Day three of the RWC saw southern hemisphere giants Australia and South Africa both record victories over their northern hemisphere opponents.
Australia were convincing winners against Italy in Taranaki. Tries from Alexander, Ashley-Cooper, O’Connor and Digby Ioane powered the Wallabies to a comfortable 32-6 victory. Quade Cooper kicked two penalties and provided three assists in a very accomplished individual showing.
Two tries from Tommy Bowe helped Ireland to their first win of the tournament against the USA. Rory Best also crossed for O’Driscoll’s men in a scrappy and error-ridden performance. The wet weather conditions didn't help proceedings but Ireland have work to do before they face Australia at the weekend.
In the reasonably timed kick-off, a late Francois Houggard try broke Welsh hearts as South Africa snuck a 17-16 win over Wales. The Boks took an early lead through Frans Steyn’s first half try, but Wales struck back with a try from number eight, Toby Faletau; his first International try.
Wales put up a worthy fight and on another day, may have walked away with the win, but the 2007 Champions held on to record an important victory. However, James Hook and his teammates can feel hard done by after a penalty by the full-back was judged to have gone narrowly wide. To the naked eye, the kick appeared to go over but the touch judges ruled it out, much to the disapproval of many.
The early pace is certainly being set by the southern hemisphere giants. Although, England, Ireland, Scotland and France all won their first game, the Tri-Nations sides have looked sharp, confident and clinical. England will be desperate to top their group in order to avoid the mighty All Blacks in the quarter finals.
Check out the ‘Team of the week’ from the opening round of matches and have your say on who should be in it.
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