RWC 2023 – Three things we learned from week 5
The 2023 Rugby World Cup’s quarter-final line-up is complete as late drama unfurled and history was made in this week’s final round of pool fixtures.
Portugal steal the show with first World Cup win
Eddie Jones’ Wallabies may have held off from completely zipping up their suitcases as a fiery, skilful Portugal side sought their first ever World Cup win against a haphazard Fijian contingent.
Rodrigo Marta is congratulated by his teammates after scoring Portugal’s winning try
Portuguese flanker, Nicolas Martins, expressed his delight after the full-time whistle blew in Toulouse, as Os Lobos made history: “It’s incredible, I have no words. It’s historic, I’m so happy. I think it’s the best moment of my life.”
Portugal have gained their fair share of admirers, with their stylish brand of rugby turning heads throughout this World Cup. They trailed by six points as the clock ticked towards 80 minutes, however a last gasp converted try after Rodrigo Marta slid over earned Portugal the victory with the score ending 23-24.
Having been well-disciplined so far this tournament, Fijian errors began to trickle in, and eventually started thundering down, with the ‘Flying Fijians’ looking sloppy and languid. Having only needed a single point to progress, Fiji grasped a losing bonus point and trudge through, sending Australia home.
Os Lobos will be given a hero’s welcome when they touch down in Portugal. The joy expressed after the game was moving and contagious. Portuguese rugby has much to be proud of.
Portugal fans celebrate their teams first ever World Cup victory
Ireland make statement win against Scotland to top Pool B
Scotland had it all to do in Paris. Unfortunately placed in the most difficult pool alongside the reigning world champions, South Africa, and the world’s number one team, Ireland, a quarter-final space has always felt unlikely.
In the build-up to the game however, whispers certainly circulated that the Scots may stage an almighty upset. Irish fans fortunately only had to hold their breath for just over a minute before high-ponied, high-flying James Lowe finished off a neat move into the corner.
James Lowe slides in for Ireland’s first try
Ireland’s first half display was world class, as they defended superbly and scored clinically. With the bonus point secured within 39 minutes, the contest was over before it really began. The injury concerns for Ireland diluted the elation, with James Ryan, Mack Hansen, and James Lowe all facing a race against time to be fit for next Saturday.
Despite their dominance, head coach Andy Farrell feels his team have more to give: “I don’t think and neither do the team think we have played our best rugby yet,” he said after their six-try victory.
They set up a thriller against the All Blacks, with Ireland seeking an elusive semi-final place for the first time. With the Irish having got the better of New Zealand recently, perhaps the occasion will come to be Ireland’s biggest threat.
Owen Farrell times out as lethargic England stumble into quarter-finals
Those who had the misfortune of watching England scrape through against an energised Samoan outfit will not be holding their breath as the tournament enters its latter stages.
There is ‘winning ugly’, and then there is whatever England put together on Saturday afternoon. A timely but tardy Danny Care try spared Steve Borthwick’s blushes as England secured an 18-17 win in the dying minutes.
Danny Care celebrates scoring England’s winning try
Samoa’s dynamic backline took their chances and winger Nigel Ah-Wong touched down twice in style as the pacific islanders led at the break. Their narrow lead was not enough to earn them a historic win, as England undeservingly came through to remain unbeaten.
Sixty seconds came and went as Owen Farrell mulled over a kick in front of the posts as three points eventually went begging. It was the lowest moment of an afternoon defined by low moments. The staggering lack of urgency by England’s highest ever points scorer summed up a dreary afternoon of uninspiring rugby.
England are set to meet Fiji in the next round. With Fiji having beaten them at Twickenham in August, and presumably having watched England play, Fiji will understand that a semi-final spot is all to play for. Fiji’s lapse in discipline is what England may well have to clutch on to if they still have hopes of reaching back-to-back World Cup semi-finals.
Ultimately however, you’d be forgiven if you made plans next Sunday afternoon. Just make sure you are back for 8pm.
France’s scrum-half Antoine Dupont trains as he hopes to be ready for Sunday’s quarter-final after suffering a broken cheekbone
While criticism has rained down as an incredibly lop-sided quarter-final stage takes shape, with the four best teams confined to the top half of the draw, the stage is nonetheless set for an incredible weekend of rugby.
Saturday 14 October:
Wales v Argentina (16:00 BST)
Ireland v New Zealand (20:00 BST)
Sunday 15 October:
England v Fiji (16:00 BST)
France v South Africa (20:00 BST)
