THE SUSHI TRAIN
Small bites from the Cup
Russian jitters
England pelted Tonga in their opening Rugby World Cup match on Sunday night, downing the deflated island nation 35-3. Head coach Eddie Jones said later he was more nervous about the location than he was about the opponents. “The stadium was fantastic, what a great thing for rugby, to be up here in Hokkaido, probably closer to Russia than you want to be, and we had 45,000 people here,” he said. Hokkaido is in Japan’s north, with Russia some 500km away.
Taking a bow
Bowing to 69,000 fans at Yokohama Stadium on Saturday night, the All Blacks put their charm on display once again after claiming victory over South Africa. Footage of the gesture took off on social media, with many fans praising the defending World Champions’ classy act. All Blacks captain Kieran Read said it was important for the team to connect with the Japanese people. “We need to show a bit of love back to them.”
‘Fweet’, penalty!
Kiwi referee Ben O’Keeffe has come under fire across the ditch after footage emerged of him allegedly celebrating a Fijian try in their opening defeat to Australia. Fox Sports claims O’Keeffe “committed the cardinal sin” by giving a low five to a Fiji player after their second try to Waisea Nayacalevu. O’Keeffe is to officiate France v USA on October 2 and Japan v Scotland on October 13.
Winger woes
Australian winger Reece Hodge faces a ban after he was cited for a dangerous tackle on Fiji flanker Peceli Yato in their opening match. Hodge’s shoulder made contact with Yato’s head and neck during a try-saving tackle on the Fijian. Fiji players asked ref Ben O’Keeffe to refer it to the TV match official, but no action was taken. Hodge’s fate will be decided at a disciplinary hearing in Tokyo.
Ageless backrower
Italian backrower Sergio Parisse, 36, has kicked off his fifth RWC, likening his career to a marathon rather than a sprint. Parisse joined ex-teammate Mauro Bergamasco and ex-Samoa midfielder Brian Lima as the only three players to compete in five Cups. Italy’s 47-22 defeat of Namibia saw Parisse record his 141st cap.