Rugby World Cup

Manu Samoa motivated for 'huge game' against Argentina

Head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua has named Paul-Alo Emile in the front row, Paul Ala'nu'uese at locks and Ben Lam on the wing in the Rugby World Cup battle.

Lock Chris Vui gets to lead the team out with his co-captain and prop Michael Ala'alatoa on the bench.

Samoa needs to win the clash to give them an advantage over the Pumas, who lost their first game to England a fortnight ago.

England has two wins and leads on the points table.

Samoa are second but need the win to give them a better chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals.

Samoa set to fire in second World Cup game

The Pacific islanders eventually ran out 43-10 winners over the Chileans but Mapusua said they could not afford a similarly sluggish start on Sunday against the Pumas, who have twice reached the World Cup semi-finals.

"The boys realise that we're in the tournament now, we've arrived at the party and there are no second chances," Mapusua said.

"So this week in the whole squad there's been a real lift and an energy and we know that we've got a huge game against the Pumas on Friday. We won't be short of motivation."

Italy come from behind to beat Uruguay

It was Italy's second consecutive bonus-point win and takes them top of Pool A.

Uruguay deservedly led 17-7 at the break and were dreaming of a huge upset after a remarkable opening 40 minutes that began well for Italy, who scored an early try through Lorenzo Pani, but then went badly wrong as poor discipline handed the advantage to the South Americans.

Fiji make compelling case for a place among rugby's elite

Already a Sevens superpower as champions of the first two Olympic tournaments, the Fijians have played seven tests this season and won five of them with the vanquished including former world champions England, Japan and now Australia. The victory over Australia was their first in 69 years but not a huge surprise to those who have frequently watched the disciplined and well-structured Flying Fijians play this season.

Flying Fiji upset Eddie Jones' Wallabies

Fiji’s brilliance at the turnover, combined with the clinical boot of Kuruvoli, saw them pick up their first win of the tournament after last week’s defeat by Wales.

Australian full-back Ben Donaldson was opportunistic early on and punished a Fiji high tackle when he converted the first opportunity of the game to give Australia a 3-0 lead after three minutes.

The Pacific Islanders sought a response through scrum-half Kuruvoli, who tied the score before converting another penalty to give his side a 6-3 lead after 20 minutes.

Rugby World Cup 2023: Manu Samoa claim win over Chile

They scored five tries and claimed two extra bonus points in the win, setting them in good position in a pool which England and Japan were victorious in last weekend.

Duncan Paia'aua (41'), Jonathan Taumateine (42'), Fritz Lee (47') and Sama Malolo (52', 81') were the Pacific Islanders try-scorers.

Former Wallaby flyhalf Christian Lealiifano scored 16 points and had the chance to play alongside former All Black opponent Lima Sopoaga colours in the Manu Samoa colours, the two partnering in the second half to drive the Samoans home.

Wallabies bracing for Fiji blitz in crunch Cup clash

Fiji are expected to enter the Saint-Etienne match on Sunday (Monday AEST) breathing fire after they fell short against Wales in their opening pool game.

The Fijians rallied from a 32-14 deficit, scoring twice in the last seven minutes before former NRL star Semi Radradra knocked on close to the line in the dying seconds, condemning his team to a 32-26 loss.

All Black Coles buries hatchet with Hansen after Wallabies dalliance

Coles reacted with incredulity three weeks ago when told Hansen had been advising New Zealand's fierce rivals at the behest of his friend Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

"Shag (Hansen), what are you up to?," a stunned Coles told reporters.

"That hurts a little bit, to be fair. I'm just gobsmacked. I know he's quite tight with Eddie, they're really good mates, but he's a bit of an icon in the All Blacks set-up."

Flying Fijians management to seek clarification

Following the Flying Fijians’ 32-26 loss to Wales in their opening Rugby World Cup loss, people have taken to social media to raise their concerns over referee Mathew Carley’s inconsistent decisions.

Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui also stated in the post-match press conference yesterday that he wants consistency from match officials.
Valenitabua says they will follow a due process.

Fiji Water hosts over 350 of their employees to watch Fiji vs Wales game

The major sponsoring company for the Flying Fijians hosted its workers for a breakfast gathering and rugby watch party.

FIJI Water’s Associate Vice President, Michael Lynch said “FIJI Water paused production at its bottling plant in Yaqara for a few hours so that all employees could gather to enjoy breakfast and watch the exhilarating match between Fiji and Wales.”

“FIJI Water hosted the Rugby World Cup Watch Party with a dedicated FIJI WaterFan Zone, which was set up at the loading docks.”