Rugby World Cup
Kenny Rogers’ late 1970s country and western hit The Gambler comes to mind regarding the Springboks coaching group for this one as they have weighed up holding or folding and decided instead to push all their chips into the middle.
When South Africa’s team selection landed on Thursday morning, it was not the decision to rip out and replace the half-back partnership – normally a call that would have dominated discussion – that seemed brave.
Instead it was the balance of the bench. Willie Le Roux is on one end – the only back riding the pine – while the other is weighed down with seven forwards.
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The phoney war is almost over.
England are the only team through to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals with a 100% record, progressing with five wins from five games.
They are unbeaten, but not undoubted.
Victories over Argentina, Japan, Chile, Samoa and Fiji have kept England’s campaign purring steadily forward. Not all the wins have been convincing, but on each occasion they have ended up on the right side of the scoreline.
The caveat is that they have also been on the right side of the draw.
On Saturday night, the velvet rope drops and they bash shoulders with the tournament’s big rollers.
Scotland’s starting lineup shows 5 changes from the side that lost 7 – 22 to Ireland at Murrayfield back in March with Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham and Ali Price in for Stuart Hogg, Kyle Steyn and Ben White in the backs plus Grant Gilchrist and Rory Darge replacing Jonny Gray and Matt Fagerson in the forwards. In total, 14 of the 23 featured against Ireland during the Six Nations.
The Irish XV only shows 2 changes to how they started earlier this year – Iain Henderson for James Ryan and Jamison Gibson-Park for Conor Murray. 18 of the 23 (including all of the starting XV) played some part in that most recent victory for Ireland over Scotland.
South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard says his return to international rugby at the World Cup will be “a big jump” that will not be “perfect”.
Pollard, 29, who was a late injury replacement to the squad, will start his first game since May against Tonga.
The fly-half has only played 30 minutes for Leicester Tigers on 15 September since sustaining a calf injury.
The kick off for arguably the biggest game of the World Cup so far, although the Cockerel and Kiwi supporters may disagree, is less than a few hours away. About time to express long held concerns regarding some of the selection choices by the Springbok brain trust. No, fear not am not going to jump on the 7-1 substitutes split hysteria bandwagon. That has been covered by so many outlets with various differing views.
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Wales survived a couple of nervy final minutes to record a 32-26 win over Fiji in a pulsating encounter in Bordeaux on Sunday.
Dan Biggar set a new Wales Rugby World Cup overall points record as his side held on by the skin of their teeth.
Flyhalf Biggar scored 12 points to move to a tally of 109 and pass Neil Jenkins total of 98 as both sides opened their campaigns in the tournament.
The two teams scored four tries and Fiji could have had a fifth right at the death if Semi Radradra had not spilt the ball – the look of agony on his face tells its own story.
Scottish Rugby has been fined £70,000 and ordered to apologise to World Rugby for criticism of the threatened cancellation of their World Cup Pool A game against Japan.
The match was in doubt because of the approaching Typhoon Hagibis and SRU chief executive Mark Dodson criticised World Rugby’s “rigidity”.
He hinted at legal action if the match had not gone ahead.
An independent disputes committee says he “brought the game into disrepute”.
“Prior to its decision, the committee gave the parties ample time to resolve the dispute,” it said in a statement. “World Rugby made an open offer to the SRU, which required the SRU to apologise for its conduct and make a donation to the typhoon disaster relief fund in Japan.
“The SRU suggested alternative wording, which included a mutual expression of regret from both parties – and no apology.”
England (6) 12 / 32 (12) Springboks (Final Score)
England and the South African Springboks did battle in the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final at
International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan on 2 November 2019 at 11:00 SA Time (18:00 Japan Time, 09:00 UK Time & GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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All Blacks (28) 40 / 17 (10) Wales (Final Score)
The New Zealand All Blacks and Wales did battle in the Rugby World Cup 2019 3rd Place Play-off at
Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, Japan on 1 November 2019 at 11:00 SA Time (18:00 Japan Time, 09:00 UK Time & GMT, 22:00 NZ Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Sale’s Curry Twins, Tom and Ben (on right)
Sale Sharks flanker Ben Curry says not asking if he could miss a Premiership match to fly out and watch identical twin brother Tom play for England in Saturday’s World Cup final would have been “the biggest regret” of his life.
Eddie Jones’ side face South Africa in Yokohama, a day after Ben was set to play for Sale against Bristol.
“What would I remember when I’m 60, one game against Bristol or my twin playing in a World Cup final – and possibly winning it – with me in Japan,” the 21-year-old told BBC Sport.
“When you put it in those terms I thought I had to at least ask.”
After a social media campaign #GetBenToJapan gathered momentum, Ben approached Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond for permission and the club agreed to give him a few days off to fly out.
Sale said it was a “once in a lifetime experience” for Ben, who will leave Manchester for Japan on Tuesday morning.
Springboks (9) 19 / 16 (6) Wales (Final Score)
The South African Springboks and Wales did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 Semi Final at
International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan on 27 October 2019 at 11:00 SA Time (18:00 Japan Time, 10:00 UK Time, 09:00 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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England (10) 19 / 7 (0) All Blacks (Final Score)
England and the New Zealand All Blacks did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 Semi Final at
International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan on 26 October 2019 at 10:00 SA Time (17:00 Japan Time, 09:00 UK Time, 21:00 NZ Time, 08:00 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Japan (3) 3 / 26 (5) Springboks (Final Score)
Japan and the South African Springboks did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 Quarter Final at
Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, Japan on 20 October 2019 at 12:15 SA Time (19:15 Japan Time, 10:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Wales (10) 20 / 19 (19) France (Final Score)
Wales and France did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 Quarter Final at
Oita Stadium, Oita Prefecture, Japan on 20 October 2019 at 09:15 SA Time (16:15 Japan Time, 08:15 UK Time, 09:15 France Time, 07:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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All Blacks (22) 46 / 14 (0) Ireland (Final Score)
The New Zealand All Blacks and Ireland did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 Quarter Final at
Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, Japan on 19 October 2019 at 12:15 SA Time (19:15 Japan Time, 23:15 NZ Time, 11:15 UK Time, 10:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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England (17) 40 / 16 (9) Wallabies (Final Score)
England and the Australian Wallabies did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 Quarter Final at
Oita Stadium, Oita Prefecture, Japan on 19 October 2019 at 09:15 SA Time (16:15 Japan Time, 08:15 UK Time, 18:15 AEST, 07:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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On Sunday the GROUP STAGE of Rugby World Cup 2019 came to a close, with 12 Teams departing and only 8 Teams remaining to contest the final 3 weeks of Rugby World Cup 2019.
7 Of the 8 Teams going forward were expected to go forward but the host nation Japan added their name to the last 8 by beating Scotland and by topping their Pool overall, winning all 4 their Pool matches.
Japan is certainly one of 2 Teams at Rugby World Cup 2019 who have showed the most improvement, the other probably being chalked down as Uruguay who beat the much more vaunted Fiji and on Sunday they really showed passion, spirit, determination and lots of guts against Wales (only trailing by 1 point at the break and then going down not nearly as heavy at the end as was to be expected).
Fiji and Tonga showed some glimpses of what they could be capable of but they lacked overall poise and effectiveness during the Group Stages.
Samoa were the most ill-diciplined outfit by far in Rugby World Cup 2019.
Namibia played with spirit and guts and it is a great pity their final Pool match against Canada was cancelled due to typhoon Hagabis, which could have delivered their 1st ever Rugby World Cup win.
Japan (21) 28 / 21 (7) Scotland (Final Score)
Japan and Scotland did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama City, Japan on 13 October 2019 at 12:45 SA Time (19:45 Japan Time, 11:45 UK Time, 10:45 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Wales (7) 35 / 13 (6) Uruguay (Final Score)
Wales and Uruguay did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Kumamoto Stadium, Kumamoto City, Japan on 13 October 2019 at 10:15 SA Time (14:15 Japan Time, 09:15 UK Time, 05:15 Uruguay Time, 08:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Tonga (7) 31 / 19 (12) USA (Final Score)
Tonga and the United States of America did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashiosaka City, Japan on 13 October 2019 at 07:45 SA Time (14:45 Japan Time, 18:45 Tonga Time, 01:45 USA Eastern Time, 05:45 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Canada 0 / 0 Namibia (Final Result)
Canada and Namibia was supposed to do battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Kamaishi City, Japan on 13 October 2019 at 05:15 SA Time (12:15 Japan Time, 12:15 Namibia Time, 23:15 Eastern Canadian Time, 03:15 GMT).
This is the live match discussion Article.
The match was CANCELLED due to typhoon Hagabis and was declared a draw.
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Ireland (26) 47 / 5 (5) Samoa (Final Score)
Ireland and Samoa did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka City, Japan on 12 October 2019 at 12:45 SA Time (19:45 Japan Time, 11:45 UK Time, 10:45 GMT, Sunday 00:45 Samoa Time).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Wallabies (10) 27 / 8 (3) Georgia (Final Score)
The Australian Wallabies and Georgia did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan on 11 October 2019 at 12:15 SA Time (19:15 Japan Time, 21:15 AEST, 14:15 Georgia Time, 10:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Wales (14) 29 / 17 (10) Fiji (Final Score)
Wales and Fiji did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Oita Stadium, Oita Prefecture, Japan on 9 October 2019 at 11:45 SA Time (18:45 Japan Time, 10:45 UK Time, 21:45 Fiji Time, 09:45 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Scotland (21) 61 / 0 (0) Russia (Final Score)
Scotland and Russia did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan on 9 October 2019 at 09:15 SA Time (16:15 Japan Time, 08:15 UK Time, 10:15 Russia Time, 07:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Los Pumas (19) 47 / 17 (5) USA (Final Score)
The Argentinian Los Pumas and the USA Eagles did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Kumagaya City, Japan on 9 October 2019 at 06:45 SA Time (13:45 Japan Time, 01:45 Arg Time, 00:45 USA Eastern Time, 04:45 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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A powerful typhoon that organisers have warned could impact the final weekend of the World Cup pool stage has changed course, leaving forecasters and pundits wondering which games might be affected and who could benefit.
According to the latest modelling from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Super Typhoon Hagibis is now projected to clip southeastern Japan, near Tokyo and Yokohama.
This is a significant change from Monday’s forecast, when the storm was expected to make landfall in Japan’s far southwest. However, such radical changes in direction are not unusual for typhoons nearing Japan, which sees around 20 per year.
Hagibis could also continue its easterly track and miss Japan altogether.
“The Honshu main islands will see heavy rains from as early as Friday, and the peak of the bad weather will be on Saturday and Sunday,” JMA official Yoshinori Muira said.
Hagibis is currently classed as “violent” – the JMA’s highest classification, with gusts as strong as 270 kilometres per hour (165 miles per hour). It is forecast to weaken before it nears Japan but will still be “very strong”.
If the current forecast holds, the danger would appear to be lower for crunch games in the southwest (Ireland-Samoa on Saturday in Fukuoka and Wales-Uruguay on Sunday in Kumamoto).
However, with the storm shifting east, there is now a threat for two other huge games in Yokohama, just south of Tokyo.
Canada (0) 7 / 66 (47) Springboks (Final Score)
Canada and the South African Springboks did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Kobe Misaki Stadium, Kobe City, Japan on 8 October 2019 at 12:15 SA Time (19:15 Japan Time, 06:15 Eastern Canadian Time, 10:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Japan benefited from “an incredible call” to earn a bonus point in their World Cup victory over Samoa, says Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.
The host nation crashed over for a stoppage-time try in a 38-19 win after Samoa were punished for a squint scrum feed on their own five-metre line.
Japan meet the Scots in the hosts’ final pool match on Sunday.
“I’ve never seen a crooked feed [penalised], certainly at the World Cup or in the Six Nations,” said Townsend.
“I think it’s an incredible call to be honest. It’s something that has not been refereed and there’s been an agreement that there is more latitude for scrum-halves putting the ball in because you are the team that’s won the scrum.
“To see it in a World Cup really surprised me. To see it as we went into injury time for a game-changing decision was an even bigger surprise.”
Scotland must secure a bonus-point victory over Russia on Wednesday to close the gap on Japan to four points going into Sunday’s meeting in Yokohama.
Townsend’s side would then need to prevail against the hosts to reach the quarter-finals but could miss out with a win if Japan picked up a losing bonus point.
Townsend has made 14 changes to his starting line-up for the match with Russia, keeping key players fresh for the weekend.
Canada star DTH van der Merwe is relishing the prospect of finally facing his native South Africa in 15-a-side action when the countries meet at the Rugby World Cup.
Tuesday’s Pool B match in Kobe will be just the third time they have played each other and the first in 19 years — when current Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus featured in a 51-18 win for the two-time world champions.
It promises to be a rugby highlight for van der Merwe, a veteran of 60 Tests and stints at clubs in England, Wales and Scotland.
“Something I’ve looked forward to my whole career is to play against South Africa,” van der Merwe told reporters on Sunday.
“Now at your last World Cup it’s quite special. I did play against them in the Sevens back in the day but I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” added the 33-year-old, whose family emigrated to Canada when he was a teenager.
Meanwhile van der Merwe was in no doubt of the challenge posed by the Springboks.
“They have got a physical pack that’s complemented with a real speedy backline,” he said.
“For us it’s a great opportunity just to measure ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.”
Van der Merwe will be playing in his 15th World Cup match, a record for a Canadian.
France (17) 23 / 21 (7) Tonga (Final Score)
France and Tonga did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Kumamoto Stadium, Kumamoto City, Japan on 6 October 2019 at 09:45 SA Time (16:45 Japan Time, 09:45 French Time, 20:45 Tonga Time, 07:45 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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All Blacks (24) 71 / 9 (9) Namibia (Final Score)
The New Zealand All Blacks and Namibia did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, Japan on 6 October 2019 at 06:45 SA Time (13:45 Japan Time, 17:45 NZ Time, 06:45 Namibia Time, 04:45 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Japan (16) 38 / 19 (9) Samoa (Final Score)
Japan and Samoa did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
City of Toyota Stadium, Toyota City, Japan on 5 October 2019 at 12:30 SA Time (19:30 Japan Time, 10:30 GMT, Sunday 00:30 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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England (15) 39 / 10 (3) Los Pumas (Final Score)
England and the Argentinian Los Pumas did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, Japan on 5 October 2019 at 10:00 SA Time (17:00 Japan Time, 09:00 UK Time, 05:00 Arg Time, 08:00 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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Wallabies (19) 45 / 10 (3) Uruguay (Final Score)
The Australian Wallabies and Uruguay did battle in a Rugby World Cup 2019 International at
Oita Stadium, Oita Prefecture, Japan on 5 October 2019 at 07:15 SA Time (14:15 Japan Time, 15:15 AEST, 02:15 Uruguay Time, 05:15 GMT).
This was the live match discussion Article.
The match was broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1 on TV in SA.
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