The Russian team
By Rugby World Reader, Larissa Falls
Russia Rules…Russia was the only Tier 2 team to score 3 tries against a Tier 1 nation (Australia)
Strange Things Happen…This week England and Ireland could have gone home after losing just one game, yet France lost two and still managed to qualify and the Quarter Finals
Seeing Red…Samoa’s Paul Williams is the first, and only, player to have received a red card
Scoreless…The USA, South Africa, Fiji, Italy and Georgia did not score in the second half of their matches against Italy, Samoa, Wales, Ireland and Argentina respectively
Four-Awesome…Zac Guildford notched four tries v Canada
Efficient…After 9minutes in the Georgia v Romania clash, Georgia had just 5% territory yet led 3-0
Try Scorer…Japan’s no.8, and captain, Kikutani has scored the second most number of international tries since the 2007 RWC, second only to Shane Williams
Not Again…For the second week in a row, Scotland were leading at half time (9-3) only to go on and lose the match (16-12)
Golden Oldies…Samoa fielded the oldest 2011 WC line-up when playing South Africa
Intro…Argentina definitely takes the title for the longest introduction to a National Anthem!
MOTM…Dan Parks was the only player this week to be on the losing side and win the ‘Man Of The Match’ award, and is the only player in the tournament to win the accolade having started the game on the bench
Trailing….For the first time in RWC 2011 NZ were behind on the scoreboard when they trailed Canada 3-0
Classic…Referee Craig Joubert asking Foden, “Did it go over,” in reference to a Scotland drop goal attempt. Not sure asking the opposition is the best move!
One And Only…Ashton’s try was the first, and only, scored at a World Cup between England and Scotland
Déjà Vu…They drew in 2007 and now Japan and Canada have drawn in a World Cup again, when their clash finished 23-23
Memorable…The biggest upset of RWC 2011 when 13th ranked Tonga defeated 5th ranked France
Hamstrung…Drew Mitchell, Ruaridh Jackson and Martin Castrogiovanni all injured their hamstrings
Wobbly Wallabies…Australia conceded three tries in one match against Russia, when previously they had conceded just one try in three games
Yellow…Only four yellow cards were dished out this week, almost half that of last week (7)
Effective…Ireland had 49% possession, compared to 51%, spent 10minutes in the opposition 22, compared to 7minutes, yet comprehensively beat Italy 36-6
Good Call…Going to the TMO for a goal kick in the England v Scotland match; if in doubt, use it!
Top Signs… “Beaver Fever,” “We Love Italian Men,” “One of Us Will Be Sleeping on the Couch,” and “Quade Cooper Loves Laptops,”
Disgraceful…Leonardo Ghiraldini’s eye gouge on Cian Healy was absolutely shameful! That’s not the image we want portrayed about rugby on a world stage
Records…Chris Patterson won a record 15th RWC cap for Scotland, Ireland finished top of their WC pool for the first time, and Canada’s Conor Trainor became the only Canadian to score 10 or more points against New Zealand when he bagged a brace against them
Would you like to sign up to Rugby World’s excellent weekly email newsletter? Click here.