Wow GAGR’s! I don’t find out about you lot? However an excessive amount of rugby simply isn’t sufficient! Even the time distinction isn’t dampening my enthusiasm. Simply love this! It has been a fully fascinating opening weekend this RWC 2023. So allow us to dive in and evaluation the primary weekend’s spherical of matches.
* Please word this report was written late Sunday night time and won’t embody the video games that have been performed late (South Africa vs. Scotland and Wales vs. Fiji).
France 27 Defeat New Zealand 13
See the GAGR match report from KARL right here.
Merely put, this was a traditional take a look at match. And an exquisite technique to begin off the 2023 RWC. A packed stadium, a really vocal dwelling crowd, and a hotly contested sport. Nicely for the the primary half. After that, the French bought away from the Kiwis. Stress was utilized and the Kiwis made some uncommon errors. Positively, a sport to look at the total replay should you haven’t seen it.
Eire 82 defeated Romania 8
See Happyman’s GAGR Match report right here.
The sport bought off to an sudden begin after the Romanians picked up a Johnny Sexpot* grubber and bolted down the wing, fast offload, after which strive time. However that was just about all she wrote. The Guinness drinkers put their massive boy pants on and bought on with the decimation of the poor Romanians. A complete flogging. However value watching to take a look at the Irish’s mixtures and passing sport. Additionally after a 3-week suspension, I assumed Johnny Sexton is likely to be a bit of bit rusty, however like a classic skilled, he was on level from the primary move.
* Squidge Rugby’s nickname for Johnny Sexton.
England 27 defeated Argentina 10
See Nutta’s GAGR Match report right here.
What occurred to be one of many worst worldwide checks that I’ve ever watched in my almost six many years of watching rugby. This match was only a horrible spectator occasion. Even for hardcore followers of each side, this match was simply dross. England decreased to 14 gamers (and deservedly so) managed to, by way of a collection of drop and penalty targets, grind out a victory in opposition to an Argentina group that simply didn’t know get out of first gear. Not good watching in any respect. However England discovered a technique to win. Nonetheless, Michael Cheika and his merry males have a couple of severe inquiries to reply. Don’t even trouble with the 20-minute package deal.
Italy 52 defeated Namibia 8
See Reds and Wallabies Fan’s GAGR match report right here.
A really high-tempo, throw-it-around form of sport, particularly within the second half. Noticed Italy run away with a flattering victory over an improved Namibian aspect.
Wallabies V Georgia
See Sully’s GAGR Report right here.
Nicely having woken up within the wee hours to look at this one I used to be form of upset that I did. The Wallabies had an above-average first half. However by the second half, we have been beginning to see the Wallabies of previous. A lot of errors, accidents ‘a-plenty’, and the odd dumb resolution. The warmth was positively an element. However total not the very best of performances for the boys in gold, the place when the sport opened up you anticipated the Wallabies to slam down no less than one other 30 factors on the Georgians. Good sport for Donaldson (stunned and comfortable for him), Skelton, McReight, and Tupou.
Japan 42 defeated Chile 12
Nicely, what can we are saying about this match on a sweltering Sunday afternoon in France? The Chile aspect is a largely beginner aspect with solely 3 skilled gamers within the group, in addition to 4 units of brothers. Chile got here out at a red-hot tempo (pardon the pun) and have been enjoying with ardour and enthusiasm. DOtting down over the road for the primary strive. Japan adopted up shortly thereafter. However as the sport wore on the professionalism, health, and acclimatisation of the Japanese kicked in they usually wore the Chileans down. I used to be very impressed with this Chilean aspect and they’re positively value watching as they develop right into a full-time skilled aspect.
The First Spherical – So what does all of it imply?
So after this primary spherical of the World Cup, the place are we? Had been there any actual surprises? Let’s take a look.
Techniques – I feel we’re beginning to see variations on a theme from every of the groups. The Irish actually are making their passing sport that little bit faster and with some good in / out performs and cutouts. The Argies appear to be they’ve been contaminated with ‘Cheika illness’ that had contaminated the Wallabies. The case of operating the ball in any respect prices from all over the place. Look the place that bought them. England proved that they will rating factors just about completely from kicking. Does it win you video games? Sure! However it’s terrible to look at. Sure! The Wallabies have realised that you simply really want somebody who can kick, and Donaldson (a lot to my and everybody’s shock) was fairly efficient.
Accidents – I haven’t famous from lots of the different video games if there have been any key accidents. However the one which stood out was poor previous Joe Filth (Tate McDermott) getting knocked out chilly from a knee to the noggin. He has to serve the necessary 12-day standdown, which can rule him out for the Fiji conflict. My concern is that he was out completely chilly for a protracted interval, I’m considering that he could also be out longer than 12 days. Kerevi went off early, greater than probably precautionary however let’s hope he hasn’t injured his hand additional.
Suspensions – Just one ‘shiraz’ from this spherical with England’s Tom Curry copping a cheddar, after which having it upgraded to a shiraz! He’ll greater than probably face the judiciary early this week. Let’s hope that it’s left as that. Though it was a warranted crimson, it wasn’t foul play so let’s hope we see him again on the paddock. England actually doesn’t want one other one among their gamers rubbed out.
Anyway, I had higher go and compensate for sleep earlier than I fly to Cairns early tommorrow morning. There you go GAGR’s have at it!
