World Cup Weekend Two - Hot Takes From Professional Coaching Consultant Mike Penistone
Our rugby expert Mike Penistone summarises three fixtures from this weekend at the Rugby World Cup 2023.
Samoa 43 v Chile 10
For much of the first half Samoa provided the brutality, Chile the skill. Chile re-named their defence, “The Wall” and Samoa obliged by running into it. 12 penalties, mainly at the breakdown limited any fluid play. Then with a minute to go, Samoa remembered they were a pacific Island team and produced a skilfully constructed try.
The Pacific Island theme continued, and Samoa reverted to type and became destructive. Penalties increased and Chile began to collapse. More penalties followed, with yellow cards, and the game deteriorated. Samoa cruised to 43 -10 at the end. A major concern of mine is the number of poor catches, not all of them from bad passes
Wales 28 v Portugal 8
More open rugby played in the first half of this game, than any other. Portugal positive and keen to move the ball. Wales struggling for pace at 13.
Gatland searching for the most effective combinations.
Rees Zammit an exceptional footballer. Scores the perfect kick chase try.
The Portuguese coach must have been bemused as to why his team came out for the second half and didn’t begin playing until the 65th minute. The spark died out then re-appeared.
Wales now face Australia in a mini-final.