Rugby Sun Wolves, but also the host nation’s success at the next RWC.
Japan eventually ran out winners and never really looked threatened by the USA, except for a few minutes towards the end when the USA threw caution to the wind and went for a couple of quick tries, without success. Japan’s win handed them the dubious distinction of being the first team to win three matches and not get out of their pool. Bonus points may not have been important to Michael Cheika, but his old partner in crime from the Galloping Greens could have used a couple more. A real shame, as having Japan in the quarter-finals would have been enormous. Perhaps home soil will be enough to get them over the line a few more times…..
SCORE
Japan 28 (Matsushima, Fujita, Mafi tries, Goromaru 2 conversions, 3 penalty goals)
USA 18 (Ngwenya, Wyles tries, MacGinty 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals)
Half Time: 17-8
INCIDENTS OF NOTE
USA’s MacGinty had a poor match – poor decision making, poor execution (at least three forward passes called) and poor cohesion. He did some good things too, but a 10 at this level needs to be better. The fact that his old man is Principal of the college he attended in Ireland is irrelevant.
FEAST YOUR EYES
Japan’s captain Leich was massive – literally and metaphorically, and he was one of the Blossom’s talismanic players. Goromaru had a similar presence from the rear, with strong kicking both in hand and from the tee, and a very calming influence. He was handed MOTM and hard to argue with that. Expect to see more of him in Super Rugby. An honourable mention to USA’s Manoa who worked hard and put on some hits – just ask Ono – he’s still looking for the number of the bus.
MATCH OFFICIALS
TMO may not have turned up – heard nothing from him. Probably needed to with Mafi’s try, as the creation of the second maul looked for all money like an obstruction, but Glen Jackson was happy to award it. Jackson was frugal with the whistle, and would have been justified in using it more, especially with the USA slowing down the Japanese ball, and although Jackson pulled up the forward passes, neither team were overly generous with straight throws at the line-out. Jackson will proceed further in the tournament but I don’t think he’s quite there yet for the big matches.
SHOULD I BOTHER WATCHING IT?
The Pool of Death received a lot of press, and not without reason. However, this was a mightily even pool and but for a key few moments, the quarter-finalists could have been quite different. Again, a match to save for the lay-days, of which there are many ahead as we enter the knock-out phase, and to have a gander at what we will see in Super Rugby next year.
