Top Highlights from the Second Weekend of Rugby World Cup 2023

Ireland, Fiji, and South Africa Shine in Second Week of Rugby World Cup

Magic with a Head: England’s Unconventional Try

In an intense battle against Japan, England found themselves trailing by one point with just over half an hour remaining. The tense situation required some extraordinary play from Steve Borthwick’s side.

A moment of brilliance came when prop forward Joe Marler showcased his unconventional skills. As George Ford’s pass deflected off Will Stuart and onto Marler’s head, the ball unexpectedly spun forward to the ground.

While most players paused, anticipating a knock-on call (as per rugby rules), captain Courtney Lawes seized the opportunity and scooped up possession to score unopposed.

The try was awarded, sparking momentum for England who secured a dominant victory with a bonus-point win as they triumphed 34-12 over their opponents in this thrilling encounter.

Fiji Stuns Australia Once Again

Sunday witnessed yet another historic upset as Fiji defeated Australia for only the third time in history. The unexpected outcome has significantly shaken up Pool C standings at the Rugby World Cup in France.

Fiji had been facing unfavorable odds having lost seventeen out of their last eighteen matches against Australia. However, fueled by their desire to make amends after a heartbreaking defeat by Wales earlier in the tournament, Simione Kuruvoli’s team put on an impressive display.

Thanks to Kuruvoli’s exceptional kicking and a crucial second-half try by Josua Tuisova, Fiji emerged victorious with a narrow 22-15 win over the Wallabies.

Rapid Hat-Tricks in South Africa’s Dominant Win

South Africa demonstrated their dominance in Pool B as they recorded a resounding victory against Romania. The match saw scrum-half Cobus Reinach make history with his lightning-fast hat-trick within just 25 minutes of play.

This remarkable achievement marks Reinach’s second World Cup record, having previously scored three tries in just 20 minutes against Canada four years ago. Notably, he was not the only Springbok player to achieve this feat during the game. Makazole Mapimpi also secured a hat-trick after 67 minutes of play.

The Springboks’ ruthless performance led them to secure an emphatic bonus-point try early on and eventually claim a staggering 76-0 victory over their Romanian opponents.

Ireland Maintains Winning Streak

Ireland continued their splendid form at the Rugby World Cup, claiming another bonus-point triumph against Tonga in Nantes. This memorable night was especially significant for Irish legend Johnny Sexton.

The Six Nations Grand Slam winners showcased their superiority throughout the match as they dominated Tonga from start to finish. With superb teamwork and clinical finishing, Ireland sealed an impressive victory that solidified their position as one of the tournament favorites.

In Conclusion

The second week of the Rugby World Cup has provided fans with thrilling moments across various matches. From England’s unconventional try through Joe Marler’s head in a pivotal moment against Japan, to Fiji’s historic victory over Australia, each match has exposed the unpredictable nature of the tournament.

South Africa’s dominant win with Cobus Reinach and Makazole Mapimpi both securing hat-tricks showcased their formidable strength. Meanwhile, Ireland continued to assert their title ambitions with yet another convincing triumph.