First quarter-finalist at the World Cup
Wales’ rugby stars attack weak Australians
September 25, 2023, 8:49 a.m
The Rugby World Cup in France is not that of the Australians. The weak team from “down under” suffered a bitter defeat against Wales. The co-favorites make the quarter-finals clear with their clear victory. Meanwhile, Ireland wins a thrilling showdown.
Co-favorites Wales have become the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup. The British convincingly beat the two-time title holders Australia 40:6 (16:6). The out-of-form Australians, who had already lost against Fiji last week, can no longer make it into the top eight on their own.
Wales are at the top of Group C with 14 points after three wins from three games and can no longer be pushed out of one of the first two places, which entitle them to take part in the quarter-finals. Australia are level on six points with Fiji, who have played a game less. In the second game of the day, Scotland secured their first win in their second game of the tournament. The team won 45:17 (24:10) against outsiders Tonga and thus retained their quarter-final chance in the strong Group B with top favorites Ireland and defending champions South Africa.
Previously, world number one Ireland won the eagerly awaited showdown against world champions South Africa and underlined their title ambitions. The Six Nations winner beat the defending champions 13:8 (7:3) at the Stade de France, and as first in Group B, Ireland is practically already a quarter-finalist. A thrilling duel was expected and both teams delivered. One attempt per team benefited the defensive formations of both teams. In the end, however, the Irish could be happy about the victory because South Africa missed two penalties from Manie Libbok and Faf de Klerk after the score was 8:10. Two hits between the two goalposts would have been enough to win.