At the end of the pool games only eight teams were left. Here are some of the best and the worst things of the pool stages.
Best team performance
Japan – they did the unthinkable and defeated the Springboks and later beat Samoa and the USA. Winning three out of four should have enabled the Brave Blossoms to make the Quarter-finals; after all, France got through to the 2011 Rugby World Cup [RWC] Final after losing two pool games.
But it wasn’t to be. Scotland also won three, losing only to the Springboks; they should be congratulated for surviving in a 36-33 win against Samoa to win their third, but was Pool B fair?
Japan earned the biggest upset in RWC history and their best result ever, but they were bashed and battered. Four days later they had to play Scotland who were fresh because they were playing their first game of the tournament.
Romania – the comeback kids
Best comeback
Romania v Canada
After 52 minutes Canada led 15-0 but helped by a carding and good scrummaging Romania finished on top to win 17-15. It was the biggest comeback in RWC history.
Saddest interview
Stuart Lancaster’s reply to a pushy interviewer after the Wallabies’ match was sad enough, but the gong goes to Canada coach Kieran Crowley after the above-mentioned game against Romania.
When interviewer Tom Skippings asked him if the comeback from Romania was another harsh lesson for his team, Crowley swallowed and replied:
Dave Denton – got one on the chops
Friendliest game?
Samoa v Scotland – It wasn’t supposed to be a “Friendly” but co-commentator Chris Patterson thought there was more than rough play when Scotland was repulsed in the 19th minute. There is a close shot of Scotland no. 8 Dave Denton on the ground and he appears to get a kiss on the face by a rugged Samoan.
Well, I fancy there’s a bit of bromance there as well.
Don’t knock it Chris, Dave Denton is a good-looking kid.
Most superlative commentary
Commentator Greg Clark waxed superlative about the Wallabies’ win over Wales.
Right Clarkie, and they were also consecutive, and one after the after.
Worst organisation
Let’s hope these are not set pieces in the future:
1. Organising the draw three years before the event. It was criticised then and should be criticised now.
2. Electing the Man-of-the-Match through social media—a stuff-up of the first order.
Dan Biggar – twitchy but good
Twitchiest goal-kicker
Dan Biggar (Wales) – no contest – but one of the best also.
Best tackle
There have been several big hits front-on that loosened the fillings of the recipients but the award goes to Ayumu Goromaru (Japan) who seemed to defy the laws of physics in bundling Tom Seymour (Scotland) into touch near the corner post.
Best comments
Eddie Jones on the style Japan plays:
Graham Henry after England lost to Wales:
Bernard Foley – one of the best
Team of the Pool matches
This list doesn’t mean much because the best RWC players should be judged at the end of the tournament; but never mind.
It probably has too many Aussies in it and not enough Kiwis (none), but the New Zealanders have shown only glimpses of good form as a team and not enough individuals have shone consistently.
No doubt there will be a lot of them in the Team of the 2015 Rugby World Cup later on.
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1. Scott Sio (Australia)
2. Agustín Creevy (Argentina)
3. Sekope Kepu (Australia)
4. Iain Henderson (Ireland)
5. Leone Nakarawa (Fiji)
6. Michael Leitch (Japan)
7. Sean O’Brien (Ireland)
8. David Pocock (Australia)
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9. Greig Laidlaw (Scotland)
10. Bernard Foley (Australia)
11. D van der Merwe (Canada)
12. Matt Giteau (Australia)
13. Wesley Fofana (France)
14. Anthony Watson (England)
15. Ayumu Goromaru (Japan)
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