Argentina make a point at expense of France

(IRB.COM) 19 June 2012  Action from the Portugal v Uruguay IRB Nations Cup match, played in Bucharest on Sunday 17 June A late try for Manuel Montero maintained Argentina’s proud home record over the French and helped them claw back the advantage in the IRB World Rankings. The French seemed in control with full-time looming…

USA upset Tonga on day one of JWRT

(IRB.COM) 19 June 2012  USA’s Travis Whitlock spots a gap in the Tongan defence during his side’s 22-11 victory over the pre-tournament favourites in Utah. Photo: David Brinton The United States stunned Tonga in the final game of the Junior World Rugby Trophy’s first day running out 22-11 winners. Second-half tries by Madison Hughes and…

Japan snatch late winner in cruel end for Zim

(IRB.COM) Monday 18 June 2012  Zimbabwe left-wing Justin Coles dives over for a try during his side’s Round One match against Japan at the JWRT 2012 in Utah. Photo: David Brinton Japan overcame a late second half rally by Zimbabwe on a try from reserve fullback Yutaro Murai in the final seconds to capture a…

Chile too cool for robust Russians

(IRB.COM) Tuesday 19 June 2012  Chilean second row Gustavo Carrasco makes good ground in his side’s victory over Russia at the JWRT on Monday. Photo: David Brinton Chile used a balanced attack and a tenacious defence to beat a constantly attacking Russia squad 53-19 in both team’s first match in Pool A play of the…

Georgia’s power too much for Canada

(IRB.COM) Tuesday 19 June 2012  Georgia captain Elguja Surguladze looks for a hole in the Canadian defence on the first day of the JWRT in Salt Lake. Photo: David Brinton Using a tough second-half defence, Georgia overcame an early deficit and earned a rugged 31-17 victory over Canada in pool play for IRB Junior World…

Nations Cup: Romania claim title

(IRB.COM) 19 June 2012  Romania celebrate winning the IRB Nations Cup 2012 Chris Thau, Marius Matache and Mihai Irimia report from Bucharest Romania edged out Emerging Italy17-13 in the deciding match of this year’s IRB Nations Cup to claim the title. Argentina Jaguars defeated Russia 33-9 in the opening match of the day. Uruguay then saw…

England women top seeds for Moscow qualifier

(IRB.COM) 19 June 2012 England will top the seeds at the Women’s RWC Sevens qualifier in MoscowEngland came from behind to beat Spain 21-10 in the final of the first tournament in FIRA’s European Sevens Series in Ameland, Holland. The recent IRB Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup winners in Hong Kong and London won their group…