South Africa v Romania LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and reaction as Springboks run riot
South Africa 76-0 Romania: The Springboks thump the Oaks with a 12-try thrashing in Bordeaux
South Africa thrashed Romania 76-0 to secure a bonus-point win in Bordeaux and mirror the ominous form shown by Pool B leaders Ireland in the Rugby World Cup’s toughest group.
The Springboks, despite 14 changes from the win versus Scotland in their opener, were merciless against Romania, who beat the 74-point margin from their 82-8 opening loss to Ireland, racking up the bonus point inside 20 minutes.
After missing out on a bonus point in their opener, South Africa’s goal was to score as many tries as possible to keep up with Ireland and ran in a dozen with scores for Cobus Reinach (3), Makazole Mapimpi (3), Damian Willemse, Deon Fourie, Grant Williams (2) and Willie Le Roux as well as a penalty try.
Few teams in World Cup history have had tougher opening fixtures than Romania after they faced an Ireland side on a 13-game winning streak and now the world champions but they look a shadow of the side that posed a real threat in the 1990s.
Get all the Rugby World Cup odds here.
TRY! Australia 8-19 Fiji (Josua Tuisova, 43 mins)
Oh my word! Out of nowhere - Josua Tuisova scores!
Simione Kuruvoli sticks up a box kick and, inexplicably, Carter Gordon, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Nic White all let it bounce between them. Tuisova says thank you very much, scoops up the loose ball and races over down the left for the score!
Gordon probably should have been the one to take control as he was coming forward for it but Fiji don’t care. And then THAT IS BRILLIANT from Kuruvoli, as he nails the touchline conversion for a 19-8 lead! His kicking today has been exemplary.
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 42 mins
Ooof! No subtlety there from Levani Botia as he just runs straight at Jordan Petaia and Carter Gordon. Petaia in particular did well to wrap him up.
Bad news for Fiji though as winger Jiuta Wainiqolo gets his leg caught at the bottom of a tackle. He looks in pain and is forced to hobble off, with Vinaya Habosi on instead. Hopefully he’s ok
KICK-OFF! Australia 8-12 Fiji
Back underway. a huge 40 minutes upcoming.
HALF-TIME! Australia 8-12 Fiji
A physical, bruising first half
HALF-TIME! Australia 8-12 Fiji
A couple of highlights from that compelling first half.
HALF-TIME! Australia 8-12 Fiji
Safely won and Australia kick into the stands for half-time.
What a compelling first half! Physical, as you would expect, but Fiji’s kicking for the tee has been exquisite through Simione Kuruvoli.
They lead 12-8 at the break, although the only try came for the Wallabies from the quick thinking of Mark Nawaqanitawase. What a second half we have in store.
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 39 mins
One last chance for Fiji before the break, with ball in the Australian half. Matavesi spins his way up to the 22.
Tela tries a kick through and it just goes into touch. One last defensive lineout for Australia to get to half-time.
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 38 mins
Again, the execution of the lineout isn’t there from Fijian hooker Samuel Matavesi and Nick Frost gets up to knock it back to the Australian side.
Carter Gordon hammers clear. Great lineout defence by the Wallabies. Botia then knocks on after another lineout move. Head in his hands, he looks distraught.
Will they regret turning down those three points?
Australia 8-12 Fiji, 37 mins
Lineout gets stolen by the Wallabies but they’re immediately pinged. This time Fiji turn down the points and kick to the corner!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments