2014 Women's Rugby World Cup.

[Bardon]

Half time Ireland 14 Kazakhstan 5.

Ireland started very well with an early try from Lynch scored under the posts. The extras were added for a 7-0 lead to Ireland.

Kazakhstan were expected to suffer a third heavy defeat in this one but they aren't interested in just making up the numbers. They've been very competitive in the first half.

They responded well to going behind and worked their way back into the half. Their maul has been a real weapon and they used it to good effect midway through the half. A surging maul from 5 metres out split the Irish defence and a peel from the back looked like a certain try but the ball was adjudged to be held up over the line.

Not to be denied Kazakhstan kept on the pressure and a similar move a few phases later saw their hooker get the ball down this time. The conversion was narrowly missed and the score was 7-5.

As the half wore on Ireland looked increasingly nervous. With 5 minutes to the break Rosser cut through the Kazakhstan defence to score a great solo try. The extra were added to make it 14-7 and that's how it is at half time.

 

[Bardon]

Final score Ireland 40 Kazakhstan 5.

Ireland were much improved in the second half with more and more first team players coming on as the half progressed their composure kept increasing.

The second half scoring was opened when Kazakhstan conceded a penalty try and a yellow card for kicking the ball out of the scrum as Ireland were driving over for scrum try. 21-5 Ireland.

A move from within Ireland's half saw them get the ball wide early where there was plenty of space. Flemming showed good pace to run in from about 60 metres. The conversion dropped just short. 26-5.

Not be be out done by her back row partner Lynch then sprinted over for another Ireland score as Ireland applied pressure in the 22. The extras were added for 33-5.

As the clock went into the red numbers Ireland took the option of a scrum from a penalty advantage and got the ball out wide to winger McGinn who went over in the corner. Shiels landed a tricky conversion to make the final score 40-5.

In the set piece Ireland were dominant in the scrum, however their efforts in the lineout will be less pleasing. At times their play in the first half was unnecessarily overcomplicated leading to errors that kept Kazakhstan in touch.

The second half was a big improvement with fewer errors and more composure. In this one the win rather than the scoreline was what mattered and they'll be delighted to have sealed their spot in their first ever WRWC semi final.

 

[Sandpit Fan]

Kazakhstan looked well in it at half time.

The Canada vs england game is a good one. Canadian scrum is a weapon!

 

[Bardon]

Half Time England 6 Canada 5

Canada started this pool decider very brightly with plenty of territory and possession in the first 5 minutes. However it was England who opened the scoring. Scarratt converted from a penalty after Canada were a little too eager at the breakdown to make it 3-0.

Canada then responded by taking full advantage of their set piece dominance. First they monsters the English pack pushing them off their own ball at a scrum about 15 metres from the English line. From the resulting penalty they took the option of a lineout which they caught and drove over the line. The conversion was missed but Canada led 5-3.

England then began to establish themselves in the game. On a number of occassions they tried to exploit space in behind the Canucks. From one well placed kick they almost scored but the bounce eluded 2 England backs and Canada were able to claim it just short of the tryline.

Canada didn't learn their lesson and another beautifully placed kick by England saw winger Merchant gather and ground over the tryline. However a combination of an excellent covering tackle that momentarily dislodge the ball and equally excellent officiating saw the effort ruled out and the knock-on awarded.

As the half came to a close England looked to spin the ball wide from a scrum in Canada's half. Some good defence saw the English fullback bundled into touch, Unfortunately for Canada in their eagerness to cover the move one of their backrow left the scrum early and the ref awarded the penalty. Scarratt converted from roughly the same spot as she opened the scoring to make it 6-5 England at half time.

 

[Bardon]

Final Score England 13 Canada 13

The second half continued to be one for the low numbers. That's not to say it was some kind of turgid slog in the mud. Far from it, the conditions and pitch were perfect and if you appreciate good forward play then you'll love the replay of this one.

Canada again used their forwards to score a push over try within 4 minutes of the restart to reclaim the lead 10-6, Mack credited with the score while Harvey missed the conversion.

England responded with some forward dominance of their own through their very well organised maul. After soaking up plenty of pressure on their own tryline Canada made a gamble by replacing both of their props, who until then had been dominant, for a 5 metre scrum.

The gamble didn't pay off as England scored a push over try, captain Hunter controlling at the back before dotting down. Scarratt added the extras to make it 13-10.

With 7 minutes to go Canada camped in England's 22. Having turned down penalties chances and failing to score the winning try they decide to take their points. Up stepped Harvey, who had been the standout back on display with some scything runs, she slotted the 3 points to square up the game at 13-13.

The breakdown was very competitive and the contest was a joy to watch as both teams won good turn overs. The physicality on display wouldn't have looked out of place in the men's game.

Also the contest in the scrum showed the spirit of the new scrum laws when the cynicism of the men's game is removed really can produce a genuine and entertaining contest.

The result means that England win the pool with both teams on 12 match points. Canada have to wait for the final game of the day to know if they will also make the semi finals. They should be through as the best placed 2nd team unless France lose with 2 bonus points.

The biggest impact of this result is that 4 times defending champions New Zealand can now not make the semi finals.

 

[Bardon]

Didn't see the Spain v Samoa game but Spain ran out 41-5 winners. Who knows how good their team would be if they hadn't been replaced in the 6 nations by Italy in order to align it with the men's tournament. Hopefully they'll get back in as they're more competitive than both Scotland and Italy.

The outcome is Samoa join Kazkahstan in the 9th-12th play offs. Spain may join them there but at the moment they'll be in the 5th-8th play-offs while the result of Wales v South Africa could change that.

 

[Bardon]

The draw in the England v Canada game also shakes up the semi final draw. The winners of France v Australia will now be the number 1 seeds in the semi-finals, unless we get another draw in that one.

The likely semi final draw will now be:

Seed 1 - France or Australia v Seed 4 - Canada
Seed 2 - Ireland v Seed 3 - England

 

[Sandpit Fan]

Good commentary Bardon. Canada vs England was a excellent game to watch. Solid defence by England on their line, Canada I thought blew a few scoring chances.

 

[Bardon]

Good commentary Bardon. Canada vs England was a excellent game to watch. Solid defence by England on their line, Canada I thought blew a few scoring chances.

Yeah Canada looked to tire in the second half with handling errors creeping into their game. I think that lack of accuracy was the reason they decided to take the points with 7 minutes to go and ultimately settle for the draw.

 

[Sandpit Fan]

Yeah Canada looked to tire in the second half with handling errors creeping into their game. I think that lack of accuracy was the reason they decided to take the points with 7 minutes to go and ultimately settle for the draw.

I'd agree with that. Although I think if they hadn't had white line fever they would have scored with some more consistent work during that period they were camped on England's line.

 

[Bardon]

Half Time New Zealand 12 USA 0

At the start of the day these two teams believed they would have a shot at 4th seeds and a semi-final spot. By the time they'd kicked off though that had changed to them scrapping over seeding for the 5th to 8th play-offs.

Any fears that this one would be a dead rubber were dispelled by the intensity with which both teams started. The USA were unable to turn early territory into a lead on the scoreboard and were made to pay when a good New Zealand move say centre Manuel running in a try. Brazier added the extras to make it 7-0 after 10 minutes.

New Zealand now had the bit between their teeth and a couple of minutes later a slick backs move released pacey wing Wickliffe to score in the corner. This time the conversion was missed 12-0.

Tragedy struck as we approached the 20 minute mark, the USA captain Daley seemed to suffer a leg break or fracture and had to be stretchered off. This wasn't confirmed in commentary but her lower leg looked to be at a very funny angle and some of her team mates were visibly upset.

The loss of their captain seemed to fire up the Americans as they pinned the Balck Ferns back in their 22. USA thought they'd scored a try shortly after but they were denied as the ball as they were ruled to not have grounded. The call looked a little hash on the replay. Yet again they put in a mighty effort for no reward.

For the remainder of the half New Zealand found it very hard to get their hands on the ball and when they did they couldn't get out of their half. New Zealand were lucky not to end the half with 14 as the touch judge flagged for a shoulder charge at a ruck but couldn't provide the number of the culprit (replays show it was the tight head prop Te Ohaere-Fox).

Half time score 12-0.

A little more accuracy from the USA in the second 40 and they could get back into this one.

 

[Bardon]

Final Score New Zealand 34 USA 3

5 minutes of sustained pressure from the USA at the start of the second half saw New Zealand given a deserved yellow card for repeated infringements. Back-rower Linda Itunu the one who received the yellow.

With an extra player the USA still looked clueless as how to breach the Black Ferns' line. Having knocked at the door for a further 5 minutes with no return they elected to kick one of their penalties to make it 12-3.

New Zealand were restored to 15 having only conceded 3 points and just as they established some territory for the first time in the second half.

Almost immediately New Zealand won a penalty and chose to go up the line. Now it was the USA under the cosh. A scrum and a few phases later and Manuel finished off a move in the corner as the Black Ferns spun the ball out wide. The conversion dropped short and the score was 17-3.

A good break from substitute Cocksedge led to her scoring a try. Brazier's conversion made it 24-3 with 15 minutes to go.

Cocksedge then combined with Wickliffe with the latter running in New Zealand's 5th try. The extras were missed and the score was beginning to look a little lopsided at 29-3.

Right at the death Lavea scored in the corner for New Zealand. Brazier couldn't add the extras from the touchline so it finished 34-3.

New Zealand should be 5th seeds for the play-offs with the USA 7th.

There's no doubting the effort or ability of the USA team but organisation and accuracy were the difference between the two teams. The USA would be a good shout to make the semi finals next time around if they improve in those areas.

However with this tournament creating a much higher profile for the women's game they may have to make those improvements just to stand still as more unions take the women's game seriously.

 

[Bardon]

Didn't see Wales v South Africa due to clashing kick-off times. Final score was 35-3 to Wales. That means Wales claim 8th seeds pushing Spain down to 9th. South Africa will be 10th seeds.

The 9th-12th seed lineup is the only one that's now confirmed.

9th seeds - Spain v 12th seeds Kazakhstan
10th seeds - South Africa v 11th seeds Samoa

With 1 game to go (France v Australia) the other play-offs are not set in stone.

The likely line-up (as long as there's no draw in the game or an unlikely 2 bonus points as loser for France) is:

Semi Finals

1st seeds winner of France/Australia v 4th seeds Canada
2nd seeds Ireland v 3rd seeds England

If Aus win with no bonus point it's England for them and Ireland v Canada in the semis.

5th-8th Place

5th seeds New Zealand v 8th seeds Wales
6th seeds loser of France/Australia v 7th seeds USA

 

[Bardon]

No matter who fills the last semi final spot there will be at least 1 first time finalist with only England having made the final of those left in contention. If England lose their semi-final we're guaranteed to have a first time winner.

 

[Bardon]

Half Time France 10 Australia 3

Australia started very brightly keeping the ball alive and denying the French any possession for the first 3 minutes. For all that it was France who opened the scoring.

The Wallaroos conceded 2 penalties in quick succession. The first allowed France to get out of their half and the second gave them a kick to the posts in Australia's 22. France duly slotted the penalty to lead 3-0 after 5 minutes.

There then followed a period of Wallaroos dominance where they turned down a number of penalties in the French 22. Rather than kick for the post they backed their 7s inspired backline that has already impressed against Wales and South Africa.

On this occasion they found the going a little tougher against the well organised French defence. When yet another penalty was awarded Australia decided to take the points and tie it up at 3-3.

Coming up to 30 minutes play a cynical piece of play by Parry saw her given a yellow card and her team down to 14 for the remainder of the half. France struck the post from the penalty and Australia took the ball back over their own line. 5 metre scrum to France.

After a succession of scrums creating pressure on the Wallaroos line the referee awarded a controversial penalty try. France converted to lead 10-3.

The play was certainly cynical but it didn't look as if a try would have been scored. In my opinion it deserved a second yellow card for Australia but not a penalty try.

30 minutes of good play had been undone in a couple of minutes.

Australia were restore to their full compliment just as the half time whistle was blow, the score still 10-3 to France.

In the set piece France had the nudge in the scrum but Australia had enough grunt to hold them to allow them to secure their own ball. Australia did better in the lineout where they managed to disrupt a number of France's throws.

 

[lemoen]

The French are playing good footy

 

[Bardon]

Final Score France 17 Australia 3

Early in the second half France almost caught Australia ball watching with a well placed cross field kick. Only the superb work of full back Hewson prevented a try.

Parry was lucky to escape a second yellow card and therefore red when she took the jumper out from the resulting lineout. Only the the fact the officials didn't get a number saved her.

France went to the corner from the penalty and drove the lineout for the try. France slotted the conversion to make it 17-3.

France started to go up through the gears and only last ditch defence from the Wallaroos prevented another try. The Aussies really put their bodies on the line with 2 players (including talisman Shanni Williams) having to go off for blood injuries at the next break in play.

As France kept the pressure on the Aussie lineout began to malfunction with a crucial knock-on from 5m on their own throw. Australia were putting in huge effort in defence but you can only do that for so long without an out ball. Australia's future in the tournament relied on them finding that out before France added another try.

Australia got their out when they forced a knock-on. They managed to clear and they were still alive. Now they need to find some go forward and work on that French lead with 15 minutes to go.

Australia responded and got themselves down into the French 22. This time it was France's turn to be lucky with the cards. Having given away a few penalties in close proximity I thought the ref was going to punish France's cynical play as she awarded another penalty.

Instead Australia tapped and went quickly and as they spread the ball they knocked on.

Australia continued to play with ambition but knock-ons stripped them of momentum. They actually remind me of the 'Tahs as they were adjusting to Cheika's game plan. The ambition was there and there was some exciting stuff but the level of execution just wasn't high enough.

France rode their luck and took their chances and if a team can do that they'll always be in with a shout. Their second half performance was a big improvement on the first 40 and they closed it out at 17-3.

With a semi final spot now secured in their home tournament the French team may now begin to feel it's their destiny to go all the way.

With a little more organisation and a bit more grunt up front this Wallaroos squad have a World Championship in them. With 7s the undoubted priority the big question is, is there the scope and the apatite within the ARU to give this squad the support they need to reach their full potential.

Whatever happens in the future or the rest of the tournament the Wallaroos can be proud of their efforts. They were unbelievable competitive for a team that's hardly played together in the last 4 years.

 

[Bardon]

So the line-up for the knock-out stages is now complete:

Semi Final

France v Canada
Ireland v England

5th-8th place

New Zealand v Wales
Australia v USA

9th-12th place

Spain v Kazakhstan
South Africa v Samoa

 

[Bardon]

Pool stages are done and dusted and the quality has been light years ahead of 4 years ago. The semi final line up shows that the number of competitive nations in the women's game has ballooned.

We must be getting close to the tournament expending beyond the current 12 nations when you think that 6 nations teams Scotland and Italy aren't here along with Argentina and Japan.

Sure they might ship some heavy defeats but for me it's about the future of the game. You need to give young girls role models to follow to inspire them to be the generation that lifts their nation to a higher level. You can't do that if your nation isn't even there. Just look at the progress Ireland have made in such a short space of time.

 

[badabing59]

Excellent reporting Bardon!
Agree with your sentiments re Wallaroos-they defended exceptionally well in the second half in the midst of the giant French pack onslaught.

Semis will be great viewing-I'll go out on a limb and predict an Ireland-France final. The way England played today, Ireland should be too strong although it will be close. France in front of a home crowd should be too strong for Canada.