Three games last from pools A, B and C, consisting of the two top ranked teams; Australia and New Zealand.
Australia 91 def. Japan 3
A pleasing performance from the Wallabies in their opening match. Nothing much to criticise as it was our first match in roughly a month, we started slow, getting all the knots unravelled. As the match proceeded we fell into our groove and piled on the points. Noteable performance go to Wycliff Palu who showed great determination and strength in the forwards, much credit goes to Rocky Elsom scoring three tries and showing good determination. Not to discredit our forward pack as they all put in strong performances, glad to see Dunning finally getting into the run of play. Our back row worked well with our forward pack but were’nt as dominant. Lote Tuqiri was very quiet throughout the match, Drew Mitchell came on during the second half and scored two tries, showing great speed and strength, definitely going to mature into a fine back. Yet the most noteable back goes to Chris Latham, back from a knee reconstruction, he showed us why he is our greatest fullback scoring two great tries, one where he kicked the ball along the ground twice outpacing a Japanese back to score his second try. One final compliment goes to George Gregan showing his experience and glimpses of his youth making great breaks from the ruck to carve up the Japanese defence, showing no selfishnes in passing the ball on to allow others to score and finish his attack.
Japanese really never had the chance to show us their great speed, as they were under constsant pressure from the Australian pack. I should note, although only a minor thing, Kosei Ono’s long range penatly to score Japan’s only points was a fantastic kick. I am always on the lookout for good goal kickers ad although it was one kick, it was a confident one at that.
Overall a nice start to our WC campaign, we have a match next week against Wales which should be a better test of where we are at so we can better judge our level then. Only negative from this match is the seemingly serious injury incurred by Mark Gerrard, I fear he may be out of this cup.
EDIT: How could I forget George Smith’s amazing try. His strength, determination, insight, turn over capabilities and ability to play a full match is the reason why he is regarded as the greatest flanker in the world.
New Zealand 76 def Italy 14
At one stage New Zealand were scoring a point at every 30seconds. I expected nothing less, it was a solid performance although allowing two tries in is unlike them. Nevertheless not much to say, they were still very solid, and I see no reason for New Zealand to show any signs of concern.
England 28 def. USA 10
This match wasn’t televised but here is a comprehensive report of the match;
