Samoa claimed bragging rights over Fiji in the first ever World Cup meeting between the two Island nations with a 27-7 victory at Eden Park, keeping Samoan dreams of an unlikely second place finish in Pool D alive. A frightening haka performance highlighted the ferocity of the rivalry between the two Island nations before the match had even begun, Fiji bursting into their … [Read more...]
RWC: Match Preview: Fiji – Samoa
Fiji take on fierce rivals Samoa for the first time in a Rugby World cup at Eden Park today, 3.30 local time. Fiji have a greater chance of making the semi-finals, having only faced South Africa and Namibia in Pool D; a win against the Samoans would effectively turn their match against Wales into a knockout game with the quarter-finals looming. Samoa are favourites to win this … [Read more...]
South Africa show masterclass against Fiji
South Africa eased to an ominous 49-3 win against a daring but inconsistent Fijian team to move to the top of Pool D in Wellington. Two tries in the first half were followed by four more in the second as a clinical Springboks squad ground down the spirited Islanders in a physical match that underlined the quality of South African tactics in a World Cup environment. A stubborn … [Read more...]
Match Preview: South Africa – Fiji
South Africa will look to make a statement of intent against a buoyant Fijian team after a narrow escape against the Welsh last week left the defending champions third in Pool D. A rematch of the tight 2007 quarter-final in which Fiji matched the Africans until the last quarter, South Africa are clean favourites despite the absence of key players but will be wary of a Fijian … [Read more...]
Match Review: Fiji – Namibia
Fiji opened their World Cup account with a comfortable win over Namibia in an exciting game in Rotorua today. The Namibians impressed in the first quarter and showed heart throughout the match but were ultimately outmatched 49-25 by a bigger, faster Fijian back line epitomised by four-try hero Vereniki Goneva. Promising young Namibian fly-half Theuns Kotze scored the first … [Read more...]