Hard fought victory over Scotland

England lined up their strongest side to face a motivated Scotland Team on Saturday night in Auckland. The Scottish backup by thousand of supporters started the game fiercely, playing penalties quickly to try to destabilized this methodical English squad.

Scotland proved better at the set pieces and a penalized scrum enabled Chris Paterson to score the first point for the Scottish. The same Paterson added another 3 points after England was penalised (once again) at a breakdown.

On the other side of the pitch, Johnny Wilkinson was struggling with his kicking putting through only one penalty out of 4. Scotland closed the first half with a drop goal from Parks and was definitely the strongest side after 40 minutes.

England came back on the field and took the upper hand on the set pieces, stealing a few balls in the lineouts and pushing back the Scottish in the scrums. Wilkinson still struggled with his kicking but managed to close the gap to 3 points.

And at the 78th minutes, following on from a move from a lineout, Chris Ashton scored a try in the corner enabling all the English Supporters to breath. The kick was converted by Tobby Flood and England finished the game with a margin of 4 points.

Springboks hard fought victory over Samoa 13-5

What a game!! What a atmosphere!! What a night!!

This must have been one of the best rugby games so far at the World Cup and we were there to witness every moment of it...

All the elements were in place for a truly unforgetable night of rugby. The weather was at it's best. The Samoans supporters were at their creative and vocal best as was the thousands of Springbok supporters who made it all the way to North Harbour stadium to support their beloved team as they played a very aggressive and emotional Samoan outfit. 

We were lucky to have great seats that allowed us to not only hear the loud crunching impacts of Samoans and South African bodies colliding but also to feel the tension and passion that both these teams played with.

South Africa started the game strongly and dominated the Samoan scrums and line outs while matching their physical approach. It was their good discipline that keep them ahead in the game with great kicking by both Steyn's. A well worked try finished by Bryan Habana in the first half capped off some fine backline display lead by Jacque Fourie making a decisive pass to the winger before feeling the pain of a Samoan shoulder in his ribs.

In the second half the Samoans fought back hard and decided to run the ball at all costs...and it worked! There was a wonderful display of running rugby that got the crowd wild. Sadly a poor call from the Referee and Touch judge lead to the red carding of their full back Paul Williams and shortly after a yellow card to John Smit. 

The game ended as did the Samoan World Cup campaign. On the streets of Auckland after the game it felt as if the Samoans had won the game as hundreds of Samoans poured the streets in jubilation waving their flags around. The Springboks may have won the game but the Samoans surely must have won their World cup and all the supporters in Auckland and the world.   



Spingboks - Samoa (11.30 Mauritian Time)

South African supporters have arrived in masses in Auckland to backup their team for a fierce encounter coming up tonight against the Samoan.

The Samona have come off a confortable victory against Fiji and are ready to put up a physical game against the Springboks.

Although South Africa have won their last 3 games and are nearly sure to be qualified for the next round, they will not leave anything to chance and are putting their strongest side on the field.

The good weather combined with the excellent technical skills of these 2 teams promises a very exciting Rugby game.

Prognostics:

Thierry - Springboks by 20 points
Tiden - Samoan by 5 

Photos as far at the RWC

Samoan Victory

Great result for the Samoans who were too clinical for an unorganized Fijian side. The rain hampered a running rugby spectacle which is the foot print of these pacific islander teams, however we were entertained by a very physical encounter and more so by a highly motivated and vocal crowd that packed Eden Park stadium. There was a real party atmosphere in and around the grounds as the two 'local' teams fought battle.
This result puts Samoa in with a chance to proceed to the quarter finals with a victory over South Africa. This game promises to be a brutal affair and we will be there live to bring all you the coverage! 

Argentina V/S Scotland Sunday at 15H30 (Mauritian Time)

Argentina needs a win in order to continue their campaign in this World Cup. They have surprised everyone 4 years ago in finishing 3rd at the World Cup in France. However Scotland will prove a strong opponent and will be hard to beat today.

To note that Euan Murray the experienced Scot prop is not playing today due to religious belief (Sunday is praying day and nothing else!) Lets hope that he prays for his team mates as I am sure that they will need it!

Prognostics:
Thierry - Argentina by 5
Tiden - Scotland by 12
Amechalak - Argentina by 9
Mathias El Bebeto - Scotland by 9
Marie Helene - Argentina by 10
Dr Cock (La Belle Blonde) - Argentina by 15

Ireland V/S Russia Sunday at 13H00 (Mauritian Time)

Even though Ireland is resting their top players, it should be a walk in the park for this experienced Irish Team. Let's hope that Russia will be able to repeat their performance against USA.

Prognostics:
Thierry - Ireland by 40
Tiden - Ireland by 75
Amechalak - Ireland by 21
Mathias El Bebeto - Russia by 1