Women's Rugby World Cup Final Round-up

• The battle to avoid last place at the tournament saw Samoa face Kazakhstan, both teams looking to record their first win of the tournament. Samoa's first try came from crisp and simple execution, good passing saw the backline break through the defence, before executing the perfect two-on-one to send winger Mefi scampering underneath the posts. Their second showed skill and power that the men's team is infamous for, inside centre Collins hitting hard before offloading to her support, before the same act was achieved by replacement Robertson on the touchline, to send Mefi in for her second try of the match, half time 14-0. The second half was much of the same, Samoa just proving too strong for Kazakhstan, eventually fly-half Milo scoring the fifth and final try after breaking through around the fringe of the ruck.

Final Score: Samoa 31 - Kazakhstan 0

• The second game of the day pitched South Africa against Spain. It took a short while for the game to get going, Spain not opening the scoreboard with a penalty until 16 minutes in. The twentieth minute brought the opening try of the game, some good passing work, spread the ball out wide, but some good last ditch defence brought the Spanish attack to a halt. But fullback Cabane, burst through the edge of the ruck and powered here way, fending off numerous tacklers to dive over the line. Shortly before the break, a looped pass put centre, Pla, in some space and an impressive burst of speed saw her outpace the cover defence to finish the try, 0-17. Spain kept up the pressure in the second half, a penalty try saw them extend their lead. The final try came from another burst of speed, this time from winger Martinez who showed calm finishing ability to complete a rout.

Final Score: South Africa 0 - Spain 36

[11th and 9th Play-off Highlights]

• The 7th place play-off saw Australia and Wales face off, Australia certainly looking the stronger of the two teams. The first half was relatively tight, but two tries for Australia scored by their forwards saw them build a solid lead, 10-3 at the break. The second half however was all Australia, a good miss pass and an excellent diving finish saw winger Brown score. Good passing and an eye for a half-gap saw Sharni Williams score yet another try from out-side centre. Her centre partner Morgan, executed an audaciously large dummy-switch, before arcing around the drifting defence to finish off the scoring for Australia.

Final Score: Australia 30 - Wales 3

• USA and New Zealand combined have a total of five world cup championship wins, but for the first time they'd meet each other in the 5th place play-off. It didn't take long for the Black Ferns to get into the swing of things, a powerful charging run by inside centre Rule cracked open the American defence, before pulling off a neat offload to Savage for the opening try. Everitt scored the second, after another miss pass sent the New Zealanders sweeping through the defence, and another offload rounded off the score. Two miss passes, one executed by a forward (showing the handling ability across the New Zealand team), gave winger Baker an easy run in for try number three. The fourth started team inside their own half, fly-half Subritzky-Nafatali evading the attentions of the tacklers before full-back Winiata motored up the pitch, showcasing her insane sprint speed for a 50m run to the line. The Black Ferns didn't stop at four, scoring another try in the first half, a poorly executed blitz defence by the USA team, allowed an easy try for winger Hireme. Half time 0-31. New Zealand started the second half where they left off, scoring yet another try in no time. America struck a blow shortly after, the normally peerless Winiata throwing a loose pass which American fly-half Rozier stolen out of mid-air to rush in for the try. New Zealand were having none of it though, Hireme executing some excellent footwork to cancel out America's try. Hireme scored her fourth try of the game on the verge of full-time, cutting through the defensive line, and pulling off a wicked side-step past the fullback to carry her on her way to the line.

Final Score: USA 5 - New Zealand 55

• In the 3rd place play-off, Ireland played the hosts, both teams having had strong campaigns but stumbled at the last hurdle. Ireland opened the scoring, after superb work by the forwards at scrum time, saw them build the phases until it was shovelled out to full-back Briggs who dotted the ball over the line despite the attentions of a couple of tacklers. It didn't take too long for France to give the packed stadium something to cheer for, showing their forward power as they have all tournament, using the driving maul to great effect to score the try. Next it was France's turn to take the lead, some slick passing eventually getting the ball outside the Irish defence for fullback Tremouliere to slide over. It wasn't to last either, on the stroke of half time Irish centre Davitt chipped the French defence, and a wicked bounce saw it return straight into her open arms allowing her to run in and take the lead back for Ireland, 15-12. The tit-for-tat game continued, as France retook the lead after the break, winger Guiglion scoring with plenty of room in the corner. A bit of penalty kicking kept the scoreboard ticking over, until the final hooter. Despite leading as the 80th minute passed, France refused to just end the game, instead giving the crowd something more to cheer for, Guiglion finished it off stepping inside two covering tacklers to end the game.

Final Score: Ireland 18 - France 25
[Ireland v France Highlights]

• Then it was time for the final. A rematch of the tightest pool game, as England faced Canada. A couple of penalties by England kicker Scarrat built a lead up, before some excellent play by the England backs, saw them make a lot of ground in a short space of time. The recovering Canada defence could do very little in the end as both England forward and backs spotted space, and executed passing to send fullback Waterman in for the opening try. A Harvey penalty closed the gap a little at the break but England were still in control, 11-3. Another two penalties by Harvey closed the gap to two points at the beginning of the second half, but Scarrat was not to be outdone, grabbing herself another three points. The moment of the second half came from Scarrat again, an arrow straight ball, allowed her to hit the gainline full on and bust through the first tackle. She then found the angle to cut back against the desperate cover defence to cross the line and give the game and the World Cup to England.

Final Score: England 21 - Canada 9

Not quite the Best Team in History

In the end the game was as drab and miserable as the weather. The endless rain meant that the ever famous fast attacking rugby that has defined southern hemisphere rugby for as long as I can remember was absent. It came down to the kickers, Cruden and Beale both battling against the conditions and slippery conditions underfoot to notch up four kicks apiece - although Beale did miss one at the end of the first half. In fact Michael Hooper might rue his decisions at the end of the first period, not taking numerous easy shots at goal in favour of attacking play, and in the end having to resort to accepting a kick from wide out.

Both teams made a lot of mistakes on the ball, but Australia seemed to be the biggest culprits looking to play quick exciting rugby despite the atrocious handling conditions, leading to numerous juvenile errors: cheap penalties, in front at the kick-off, running the ball into touch. In fact the only exciting moment of the first half came from a New Zealand turn-over, but the wet ball was dropped by Dane Coles less than ten meters from the try line. The only other notable moment of the first half was the yellow card given to Wyatt Crockett for entering the ruck illegally. Personally it felt like a very harsh yellow card, the referee citing the age old "cynical" line, yet all I saw was a forward seeing a scrum-half with his hands on the ball and aiming to hit the opponent. At the break it was obvious neither team was showing dominance or control of the ball, but New Zealand held a 3-9 lead at the break.

By the time the All Blacks were back up to their full compliment, Australia had only managed to close the gap by three points. Yet again the weather stagnated the game into sloppy ball handling and attacking in tight channels, not to mention the referee. Peyper Jaco seemed to have been taking lessons from Joubert, blowing for constant stoppages and refusing to let the game flow. Although not all the mistakes were his alone, it seems to be a trend in world rugby for referee's to allow scrum-halfs to get away with murder at scrum time. Twice - at least - did the replacement Australian scrum half - Nick Phipps - delay the scrum put-in to wrangle a penalty out of the New Zealand front-row. It needs to be stamped out, along with feeding.

New Zealand were awarded yet another yellow card in a dull second half, the referee penalising fresh of the bench Barrett for kicking a ball out of a ruck. Now considering in every other game I've watched this season referee's gladly allow players to use their feet (for contact with the ball) at the breakdown, it was a major surprise for Barrett to be not only penalised but sent to the sin-bin for something everyone else does.

In fact the second half did have claim to the closest try of the game, when Australia finally spread the ball wide, and were it not for a final - ridiculously firm - tackle by Julian Savea, then Pat McCabe would have sealed the win for the Wallabies. New Zealand on the other hand couldn't get a grip in the second half, their lineout collapsing after substitutions specifically Kevin Mealamu despite all his experience being unable to find his jumpers time and time again.

In the end the game was decided by the kicking tees, and despite all the talent in the backlines neither were able to thrive and both unable to excite the crowd, the game ending in a draw at 12-12. And so the All Conquering All Blacks were halted by their eternal rivals, they remain unbeaten in 18, but it doesn't sound quite so good does it?

All Black's Going for the Record

The All Blacks, a legendary name feared across the rugby world and when you look at the statistics it's easy to understand why. In 2013 they became the first top level team - in history - to achieve a perfect calendar year, pulling off a total of 14 wins from 14 games. They are officially the number one team in the world, according to the IRB ranking system they are clear by 4.5 points, and have been on top for the last four years. The last time they lost on home turf was in the summer of 2009, and they haven't been beaten at Eden Park since 1994. Not to mention the small fact they are currently world champions. Then there's the brand of rugby they play, unlike any other team in the world, no team has emulated the quality that they possess with each and every player able to play with the ball, and attack.
Taking all this into account they are an undeniable powerhouse in global sport, let alone rugby. This weekend they are going for a world record, 18 consecutive wins on the Test circuit.

The fixture list hasn't made it the easiest of games for their challenge, no Eden Park, no Argentina minnows. Instead they have to cross the Tasmanian Sea to face their age old rivals in the first round of the Rugby Championship and beginning of the Bledisloe Cup. Not to mention they have to do it without the talismanic fly-half of Dan Carter - out though injury. Although perhaps more of a worry for stalwart All Black fans is the absence of Test veteran and world class outside-centre Conrad Smith, always the steady rock on which the All Black machine worked so efficiently. In his place comes the young upstar Fekitoa, rated for his match winning quality, powerful runs and nose for the try line. Another big name missing from the New Zealand roster is the gliding fullback Israel Dagg, replaced by his long term rival Ben Smith. Personally I've always felt Dagg is a little too airy for Test match rugby, and the hard running, side-stepping try scoring machine of Smith is one of the best fullbacks in the world. Upfront the All Blacks are an assured collective, the engine room of Whitelock and Retalick continue their partnership and the back row is one of the most feared outfits in World Rugby, legend Richie McCaw, World Player of the Year Kieran Read and the powerhouse of Jerome Kaino. Across the park the All Blacks ooze quality and the Test proven ability to win games.

Up against them are Australia, who have undergone serious changes since their series defeat to the British and Irish Lions last year, a much improved outfit completing a series white-wash against the French in June, and with a Super Rugby championship side feeding the national side. Seven players in the starting team are from the Super Rugby winners - the Waratahs - including the terrifying attacker (for anyone even New Zealand) or Israel Folau. Although perhaps a very interesting choice is the selection for fly-half, Bernard Foley having been the inform ten all season having been looked over by his team-mate Kurtley Beale. Beale certainly brings a individual attacking threat from the fly-half channel, but for me Foley brings a much more controlling presence to a team - and would have been my pick. Perhaps the player most likely to cause trouble for the New Zealander team it will be Australia's captain Michael Hooper, fast becoming a legend at the break down if anyone is going to be able to disrupt the All Black attack it will be his jackaling skills. Although I've always personally felt ball stripping and turnovers were ineffectual against the All Black team, and the most effective way to frustrate the men from New Zealand was hard nosed ruck contact - the like achieved very well by England. Using powerful back-row players to smash full speed into the rucks and mess the ball up, but the quality which all Australian backrowers seem to possess at turnovers should provide the chance.

However I don't quite see Australia stopping the onslaught of the All Blacks, despite having the Super Rugby champions, and despite the progress they've made, I do feel the All Blacks will claim the win on Saturday, but not by much. I can sense especially down-under that team are beginning to figure out how to cause the All Blacks problems, and with the World Cup just over a year away this could be a crucial year for teams looking to figure out how to defeat the current champions.

Prediction: New Zealand by two scores

Kick Off: 1105 BST

Team Line Ups:
Australia:
- 15 Folau, 14 McCabe, 13 Ashley-Cooper, 12 Toomua, 11 Horne, 10 Beale, 9 White
- 1 Slipper, 2 Charles, 3 Kepu, 4 Carter, 5 Simmons, 6 Fardy, 7 Hooper (C), 8 Palu
- 16 Hanson, 17 Cowan, 18 Alexander, 19 Skelton, 20 HIgginbotham, 21 Phipps, 22 Foley, 23 Kuridrani

New Zealand:
- 15 B Smith, 14 Jane, 13 Fekitoa, 12 Nonu, 11 Savea, 10 Cruden, 9 A Smith
- 1 Crockett, 2 Coles, 3 O Franks, 4 Retallick, 5 Whitelock, 6 Kaino, 7 McCaw, 8 Read
- 16 Mealamu, 17 B Franks, 18 Moody, 19 Luatua, 20 Kane, 21 Perenara, 22 Barrett, 23 Crotty

Womens Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Round-up

We start the round-up looking at the two semi-finals for the 9th place final. First game of the day saw Samoa playing South Africa, neither team having recorded a win in the tournament, although Samoa had at least scored two tries while their African opponents were yet to cross the white-wash. Yet however based on how they opened the game it was confusing as to why, within one minute fly-half Njoko had opened the scoring. The game continued in the same vein, both teams trading scores freely throughout the match, Samoa leveling the scores after four minutes, and both teams going on to record a 20-21 half time score. With Samoan fly-half Milo scoring perhaps the try of the game after some fantastic run lines and deft offloads saw her running underneath the posts. In the second half the game tightened up as both teams looked to book their place in the 9th place final, eventually some excellent wing play from substitute Grain gave South Africa the lead until the final whistle
Final Score: South Africa 25 - Samoa 24

In the other 9th place semi-final Spain, who had recorded a monstrous win in their final pool stage game, played a Kazakhstan team that had totally out done all previous expectations of them. In fact it was the Middle Eastern team that took the opening score, a good stable scrum lead to a ruck one meter from the try line, before - early replacement - Khamova dived underneath the Spanish defence. The first half ended with Kazakhstan still leading 3-5. However the second half game, and Spain proved why they were top seed in this round of semi-finals. A strong driving maul, eventually rewarded them with the try that put them into the lead, and after some missed chances, kicker Garcia eventually extended their lead with a penalty with ten minutes to go. Spain secured their victory with a late try, after some wayward passes eventually lock Rocio Garcia picked up the bouncing ball and pulled off an impressive dive to score in the corner.
Final Score: Spain 18 - Kazakhstan 5
[9th Place Semi-finals Highlights]

Moving on to the 5th place semi-finals, we saw ex-champions New Zealand facing a hopeful Welsh side, aiming to emulate their Celtic cousins in overturning the legendary Black Ferns. However from the outset it was obvious that New Zealand were out for blood after losing their crown after 12 years of dominance, three tries within 20 minutes saw a lead built that would never be overturned. The first of many tries coming from yet another miss-pass, sending the Welsh defence scrambling across the pitch in a vain attempt to stem the tide. The second coming again from a miss-pass, to allow winger Hireme to slice through the covering defence before pulling off a very nice offload to her fullback Winiata. Wales did get themselves on the board, after some uncharacteristic sloppiness from New Zealand fullback Winiata saw Sioned Harries gather the ball and run in unopposed from 30m out. Not long after a four man overlap saw Black Fern winger Baker dive in the corner for her hat-trick giving the Southern Hemisphere outfit a 27-7 lead at the break. In the second half the ladies in black, kicked up another gear scoring within three minutes, and going on to score another six tries, the New Zealander's always finding the extra player, or the hole in the red defence to score some superb tries and book themselves a place in the 5th place play-off final.
Final Score: New Zealand 63 - Wales 7

The other semi-final put historical powerhouse USA against an Australia team that had missed out on an (unlikely) opportunity to qualify for the championship semi-finals. Australia showed early promise running in a swift score two minutes into the game, with Captain Shannon Parry crossing the white-wash. An American penalty was all the response they could muster, before some wonderful backs play and a superb support line by winger Morgan put Australia 12-3 up at the break. America claimed first-blood of the second half with an early try to bring them back within one score, but not long after the Australian forwards took control and extended their lead further with a try. However America weren't done, a loose clearance kick allowed replacement fullback Vanesha McGee to cut through the chasers and set up an amazing try that most Super Rugby teams would have been proud to score, with endless support runners and calm offloads eventually lock Carmen Farmer finished off the play in the corner. Some excellent ball retention work by USA lead to the try that brought the teams level, replacement McGee crashing through the covering tacklers to bring the scores to twenty all. A penalty one minute from time, almost directly in front of the posts gave America the chance to win the game, yet even after Rozier converted, Australia were given one last chance with four minutes of overtime played, Asheligh Hewson had the chance to level the game and take it to extra time. The miss confirmed America's place in the 5th place final against New Zealand
Final Score: Australia 20 - USA 23

The first big game of the day saw England take on All Black defeaters Ireland. England hoping to progress and win their first World Cup since 1994, and Ireland having already beaten their best ever finish (7th) both were confident going into the semi-final. Ireland opened the scoring, a driving maul from a 5m lineout (all but a cliché in this tournament), giving hooker Bourke the try and a TMO decision. England responded in similar style their forwards pounding away at the line until prop Clark burrowed her way over. A Scarett penalty gave the Rose's the lead, before she put on a burst of speed to take her through the Irish line on a barnstorming run towards the try line, eventually getting dragged down by the winger Baxter. Some calm ball recycling by the arriving support eventually saw the ball shipped along the line to Kat Merchant on the wing and with a lot of work to do, turned on the gas, unleashed a mighty fend and finished in the corner to give England a 7-18 lead at the break. It looked like the Ireland win against the ex-champions was a flash in the pan, their team now exhausted this late in the tournament as England pushed on in the second half. Another Scarrat penalty (she has been peerless throughout the championship) extended the lead before Kay Wilson the England winger pulled off an insane finish in the corner worthy of England great Jason Robinson - as proved by the TMO. The Ireland fatigue really showed in the last ten minutes, Marley Packer scoring the first of her two tries by breaking through tired Irish tacklers on her way to the line. And again Marley Packer was on hand to race through after a chip by centre Burford, outpacing all of the chasing women in green to round off a comprehensive win for the English
Final Score: Ireland  7 - England 40

The final game of the day saw host nation France playing Canada to decide the final team in the World Cup final. The opening half was as tight as anyone would expect from a semi-final, penalties from both Agricole - for France - and Harvey - for Canada - witness in respectful silence by the crowd meant neither team had built a lead at the break, 6-6. It didn't take long for the second half to come to life though, two minutes in after some strong forward work got Canada onto the French 10m line, fullback-come-scrumhalf Alarie spotted a gaping hole at the side of the ruck, and with a burst of speed galloped through the open field to take the lead. And four minutes later Canada scored the try of the tournament, first the Canada scrum over turned the French pack (who had previously been dominant all competition) to give the team in red possession on their own 5m line. In an act of sheer bravery (or insanity), instead of deciding to clear the backline spread the ball down the line giving the ball to Magali Harvey just inside their own 22 who raced away. Outstripping the chasing cover defence she motored up to half way, before pulling off a sublime side-step around the fullback, and finally sprinting for the corner to pull off an end-to-end try and give Canada a secure lead, after she converted her own try. But France weren't done, setting up a maul from the lineout and with calm heads slowly but surely worked their way over the line, until Koita collapsed to the turf to bring the hosts back into the game. France resorted to the same tactic in an attempt to bring the scores level, once again driving over the try line this time No.8 N'Diaye finishing it off, but a missed conversion meant that despite Canada being one player down - due to a yellow card - they still held the lead by two points. Canada managed to hold out till the final whistle, to set up a rematch of the group stage draw.
Final Score: France 16 - Canada 18
[France v Canada Highlights]

Finals Fixtures
Samoa vs. Kazakhstan [11th/12th Playoff] - Prediction Samoa
South Africa vs. Spain [9th/10th Playoff] - Prediction South Africa
Australia vs. Wales [7th/8th Playoff] - Prediction Australia
USA vs. New Zealand [5th/6th Playoff] - Prediction New Zealand
Ireland vs. France [3rd/4th Playoff] - Prediction France
England vs. Canada [World Cup Final] - Prediction England

Womens World Cup Day 3 Round-up

• After their momentous win against New Zealand last round, Ireland faced their easiest opponents of the tournament; a Kazakhstan team which had suffered two loses already. It didn't take long for Ireland to show their dominance, taking just six minutes to get their first try, a good collection of offloads between the Irish forwards sent the number six - Lynch - diving beneath the uprights. A bout of hard graft from the Kazakhstan forwards, earned them their third try of the tournament, with lock Karatygina claiming the score. Shortly before the break however the Irish fly-half Rosser once again showed the gulf in class between the two teams, easily ghosting through the Kazakh defence before side-stepping around the fullback for a wonderful solo effort. Half time score of 14-5. A penalty try cemented Ireland's lead before they scored one of the tries of the day, a well gathered kick allowed Ireland the chance to spread the ball quickly from one side of the pitch to the other and outside the reforming Kazakh defence. Before a sudden burst of speed from openside Fleming took her 60m and in for the bonus point try. Ireland refused to settle for the scoreline though and Lynch scored her second of the day after swift recycling gave the girls in green a five man overlap. The final try came four minutes into stoppage time, again the Irish getting the ball out of the breakdown quickly to make us of the overlap and put winger McGinn over in the corner.

Final Score: Ireland 40 - Kazakhstan 5

• Both Spain and Samoa went into their final game looking to regain some pride, after suffering sizeable defeats in their first two games. From the outset the dominance of the Spanish scrum was obvious, scoring their first try from the back. A messy pickup by the No. 8 Aigneren, was shovelled on to Garcia on the winger who dived in the corner. Next it was Samoa's turn to show their strengths, winger Mefi made a dancing break, avoiding tacklers left and right to get Samoa behind the Spain defence, quick hands got the ball outside the covering defence, until finally centre Brenda Collins pulled off an excellent finish in the corner to bring the scores level. A penalty try put Spain back on top, before a quick tap by their scrum half Garcia split open the Samoan defence, allowing a neat offload to the support run by Del Pan. Spain obtained the bonus point, in the first half, with a lovely backs play, the fly-half Bravo looping around to create the overlap to send in the number 12 Pla. Half time score 24-5. Spain continued their scrum dominance in the second half, allowing big their big No. 8 Aigneren to score a brace of tries from 5m scrums, her first coming from a turnover scrum - something rarely seen in any form of rugby.

Final Score: Spain 41 - Samoa 5

• The third game of the day saw two teams both vying for a place in the semi-finals, England and Canada both had ten points going into the game, a win for either would guarantee first or second seeding in the knockout stages. England claimed first points; a Scarratt penalty eight minutes into the game. However it didn't take long for Canada to respond, a fantastic driving maul from the line out pushed the English forward back over their own line to give the lead to Canada. The missed conversion was a trend for the Canadian kicker Harvey, as she went on to miss a penalty later on in the first half which would have given Canada a good lead heading into half time. As it was England claimed the half time lead, after a wonderful attacking move off the scrum created by outside centre Scarrat holding two defenders with her line put the fullback Waterman away down the touchline. Canada scrambled to cover eventually forcing the attack into touch, but the referee awarded England a penalty for offside directly in front of the posts, England lead 6-5 at half time. Canada refused to lie down to the well respected England team, and came out all guns blazing in the second half, scoring their second try of the match only four minutes into the second half. Excellent forward play, eventually battered down the door, and a cheeky dive through the ruck saw replacement Kayla Mack put Canada back in front. The English pack took the responsibility to bring their team back into the lead, finding a monumental scrum drive to give captain Hunter the easiest of tap downs, it seems that 5m scrum tries have become a big weapon at this championship. England lead by three points going into the final ten minutes, but after concerted pressure from the Canadians, the English slipped up and gave Magali Harvey the chance to bring the scores level, having already missed three kicks in the game the crowd didn't look confident. Yet she successfully - if slightly  messily - converted the chance. With the game all level at 80 minutes, the English knew that it would be enough to take them through, kicking the ball out, and sending both teams through to the semi-finals

Final Score: England 12 - Canada 12

• Up next was the second dead rubber game of the day, neither Wales nor South Africa could progress to the semi-finals (although all teams would play seeded knockout games), nor had either team scored a try in this championship. Both teams traded penalties in the first quarter of the game, South Africa ruing two missed penalties, before Wales's fly-half knocked over a drop goal to give Wales a more noticeable lead. Wales No. 8 Harries scored the only try of the first half - and Wales' first of the tournament. After good pressure at the South African scrum, by the Welsh scrum half, Harries pulled off the turnover before squirming over the try line. Half time score 16-3. Replacement Jenny Davies claimed the second try of the game in the second half, after assured ball retention by the Welsh forwards through numerous pick and drives on the South Africa line, eventually the front row substitute got the ball over the line. Once again the 5 meter scrum proved a deadly weapon at this World Cup, the South African pack crumbling against the pressure exerted by the Welsh forwards. Once the referee had award Wales the advantage Sioned Harries stormed off the back of the scrum and powered through two tackles to ground the ball for her second. Wales smelling blood, went all out and scored the bonus point try shortly after the 80 minute hooter, excellent forward recycling slowly drew the South African defence closer and closer to the breakdown, until a quick change of direction and delicate soft and swift hands down the blindside put Harries in for her hat-trick.

Final Score: Wales 35 - South Africa 3

• Perhaps the biggest shock of the day was the fact that New Zealand's last game was irrelevant to the title race. After the England and Canada result it meant it was impossible for New Zealand to progress and defend their title. Nevertheless New Zealand looked to put the United States to the sword. With ten minutes of play gone the New Zealand second row, dummied through the American defence, some neat hands and quick recycling later and New Zealand made us of an overlap with a huge, miss-pass to send Manuel over the whitewash. The Black Fern's second came from a successful rip at the maul, and in classic New Zealand style made full use of turnover ball. Swiftly spreading the ball away from the contact area, until a perfectly timed run by fullback Winiata was found by another miss-pass, who executed the two on one superbly putting Richardson on the winger away. At half time 12-0 was the score. The United States claimed the first points of the second half with a penalty kick, but New Zealand refused to let them back into the game. A half break down the wing gave New Zealand the opening, and despite strongly contesting the ruck, New Zealand spotted the gap around the fringe and exploited it, a neat offload sending replacement scrum-half Cocksedge away for the bonus point score. Their fifth came from a wonderful hitch-kick to flatfoot the defence, Wickliffe slicing through the white line, before a lovely one-two pass with Cocksedge to round off the try. Yet another miss-pass (sensing a pattern here?) by New Zealand put them on the outside of the USA defence, to allow openside flanker Lavea to scamper in for the final try of the game.

Final Score: New Zealand 34 - USA 3

• The host nation France were already qualified for the semi-finals of the World Cup going into their final game, Australia had a chance to qualify but it was slim they needed a bonus point win against a France team that has eased to victory in their first two games. Early in the first half the teams traded penalties, France's coming after a "blink and you'll miss it" break by the French fly-half after a messy lineout, and it didn't take long for Australia to respond. France were awarded their first try controversially, it seemed the referee was fed up of Australia infringing at the breakdown so close to their own line, and awarded a penalty try, when really it should have only been a yellow card at best. This gave France a 3-10 lead at the break. The second and final try of the match came from typical French forward power, having shown their ability at scrum time all tournament the decided to try their hand a a driving maul. Perfectly formed and powerfully driven, they bundled their way over, eventually hooker and captain Mignot came up with the ball. Australia kept coming, but spurned a good chance with ten minutes left, after sloppy hands let the ball go to ground. At the final whistle France lead, which meant they go into the knock-out stages a 1st seeds.

Final Score: Australia 3 - France 17

Now that all the pool stage games have been completed, it is time for the knock-out stages. Based on their pool standings the teams seeded as so:
1. France
2. Ireland
3. England
4. Canada
5. New Zealand
6. Australia
7. USA
8. Wales
9. Spain
10. South Africa
11. Samoa
12. Kazakhstan


Which means the games of the next round are as follows
France v Canada
Ireland v England
-------------------------
New Zealand v Wales
Australia v USA
-------------------------
Spain v Kazakhstan
South Africa v Samoa

Three separate "tournament tree's" if you like to decide the final standings of all twelve teams at the end of the tournament.

Women's World Cup Day 2 Round-up

• Hoping to make up for their monumental defeat, Kazakhstan took to the field against the United States, who were looking to avenge their narrow defeat to the Irish last match. It was the Kazakhstan ladies who struck first blood, fly-half Yakovleva rushing up to intercept a loose pass to then sprint in from 50 yards, narrowly avoid the cover tackle. It wasn't long before America struck back - twice in quick succession - using intelligent running lines and slick hands to move the ball out wide and around the Kazakh defence, allowing each wing to open their accounts for the game. And it was winger Nathalie Marchino, who's powerful cutting run and subtle offload which allowed the USA to score their third try just before the break - Hooker, Wagner diving over from close range. But poor goal kicking meant the American's only lead 15-7 at the break. The bonus point wasn't long coming and three minutes into the second half, forward power blew open the Kazakhstan defensive line, and support from fly-half Stolba meant a fourth try underneath the posts. America didn't stop there and despite their famous forward power, kept looking to spread the ball wide early, finishing with eight tries in total and leaving them on 6 points in the pool.

Final Score: USA 47 - Kazakhstan 7

• Second game of the day pitched Australia against the Welsh, who were desperate for win to keep their play-off hopes alive. However it was Australia leading from the front early on, a penalty three minutes into the game gave them the lead, before a controlled 5m scrum gave the Wallabies good attacking ball and a hard powerful run from centre Williams took her over the try line. Australia's second try had the same feeling of ease as the first one, a scything run took the backline through the Welsh tacklers before two beautiful passes put the right-winger Brown in for an easy touchdown, for a 17-0 lead at half time. In the second half a first phase back's move allowed Australia to spread the ball across the pitch quickly to put Brown outside the cover tackles and into the corner for her second try. A penalty half way through the second period gave Wales fan's something to cheer for, but it was cancelled out by a late kick by Australia. The result drops Wales from the tournament, while Australia sit with 8 points - after failing to obtain the bonus points in both of their games.

Final Score: Australia 25 - Wales 3

• Next up England looked to continue their form against minnows Spain, but it took almost 20 minutes for the first score to be recorded, after a lot of ball retention England fly-half Ceri Large poked a grubber through, with winger Kay Wilson grounding the bouncing ball in the corner. England seemed to be taking the game easy, with Spain proving difficult opponents to break down, as it took another 13 minutes for Englands next score - centre Scarratt knocking over a penalty. It wasn't until practically the last play of the first half that England recorded their second try, a fantastic solo effort from nothing by fullback - Danielle Waterman - accelerating her way through a tight Spanish defence, and stepping past the fullback to dot the ball down underneath the posts for a half time scoreline of 17-0. England found their form in the second half, a try for replacement hooker Keates came from a lovely string of quick soft hands from the England forwards, and five minutes later England rounded of the bonus point. The pack were not to be out done for try of the game by Waterman however, a dummy maul set up from a lineout, allowed flanker Packer to take a wide pass from the scrumhalf and being a storming run, handing off numerous Spanish wannabe tacklers on her way to the try-line. Spain eventually found the try line, after hard graft from their forwards a penalty was awarded by the referee, tapped quickly, then a dummy allowed fly-half Bravo to bundle her way over the try-line. The England pack had the last words of the game however, forming and reforming a driving maul against a tired Spanish outfit, allowing Packer to score her second try of the game.

Final Score: England 45 - Spain 5

[Again apologise blogger not finding this video: England 45-5 Spain at Women's Rugby World Cup]

• In the other game from Pool A, a strong Canada team were looking to head into their final pool stage game with two wins, while the Samoan women were hoping to make up for their thorough defeat by England last game. Canada struck first, two good "off the toe" pickups, lead to No. 13 Marchack busting through a weak Samoan tackle (something I never thought I'd say), to finish underneath the posts. Some quick recycling and slick hands lead to Canadian winger Brittany Waters scoring their second in the corner. A sloppy pass, followed by an audaciously large dummy from fullback Alarie sent her scampering away for 21-0 half time scoreline. Canada's bonus point try came from utter faith in their attacking ability, winning a penalty on their own 5m line; they took it quickly and spread it even quicker. Centre, Burk breaking away from her 22 before the Canadian backline showed lines of support and passing skills more accustomed to the 7's version of the game to release number 9 Bernier for the try - 2 minutes into the half. Samoa's only try came through typical South Sea Islander methods, using large crash balls to batter their way through the opposition defence. Canada refused to let the game slip from their grasp however, a half break from replacement Zussman, allowed winger Waters to score her second try, and Zussman was the crux again for the final try of the game, a simple switch with her inside centre allowed Burk to crash through and over the white-wash.

Final Score: Canada 42 - Samoa 7

• The biggest game of the day was the match-up between reigning champions New Zealand and the women from Ireland. The Black Ferns drew first blood, fly-half Brazier taking a 3 point opportunity; they also claimed the first try of the game. Good work from lock Patea won a turnover for the Ferns, who in typical New Zealand fashion capitalised, spreading the ball quickly outside the recovering defence to allow fullback Winiata in at the corner. Ireland brought the game to back within a score, with constant battering from the forwards on the New Zealand try line, before finally No. 8 O'Brien got the ball over the line for a half time scoreboard to read 8-7 to the champions. New Zealand extended their lead with another Brazier penalty early in the 2nd half, but a loose kick allowed the Irish fullback to steam through the New Zealand chasers on the counter-attack, and then setting winger Alison Miller away down the touchline to beat the cover defence and take Ireland into the lead for the first time. A third penalty for the Ferns brought them back level heading into the final 15 minutes of the game. A penalty from Irish fullback Briggs from out wide gave the lead back to the team in green, who then closed out the game camped in the New Zealand 22 to be the first team to beat the Black Ferns in a World Cup for over a decade, and to put Ireland in command of Pool B

Final Score: New Zealand 14 - Ireland 17

• The host nation played last again, against a South African team who had lost their opening game to Australia. The power of the France pack was obvious from the outset of the match, the first try coming from a dominant scrum sending the South African's reeling, allowing No. 8 N'Diaye to ground the ball with ease. France soon scored their second try, the referee awarding a penalty try from another powerful French scrum as the South African's collapsed yet again. France scored their third of the night after some gorgeous offloading and interplay by the French back-line, finally finishing off with strong close range pick-and-go's in the corner. The fourth - and bonus point - try was a lot easier to come by, a simple crash ball from first phase sent the huge second row Koita over the line. France rounded off the first half with yet another try, yet again wonderful interplay between the backline, allowed the fly-half Le Duff to dive in unopposed taking the score to 31-3 at half time. France continued where they left off scoring within 10 minutes of the second half whistle.  Some crisp miss passes set full-back Tremouliere on her way, who pulled of a lovely popped offload to the looping Le Duff for the second of the half. France kept attacking, a dropped catch by the South African winger allowed Guiglion on the winger to pounce on the ball and offload it to her outside centre - Poublan. Even with the game totally lost and the final whistle gone, South Africa refused to give up attacking from deep in an attempt to regain some national pride, France were having none of it. A scrappy turnover quickly dug out unleashed the rapid Grassineau away down her left wing to round of a nine try rout.

Final Score: France 55 - South Africa 3

Super 15 Final Match Report

Final Score: Waratahs 33 - Crusaders 32

In the end it came down to a last minute long range penalty from the boot of Waratah fly-half Foley to win the game. The ball practically grazed the edge of the bar giving the Australian outfit the one point lead to see out their first ever Championship win. The game could not have been summed up better than the final score; the game was constantly back and forth between the two finalists.

From the outset the Waratahs looked to spread the ball quickly, outside the Crusader's blitz defence. It paid off almost instantly, the Waratahs scoring 8 points in five minutes, giving themselves an obvious upper hand in the first half. Adam Ashley-Cooper finishing off a wonderful set of phases with powerful run dragging three defenders with him over the line. The ferocity of the Australians in the opening exchanges showed the Crusaders to be very shaky, a lazy outside blitz allowed the double play-makers of Foley and Beale to unleash the talent out wide with typical Australian flair. The speed of the breakdown enforced by the likes of Hooper and Palu forced even the experienced operative of McCaw to commit penalty after penalty, and before long the Waratahs had built a 14 point lead and looked to be cruising to their first Super 15 title.

It took almost 20 minutes but the Crusaders finally showed their pedigree after a hacked clearance by the Waratahs, five New Zealanders made the effort to get back behind the ball. A half break by number ten Colin Slade started a flowing move, feeding IRb player of the year Kieren Reed who showed his famous delicate hands out of the tackle to release his back-row partner Matt Todd to sprint home 40 metres. The Dan Carter touchline conversion brought the Crusaders right back into the game.

Both teams proceeded to exchange penalties for the remainder of the half, Colin Slade having taken the kicking duties from the - sadly - injured Daniel Carter achieving a 100% record for the game to maintain a 7 point gap at the break. The tide had been stemmed by the Crusaders after their blitz majorly improved effectiveness pitch-wide.

Half Time Score: Waratahs 20 - Crusaders 13

The second half started with a bang, the seven time champions came out fighting. Two minutes in a break on half way split apart the Waratahs' defence, which the Crusaders flooded through. Beautiful link up play of classic New Zealand style between McCaw and scrum-half Ellis, released the huge Fijian Nadolo on the winger to power down the flank and finish in the corner - despite the joint attentions of two Australian defenders. It should be noted the try leads to some debate as to the legitimacy of the score, but the TMO referral deemed it grounded, which gave the Crusaders the belief they needed to really contest the game.

For another twenty minutes the two kickers battled each other from the tee, Craig Joubert doing little to dispel the opinion that he is fond of the noise of his own whistle, bringing the score to 23-26 to the New Zealand outfit. The Waratahs scrum committing the majority of the penalties after substitutions had seriously weakened their front row.

The Waratahs sensing the swing in the game, found their original form, retaining possession for almost a dozen phases, with superb handling skills across the park. Numerous forwards positioning themselves outwide to ensure quick ball retention, and crisp flat passes on the gain-line allowing the big ball-carriers to take on the rushing red-shirt defence. More than once Foley and Beale found the pass to unleash the wide-men outside the Crusaders tacklers. Until in an almost carbon-copy of his first try Ashley-Cooper dived in at the opposite end of the pitch do a huge roar from the local crowd to give the home side a 30-26 lead as it went into the last 15 minutes.

The Crusaders struck back quickly to bring the game to a one point difference for the final ten minutes, before kicking up their attacking play a gear. A beautiful pass by Colin Slade sent Nadolo steaming away, unable to find support; the Crusaders were desperate to spread the ball wide. The Waratahs were having none of it, and found the defensive ferocity which had served them well all season, rushing with all that remained in the legs to shut down the outside pass. Once again Joubert's whistle echoed around the park, giving Slade the easiest of kicks to all but hand the game to the Crusaders - which he duly slotted between the posts with four minute remaining.

But the Waratahs' refused to accept their fate, getting the ball back and working it up the field, looking for the opportunity to take the game, and it came. It came from the infamous master of the dark arts Richie McCaw, so long the commander of the break down able to trick referees into whatever penalty he wanted. Joubert wasn't having any of it; with a shrill blast we award the Australian team the chance to take the game. Two minutes from time. 43 meters to kick. Straight in front of the posts. Foley shut out the noise of the stadium to slot over with no room to spare. A quick kick-off was not retained by the Crusaders, and the Waratahs saw out the last minute of time to record their first Super Rugby Final win ever on the third attempt.

[Attendance: 61,823 - Record for Super XV final]

Scorers

Waratahs:

Tries - Ashley-Cooper (2)

Penalties - Foley (7)

Conversions - Foley (1)

Crusaders:

Tries - Todd (1), Nadolo (1)

Penalties - Slade (6)

Conversions - Carter (1), Slade (1)

Any opinions from readers concerning the Nadolo try? Joubert's refereeing? All the final in general?

Women's World Cup Day 1 Round Up

Sadly I was unable to witness any of these games live, but thankfully there are copious highlight reels posted up by the IRB once the games have been finished.

• First game was the defending four time champions New Zealand, playing relative minnows Kaszkhstan. From the outset the quality of the Black Ferns was noticeable, a three woman overlap sent the outside centre Manuel through to score the first try of the match on 2 minutes. The frailties of the Kazkhstan ability were exploited by fullback Winiata to score the bonus point try before half time, breaking through a couple of weak tackle to run in under the posts. By half time the Ferns were leading 38-0. Another four tries later and New Zealand had taken an unassailable lead, but the Kazkh's didn't lie down, finding a beautiful lob pass over the outside of the defence for winger Shardina to score in the corner - much to the delight of the crowd. New Zealand kicked on to score a total of thirteen tries to record the biggest win of the day.

Final Score: New Zealand 79 - Kazakhstan 5

• Up next was Canada playing Spain. It took almost 20 minutes for the first score of the game, until an intelligent grubber by inside-centre Burk, put Harvey in for her first try of the game, to then converted it herself from the touchline. Five minutes later and Harvey was at it again, stripping the ball in the tackle before running 70 meters to dot the ball down. It didn't even take the second half for Harvey to complete her hat-trick, a suspect kick from Spain fell to the Canadian winger who with great foot control, hacked the ball on to them gather it in before avoiding two cover tackles. Another try for Canada in the second half gave them the coveted bonus point. A show of forward power gave Spain a consolation try two minutes from time.

Final Score: Canada 31 - Spain 7

• An early try from the Australians gave the suggestion that the South African's were going to be put to the sword. A clever chip by 12-Morgan, before feeding her centre partner sent Sharni Williams in under the posts. It took another 20 minutes and two penalties for Australia to score their second try, the fullback Hewson slipped three tackles on her way to the line. South Africa got their only points of the game 8 minutes left of the first half, but the score was swiftly nullified by an Australia penalty. It took another 35 minutes for Australia to score their third and final try, South Africa successfully preventing the bonus point from being achieved.

Final Score: Australia 26 - South Africa 3

• Fourth game of the tournament saw the first home nation play. USA vs Ireland, was the closest game of the day, a powerful driving maul gave the United States great field position to lead to the first try of the game by Kugler. The Irish back to full use of a yellow card to American Lock Walsh, battering their way over the line  twice just before half time giving them a 10-20 lead at the break. Back up the their full compliment the Eagles used their larger pack to grind out a try to bring them within touching distance, but a penalty from kicker Niamh Briggs gave Ireland a six point cushion to see out the remainder of the game. 

Final Score: USA 17 - Ireland 23

• It didn't take long for the England vs Samoa game to come to life, twelve minutes in England fly-half McLean made a break before feeding her half back partner Hunt. At which point in came the Samoan fullback with a typical crunching hit, before flipping the lightweight Hunt over, and Red Card was shown promptly by the referee - a decision I cannot disagree with. Hunt was lucky, she ended up over-rotating onto her back instead of her head. It didn't take long for England to make the extra player count, winger Merchant flying down the wing, breaking tackles, dancing on tip-toes down the touchline to score the first of ten tries for the Red Rose. Merchant's pace started the break for the second try, before finishing it herself. Lydia Thompson on the opposite was not to be out done, showing her blistering pace to score two tries herself. A fifth from scrum-half (and former winger) Hunt gave England a 34-0 lead come half time. A yellow card early in the second half for Samoa, allowed England to push on and score more tries to keep the crowd entertained. A late yellow for England gave Samoa something to put on the scoreboard, but it was irrelevant in the end.

Final Score: England 65 - Samoa 3
[Apologies, I am unable to obtain the video for this game currently]
[Link: England vs Samoa Womens RWC Highlights]

• Wales vs France proved to be a tentative affair in the early stages, until an interception try 25 minutes in, gave the host nation the belief to take the game. Winger, Lievre snatching a loose long pass on her own 22 before running in unopposed. Two more well worked tries by the French putting together multiple phases, dragging in the Welsh defence with their strong forward play, before spreading it wide with a long pass and a cross kick respectively, gave France a three try - 19-0 - lead at half time. The second half proved to have a lot less excitement for the crowd, right until almost the last play of the game, when France formed a powerful hulking driving maul, going forward almost thirty metres right up to the Welsh try line. The entire Welsh defence was focused on halting the rumbling of the French pack, leaving large spaces for the backline to cover, allowing France to slice Wales open and score the all important bonus point try.

Final Score: France 26 - Wales 0

Super 15 Final Preview

New South Wales Waratahs vs Crusaders - 2nd August - K.O. 1040 (BST)

The final has arrived, and what a final it is. Twice has this final been played before, both times the New Zealanders have beaten their rivals from across the Tazmanian Sea. Lets consider the past before we consider the present, The Waratahs have played in two finals (losing both), the Crusaders on the other hand are the most successful Southern Hemisphere team in Super Rugby history competing in ten finals, and winning seven of them. However it has been three years since their last final, and another two since their last trophy, and as any sportsman knows previous season form never carries over.

So instead lets have a peruse at this season's form, the Waratahs have been the form team this season. With an exciting back-line full of Australian international players, they have scored some of the tries of the tournament so far. Israel Folau has been leading the way all season, scoring a record total of twelve tries, sending the Waratahs to the top of the table by a clear distance, and a sizeable points difference over anyone else. Looking at the remainder of the Australian team you can see why they are rated as favourites by most of the media with names like: Ashley-Cooper, Beale, Foley, and Hooper. Twelve Wallaby players in the starting team provide plenty of experience - crucial in any final - as well as bucket loads of talent. Hooper famous for his jackling ability and creating turnovers will be a major asset to the Waratahs third attempt at winning the trophy.

The infamous Richie McCaw provides the know-how to win the game for the Crusaders, he's been in his fair share of finals, including that memorable World Cup final against France three years ago. He's not the only big name playing for the Crusaders, the legendary Daniel Carter, rated as the greatest fly-half of the professional era (some Englishmen might disagree) he'll be playing a little wider come tomorrow filling the Inside-Centre shirt outside Colin Slade. Another five All Black players are interspersed through the team, including World Player of the Year - Kieren Reed - and the "other" Israel, Dagg. The returning quality of Carter and Reed from injury has spurred an end of season finish expect of any champion team. Despite an early season stumble almost losing the first three games, the form displayed at the end of the regular season provides the Crusaders with serious contention in this final.

Both teams eased through their respective semi-finals, Waratahs winning 26-8 against their fellow Australian Brumbies, while the Crusaders convincingly beating the South African Sharks 38-6. Both teams have announced the same teams from last weeks play-off's, and both have players rated as the best in their respective positions. It is a tough one to call, my heart says Crusaders with the legends of Carter and McCaw, while my head says Waratahs fielding stars of Folau and Hooper quality. In the end I believe that the home advantage at the 83,500 seater ANZ Stadium will prove crucial.

My Prediction: NSW Waratahs to win by less than 10 points

Opening Plans

Welcome to the first post of The Tackle Pad blog, a discussion of all things rugby. The plan is look at the major events each week in the world of rugby, and examine certain games and teams with more depth. Expect Welsh rugby to feature prominently, specifically the Ospreys region, I make no apologies for where my loyalties lie - yet I shall endeavour to remain impartial.

With the season starting in little over one month the build up to the new season starts now for the Northern Hemisphere. Over the next few weeks keep an eye out for my studies of the English Premiership and the Guinness PRO12, with predictions for the season as a whole. They'll also be summaries of the Southern Hemisphere season - which ends tomorrow with the New South Wales Waratahs (Aus) vs the Crusaders (NZ) - the Commonwealth Games, and the Women's World Cup.

Hope to have some good discussions with followers during the season, and to those who decide to read the blog who have a limited knowledge of this great sport I hope you learn while reading.