2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B

Pool B of the 2023 Rugby World Cup began on 9 September 2023 and concluded on 8 October 2023. The pool included holders and world-number-two ranked side South Africa, fellow automatic qualifiers and world-number-one-ranked side Ireland, and world-number-five-ranked side Scotland. They are joined by Romania and Tonga.[1] It was widely referred to as the "group of death."[2][3][4] Ireland topped the group and South Africa placed second, thus allowing both teams to progress.

Teams

[edit]
Pos. Team Band Confederation Method of
qualification
Date of
qualification
Apps. Last Previous best
performance
World Rugby Rankings[5]
1 January 2020[nb 1] 4 September 2023
B1  South Africa 1 Africa Top 3 in 2019 RWC pool 8 October 2019 8th 2019 Winners (1995, 2007, 2019) 1 2
B2  Ireland 2 Europe Top 3 in 2019 RWC pool 5 October 2019 10th 2019 Quarter-finals (1987, 1991, 1995, 2003, 2011, 2015, 2019) 5 1
B3  Scotland 3 Europe Top 3 in 2019 RWC pool 12 October 2019 10th 2019 Fourth place (1991) 9 5
B4  Tonga 4[nb 2] Oceania Asia/Pacific 1 23 July 2022 9th 2019 Pool stage (1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019) 13[nb 2] 15
B5  Romania 5[nb 3] Europe Europe 2 27 June 2022 9th 2015 Pool stage (1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015) 19[nb 3] 19

Notes

  1. ^ The rankings of 1 January 2020 were used for seeding for the final draw.
  2. ^ a b As the identity of the Asia/Pacific 1 winners was not known at the time of the final draw, positions in the World Rugby Rankings were not taken into account, and the placeholder in the draw was automatically seeded into band 4.[6]
  3. ^ a b As the identity of the Europe 2 winners was not known at the time of the final draw, positions in the World Rugby Rankings were not taken into account, and the placeholder in the draw was automatically seeded into band 5.[6]

Overview

[edit]

Ireland, ranked 1st in the world, began Pool B with a convincing win of 82–8 over Romania. Twelve tries were scored by eight different players, with only one having not been converted.[7] The second match of the pool saw defending champions South Africa begin their defence against Scotland. South Africa won 18–3 courtesy of tries from Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kurt-Lee Arendse, along with two successful penalties from Manie Libbok.[8] After a six day break, action in the pool returned as Tonga played their first match against Ireland, where the Irish continued their impressive start with a 59–16 victory, including eight tries.[9] The next day, South Africa continued their strong start with an emphatic victory over Romania, in a 76–0 win with twelve tries, including a hat-trick of tries from Cobus Reinach and Makazole Mapimpi.[10] On 23 September, 1st and 2nd in the world rankings Ireland and South Africa went head-to-head, the first time the teams had ever met at a World Cup, and the first time two sides ranked first and second in the world had met in a pool stage match. Ireland emerged victorious with a scoreline of 13–8 in a low-scoring and brutal affair in Saint-Denis, putting the Irish in pole position to top the pool.[11] The next day, Scotland defeated Tonga in a bonus-point victory with a scoreline of 45–17 with seven tries to keep their hopes of progression to the knockout stage alive, while putting Tonga on the brink of elimination.[12]

Going into the penultimate weekend of pool stage fixtures, four teams in the group still held their fate in their own hands. Leaders Ireland faced a bye week, while both Tonga and Scotland faced possible elimination if they lost their match. On 30 September, Scotland hammered Romania with a 84–0 scoreline, a result which officially eliminated Romania from the tournament. Twelve tries were scored by the Scots, including Darcy Graham who provided four of them and Ben Healy converting eleven of them. The result was crucial for Scotland in keeping their hopes of progression from the pool alive, and it left them only trailing South Africa in the standings from the head-to-head tiebreaker. It set up a showdown on the final matchday between Scotland and Ireland for a place in the knockout stage.[13] The next day, South Africa played their final match of the pool as they moved to the brink of qualification to the quarter-finals after securing a 49–18 bonus-point victory over Tonga, a result that officially saw the elimination of the Sea Eagles from the tournament. Seven tries were scored by the Springboks, along with strong kicking from Handré Pollard and Manie Libbok. Ahead of the final matchweek, Ireland vs Scotland would be the deciding match as to who would finish in the top two and progress to the knockout stage.[14]

In the final pair of matches in Pool B, Ireland and Scotland went head-to-head in Saint-Denis in a match that would officially decide the final standings of the two along with South Africa in the pool and who would progress to the knockout stage with all three sides still able to do so. A clinical Ireland ended up coming away with a 36–14 bonus-point victory over the Scots with six tries, including a try from James Lowe inside 70 seconds, to ensure that Ireland qualified as they topped Group B, South Africa qualified in second and Scotland suffered elimination from the tournament as they finished third, but qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.[15] The final match of Pool B took place the following day between Tonga and Romania in Villeneuve-d'Ascq with both sides already confirmed to finish outside of the top three. Tonga came out with a 45–24 bonus-point victory over the Romanians with two tries from Solomone Kata helping push the Tongans to the win and end their World Cup campaign with a victory as they finished fourth in the pool while ending a miserable campaign for Romania who finished fifth with no victories.[16]

Standings

[edit]
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA B Pts Qualification
1  Ireland 4 4 0 0 190 46 +144 27 5 3 19 Advance to knockout stage, and
qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup
2  South Africa 4 3 0 1 151 34 +117 22 4 3 15
3  Scotland 4 2 0 2 146 71 +75 21 10 2 10 Qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup
4  Tonga 4 1 0 3 96 177 −81 13 25 1 5
5  Romania 4 0 0 4 32 287 −255 4 43 0 0
Source: World Rugby
Rules for classification: Pool stage tiebreakers

Matches

[edit]

Ireland vs Romania

[edit]
9 September 2023
15:30 CEST (UTC+2)
(1 BP) Ireland 82–8 Romania
Try: Gibson-Park 5' c
Keenan 13' c
Beirne (2) 17' m, 80+3' c
Aki (2) 34' c, 75' c
Sexton (2) 40' c, 62' c
Herring 45' c
O'Mahony (2) 50' c, 70' c
McCarthy 67' c
Con: Sexton (7/8) 6', 13', 36', 40', 46', 51', 63'
Crowley (4/4) 68', 72', 76', 80+3'
ReportTry: Rupanu 3' m
Pen: Rupanu (1/1) 21'
Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
Attendance: 41,170
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)[17]
Ireland
Romania
FB 15 Hugo Keenan
RW 14 Keith Earls downward-facing red arrow 60'
OC 13 Garry Ringrose
IC 12 Bundee Aki
LW 11 James Lowe
FH 10 Johnny Sexton (c) downward-facing red arrow 66'
SH 9 Jamison Gibson-Park downward-facing red arrow 60'
N8 8 Caelan Doris downward-facing red arrow 56'
OF 7 Peter O'Mahony
BF 6 Tadhg Beirne
RL 5 James Ryan downward-facing red arrow 56'
LL 4 Joe McCarthy
TP 3 Tadhg Furlong downward-facing red arrow 51'
HK 2 Rob Herring downward-facing red arrow 51'
LP 1 Andrew Porter downward-facing red arrow 51'
Replacements:
HK 16 Rónan Kelleher upward-facing green arrow 51'
PR 17 Jeremy Loughman upward-facing green arrow 51'
PR 18 Tom O'Toole upward-facing green arrow 51'
LK 19 Iain Henderson upward-facing green arrow 56'
FL 20 Josh van der Flier upward-facing green arrow 56'
SH 21 Conor Murray upward-facing green arrow 60'
FH 22 Jack Crowley upward-facing green arrow 66'
WG 23 Mack Hansen upward-facing green arrow 60'
Coach:
England Andy Farrell
FB 15 Marius Simionescu Yellow card 31'
RW 14 Nicolas Onuțu
OC 13 Jason Tomane
IC 12 Fonovai Tangimana
LW 11 Tevita Manumua downward-facing red arrow 58'
FH 10 Hinckley Vaovasa downward-facing red arrow 61'
SH 9 Gabriel Rupanu downward-facing red arrow 74'
N8 8 Cristi Chirică (c)
OF 7 Vlad Neculau
BF 6 Florian Roșu downward-facing red arrow 61'
RL 5 Ștefan Iancu downward-facing red arrow 61'
LL 4 Adrian Moțoc
TP 3 Alexandru Gordaș downward-facing red arrow 52'
HK 2 Ovidiu Cojocaru downward-facing red arrow 55'
LP 1 Iulian Harțig downward-facing red arrow 49'
Replacements:
HK 16 Florin Bărdașu upward-facing green arrow 55'
PR 17 Alexandru Savin upward-facing green arrow 49'
PR 18 Gheorghe Gajion upward-facing green arrow 52'
LK 19 Marius Iftimiciuc upward-facing green arrow 61'
FL 20 Dragoș Ser upward-facing green arrow 61'
SH 21 Alin Conache upward-facing green arrow 74'
FH 22 Tudor Boldor upward-facing green arrow 61'
CE 23 Taylor Gontineac upward-facing green arrow 58'
Coach:
Romania Eugen Apjok

Player of the Match:
Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)[18]

Assistant referees:
Wayne Barnes (England)[17]
Andrea Piardi (Italy)[17]
Television match official:
Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)[17]

Notes:

  • Robbie Henshaw was originally named among the replacements for Ireland, but withdrew before the match as an injury precaution. His place was taken by Mack Hansen.[19]
  • This was Ireland's largest ever victory in a Rugby World Cup match, for both total points scored and overall winning margin, and also their largest ever victory over Romania, surpassing the 34–point margin (44–10) set during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.[20]


South Africa vs Scotland

[edit]
10 September 2023
17:45 CEST (UTC+2)
South Africa 18–3 Scotland
Try: Du Toit 47' m
Arendse 50' c
Con: De Klerk (1/1) 51'
Pen: Libbok (2/4) 13', 25'
ReportPen: Russell (1/1) 40+1'
Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Attendance: 63,586
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)[17]
South Africa
Scotland
FB 15 Damian Willemse
RW 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse
OC 13 Jesse Kriel
IC 12 Damian de Allende
LW 11 Cheslin Kolbe
FH 10 Manie Libbok downward-facing red arrow 69'
SH 9 Faf de Klerk downward-facing red arrow 75'
N8 8 Jasper Wiese downward-facing red arrow 60'
BF 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
OF 6 Siya Kolisi (c) downward-facing red arrow 64'
RL 5 Franco Mostert
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth downward-facing red arrow 26'
TP 3 Frans Malherbe downward-facing red arrow 53'
HK 2 Malcolm Marx red cross icon 48' to 53' downward-facing red arrow 57'
LP 1 Steven Kitshoff downward-facing red arrow 53'
Replacements:
HK 16 Bongi Mbonambi upward-facing green arrow 48' downward-facing red arrow 53' upward-facing green arrow 57'
PR 17 Ox Nché upward-facing green arrow 53'
PR 18 Trevor Nyakane upward-facing green arrow 53'
LK 19 RG Snyman upward-facing green arrow 26'
FL 20 Marco van Staden upward-facing green arrow 64'
N8 21 Duane Vermeulen upward-facing green arrow 60'
SH 22 Grant Williams upward-facing green arrow 75'
FB 23 Willie le Roux upward-facing green arrow 69'
Coach:
South Africa Jacques Nienaber
FB 15 Blair Kinghorn
RW 14 Darcy Graham downward-facing red arrow 64'
OC 13 Huw Jones
IC 12 Sione Tuipilotu downward-facing red arrow 67'
LW 11 Duhan van der Merwe
FH 10 Finn Russell
SH 9 Ben White downward-facing red arrow 67'
N8 8 Jack Dempsey
OF 7 Rory Darge downward-facing red arrow 64'
BF 6 Jamie Ritchie (c)
RL 5 Grant Gilchrist downward-facing red arrow 56'
LL 4 Richie Gray
TP 3 Zander Fagerson downward-facing red arrow 56'
HK 2 George Turner downward-facing red arrow 56'
LP 1 Pierre Schoeman downward-facing red arrow 56'
Replacements:
HK 16 Dave Cherry upward-facing green arrow 56'
PR 17 Jamie Bhatti upward-facing green arrow 56'
PR 18 WP Nel upward-facing green arrow 56'
LK 19 Scott Cummings upward-facing green arrow 56'
FL 20 Matt Fagerson upward-facing green arrow 64'
SH 21 Ali Price upward-facing green arrow 67'
CE 22 Cameron Redpath upward-facing green arrow 67'
FB 23 Ollie Smith upward-facing green arrow 64'
Coach:
Scotland Gregor Townsend

Player of the Match:
Manie Libbok (South Africa)[21]

Assistant referees:
Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)[17]
Jordan Way (Australia)[17]
Television match official:
Ben Whitehouse (Wales)[17]

Notes:


Ireland vs Tonga

[edit]
16 September 2023
21:00 CEST (UTC+2)
(1 BP) Ireland 59–16 Tonga
Try: Beirne 21' c
Doris 27' c
Hansen 33' c
Sexton 38' c
Lowe 59' c
Aki (2) 63' c, 69' c
Herring 80' c
Con: Sexton (4/4) 22', 28', 34', 39'
Byrne (4/4) 60', 64', 70', 80+2'
Pen: Sexton (1/1) 7'
ReportTry: V. Fifita 40+8' c
Con: Havili (1/1) 40+9'
Pen: Havili (3/3) 16', 25', 43'
Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Attendance: 31,673
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)[17]
Ireland
Tonga
FB 15 Hugo Keenan
RW 14 Mack Hansen
OC 13 Garry Ringrose downward-facing red arrow 50'
IC 12 Bundee Aki
LW 11 James Lowe
FH 10 Johnny Sexton (c) downward-facing red arrow 41'
SH 9 Conor Murray downward-facing red arrow 56'
N8 8 Caelan Doris downward-facing red arrow 52'
OF 7 Josh van der Flier
BF 6 Peter O'Mahony Yellow card 40+3'
RL 5 James Ryan downward-facing red arrow 50'
LL 4 Tadhg Beirne
TP 3 Tadhg Furlong downward-facing red arrow 41' upward-facing green arrow 50'
HK 2 Rónan Kelleher downward-facing red arrow 41'
LP 1 Andrew Porter downward-facing red arrow 41'
Replacements:
HK 16 Rob Herring upward-facing green arrow 41'
PR 17 Dave Kilcoyne upward-facing green arrow 41'
PR 18 Finlay Bealham upward-facing green arrow 41' downward-facing red arrow 50'
LK 19 Iain Henderson upward-facing green arrow 50'
FL 20 Ryan Baird upward-facing green arrow 52'
SH 21 Craig Casey upward-facing green arrow 56'
FH 22 Ross Byrne upward-facing green arrow 41'
CE 23 Robbie Henshaw upward-facing green arrow 50'
Coach:
England Andy Farrell
FB 15 Salesi Piutau
RW 14 Afusipa Taumoepeau
OC 13 Malakai Fekitoa
IC 12 Pita Ahki
LW 11 Solomone Kata downward-facing red arrow 71'
FH 10 William Havili
SH 9 Augustine Pulu downward-facing red arrow 41'
N8 8 Vaea Fifita downward-facing red arrow 60'
OF 7 Sione Havili Talitui
BF 6 Tanginoa Halaifonua downward-facing red arrow 50'
RL 5 Leva Fifita downward-facing red arrow 71'
LL 4 Sam Lousi
TP 3 Ben Tameifuna (c) downward-facing red arrow 60'
HK 2 Paul Ngauamo downward-facing red arrow 50'
LP 1 Siegfried Fisi'ihoi downward-facing red arrow 60'
Replacements:
HK 16 Sam Moli upward-facing green arrow 50'
PR 17 Tau Koloamatangi upward-facing green arrow 60'
PR 18 Joe Apikotoa upward-facing green arrow 60'
LK 19 Semisi Paea upward-facing green arrow 71'
FL 20 Solomone Funaki upward-facing green arrow 52'
N8 21 Sione Vailanu upward-facing green arrow 60'
SH 22 Sonatane Takulua upward-facing green arrow 41'
CE 23 Fine Inisi upward-facing green arrow 71'
Coach:
Australia Toutai Kefu

Player of the Match:
Bundee Aki (Ireland)[23]

Assistant referees:
Matthew Carley (England)[17]
Craig Evans (Wales)[17]
Television match official:
Tom Foley (England)[17]

Notes:


South Africa vs Romania

[edit]
17 September 2023
15:00 CEST (UTC+2)
(1 BP) South Africa 76–0 Romania
Try: Reinach (3) 2' m, 8' c, 23' c
Mapimpi (3) 6' c, 63' m, 67' c
Willemse 11' c
Fourie 42' m
Penalty try 52'
Williams (2) 54' c, 61' c
Le Roux 73' m
Con: Willemse (5/7) 7', 9', 11', 24', 55'
De Klerk (2/4) 62', 68'
Report
Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
Attendance: 38,789
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)[17]
South Africa
Romania
FB 15 Willie le Roux
RW 14 Grant Williams
OC 13 Canan Moodie
IC 12 André Esterhuizen
LW 11 Makazole Mapimpi
FH 10 Damian Willemse downward-facing red arrow 57'
SH 9 Cobus Reinach downward-facing red arrow 46'
N8 8 Duane Vermeulen
BF 7 Kwagga Smith
OF 6 Marco van Staden
RL 5 Marvin Orie downward-facing red arrow 41'
LL 4 Jean Kleyn
TP 18 Trevor Nyakane downward-facing red arrow 60'
HK 2 Bongi Mbonambi (c) downward-facing red arrow 40'
LP 1 Ox Nché downward-facing red arrow 60'
Replacements:
HK 16 Deon Fourie upward-facing green arrow 40'
PR 17 Steven Kitshoff upward-facing green arrow 60'
PR 28 Frans Malherbe upward-facing green arrow 60'
LK 19 RG Snyman upward-facing green arrow 41'
N8 20 Jasper Wiese
SH 21 Jaden Hendrikse upward-facing green arrow 46'
SH 22 Faf de Klerk upward-facing green arrow 57'
CE 23 Jesse Kriel
Coach:
South Africa Jacques Nienaber
FB 15 Marius Simionescu
RW 14 Tevita Manumua
OC 13 Jason Tomane downward-facing red arrow 60'
IC 12 Taylor Gontineac downward-facing red arrow 67'
LW 11 Nicolas Onuțu
FH 10 Hinckley Vaovasa
SH 9 Gabriel Rupanu
N8 8 Cristi Chirică (c)
OF 7 Vlad Neculau downward-facing red arrow 41'
BF 6 André Gorin downward-facing red arrow 55'
RL 5 Marius Iftimiciuc downward-facing red arrow 52'
LL 4 Adrian Moțoc
TP 3 Alexandru Gordaș downward-facing red arrow 51'
HK 2 Ovidiu Cojocaru downward-facing red arrow 60'
LP 1 Iulian Harțig downward-facing red arrow 57'
Replacements:
HK 16 Robert Irimescu upward-facing green arrow 60'
PR 17 Alexandru Savin upward-facing green arrow 57'
PR 18 Thomas Crețu upward-facing green arrow 51'
LK 19 Ștefan Iancu upward-facing green arrow 52'
FL 20 Damian Strătilă upward-facing green arrow 55'
FL 21 Cristi Boboc upward-facing green arrow 41'
SH 22 Alin Conache upward-facing green arrow 67'
FH 23 Gabriel Pop upward-facing green arrow 60'
Coach:
Romania Eugen Apjok

Player of the Match:
Makazole Mapimpi (South Africa)[27]

Assistant referees:
Angus Gardner (Australia)[17]
Pierre Brousset (France)[17]
Television match official:
Brett Cronan (Australia)[17]

Notes:

  • South Africa secured the fastest ever try bonus point (earned by scoring four tries) in a World Cup match, achieving this feat 11 minutes and 13 seconds after kick-off.[28]
  • Vincent Koch was originally named in the starting line-up for South Africa, but withdrew during the match-day warm-up due to injury. He was replaced by Trevor Nyakane, whose place on the bench was taken by Frans Malherbe. Nyakane continued to wear the number 18 shirt, while Malherbe wore 28.[29]


South Africa vs Ireland

[edit]
23 September 2023
21:00 CEST (UTC+2)
(1 BP) South Africa 8–13 Ireland
Try: Kolbe 51' m
Pen: Libbok (1/2) 6'
ReportTry: Hansen 33' c
Con: Sexton (1/1) 35'
Pen: Sexton (1/1) 59'
Crowley (1/1) 77'
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Attendance: 78,542
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)[17]
South Africa
Ireland
FB 15 Damian Willemse
RW 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse
OC 13 Jesse Kriel
IC 12 Damian de Allende
LW 11 Cheslin Kolbe
FH 10 Manie Libbok
SH 9 Faf de Klerk downward-facing red arrow 75'
N8 8 Jasper Wiese downward-facing red arrow 48'
BF 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
OF 6 Siya Kolisi (c) downward-facing red arrow 51'
RL 5 Franco Mostert downward-facing red arrow 48'
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth downward-facing red arrow 48'
TP 3 Frans Malherbe downward-facing red arrow 62'
HK 2 Bongi Mbonambi downward-facing red arrow 64'
LP 1 Steven Kitshoff downward-facing red arrow 48'
Replacements:
HK 16 Deon Fourie upward-facing green arrow 64'
PR 17 Ox Nché upward-facing green arrow 48'
PR 18 Trevor Nyakane upward-facing green arrow 62'
LK 19 Jean Kleyn upward-facing green arrow 48'
LK 20 RG Snyman upward-facing green arrow 48'
FL 21 Marco van Staden upward-facing green arrow 51'
FL 22 Kwagga Smith upward-facing green arrow 48'
SH 23 Cobus Reinach upward-facing green arrow 75'
Coach:
South Africa Jacques Nienaber
FB 15 Hugo Keenan
RW 14 Mack Hansen
OC 13 Garry Ringrose red cross icon 22' to 35' downward-facing red arrow 64'
IC 12 Bundee Aki
LW 11 James Lowe
FH 10 Johnny Sexton (c) downward-facing red arrow 73'
SH 9 Jamison Gibson-Park downward-facing red arrow 66'
N8 8 Caelan Doris
OF 7 Josh van der Flier
BF 6 Peter O'Mahony downward-facing red arrow 64'
RL 5 James Ryan downward-facing red arrow 53'
LL 4 Tadhg Beirne
TP 3 Tadhg Furlong downward-facing red arrow 64'
HK 2 Rónan Kelleher downward-facing red arrow 53'
LP 1 Andrew Porter downward-facing red arrow 75'
Replacements:
HK 16 Dan Sheehan upward-facing green arrow 53'
PR 17 Dave Kilcoyne upward-facing green arrow 75'
PR 18 Finlay Bealham upward-facing green arrow 64'
LK 19 Iain Henderson upward-facing green arrow 53'
FL 20 Ryan Baird upward-facing green arrow 64'
SH 21 Conor Murray upward-facing green arrow 66'
FH 22 Jack Crowley upward-facing green arrow 73'
CE 23 Robbie Henshaw upward-facing green arrow 22' downward-facing red arrow 35' upward-facing green arrow 64'
Coach:
England Andy Farrell

Player of the Match:
Bundee Aki (Ireland)[30]

Assistant referees:
Mathieu Raynal (France)[17]
James Doleman (New Zealand)[17]
Television match official:
Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)[17]

Notes:

  • This was the first ever meeting between these two sides at a World Cup, or at any neutral venue.[31]
  • Peter O'Mahony earned his 100th international test cap, having played 99 times for Ireland and once for the British & Irish Lions.[32]
  • Bundee Aki earned his 50th test cap for Ireland.[33]


Scotland vs Tonga

[edit]
24 September 2023
17:45 CEST (UTC+2)
(1 BP) Scotland 45–17 Tonga
Try: Turner 5' c
Van der Merwe 27' m
Steyn 30' m
Darge 40+2' c
Horne 54' c
Kinghorn 68' c
Graham 80+2' c
Con: Russell (5/7) 6', 40+3', 55', 70', 80+3'
ReportTry: Kata 20' c
Tameifuna 44' c
Con: Havili (2/2) 21', 45'
Pen: Havili (1/1) 10'
Allianz Riviera, Nice
Attendance: 33,189
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)[17]
Scotland
Tonga
FB 15 Blair Kinghorn
RW 14 Kyle Steyn downward-facing red arrow 48'
OC 13 Chris Harris downward-facing red arrow 48'
IC 12 Sione Tuipilotu
LW 11 Duhan van der Merwe
FH 10 Finn Russell
SH 9 Ben White downward-facing red arrow 48'
N8 8 Jack Dempsey
OF 7 Rory Darge
BF 6 Jamie Ritchie (c) downward-facing red arrow 34'
RL 5 Scott Cummings
LL 4 Richie Gray downward-facing red arrow 65'
TP 3 Zander Fagerson downward-facing red arrow 59'
HK 2 George Turner downward-facing red arrow 59'
LP 1 Rory Sutherland downward-facing red arrow 48'
Replacements:
HK 16 Ewan Ashman upward-facing green arrow 59'
PR 17 Pierre Schoeman upward-facing green arrow 48'
PR 18 WP Nel upward-facing green arrow 59'
LK 19 Sam Skinner upward-facing green arrow 65'
FL 20 Matt Fagerson upward-facing green arrow 34'
SH 21 George Horne upward-facing green arrow 48'
CE 22 Huw Jones upward-facing green arrow 48'
WG 23 Darcy Graham upward-facing green arrow 48'
Coach:
Scotland Gregor Townsend
FB 15 Salesi Piutau
RW 14 Solomone Kata
OC 13 Malakai Fekitoa
IC 12 Pita Ahki
LW 11 Afusipa Taumoepeau Yellow card 34'
FH 10 William Havili downward-facing red arrow 77'
SH 9 Augustine Pulu downward-facing red arrow 55'
N8 8 Vaea Fifita Red card 77'
OF 7 Sione Havili Talitui downward-facing red arrow 70'
BF 6 Tanginoa Halaifonua downward-facing red arrow 55'
RL 5 Sam Lousi downward-facing red arrow 55'
LL 4 Leva Fifita
TP 3 Ben Tameifuna (c) downward-facing red arrow 65'
HK 2 Paul Ngauamo downward-facing red arrow 52'
LP 1 Siegfried Fisi'ihoi downward-facing red arrow 70'
Replacements:
HK 16 Sam Moli upward-facing green arrow 52'
PR 17 Tau Koloamatangi upward-facing green arrow 70'
PR 18 Joe Apikotoa upward-facing green arrow 65'
LK 19 Adam Coleman upward-facing green arrow 55'
FL 20 Semisi Paea upward-facing green arrow 70'
N8 21 Sione Vailanu upward-facing green arrow 55'
SH 22 Sonatane Takulua upward-facing green arrow 55'
FH 23 Patrick Pellegrini upward-facing green arrow 77'
Coach:
Australia Toutai Kefu

Player of the Match:
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)[34]

Assistant referees:
Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)[17]
Craig Evans (Wales)[17]
Television match official:
Ben Whitehouse (Wales)[17]

Notes:


Scotland vs Romania

[edit]
30 September 2023
21:00 CEST (UTC+2)
(1 BP) Scotland 84–0 Romania
Try: Watson 9' c
Price 17' c
Graham (4) 21' c, 34' c, 40' c, 77' c
Fagerson 38' c
Harris 45' c
Smith 53' c
Healy 58' c
Matthews 71' c
Darge 73' c
Con: Healy (11/11) 10', 18', 22', 35', 39', 40', 47', 55', 59', 72', 77'
Horne (1/1) 73'
Report
Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d'Ascq
Attendance: 46,516
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)[17]
Scotland
Romania
FB 15 Ollie Smith downward-facing red arrow 59'
RW 14 Darcy Graham
OC 13 Chris Harris downward-facing red arrow 65'
IC 12 Cameron Redpath
LW 11 Kyle Steyn
FH 10 Ben Healy
SH 9 Ali Price downward-facing red arrow 55'
N8 8 Matt Fagerson
OF 7 Hamish Watson downward-facing red arrow 65'
BF 6 Luke Crosbie
RL 5 Grant Gilchrist (c) downward-facing red arrow 59'
LL 4 Sam Skinner
TP 3 Javan Sebastian downward-facing red arrow 59'
HK 2 Ewan Ashman downward-facing red arrow 59'
LP 1 Jamie Bhatti downward-facing red arrow 59'
Replacements:
HK 16 Johnny Matthews upward-facing green arrow 59'
PR 17 Rory Sutherland upward-facing green arrow 59'
PR 18 WP Nel upward-facing green arrow 59'
LK 19 Scott Cummings upward-facing green arrow 59'
FL 20 Rory Darge upward-facing green arrow 65'
SH 21 George Horne upward-facing green arrow 55'
FB 22 Blair Kinghorn upward-facing green arrow 59'
CE 23 Huw Jones upward-facing green arrow 65'
Coach:
Scotland Gregor Townsend
FB 15 Marius Simionescu Yellow card 38'
RW 14 Sioeli Lama
OC 13 Jason Tomane
IC 12 Fonovai Tangimana downward-facing red arrow 57'
LW 11 Taliaʻuli Sikuea
FH 10 Alin Conache downward-facing red arrow 53'
SH 9 Gabriel Rupanu downward-facing red arrow 32' upward-facing green arrow 39' downward-facing red arrow 61'
N8 8 Cristi Chirică (c) downward-facing red arrow 39'
OF 7 Dragoș Ser
BF 6 Florian Roșu Yellow card 31'
RL 5 Ștefan Iancu
LL 4 Adrian Moțoc
TP 3 Gheorghe Gajion downward-facing red arrow 57'
HK 2 Robert Irimescu Yellow card 29' downward-facing red arrow 59'
LP 1 Alexandru Savin downward-facing red arrow 61'
Replacements:
HK 16 Florin Bărdașu upward-facing green arrow 32' downward-facing red arrow 39' upward-facing green arrow 59'
PR 17 Iulian Harțig upward-facing green arrow 61'
PR 18 Costel Burțilă upward-facing green arrow 57'
LK 19 Marius Iftimiciuc
FL 20 Damian Strătilă upward-facing green arrow 39'
SH 21 Florin Surugiu upward-facing green arrow 61'
FH 22 Tudor Boldor upward-facing green arrow 53'
WG 23 Nicolas Onuțu upward-facing green arrow 57'
Coach:
Romania Eugen Apjok

Player of the Match:
Darcy Graham (Scotland)[37]

Assistant referees:
Angus Gardner (Australia)[38]
James Doleman (New Zealand)[38]
Television match official:
Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)[17]

Notes:

  • This was Scotland's biggest ever victory over Romania, surpassing the 42–point margin (42–0) set during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
  • Scotland kept their opponents scoreless for the sixth time in a World Cup match – the first nation to achieve this feat.
  • Johnny Matthews (Scotland) made his international debut.[39]


South Africa vs Tonga

[edit]
1 October 2023
21:00 CEST (UTC+2)
(1 BP) South Africa 49–18 Tonga
Try: Reinach 5' c
Moodie 20' c
Fourie 32' c
Kriel 49' c
Le Roux 58' c
Van Staden 63' c
Smith 80+1' c
Con: Pollard (4/4) 6', 21', 33', 51'
Libbok (3/3) 59', 65', 80+2'
ReportTry: Tameifuna 38' m
Inisi 54' m
Pellegrini 73' m
Pen: Havili (1/1) 3'
Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Attendance: 60,387
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)[17]
South Africa
Tonga
FB 15 Willie le Roux
RW 14 Grant Williams
OC 13 Canan Moodie
IC 12 André Esterhuizen
LW 11 Makazole Mapimpi downward-facing red arrow 29'
FH 10 Handré Pollard downward-facing red arrow 51'
SH 9 Cobus Reinach downward-facing red arrow 51'
N8 8 Jasper Wiese downward-facing red arrow 51'
BF 7 Duane Vermeulen
OF 6 Siya Kolisi (c) downward-facing red arrow 59'
RL 5 Marvin Orie downward-facing red arrow 62'
LL 4 Eben Etzebeth
TP 3 Vincent Koch downward-facing red arrow 45'
HK 2 Deon Fourie
LP 1 Ox Nché red cross icon 45' to 55' downward-facing red arrow 59'
Replacements:
HK 16 Marco van Staden upward-facing green arrow 59'
PR 17 Steven Kitshoff upward-facing green arrow 45' downward-facing red arrow 55' upward-facing green arrow 59'
PR 18 Trevor Nyakane upward-facing green arrow 45'
LK 19 Franco Mostert upward-facing green arrow 62'
FL 20 Kwagga Smith upward-facing green arrow 51'
SH 21 Jaden Hendrikse upward-facing green arrow 51'
FH 22 Manie Libbok upward-facing green arrow 51'
CE 23 Jesse Kriel upward-facing green arrow 29'
Coach:
South Africa Jacques Nienaber
FB 15 Salesi Piutau
RW 14 Fine Inisi
OC 13 Malakai Fekitoa downward-facing red arrow 68'
IC 12 Pita Ahki
LW 11 Anzelo Tuitavuki
FH 10 William Havili downward-facing red arrow 71'
SH 9 Augustine Pulu downward-facing red arrow 52'
N8 8 Semisi Paea downward-facing red arrow 59'
OF 7 Sione Havili Talitui
BF 6 Tanginoa Halaifonua
RL 5 Sam Lousi downward-facing red arrow 51'
LL 4 Leva Fifita
TP 3 Ben Tameifuna (c) downward-facing red arrow 55'
HK 2 Paul Ngauamo downward-facing red arrow 51' upward-facing green arrow 64'
LP 1 Siegfried Fisi'ihoi downward-facing red arrow 71'
Replacements:
HK 16 Sam Moli upward-facing green arrow 51' downward-facing red arrow 64'
PR 17 Tau Koloamatangi upward-facing green arrow 71'
PR 18 Joe Apikotoa upward-facing green arrow 55'
LK 19 Adam Coleman upward-facing green arrow 51'
N8 20 Sione Vailanu upward-facing green arrow 59'
SH 21 Sonatane Takulua upward-facing green arrow 52'
FH 22 Patrick Pellegrini upward-facing green arrow 71'
CE 23 Afusipa Taumoepeau upward-facing green arrow 68'
Coach:
Australia Toutai Kefu

Player of the Match:
Deon Fourie (South Africa)[40]

Assistant referees:
Matthew Carley (England)[17]
Christophe Ridley (England)[17]
Television match official:
Brett Cronan (Australia)[17]


Ireland vs Scotland

[edit]
7 October 2023
21:00 CEST (UTC+2)
(1 BP) Ireland 36–14 Scotland
Try: Lowe 2' m
Keenan (2) 26' c, 39' c
Henderson 32' c
Sheehan 44' m
Ringrose 58' m
Con: Sexton (3/5) 27', 33', 40'
ReportTry: Ashman 64' c
Price 66' c
Con: Russell (2/2) 65', 66'
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Attendance: 78,459[41]
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)[17]
Ireland
Scotland
FB 15 Hugo Keenan
RW 14 Mack Hansen red cross icon 21' to 32' downward-facing red arrow 35'
OC 13 Garry Ringrose
IC 12 Bundee Aki
LW 11 James Lowe downward-facing red arrow 41'
FH 10 Johnny Sexton (c) downward-facing red arrow 45'
SH 9 Jamison Gibson-Park
N8 8 Caelan Doris
OF 7 Josh van der Flier
BF 6 Peter O'Mahony downward-facing red arrow 48'
RL 5 Iain Henderson
LL 4 Tadhg Beirne downward-facing red arrow 48'
TP 3 Tadhg Furlong downward-facing red arrow 48'
HK 2 Dan Sheehan downward-facing red arrow 48'
LP 1 Andrew Porter downward-facing red arrow 48'
Replacements:
HK 16 Rónan Kelleher upward-facing green arrow 48'
PR 17 Dave Kilcoyne upward-facing green arrow 48'
PR 18 Finlay Bealham upward-facing green arrow 48'
LK 19 James Ryan upward-facing green arrow 48'
N8 20 Jack Conan upward-facing green arrow 48'
SH 21 Conor Murray upward-facing green arrow 41'
FH 22 Jack Crowley upward-facing green arrow 45'
CE 23 Stuart McCloskey upward-facing green arrow 21' downward-facing red arrow 32' upward-facing green arrow 35'
Coach:
England Andy Farrell
FB 15 Blair Kinghorn downward-facing red arrow 8'
RW 14 Darcy Graham downward-facing red arrow 50'
OC 13 Huw Jones
IC 12 Sione Tuipilotu
LW 11 Duhan van der Merwe
FH 10 Finn Russell
SH 9 Ali Price
N8 8 Jack Dempsey
OF 7 Rory Darge downward-facing red arrow 65'
BF 6 Jamie Ritchie (c) downward-facing red arrow 20'
RL 5 Grant Gilchrist downward-facing red arrow 45'
LL 4 Richie Gray
TP 3 Zander Fagerson downward-facing red arrow 60'
HK 2 George Turner downward-facing red arrow 59'
LP 1 Pierre Schoeman downward-facing red arrow 53'
Replacements:
HK 16 Ewan Ashman upward-facing green arrow 59'
PR 17 Rory Sutherland upward-facing green arrow 53'
PR 18 WP Nel upward-facing green arrow 60'
LK 19 Scott Cummings upward-facing green arrow 45'
FL 20 Matt Fagerson upward-facing green arrow 20'
FL 21 Luke Crosbie upward-facing green arrow 65'
SH 22 George Horne upward-facing green arrow 50'
FB 23 Ollie Smith Yellow card 42' upward-facing green arrow 8'
Coach:
Scotland Gregor Townsend

Player of the Match:
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)[42]

Assistant referees:
Wayne Barnes (England)[17]
Jordan Way (Australia)[17]
Television match official:
Brett Cronan (Australia)[17]

Notes:


Tonga vs Romania

[edit]
8 October 2023
17:45 CEST (UTC+2)
(1 BP) Tonga 45–24 Romania
Try: Kata (2) 11' c, 66' m
Moala 15' c
Taumoepeau 22' c
Vailanu 49' c
Ahki 62' c
Taumoefolau 71' m
Con: Havili (5/7) 13', 17', 23', 51', 63'
ReportTry: Boboc 30' c
Surugiu 36' c
Simionescu 55' c
Con: Conache (3/3) 32', 37', 57'
Pen: Conache (1/2) 19'
Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d'Ascq
Attendance: 45,042
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)[17]
Tonga
Romania
FB 15 Salesi Piutau downward-facing red arrow 71'
RW 14 Solomone Kata downward-facing red arrow 67'
OC 13 George Moala
IC 12 Pita Ahki
LW 11 Afusipa Taumoepeau
FH 10 William Havili
SH 9 Sonatane Takulua (c) downward-facing red arrow 64'
N8 8 Sione Vailanu downward-facing red arrow 59'
OF 7 Sione Havili Talitui
BF 6 Semisi Paea
RL 5 Adam Coleman
LL 4 Leva Fifita Yellow card 32' downward-facing red arrow 72'
TP 3 Ben Tameifuna downward-facing red arrow 71'
HK 2 Paul Ngauamo downward-facing red arrow 75'
LP 1 Siegfried Fisi'ihoi downward-facing red arrow 72'
Replacements:
HK 16 Sione Anga'aelangi upward-facing green arrow 75'
PR 17 Paula Latu upward-facing green arrow 72'
PR 18 Siate Tokolahi upward-facing green arrow 71'
LK 19 Sitiveni Mafi upward-facing green arrow 72'
FL 20 Penitoa Finau upward-facing green arrow 59'
SH 21 Manu Paea upward-facing green arrow 64'
FH 22 Patrick Pellegrini upward-facing green arrow 71'
WG 23 Kyren Taumoefolau upward-facing green arrow 67'
Coach:
Australia Toutai Kefu
FB 15 Marius Simionescu
RW 14 Nicolas Onuțu
OC 13 Tevita Manumua
IC 12 Fonovai Tangimana downward-facing red arrow 70'
LW 11 Taliaʻuli Sikuea downward-facing red arrow 64'
FH 10 Alin Conache Yellow card 70'
SH 9 Florin Surugiu downward-facing red arrow 52'
N8 8 André Gorin downward-facing red arrow 60'
OF 7 Cristi Boboc downward-facing red arrow 61'
BF 6 Florian Roșu red cross icon 33' to 41'
RL 5 Marius Iftimiciuc
LL 4 Adrian Moțoc downward-facing red arrow 61'
TP 3 Alexandru Gordaș downward-facing red arrow 64'
HK 2 Ovidiu Cojocaru (c) downward-facing red arrow 59'
LP 1 Alexandru Savin downward-facing red arrow 60'
Replacements:
HK 16 Robert Irimescu upward-facing green arrow 59'
PR 17 Iulian Harțig upward-facing green arrow 60'
PR 18 Costel Burțilă upward-facing green arrow 64'
LK 19 Ștefan Iancu upward-facing green arrow 33' downward-facing red arrow 41' upward-facing green arrow 61'
FL 20 Damian Strătilă upward-facing green arrow 60'
SH 21 Gabriel Rupanu upward-facing green arrow 64'
CE 22 Alexandru Bucur upward-facing green arrow 52'
CE 23 Mihai Graure upward-facing green arrow 70'
Coach:
Romania Eugen Apjok

Player of the Match:
George Moala (Tonga)[45]

Assistant referees:
Mathieu Raynal (France)[17]
Christophe Ridley (England)[17]
Television match official:
Ben Whitehouse (Wales)[17]

Notes:

  • This was the first ever meeting between these two sides at a World Cup.
  • Vlad Neculau was originally named in the starting line-up for Romania, but withdrew prior to the match due to injury. He was replaced by Florian Roșu, whose place on the bench was taken by Ștefan Iancu.
  • This was Tonga's largest points total in a World Cup match, surpassing the 35 points they scored against Namibia in 2015, and their biggest victory at the tournament (by margin), surpassing their 29–11 win over Ivory Coast in 1995.[46]
  • Romania finished the pool stage with 287 points and 43 tries conceded – the highest number of points and tries scored against one team in a single World Cup campaign, surpassing Namibia's concession of 266 points in 2011.[47]


References

[edit]
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  3. ^ Raleigh, David (1 September 2023). "Rugby World Cup: Fans believe Ireland's biggest problem is getting out of 'group of death'". Irish Examiner.
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  8. ^ Duncan, Thomas (10 September 2023). "Springboks too strong for Scots in Rugby World Cup opener". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
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  14. ^ Telfer, Alastair (1 October 2023). "World champions edge towards quarter-finals with bonus-point win". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
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  37. ^ "SCO 84-0 ROU: Scotland tee up Pool B decider against Ireland". rugbyworldcup.com. Rugby World Cup. 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
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  46. ^ "Tonga claim their biggest-ever World Cup win as Romania come up short". www.planetrugby.com. Planet Rugby. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  47. ^ "Tonga ends Rugby World Cup with win against Romania". apnews.com. AP News. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.