Weekend World Cup Round Up

Wales 34     Fiji 38
Ireland 15     Argentina 30
Scotland 18  Italy 16
England 36   Tonga 20

Wales crashed out of the World Cup this weekend following a 34-38 defeat to Fiji. Not something anybody was really expecting but the Pacific Island teams have been very impressive throughout the world cup so no one was really taking them for granted. The Welsh team fought back after trailing 3 - 25 at one stage and then took the lead. It was not enough though as Fiji continued to apply the pressure in the most exciting game of the weekend. Wales are now on their way home dejected and forlorn. Head coach Gareth Jenkins not only lost the match against Fiji - he lost his job too!

What has happened to Ireland. They looked so promising during 2004 - 6. 2007 certainly hasn't been their year has it? Despite brilliant touches from Captain Brian O'Driscoll it was an uninspiring performance against a powerful and passionate Argentinean side who look able to be world cup winners at this stage of the competition. We will see.  So Ireland have plummeted out of the world cup and are on their way home. Will Eddie O'Sullivan keep his job? We will see.

Scotland put in a rather limp performance but still managed to squeeze a win over Italy thanks to the boot of Chris Patterson. Amazing! 100% record of kicking in this world cup. Has to be said, if it wasn't for Mr Patterson, Scotland would be on their way home with Ireland and Wales. Even the Lamont brothers couldn't spice things up for us. In fact, Rory was taken to hospital following a suspected neck injury from which he was seeing stars. It's OK. He is out again and should be fit to face Argentina next week.

And finally England... 2003 World Cup Winners - remember? They took on a powerful and passionate Tonga who performed their Haka about 3" from the England player's noses - how rude! Anyway, it didn't work as the England boys pulled out all the stops and played something like they should play as world champions enjoying a convincing win. Andy Farrell has at last showed what he is made of, scoring a much needed try after coming on to replace Olly Barkley.

So, what next? Here are the quarter final fixtures - how ironic - France meet New Zealand.... in Cardiff!

New Zealand - France
Australia - England
South Africa - Fiji
Argentina - Scotland

Lots to look forward to - however, to celebrate an English win, we thought you might like this scrumptious picture of Mark 'Cutey' Cueto taken earlier in the week at press conference...

A dejected Brian O'Driscoll following Irelands exit from World Cup 2007