CHRIS FOY’S WORLD CUP ROUND-UP
URUGUAY WORN DOWN BY SCHEDULE
POOR Uruguay discovered to their cost yesterday how hard it is for most teams at this World Cup to maintain the same heights of performance after a short turnaround. Four days after upsetting Fiji, the South Americans (right) were beaten 33-7 by Georgia. They started well but faded due to inevitable fatigue, just as Russia and Fiji had done previously when they had to cope with a four-day break. Only the most powerful nations have the depth of resources to rotate and stay competitive.
BLOSSOMS IN FULL BLOOM
WHAT was striking about Japan’s triumph over Ireland was just how much conviction they had that they could beat the team ranked No 2 in the world. This was no ambush, no smashand-grab upset. The home side were in full control. They were fit, physical, well-coached, smart and super-fast. Jamie Joseph, who is on course to guide the Brave Blossoms into the quarter-finals, suggested they had been underestimated. That won’t happen again.
VERSATILE BRITS STILL SHINING
WHEN Schalk Brits started playing for Saracens, I suggested he was ‘half a team in one man’, such was his versatility. At 38, that description still applies. The veteran hooker captained South Africa against Namibia... from No 8. He scored a try and led both teams in a joint salute of the crowd in Toyota. Even after all these years, Brits remains a phenomenal player and a smiling ambassador for his sport.
FRANCE BLOWN OFF COURSE
WORLD CUP organisers have issued another storm warning as Typhoon Mitag bears down on the south west of Japan. The France v United States match in Fukuoka on Wednesday could be jeopardised. If cancelled, the fixture would be declared a no-score draw, a setback for the French, who would expect to claim a bonus-point victory. It’s unfair, and the tournament could do without such a farce.
CAN PUMAS CHANGE THEIR SPOTS?
ARGENTINA go into their showdown against England on Saturday as outsiders, only 11th in World Rugby rankings. Mario Ledesma’s side claimed a bonus-point win over Tonga, but didn’t score after half-time. Perhaps the Pumas should play their matches wearing the black and orange shirts of their Super Rugby side, the Jaguares. Argentinian players seem to thrive in those colours, more than in the national ones.
LEITCH’S EYES ON SAMOA
JAPAN’s victory over Ireland ignited this tournament, but their captain, Michael Leitch, was right to demand that the squad swiftly re-focus. It would be criminal if the hosts took their eye off the ball when they face Samoa next Saturday. National euphoria must be ignored. ‘The Samoa game will be really important,’ said Leitch. ‘I’m not looking at the Scotland game yet.’ Quite right.