Early Week Ramblings

Wales 43 - 14 Georgia

So Wales got their campaign off to a winning start against a tough Georgia outfit in fairly convincing style. The Welsh started as well as they could have hoped after Gareth Davies shot a pass to name sake Jonathan and sent him through a massive hole to score under the posts. This was followed up by scores from Justin Tipuric and Josh Adams before the match had reached the quarter mark, as the Georgian defence left plenty to be desired. Liam Williams secured the bonus point right on the stroke of half time and from then it looked like Wales could build up a cricket score. That didn't happen though as Georgia finally woke up and decided to play a little. The second half was an error-strewn affair and Georgia managed to grab 2 tries after hard work from their forwards. Wales weren't completely finished as Tomos Williams and George North got on the score sheet to finish what was a comfortable, but not entirely pleasing win for the Wales boys.

Russia 9 - 34 Samoa

Samoa and Russia battled it out on the Tuesday, with the Russians again proving to all the doubters that they have serious fighting spirit and what they lack in firepower and quality, they make up for with guts. Russia actually went in at half time narrowly in the lead as Samoa couldn't find a way into the match, but eventually the power and skill of the Samoans started to take it's toll. Alapati Leiua and Ed Fidow stodd out for their serious pace and dancing feet as Samoa pulled away to take the victory in convincing fashion.

Fiji 27 - 30 Uruguay

The first real shock of the tournament came on Wednesday as heroic Uruguay produced the finest moment in their rugby history and beat Fiji. I had dubbed Fiji as one of the teams capable of providing a surprise, but never did I imagine it would be by being on the wrong end of a team like Uruguay. Fiji started this game and looked lazy, they didn't seem bothered at all by the team in front of them; that lack of respect proved to be their downfall and before anyone had time to realise what was happening, it was too late. Uruguay took their chances well and defended like their lives depended on it. Fiji came back at them hard and had it not been for at least 5 missed kicks at goal, Fiji might've stolen the win back. That would've been unfair though and Fiji got what they deserved in the end, showing that you underestimate a team during this tournament at your peril. Uruguay would've had some hangover when they woke up on Thursday morning, celebrating only their 3rd World Cup win ever. If you haven't done so already, you really should check out the interview that the Uruguay captain, Juan Manuel Gaminara, gave at the end of the match, I'm not crying, you're crying!!