Let’s review Round 2 of the 2021 Rugby World Cup! We’ll also take a look at what the Quarterfinals could look like.
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@yscrugby Our review of Round 2 of the 2021 Rugby World Cup. #RWC2021 #rugby
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Scotland vs Australia
Scotland dominated the first half of play, flying out to a two try lead with two scores off a driving maul by Lana Skeldon. The Wallaroos came alive in the second half and pulled ahead with tries from winger Bienne Terita and replacement front rower Ashley Marsters. Final score was Scotland 12 and Australia 14.
Try scorer Marsters has been suspended for three weeks, having appeared before an independent judicial committee on Monday after receiving a red card.
Scotland will face New Zealand this weekend and Australia will see Wales in a critical match ahead of the quarterfinals.
USA vs Japan
Four tries in the second half saw USA get their first victory in Pool B to defeat Japan 30-17. It was Japan that scored first in the match when scrum-half Megumi Abe got over the line. At the hour mark USA made several replacements and the comeback was finalized with the bonus point secured.
The USA will face their North American rivals Canada and Japan will battle Italy.
France vs England
England center Emily Scarratt scored all of her side’s points as they narrowly beat France 13-7. France put in an incredible defensive effort throughout the match, standing firm in the face of wave after wave of England pressure.
France will play Fiji and England will see South Africa next weekend.
Italy vs Canada
Italy scored first in this match but Canada responded quickly and came out on top 22-12 with a bonus point win. Canada’s lineout and driving maul proved deadly as they scored at will from that set piece.
Up next Italy will see Japan while Canada faces the USA.
Wales vs New Zealand
The hosts ran in 10 tries by eight different players in their defeat of Wales 56-12. Wales held the Black Ferns back for 17 minutes but then finally succumbed to the pressure as Second-row Chelsea Bremner went over for the first score. Wales did manage to score off their lineout set piece but in the second half it was a flood of New Zealand scores.
Wales will battle Australia this weekend and New Zealand will see Scotland.
Fiji vs South Africa
Fiji’s last-gasp 21-17 win over the higher-ranked South Africa sent them up five places to 16th in the World Rugby Rankings. Fiji led this match until the 79th minute when South Africa scored to tie. At the next restart Fiji rallied and was able to score to secure their win in the 84th minute.
This weekend Fiji will face France while South Africa will see England.
Quarterfinals Peek
After Round 2 it is looking like the quarterfinals could be:
- New Zealand v Wales
- France v Italy
- Canada v United States
- England v Australia
The only way this really changes is if Wales upsets Australia or if the USA upsets Canada. Both are unlikely looking at past records.
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