Related News
Welsh defense firm, English survive
Source: Agencies |
September 19, 2011, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
A HUGE defensive effort helped Wales overcome a bruising Samoan side to edge towards a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal berth yesterday, while England struggled to an unconvincing win over Georgia that left coach Martin Johnson fuming.
In Napier, a much-changed France side was forced to deal with wet and windy weather before overcoming Canada 46-19, making it two wins from two in Pool A ahead of its mouthwatering clash with New Zealand on Saturday.
Conditions were much more favorable in Hamilton as Wales produced some entertaining rugby and fierce defense under sunny skies to claim a precious 17-10 victory over Samoa.
Winger Shane Williams scored the decisive try late in the second half with fullback James Hook and flyhalf Rhys Priestland kicking six points each to secure a victory that is likely to see Wales claim second place in Pool D behind South Africa.
Prop Anthony Perenise crossed for a try late in the first half but Samoa was unable to add to its tally in the second period as its burly backs were shut down by the Welsh, who made 142 tackles in the match.
"I thought we showed some great character," Wales coach Warren Gatland said of his team, who were unfortunate to lose 16-17 to the Springboks in their opening match.
"A few years ago, or 12 months earlier, we might not have won that game."
While Wales took the plaudits in victory, Six Nations champion England faced criticism after its win in Dunedin as its old problems with discipline were evident again.
Late tries added gloss to the 41-10 victory over a tiring Georgian side, which had little rest time following its loss to Scotland on Wednesday.
England, the 2003 champion, struggled to gain territory and possession against its second-tier opponent leaving manager Johnson frustrated.
"It wasn't good enough and if we are happy with those standards we'll go home early," Johnson warned his side, who gave away 14 penalties.
Some woeful kicking by Georgian flyhalf Merab Kvirikashvili and six tries by England, however, made sure there was no repeat of the upset suffered by Tri-Nations champion Australia at the hands of Ireland on Saturday.
Australia's loss to Ireland means it faces a probable quarterfinal against South Africa and, if it survives, a last four encounter with the All Blacks, who spent yesterday visiting earthquake damage in Christchurch on the second day of their stay in the city.
The All Blacks return to Auckland on Wednesday ahead of their clash with France, who for the second match in a row rallied late to overcome spirited opposition.
Winger Vincent Clerc completed a hat-trick of tries with the final play of the game to secure a bonus point for the French, with scrumhalf Morgan Parra adding 23 points with the boot.
"Difficult first game last week but I'm very proud of the French team, it's never easy to win against Canada with the rain," France captain Aurelien Rougerie said.
There are no games today and there may be no more in the tournament for Dominiko Waqaniburotu after the Fijian flanker was cited for a dangerous tackle during his team's 3-49 loss to defending champion South Africa on Saturday.
In Napier, a much-changed France side was forced to deal with wet and windy weather before overcoming Canada 46-19, making it two wins from two in Pool A ahead of its mouthwatering clash with New Zealand on Saturday.
Conditions were much more favorable in Hamilton as Wales produced some entertaining rugby and fierce defense under sunny skies to claim a precious 17-10 victory over Samoa.
Winger Shane Williams scored the decisive try late in the second half with fullback James Hook and flyhalf Rhys Priestland kicking six points each to secure a victory that is likely to see Wales claim second place in Pool D behind South Africa.
Prop Anthony Perenise crossed for a try late in the first half but Samoa was unable to add to its tally in the second period as its burly backs were shut down by the Welsh, who made 142 tackles in the match.
"I thought we showed some great character," Wales coach Warren Gatland said of his team, who were unfortunate to lose 16-17 to the Springboks in their opening match.
"A few years ago, or 12 months earlier, we might not have won that game."
While Wales took the plaudits in victory, Six Nations champion England faced criticism after its win in Dunedin as its old problems with discipline were evident again.
Late tries added gloss to the 41-10 victory over a tiring Georgian side, which had little rest time following its loss to Scotland on Wednesday.
England, the 2003 champion, struggled to gain territory and possession against its second-tier opponent leaving manager Johnson frustrated.
"It wasn't good enough and if we are happy with those standards we'll go home early," Johnson warned his side, who gave away 14 penalties.
Some woeful kicking by Georgian flyhalf Merab Kvirikashvili and six tries by England, however, made sure there was no repeat of the upset suffered by Tri-Nations champion Australia at the hands of Ireland on Saturday.
Australia's loss to Ireland means it faces a probable quarterfinal against South Africa and, if it survives, a last four encounter with the All Blacks, who spent yesterday visiting earthquake damage in Christchurch on the second day of their stay in the city.
The All Blacks return to Auckland on Wednesday ahead of their clash with France, who for the second match in a row rallied late to overcome spirited opposition.
Winger Vincent Clerc completed a hat-trick of tries with the final play of the game to secure a bonus point for the French, with scrumhalf Morgan Parra adding 23 points with the boot.
"Difficult first game last week but I'm very proud of the French team, it's never easy to win against Canada with the rain," France captain Aurelien Rougerie said.
There are no games today and there may be no more in the tournament for Dominiko Waqaniburotu after the Fijian flanker was cited for a dangerous tackle during his team's 3-49 loss to defending champion South Africa on Saturday.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
