Rugby World Cup 2015 Results: Japan fail upset over Scotland as Australia, France dominate group matches

Japan vs Scotland

Scotland woke up Japan from its Rugby World Cup dream, giving the Brave Blossoms a reality check in a 45-10 loss to the Scots.

Japan’s exhaustion was evident in their Pool B clash against Scotland on Wednesday at Kingholsm Stadium in front of a jam-packed crowd. Scotland managed a 12-7 halftime lead, before opening up five second half tries to cap the team’s first win in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The Brave Blossoms was able to put a fight against the world No. 12 Scotland when number eight Amanaki Mafi rattled the Scots with two crucial runs early in the second half. However, it was a big blow for Japan when Mafi withdrew from the field injured, ending the Japanese team’s short-lived potential upset.

Scotland then started attacking Japan, who was clearly tired from their stunning 34-32 victory over South Africa at the weekend. Fullback Stuart Hogg opened the way for centre Mark Bennett, who crossed for Scotland’s second try. The game was settled when Tommy Seymour caught an interception and ran at the other end of the pitch to score.

Captain Craig Laidlaw said the team was happy with the result, but admitted it was only the beginning of their RWC journey. “I thought we were outstanding for the duration,” Laidlaw said, reports Stuff. "Credit to Japan though, they were awesome against South Africa and really tough opponents again today.”

Scotland top the Pool B standings followed by Samoa and Japan with four points. South Africa has two points, while United States remain pointless.

Australia vs Fiji

Australia impressed in their World Cup opener 28-13 win against Fiji in Pool A at Millennium Stadium. Despite the Wallabies missing out a chance for a bonus point, coach Michael Cheika was still pleased about winning their first game in the quadrennial rugby tournament.

"I am new to test football and international rugby, so the most important thing for me is winning the test match,” Cheika told Rugby World’s official website. "It's a very competitive pool and I don't think it's right going into a match trying to claim a bonus point against a side like Fiji who did so well the other night against England."

David Pocock led the way for the Wallabies with two tries, while Sekope Kepu added one. Bernard Foley also helped Australia with 13 points from drop kicks.

The Wallabies led 18-3 at the end of the first half, highlighted by Pocock’s tries in the 26th minute and 31st minute mark, and two penalties from outside-half Foley. Fiji’s Nemami Nadolo scored the team’s lone points via penalty in the first period.

Australia will play Uruguay at Villa Park on Sunday, while Fiji returns to Cardiff next week to face world no. 4 Wales.

France vs Romania

France won its second game in the RWC after brushing off rugby minnow Romania 38-11 at Olympic Stadium. Les Bleus scored five tries to seal a bonus point, courtesy of Sofiane Gouitone, Yannick Nyanga, and Gael Fickou.

France’s speed and passing ability proved too much for Romania, who started strong in the early minutes of the game. The Romanians thought they had the first try of the game in the 17th minute when centre Florin Vlaicu drove forward and spun the ball after winning a line-out near the French line. However, South African referee Jaco Peyper, who was criticised for excessive use of video replays during England’s victory against Fiji, ruled out the try.

Fofana scored France’s fourth try in the 69th minute, before Romania’s flanker Valentin Ursache managed a try of his own. Fickou capped the match with a try in the closing minutes followed by a conversion from Rory Kockott.

Romania will face Ireland on Sept. 27, while France takes on Canada next month.

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