Rugby: Australia send South Africa packing
Argentina undone by New Zealand in rugby World Cup quarter-final.
AUCKLAND:
Australia derailed South Africa’s bid to defend their rugby World Cup title in an error-ridden 11-9 quarter-final victory despite enjoying little territory through most of the match.
A first-half try from Australia captain James Horwill and two James O’Connor penalties, the second with just eight minutes to play, were enough to see Australia home. Horwill was well aware of the significance of the win.
“It was a huge effort from the boys,” he said. “We knew we had to stick in and defence wins big games.”
Meanwhile, South Africa captain John Smit was a dejected man after the loss.
“It’s a sad way to end,” he said. “It was a ding-dong battle between two good teams.”
Springboks coach Peter de Villiers also called time on his career with the team after the quarter-final.
Weepu hoists All Blacks into semis
Scrum-half Piri Weepu put New Zealand into the semi-finals with a match haul of 21 points in a 33-10 victory over Argentina.
Argentina restricted New Zealand to just two tries, while the Pumas crossed the line once to briefly lead in the first half but Weepu helped seal the win for hosts.
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw was satisfied with his team’s show.
“I think it’s what we expected,” said McCaw. “We knew if we kept chipping away, we would get the chances.”
Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi admitted they had been undone by New Zealand’s ‘magic’. “They showed their magic and they won well,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2011.
Australia derailed South Africa’s bid to defend their rugby World Cup title in an error-ridden 11-9 quarter-final victory despite enjoying little territory through most of the match.
A first-half try from Australia captain James Horwill and two James O’Connor penalties, the second with just eight minutes to play, were enough to see Australia home. Horwill was well aware of the significance of the win.
“It was a huge effort from the boys,” he said. “We knew we had to stick in and defence wins big games.”
Meanwhile, South Africa captain John Smit was a dejected man after the loss.
“It’s a sad way to end,” he said. “It was a ding-dong battle between two good teams.”
Springboks coach Peter de Villiers also called time on his career with the team after the quarter-final.
Weepu hoists All Blacks into semis
Scrum-half Piri Weepu put New Zealand into the semi-finals with a match haul of 21 points in a 33-10 victory over Argentina.
Argentina restricted New Zealand to just two tries, while the Pumas crossed the line once to briefly lead in the first half but Weepu helped seal the win for hosts.
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw was satisfied with his team’s show.
“I think it’s what we expected,” said McCaw. “We knew if we kept chipping away, we would get the chances.”
Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi admitted they had been undone by New Zealand’s ‘magic’. “They showed their magic and they won well,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2011.