The opening round of the 2003 World Cup has produced some big matches. There was something for everyone, as middle sides battled it out in tight clashes, whilst some of the big guns from the Northern Hemisphere flexed their muscles. Add to this the fact that three of the top four nations were upset, and you've got a recipe for a World Cup the likes of which we've never seen.
Ireland Flex Their Muscle
The last time the two sides met, Germany fought with plenty of spirit to lose 23-18 in the Guinness Invitational, but the World Cup opener was nothing like the earlier encounter- the Irish Wolfhounds walking all over the over-awed Germans to record a first up 34-0 win.
Ireland: Steve Prescott, Brian Carney, Tommy O'Reilly, Keith Wood, and Terry O'Connor 2. O'Gara 5/7
Germany: None.
PoM Points: Brian O'Driscroll 3, Tommy O'Reilly 2, and Terry O'Connor 1.
South Africa Upset Kangaroos
In an absolute classic, the South African Rhinos have shocked the league world by inflicting Australia's first defeat since the 1999 World Cup. The South Africans came out on fire, with relative unkowns Boeta Wessels and Sean Carstens carving the lazy Aussies up to set up an 18-6 lead. Australia clawed it back to 18-16 by halftime, but the South Africans never relinquised their lead, eventually winning 29-16 to leave Australia's campaign on shaky ground.
Australia: Darren Lockyer, Mat Rogers, and Wendell Sailor. Johns 2/3
South Africa: Sebastian Mpofu, Boeta Wessels 2, Joost van der Westuizen, and Sean Carstens. van Straaten 4/5. van der Westuizen 1 fg.
PoM Points: Sean Carstens 3, Boeta Wessels 2, and Sebastian Mpofu 1.
Europe Edge Out Samoa
The fans were treated to the first haka of the World Cup, but it wasn't all they got, a modest crowd seeing Europe and Samoa play out a brutal game that ended up being decided by a late Allianya Takawira penalty goal. The game was fiercely contested, with the Europeans eventually getting up 10-8.
Europe: Clinton Schifcofske and Brent Sherwin. Takawira 1/4
Samoa: Jamaal Lolesi. Leauma 2/2
PoM Points: Scott Magro 3, Brent Sherwin 2, and Braith Anasta 1.
Bossert's Brain Explosion
The decision of AA/TSI coach Roger Bossert to rest key players and play three fullbacks on his bench has backfired, the Scottish showing the locals no mercy in front of a sold out Dubbo crowd to record a vital 26-2 win. With Europe and AA/TSI the favourites for their pool, the Scots came out with something to prove, and did it easily.
AA/TSI: None. Walker 1/1
Scotland: Wayne McDonald, Lee Gilmour 2, Chris Logan, and Scott Logan. Ross 3/5
PoM Points: Corin Barry 3, Lee Gilmour 2, and Danny Arnold 1.
England Firm in WC Betting
Mark Fowler's English Lions have firmed in World Cup betting today on the back of a 38-6 pounding of the Lebanese Cedars. Despite the late inclusion of two young stars, the Lebanese were absolutely directionless in attack, whilst England went about their business as if it were routine.
Lebanon: Monah Elahmad. El Masri 1/1
England: Kris Radlinski, Keith Senior, Gary Connolly, Kevin Sinfield, Paul Sculthorpe 2, and Paul Anderson. Wilkinson 5/7
PoM Points: Marcus St Hilliare 3, Paul Sculthorpe 2, and Derek Gateshead 1.
Another Island Upset
Fans must have been hoping the clash been Fiji and New Zealand would match the intensity of their opposed hakas, but the New Zealanders repeated their woeful performance from a few weeks ago when they lost to the Cook Islands. The Fijians and their world class backline finally clicked, running over and around their higher paid opposition to record a shock 28-10 victory.
New Zealand: Andrew Mehrtens. Mehrtens 3/3
Fiji: Joe Rokocoko 2, Joe Black, and Stephen Smith 2. Tuqiri 4/6
PoM Points: Kalaveti Tuiyabayaba 3, Joe Black 2, and Joe Rokocoko 1.
French Begin in Style
In a much anticipated clash, the French Chanticleers have put on a real display for the Papua New Guinea locals, showcasing some excellent scrambling defence and equally impressive flowing attack to down Papua New Guinea 17-8 in a close fought encounter. A late try to fullback Cameron DuFour with two minutes to go sealed a memorable World Cup start for the Frenchmen.
Papua New Guinea: John Waka. Luana 2/3
France: Cameron DuFour, Gael Tallic, and Jack Isaac. DuFour 3/4. Tallic 1 fg.
PoM Points: Imanol Harinordoquy 3, Jack Isaac 2, and Cameron DuFour 1.
Tonga Shock the Welsh
In what has been an amazing weekend for Pacific Islands RL, the Tongans have emulated the efforts of Fiji to record a thrilling 24-22 over the third placed Welsh Dragons. As predicted, Wales struggled to match the intensity and desperation of their lesser known opposition. A late comeback did a lot for Welsh confidence, but some abysmal decisions from the German ref dashed Wales' hopes of a first up win.
Wales: Hefin O'Hare, Keiran Cunningham, Wes Davies, and Marc Calderwood. Eaton 3/5
Tonga: Lesley Vainakolo, Willie Wolfgramm 2, and Greg Wolfgramm. Hansen 4/4
PoM Points: Keiran Cunningham 3, Hefin O'Hare 2, and Lee Briers 1.
POOL A
South Africa- 1/1/0/0/29/16/+13/ 2 points
France- 1/1/0/0/19/8/+11/ 2 points
Cook Islands- 0/0/0/0/0/0/ 0 points
Papua New Guinea- 1/0/1/0/8/19/-11 0 points
Australia- 1/0/1/0/16/29/-13 0 points
POOL B
Ireland- 1/1/0/0/34/0/+34/ 2 points
Europe- 1/1/0/0/10/8/+2/ 2 points
Japan- 0/0/0/0/0/0/ 0 points
Samoa- 1/0/1/0/8/10/-2/ 0 points
Germany- 1/0/1/0/0/34/-34/ 0 points
POOL C
Scotland- 1/1/0/0/26/2/+24/ 2 points
Tonga- 1/1/0/0/24/22/+2/ 2 points
Russia- 0/0/0/0/0/0/ 0 points
Wales- 1/0/1/0/22/24/-2/ 0 points
AA/TSI- 1/0/1/0/2/26/-24/ 0 points
POOL D
England- 1/1/0/0/38/6/+32/ 2 points
Fiji- 1/1/0/0/28/10/+18/ 2 points
USA- 0/0/0/0/0/0/ 0 points
New Zealand- 1/0/1/0/0/10/28/-18/ 0 points
Lebanon- 1/0/1/0/0/6/38/-32/ 0 points
Group D shows the table as England, Fiji, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Lebanon - but its actually the USA in third (yet to play a game) not the Cook Islands...who I think are in Group A?
Cheers,
Mark F
England
Yes I just saw that 2 Mark F Ii through I was in group A not group D could someone clear this up for me. I wish to know who i have to beat in order to advance to the next round.
Thanks mate I don't no what i would do if i had to Vs both engalnd and australia in the same world cup.
