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RWC 2023 R3: Ireland prevail, tier 2 thriller and Australia are out
The third round of Rugby World Cup 2023 lived up to its billing, delivering some classic matches and plenty of talking points. Top ranked Ireland fronted up to defeat champions South Africa, Georgia and Portugal played out a thrilling draw, and Wales effectively knocked the Wallabies out of the competition. Elsewhere, the tournament faced a sombre note as France’s star player and captain, Antoine Dupont, suffered a horrible injury against Namibia, eliminating him from the tournament for the next few weeks.
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Here’s a quick look at how it all unfolded in another fascinating round.
Italy vs Uruguay 38-17
Italy secured their second Pool A victory by rallying from a 17-7 deficit to defeat Uruguay 38-17 at Stade de Nice. Italy’s second-half comeback included four tries, earning them a crucial bonus point. Despite an untidy first half, Italy emerged victorious, while Uruguay targeted this match for Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification. Next up for Italy though, it’s the All Blacks.
France vs Namibia 96-0
The hosts dominated Namibia with a staggering 14 tries, securing a bonus-point 96-0 victory at Stade de Marseille in Pool A. Damian Penaud’s hat-trick elevated him to third in France’s all-time tryscorers list, while Jonathan Danty and Charles Ollivon each scored twice. Fullback Thomas Ramos contributed 24 points with the boot in another great performance, but concern arose as captain Antoine Dupont left after a heavy knock, which has since been confirmed rules him out for at least the next few weeks. France remains unbeaten at Rugby World Cup 2023.
Argentina vs Samoa 19-10
Emiliano Boffelli led Los Pumas to their first Rugby World Cup 2023 victory, defeating Samoa 19-10 in Pool D at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Argentina dominated the first half, leading 13-3 at halftime. Samoa’s spirited defense and late try kept them in the game, but a long-range penalty from Nicolas Sanchez sealed the win for Argentina. Boffelli, named Mastercard Player of the Match, scored all but three of Argentina’s points. They face South American neighbours Chile next.
England vs Chile 71-0
In a display that will give them plenty of confidence, England secured their third Pool D victory at the Rugby World Cup 2023, overpowering Chile with an impressive 11 tries to nil at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille. Henry Arundell shone with five tries, as England welcomed back captain Owen Farrell from suspension. Arundell credited his teammates for his remarkable performance, while Chile’s captain, Martin Sigren, acknowledged the steep learning curve. England face a tougher test up next, as Samoa await on October 7th.
Georgia vs Portugal 18-18
Georgia and Portugal delivered a Rugby World Cup 2023 thriller, ending in an 18-18 draw at Stadium de Toulouse in Pool C. Portugal’s Raffaele Storti seemed to secure their first World Cup win with two tries, but Georgia’s Tengizi Zamtaradze equalized late. Both Georgia and Portugal missed last-gasp kicks that could have sealed the win. Portugal’s fly-half Jerónimo Portela praised their historic performance, while Georgia’s coach acknowledged missed opportunities. It was arguably one of the most exciting games of the weekend.
South Africa vs Ireland 8-13
In a match the felt more like a final than a pool game, Ireland clinched a narrow 13-8 victory over reigning champions South Africa at Stade de France in Pool B. Manie Libbok’s early penalty gave South Africa the lead, but Bundee Aki’s powerful midfield presence helped to turn the tide for Ireland. James Lowe set up a Mack Hansen try, while Cheslin Kolbe responded for South Africa. Johnny Sexton’s penalty and Jack Crowley’s late kick sealed Ireland’s hard-fought win, while the Springboks were left to rue their missed opportunities, particularly 11 points that went wide with the boot.
Scotland vs Tonga 45-17
Scotland secured a crucial 45-17 bonus-point win against Tonga in a fierce Pool B battle at Stade de Nice, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive. George Turner’s early try set the tone, but Tonga responded. Duhan van der Merwe and Kyle Steyn added quick tries and Rory Darge secured the bonus point. Tonga’s Ben Tameifuna narrowed the gap, but Scotland sealed the win with additional tries. Van der Merwe praised the game’s physicality, and stand-in captain Finn Russell acknowledged the need for improvement. Tonga’s captain, Tameifuna, recognized the challenge of facing top-tier teams, with coach Toutai Kefu looking ahead to their next match, against South Africa.
Wales vs Australia 40-6
In a historic performance, Wales thumped Australia in the crucial Pool C clash at OL Stadium. Australia, facing their first-ever pool stage exit, struggled to match Wales’ intensity. Despite losing Dan Biggar to injury, Wales dominated, securing a spot in the quarter-finals. Gareth Anscombe’s standout performance and a resilient team effort sealed Wales’ famous win. Eddie Jones and the Wallabies will now have to play Portugal to complete their Pool matches, but leave the tournament before the knockouts for the first time in their history.
Rugby World Cup
Pool A
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
France
3
3
0
0
13
2
Italy
2
2
0
0
10
3
New Zealand
2
1
1
0
5
4
Uruguay
2
0
2
0
0
5
Namibia
3
0
3
0
0
Pool B
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
Ireland
3
3
0
0
14
2
South Africa
3
2
1
0
10
3
Scotland
2
1
1
0
5
4
Tonga
2
0
2
0
0
5
Romania
2
0
2
0
0
Pool C
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
Wales
3
3
0
0
14
2
Fiji
2
1
1
0
6
3
Australia
3
1
2
0
6
4
Georgia
2
0
1
1
2
5
Portugal
2
0
1
1
2
Pool D
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
England
3
3
0
0
14
2
Samoa
2
1
1
0
5
3
Japan
2
1
1
0
5
4
Argentina
2
1
1
0
4
5
Chile
3
0
3
0
0
Comments on RugbyPass
Karl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
8 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
8 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to comments