Game 1: Only a landslide victory by Italy would get them to the next round at the expense of Fiji. They did take an early lead but by the half time Fiji were ahead 12-4 and through to the next round. The game had some niggle in it too. Eventually Fiji pulled away to win comfortably on the scoreboard but that didn't reflect the game. Fiji will benefit from a harder fought victory than their previous outings.
Final score: Fiji 38-10 Italy. Attendance: 6,733.
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Game 2: Tonga had players who had represented the Kiwis before and some chose to play for Tonga over NZ, which never happens. There was some feeling over that but by half time, NZ was comfortably ahead 16-2. Someone didn't let Tonga read the script as they came out and took the game to the Kiwis. In the end, Tonga got its first ever win over the Kiwis and a better side of the draw in the knock out stage. Wow!
Final score: Tonga 28-22 NZ. Attendance 24,041 (capacity).
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Game 3: Samoa came into this tournament with a reputation but haven't delivered fully. Scotland have been very poor and had top players sent home for disciplinary reasons. So one team to go through to the quarter finals and Samoa was hot favourites to be that team. Scotland had other ideas and played well to lead 14-6 at the half time hooter. In the second period, Samoa clawed their way back into the contest and did just enough to progress. Another amazing game and nearly another huge upset.
Final score: Samoa 14-14 Scotland. Attendance: 4,309.
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Game 4: Lebanon had showed much resolve so far but playing the current World Cup holders was the ultimate test. They again proved their resolve wasn't fleeting by holding the Kangaroos to just 10-0 when the teams headed for the sheds at the half time interval. The fight continued but two late converted tries to Australia gave a scoreline that looked more one sided than it was. Both sides progress to the quarter finals.
Final score: Australia 34-0 Lebanon. Attendance 21,127.
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Game 5: PNG had qualified and the USA was going home, so pride was what was at stake. The Kumuls go at it 100% and didn't hold back. PNG kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely in their 30th WC match and led at the break 34-0. I was hoping the USA could at least score but no, the second nil for them.
Final score: PNG 64-0 USA. Attendance 14,800 (capacity).
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Game 6: Ireland had a very strong side here while Wales has struggled. That's how things panned out although for much of the first half it was only 6-0. The last ten minutes of the half were a killer for Wales and they went for oranges 0-22 down. At least they did score early into the second period but Ireland were just too good as expected. Both teams now return home.
Final score: Ireland 34-6 Wales. Attendance: 14,744.
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Game 7: The final game of the round robin section pitted two old foes. Within ten minutes, England were up 18-0 and the score could have been anything but France settled into the grind and did better thereafter. Half time had the score board 26-6 after England conceded a soft try under the posts. They duly went on with the job but the score wasn't as one sided as it could have been after England's impressive start. England progress but France have a flight to catch.
Final score: England 36-6 France. Attendance 14,744.
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For the Group Stage Summary, just click here.
For the 2nd Weekend Summary, just click here.
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