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Catch up

Hard Yards: here's what you missed at the Rugby World Cup this morning

Got a life? Like to sleep? We got your back with our tournament round-up. You’re welcome.

THE FRENCH BEING cheese-eating surrender monkeys. Scotland giving their fans enough hope to hang themselves, England doing just enough and Australia doing their thing against minnows.

Yes, it was another busy night – and intriguing  morning – of action at the Rugby World Cup.

Here, if you have more of a life than us, is what you might have missed.

Australia 68-22 Russia

How it happened: Australia got the win against Pool C minnows Russia – but it wasn’t all plain sailing.

The Wallabies ran in 10 tries but conceded three against modest opposition. They also lost winger Drew Mitchell to a hamstring injury that could end his tournament.

What that means: We’ll know after Ireland’s game tomorrow. Australia had the bonus point in the bag by the 15th minute – that could still come into play.

If Italy beat Declan Kidney’s side and doesn’t concede two bonus points, Australia will top Pool C and avoid South Africa in the quarter-finals.

France 14-19 Tonga

How it happened: The south sea islanders produced one of the most inspirational performances in World Cup history.

France were beaten by a fierce Tonga in Wellington to record one of the World Cup’s biggest upsets. However… Vincent Clerc’s last-gasp try ensured Les Bleus will nevertheless progress to the quarter-finals.

What that means: France limp into the quarter-finals thanks to that losing bonus point despite a sorry effort. Tonga head home with heads high.

England 16 Scotland 12

How it happened: England booked a Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash with France after Chris Ashton’s try sealed a dramatic late victory over Scotland at Eden Park today.

The Scots were six points up at half-time thanks to a late Dan Parks drop on goal right on the whistle.

England rallied in the second though until Ashton ultimately sealed the win.

What that means: England scrape through to that showdown with Les Blues. Scotland are on the brink of elimination in the group stages of the World Cup for the first time ever.

Andy Robinson needs Georgia to beat Argentina in Palmerston North tomorrow – and deny the Pumas any bonus points – if they are to snatch a place in the last eight. Unlikely.

  • Big winner: Martin Johnson – his side march on, despite a real test from auld enemy Scotland in their first meeting outside of Britain.
  • Big loser: Come on down Mr Lievremont. France put in an anaemic, embarrassing performance and will be heading soon  – as it seems they want – unless they improve dramatically next weekend.

Huge concern in New Zealand as Carter gets injured

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