Drop goal hat trick, no-look kick and Fiji lighting it up

Rugby World Cup 2023 burst into life on Friday night with the host nation celebrating yet another famous tournament win over the three-times champions at the Stade de France. But the opening round saved the best for last, as Wales and Fiji battled it out in a thrilling match that was undoubtedly the game of the weekend. 

Meanwhile, Italy flexed their muscle with a convincing win over Namibia, and Ireland dominated Romania with a record-setting performance. Australia marked their return to form against Georgia, and England overcame an early red card to triumph against Argentina. Japan impressed as Chile made their debut, and defending champions South Africa showed their power to dismiss Scotland’s threat.

France vs New Zealand 27 – 13

While the All Blacks got off to a flyer with an early try from Mark Telea, France responded with accurate goal-kicking from Tomas Ramos, and tries by winger Damian Penaud and replacement Melvyn Jaminet to seal the win. The victory puts France atop Pool A, and goes down as another famous RWC win over the All Blacks, following 1999 and 2007.

Italy vs Namibia 52 – 8

Italy kicked off their campaign with a convincing win in Saint-Etienne, starting with the first 50:22 of the tournament just ten minutes into the match. It led to a yellow card and two tries while they were down to 14 men, part of their seven-try total against the small Southern African side who now have the unfortunate record of 23 Rugby World Cup matches and 23 Rugby World Cup losses. They gave it their all but were no match for the Six Nations team, who aim to reach the knockout phase for the first time, but face tougher challenges ahead in Pool A against New Zealand and France.

Ireland vs Romania 82 – 8

A record setting winning margin by Ireland blew away the Romanian hopes of putting up a solid showing in their opening Rugby World Cup 2023 outing in France. The dominant, bonus-point victory in Bordeaux included 12 tries, with Johnny Sexton leading the charge with 24 points, and two tries of his own. Romania took the lead, but Ireland responded with five first half tries, followed by seven more in the second half. The number one ranked team next face Tonga, South Africa and Scotland in Pool B. 

Australia vs Georgia 35 – 15

The Wallabies turned their fortunes around under Eddie Jones with a solid opening match win against Georgia. Despite Georgia’s power up front and plenty of fans at the Stade de France, Australia’s experience and structure proved too much as they scored through Jordan Petaia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and Ben Donaldson. Georgia face Portugal next, while Australia will prepare for the dangerous Fijians. 

England vs Argentina 27-10

Coming off an upset loss to Fiji at Twickenham, England surprised everyone by upsetting a much-fancied Argentina side, with shades of what they were on the receiving end of in the 1999 Quarter Finals. Despite going down to 14 men due to a controversial Tom Curry red card, England’s