Scotland poor, Uruguay did well

The quarterfinals of the World Cup are upon us and that means 12 teams are heading home. The Otago Daily Times looks at the jettisoned teams.

Scotland Played 4, Won 2, Lost 2

Failed to make the quarterfinals for just the second time. Barely fired a shot against Ireland and left its comeback too late against an electric Japan side. Limited in attack and overall very disappointing.

Verdict: Fail.

Samoa Played 4, Won 1, Lost 3

Discipline was a major issue. It led the tournament in cards received with seven, making winning games very tough. The quarterfinals were always a long shot, but it would have hoped to be more competitive.

Verdict: Could have done

better.

Russia Played 4, Won 0, Lost 4

Battled well against Japan in the tournament opener, but did not score a try after that. Defended bravely and was solid at set piece, although offered little on attack.

Verdict: Better for the experience.

Italy Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1

Probably would not have beaten the All Blacks, but rightfully felt aggrieved for not getting the chance to. Comfortably better than the minnows it played, although still a way off the Springboks.

Verdict: No real progress.

Canada Played 3, Won 0, Lost 3

Once a minnow capable of making the top sides work, Canada has fallen drastically. Scored just twice in three heavy losses, which could have become four had its match with Namibia gone ahead.

Verdict: Moving backwards

Namibia Played 3, Won 0, Lost 3

Had a tough time, as always, although no doubt would have liked a crack at Canada. Battled exceptionally well to be down just 109, 30 minutes into its match against the All Blacks.

Verdict: As expected.

Argentina Played 4, Won 2, Lost 2

The loser in the pool of death. Lost a heartbreaker to France in its opener after a fantastic comeback. A firsthalf red card against England then effectively wiped out any chance it had left. It is a big fall for a team that made the semifinals in 2015 and last failed to make it out of the pool in 2003 — although one team had to lose out here.

Verdict: Tough draw, but ultimately failed

Tonga Played 4, Won 1, Lost 3

Made England look ordinary, competed well with Argentina except for a terrible start and nearly upset France. Had to wear down the United States, but showed its firepower in the second half to claim a deserved win.

Verdict: Competitive in tough

pool.

United States Played 4, Won 0, Lost 4

Competed well for periods, although ultimately the tierone sides were too good. Kept close to France and Tonga for the first 50 minutes, before holes opened in the defence in the final 30 minutes. Still has potential to be so much better, although sevens is looking increasingly like the game for the land of the brave boys.

Verdict: Still a way off.

Fiji Played 4, Won 1, Lost 3

If the side could keep its discipline and manage to find some space on the field it would be a real threat. But hard to see that happening as it tried to bash too much. Has some real gamebreakers but a lack of concentration cost it.

Verdict: Promise there but it will never happen.

Georgia Played 4, Won 1, Lost 3

Big men these Georgians and they like to run into people.

Was a solid side up front but not a lot to admire out the back. The team needs to play top opposition on a more regular basis.

Verdict: As expected.

Uruguay Played 4, Won 1, Lost 3

Historic win over Fiji which was a great display of emotion. Tried hard in the other games but ultimately outgunned although it put up a good fight. Did well for the player resources the side has.

Verdict: Pleasing effort.