RWC 2023 Qualifying & Miscellany

[waiopehu oldboy]

Namibia 36-0 Kenya in the Africa Cup Final, Namibia into NZ & France's RWC Pool, Kenya to final qualifying tournament.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Second leg of Americas 2 playoff this weekend, USA having won the first 22-21 v Chile.

Hong Kong 23-21 Korea in the Asia Rugby Championship final last week & will now play Tonga in Brisbane on 23 July for the Asia/ Pacific 1 qualifying spot.

Hong Kong one win away from Rugby World Cup 2023 ｜ Rugby World Cup 2023

We give you the lowdown on the latest qualification news as the line-up for next year’s tournament nears completion.

www.rugbyworldcup.com

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Tonga v Hong Kong on Stan at 5:30 Sunshine Coast time/ skyNZ at 7:30.

Tonga take on Hong Kong for place at Rugby World Cup 2023 ｜ Rugby World Cup 2023

Whoever wins the Asia/Pacific 1 play-off at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday will join South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Romania in Pool B in France.

www.rugbyworldcup.com

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Tonga 44-22 Hong Kong

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Tonga 44-22 Hong Kong

Tonga could have gone close to doubling the score if they just slowed down and built pressure instead of trying to constantly push unnecessary plays. Anyway, looking at performances and form I'm fairly confident the repechage will come down to the final game between the USA and Portugal.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

FQT preview:

Dubai to host decisive Final Qualification Tournament for Rugby World Cup 2023 ｜ Rugby World Cup 2023

Four teams will compete for a place at Rugby World Cup 2023 in France in the Final Qualification Tournament hosted in Dubai from 6-18 November, 2022.

www.rugbyworldcup.com

 

[KevinO]

FQT preview:

View attachment 14241

Dubai to host decisive Final Qualification Tournament for Rugby World Cup 2023 ｜ Rugby World Cup 2023

Four teams will compete for a place at Rugby World Cup 2023 in France in the Final Qualification Tournament hosted in Dubai from 6-18 November, 2022.

www.rugbyworldcup.com

Playing games in 30 degree temps, not great conditions for the teams trying to qualify.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

These are hard to pick. HK, Kenya probably the most use to playing in the conditions.

Most recent loss by HK has to give some confidence. Never want to lose but you still scored 22 on Tonga.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

This isn't a good look...

2023 Rugby World Cup Chief suspended over corruption allegations

Claude Atcher's removal by the French government after complaints of his "management by terror" triggered an investigation that uncovered alleged corruption.

i.stuff.co.nz

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

OMG a major sporting event executive is allegedly corrupt....

I agree this close to an event it's not great. At least in Australia this will get zero attention anyway.

 

[Dismal Pillock]

This isn't a good look...

2023 Rugby World Cup Chief suspended over corruption allegations

Claude Atcher's removal by the French government after complaints of his "management by terror" triggered an investigation that uncovered alleged corruption.

i.stuff.co.nz

Fantastic insult the fella wheeled out though:

He allegedly described another member of staff as a "poor shit".

Might have to file that one away and then let it loose on @Tomikin during the next Blues Brumbies matchday thread.

 

[Tomikin]

Fantastic insult the fella wheeled out though:

Might have to file that one away and then let it loose on @Tomikin during the next Blues Brumbies matchday thread.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

FQT draw is out:

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

This isn't a good look...

2023 Rugby World Cup Chief suspended over corruption allegations

Claude Atcher's removal by the French government after complaints of his "management by terror" triggered an investigation that uncovered alleged corruption.

i.stuff.co.nz

He's been fired as a result of that enquiry & looking at jail time for embezzlement, as is FRU President Bernard Laporte:

2023 Rugby World Cup CEO sacked over improper management

High ranking official Claude Atcher was fired following an investigation by French labour inspectors into his workplace conduct.

www.stuff.co.nz

 

[PhilClinton]

Interesting - it looks like two different issues, a managerial and workplace related sanctions and then embezzlement allegations.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

FQT Day 1:

It's advantage USA and Portugal in race for final place at France 2023 ｜ Rugby World Cup 2023

The two highest-ranked teams are triumphant on the opening day of the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai as the teams chase a place in Pool C at Rugby World Cup 2023.

www.rugbyworldcup.com

TLDR: BP wins to USA & Portugal over Kenya & Hong Kong, USA lead on PD.

Round 2 on 12/11, USA v HK & Portugal v Kenya.

 

[Dctarget]

So looks like it'll go down to the final game between Portugal and USA in round 3 to decide who plays Australia next year (and who I watch! weird having tickets to a mystery team).

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Developments in the Atcher corruption investigation:

French prosecutors raid 2023 Rugby World Cup headquarters in Paris

The raid follows the launching of an investigation into charges of favouritism, influence peddling and corruption by the organising committee.

www.stuff.co.nz

Due to be sentenced, along with Laporte, on the embezzlement matter on 15/12.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

FQT Day 2:

Portugal 85-0 Kenya
USA 49-7 Hong Kong

Portugal to play USA for place at Rugby World Cup 2023 ｜ Rugby World Cup 2023

Os Lobos and the men's Eagles maintained their 100 per cent starts to the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai.

www.rugbyworldcup.com

As expected it's USA v Portugal next week for that final qualifying spot.

 

[Dismal Pillock]

Due to be sentenced, along with Laporte, on the embezzlement matter on 15/12.

All-Time Crim 1st XV

breaking a TV screen and swearing To be fair to the lad, some of those headphone jacks on the sides of the armrests can be quite difficult to find. Statement issued by the selectors: Mr Jantjes, we thank you for taking your first steps towards representing The Alltime Crim 1st XV. However...

www.greenandgoldrugby.com

Selectors starting to get excited about this one.....