Boks on track for tricky quarterfinal encounter, Japan on cusp of World Cup history, and Argentina’s ill-discipline costs them dearly are our talking points from this past Rugby World Cup weekend.
Boks on track for tricky quarterfinal encounter
With their convincing 49-3 win over Italy on Friday, the Springboks all but consolidated second spot in Pool B behind the All Blacks. They do take on Canada tomorrow, but this group of players seem too focused to fall at such a hurdle. While New Zealand are expected to beat Italy on the weekend, the result of Scotland’s final clash with hosts Japan is a more difficult one to call. Depending on that outcome, the Boks could face either Ireland, Scotland or Japan in the quarterfinals. Given the performances of all three of these sides at the tournament, Rassie’s men are in for a challenge no matter whom they face.
Japan on cusp of World Cup history
The Brave Blossoms have undoubtedly lived up to their nickname this tournament, with Saturday’s 38-19 bonus-point win over Samoa leaving them just one victory away from qualifying for the knockouts for the first time ever. Their final pool stage game comes against the Scots on Sunday, the same side that defeated them 45-10 at the last World Cup following the Miracle of Brighton. That result went a long way to denying them a passage to the quarterfinals, as Japan became the first ever team to win three pool games and yet still not qualify. As virtually everybody’s second favourite team, all but those sporting navy blue will be cheering them on when they take to the field this Sunday.
Argentina ill-discipline costs them dearly
While Mario Ledesma’s men were always set to be up against it in their clash with a strong England outfit this weekend, their hopes of causing an upset were dashed when serial offender Tomas Lavanini was red carded for a high hit on Owen Farrell. The decision by Nigel Owens was spot on, with the overeager Lavinini’s shoulder making big contact with Farrell’s head. Admittedly, the Argentine second rower has certainly cleaned up his act this year, but Saturday’s incident all but spelled the end for Los Puma’s World Cup campaign following their opening round loss to France. After a severely underwhelming record under Ledesma, his position will surely be under threat in the months ahead.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
