THE BREAKDOWN | WORLD CUP BRIEFS
CANADA TAME TONGA
Canada produced the first shock of the World Cup as they enjoyed a 25-20 win over Tonga in Whangarei. Canada led the Pool A clash 10-7 at half-time through Jebb Sinclair’s converted try with Siale Piutau replying before the break, but Canada stunned the favourites with two tries in the last 12 minutes to record a famous victory.
SAMOA THRASH NAMIBIA
A hat-trick from Alesana Tuilagih helped Samoa record an emphatic 49-12 win over Namibia in a one-sided Pool B encounter. Kahn Fotuali’i and Paul Williams also crossed, while Samoa were awarded a penalty try in the second half. Tusi Pisi added 10 points before limping off with Williams adding a further nine points from the boot.
HABANA SIDELINED
South Africa winger Bryan Habana (inset) has been ruled out of Saturday’s Pool D match against Fiji because of a knee injury. And the Springboks could also be without Johann Muller after the Ulster lock injured his hamstring in training. “Bryan sustained a Petallar Tendon injury during last week’s match and will not be considered for selection,” said team communications manager Andy Colquhoun. With Bakkies Botha (Achilles) and Victor Matfield (hamstring) also struggling, the defending champions have issues to deal with in the second row, too.
CENTURY UP FOR MCCAW
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw is set to become the first player to rack up 100 appearances for the All Blacks after being named in the side for the Pool A clash with Japan in Hamilton tomorrow. McCaw will lead a side that shows eight changes to that which beat Tonga 41-10 in the tournament opener in Auckland. Star fly-half Dan Carter will be rested after he picked up a slight back problem.