Hello, everyone, this is the thread where I’ll post results and info IC about the tournament. I would encourage you all to get involved with IC posts.
Any OOC questions please see the OOC thread.
I’ll start off.
Stadia announced for the 2024 Rugby World Cup.
Play-off Round for the Final World Cup Spot
Semi Finals
Weisserstein 40 vs. 27 Jazeera
In a highly anticipated Rugby World Cup Play Off semifinal, Weisserstein clashed with Jazeera in a thrilling encounter. Right from the kickoff, both teams displayed their determination to secure a spot in the final. Weisserstein took an early lead with some well-executed plays, putting Jazeera on the back foot. Despite Jazeera’s valiant efforts to claw their way back into the game, Weisserstein’s cohesive teamwork and strategic gameplay proved too much to handle. The match unfolded with intense back-and-forth action, but Weisserstein maintained their lead throughout the game, eventually emerging victorious with a final score of 40-27. Weisserstein’s impressive performance secured their place in the Rugby World Cup playoff final, much to the delight of their fans.
Fatiniyya 13 vs. 50 Khadar
In the other Rugby World Cup Play Off semifinal, Fatiniyya squared off against Khadar in a battle for a spot in the final. From the outset, Khadar asserted their dominance with a relentless display of skill and precision. Fatiniyya struggled to contain Khadar’s powerful attacks, finding themselves overwhelmed by their opponent’s offensive prowess. Despite Fatiniyya’s efforts to mount a comeback, Khadar maintained control of the match, maintaining a commanding lead throughout the game. In the end, Khadar emerged victorious with a resounding 50-13 win, booking their ticket to the Rugby World Cup playoff final. Khadar’s dominant performance showcased their status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of rugby, setting the stage for an exciting final showdown.
Final
Rugby World Cup Playoff Final: Khadar 31 vs. 46 Weisserstein
In the highly anticipated Rugby World Cup Playoff Final, Khadar clashed with Weisserstein in a thrilling showdown to determine the ultimate champion. Both teams had displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, and the final promised to be an electrifying contest.
From the opening whistle, the intensity was palpable as Khadar and Weisserstein left everything on the field. Khadar, known for their powerful offense, took an early lead with some impressive tries, putting pressure on Weisserstein’s defense. However, Weisserstein quickly countered with their own attacks, showcasing their speed and agility to close the gap.
As the match progressed, both teams exchanged blows, with momentum swinging back and forth. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans from both sides cheered on their respective teams with fervor. Khadar continued to push forward with relentless determination, but Weisserstein’s defense held firm, thwarting their attempts to extend their lead.
In the second half, Weisserstein shifted into high gear, unleashing a flurry of scoring opportunities that left Khadar scrambling to keep up. Weisserstein’s precision passing and strategic plays proved to be too much for Khadar to handle, as they piled on the points to seize control of the match.
Despite Khadar’s valiant efforts to mount a comeback, Weisserstein maintained their composure and refused to relinquish their lead. In the end, Weisserstein emerged victorious with a final score of 46-31, clinching a place at the Rugby World Cup in a spectacular display of skill and determination.
The players and fans alike erupted into jubilation as Weisserstein celebrated their hard-earned victory, capping off an unforgettable tournament with a well-deserved triumph. The Rugby World Cup Playoff Final had delivered on its promise of excitement and drama, leaving a lasting impression on rugby fans across the nation.
Once more before stepping onto the team plane, which is operated by Valkluft, the team’s members were asked again to confirm that they did not have any drugs on them that could result in their arrest on Montacia. Two players and one coach relinquished a bag of edibles, a Grønn vaporiser, and a pack of diced psilocybin mushrooms to the National Police. Another player affirmed that they did not have any drugs on them and stepped on the plane, but they were in possession of a box of coca tea bags, unknowing that they too were illegal where they were heading.
The Valkluft plane that the national team is taking was designed for use by Valfor and the national team, regardless of sport. An all-black plane with blue and white stripes, it is one of the largest planes that Valkluft operates, a plane designed for champions. The plane can fit an entire Olympic team, but this flight needed only the rugby union national team with space for Valkyrian sports journalists and some government officials.
Culture Minister Jón Antonsson was headed to Montacia with the national team, representing the Valkyrian government while on the trip. If the national team makes it to the final, we will see the jarlskona and prime minister travel to Montacia to personally attend the final. Until then, it will just be the culture minister, but this was an opportunity to see Valkyrian soft power at play for the first time this decade.
The International Rugby Union Federation (IRUF) has released a statement that it has received formal complaints about doping, and will be launching a probe. With every player in the RUWC being tested for prohibited substances before the opening games.
Scandal hits the Valkyrian Rugby Union Team as three players test positive for prohibited substances. The International Rugby Union Confederation have been quick to act and suspend the three players ahead of the opening game tonight.
The Rugby World Cup Trophy has been delivered to Keanu and Hurley by the Izaakian Rugby Association. The trophy will remain in a secure glass case in the Royal Keanuan Stadium for the duration of the tournament.
The 2024 Rugby World Cup opening ceremony begins at the Royal Keanuan Stadium, with the stadium going dark, and over the tannoy system King Keanu says “Kia Ora! and welcome to the 2024 Rugby World Cup!”.
The stadium then lights up with a spectacular light and drone show, the show is narrated by King Keanu and is the creation story of Keanu and Hurley, from the giant sea turtle on who’s back the islands sit on, though to the first humans emerging from the sea. The show includes mass choreography on field, all acting in unison.
The story carries on through conflict and strife, until one day, rugby is introduced to Keanu and Hurley, and provides a competitive and peaceful outlet for the many tribes of Keanu and Hurley.
Then the lights focus on the tunnel, where to quick drum beats King Keanu leads out the Keanu and Hurley national rugby team. Before suddenly, the music stops, except a single slow beating drum. Lights focus on the tunnel and out comes a lone figure, the Izaakian team captain Jok Pike, the captain who led the Izaakians to their World Cup victory in 2021. He is carrying the World Cup Trophy, and as soon as he steps onto the grass the drones light up as a trophy, being circled by two Izaakian sharks.
Jok Pike then hands the trophy to King Keanu who places the trophy onto a plinth. Jok Pike then stands there, a solitary figure as King Keanu leads the Kenauan Rugby Team, Hundreds of Keanuans who took part in the choreography, and thousands of Kenauans in the stands through the traditional Haka war dance. Historically this was done as ritual before any battle, and the aim is to intimidate the opponent into giving ground, this ritual has been adopted by the Kenauan rugby team, and is often seen as a potent psychological weapon.
As they perform the mass Haka, the biggest ever performed in history, they approach Jok Pike, edging closer until some of the Rugby team, and King Keanu are within inches of Jok Pike, but he does not give a millimetre. Once the Haka ends, there is a stand off, between who will be the first to step back from the Haka challenge that lasts for 3 minutes with ever increasing intensity of drum beats in the background, before King Keanu reaches out his arm and gives Jok Pike a firm handshake.
King Keanu then over the tannoy pronounces “Let the games begin!”, and the opening ceremony is over.
Group A - Sunday 8th
| Keanu and Hurley | 40 | 53 | Hazelia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hystaiga | 17 | 37 | Besern |
Keanu and Hurley will be disappointed at losing the opening game of their home World Cup to Hazelia, however, after falling behind to Hazelia in the first half, they’ll be happy to have made such a strong comeback.
In the other group A game Besern confidently beat Hystaiga to put them join top of the group.
Group B - Sunday 8th
| Izaakia | 34 | 25 | Valora |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald | 39 | 19 | Valkyria |
World champions Izaakia are strong out of the box again in their opening match against Valora, however will be concerned at having conceded so many tries to the Valorans, who are a much weaker team.
Emerald made an impressive start to the campaign against Valkyria who are missing first team 3 players due to a doping ban.
Group C - Sunday 8th
| Anserisa | 24 | 43 | Stoinia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krauanagaz | 22 | 13 | N&GB |
The 2021 World Cup finalists Anserisa will be devastated to lose so comprehensively to Stoinia, who have a fielded a strong young team for this World Cup.
In the other game Krauanagaz won a close game against N&GB, who will be disappointed not have gotten more points out of the game.
Group D - Sunday 8th
| Brodlancia | 46 | 43 | Transsuneria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryccia | 47 | 47 | Aberstopia |
Brodlancia were just as open in offence as in defence against Transsuneria, a team of their caliber should not be conceding so many points to Transsuneria, and the Brodlancians are lucky to have got away with a poor defensive display.
Likewise a very open game in the Ryccia Abserstopia game, ending in a very high scoring 47-47 draw, with the Ryccians scoring a penalty with the last kick of the game.
Group E - Monday 9th
| Techganet | 30 | 30 | Vrigny |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eflad | 35 | 23 | Kalinskia |
Techganet and Vrigny were slow out of the blocks, in what looked like a very slow game of attrition, in the end neither team managed to grind out an advantage.
Eflad brought a fast pace to their opening game and were rewarded with a victory over Kalinskia.
Group F - Monday 9th
| Sedunn | 20 | 34 | Ikoania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yttria | 32 | 51 | Myria |
The Sedunnic team look to have lost their nerve and fitness in their opening game against Ikoania, they were categorically outmatched by the Ikoanians, and if they don’t improve fast they will be going home empty handed.
Conversely Myria looked like a formidable team when they thrashed Yttria 51-32.
Group G - Monday 9th
| Montacia | 35 | 48 | Sallodesia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akarina | 30 | 46 | Fauderland |
The Montacian All Blacks looked once again without coherence within the team, and the Sallodesians took advantage. The Sallodesians will be expecting to go top of the group now they’ve dispatched their biggest opponents.
Fauderland pulled ahead of Akarina in their game, and it’s fair to say the Akarinan team looked distracted by events off the pitch.
Group H - Monday 9th
| Frost Empire | 37 | 50 | Tigon (Ryccia) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitallduk | 32 | 50 | Weisserstein |
The Frost Empire brought their unique and typical fast paced rugby to the opening game, however the Tigon team were far too physical for the Frosties, and caused a lot of injuries on their way to victory.
Weisserstein continue their strong form from the qualifying rounds and beat a lacklustre Mitallduk.
| Match Day 1 - Group Tables | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | Points | Group B | Points |
| Hazelia | 5 | Izaakia | 5 |
| Besern | 5 | Emerald | 4 |
| Keanu and Hurley | 1 | Valora | 1 |
| Hystaiga | 0 | Valkyria | 0 |
| Group C | Points | Group D | Points |
| Stoinia | 5 | Brodlancia | 5 |
| Krauanagaz | 4 | Ryccia | 3 |
| N&GB | 1 | Aberstopia | 3 |
| Anserisa | 0 | Transsuneria | 2 |
| Group E | Points | Group F | Points |
| Eflad | 5 | Ikoania | 5 |
| Techganet | 2 | Myria | 5 |
| Vrigny | 2 | Yttria | 0 |
| Kalinskia | 0 | Sedunn | 0 |
| Group G | Points | Group H | Points |
| Sallodesia | 5 | Tigon (Ryccia) | 5 |
| Fauderland | 5 | Weisserstein | 5 |
| Montacia | 0 | Frost Empire | 1 |
| Akarina | 0 | Mitallduk | 0 |
Match Day 2
Group A
| Keanu and Hurley | 45 | 35 | Hystaiga |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazelia | 51 | 36 | Besern |
Keanu and Hurley rack up their first home win against a weak Hystaiga, who after two games look like they’re going home in the group stage. The win put Keanu and Hurley on equal points with Besern who they will play in the final game, with the winner earning a spot in the knockout stage.
Hazelia continued their strong form against Besern, firmly dispatching the team and sealing their spot in the playoff rounds with a game to spare. They will face Hystaiga in the final game who they will be confident of beating.
Group B
| Izaakia | 16 | 23 | Emerald |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valora | 19 | 17 | Valkyria |
World champions Izaakia played a solid defensive game against Emerald, however the lack of creativity caused them to lose to Emerald who look like a team in much better form. Pundits are starting to wonder whether the team that has remained largely unchanged for 12 years and won 2 world cups is starting to get too old and slow.
Valora and Valkyria played out a very close game of attrition, with Valora holding onto the lead in the final minutes despite sustained pressure.
After 2 games in a group Izaakians were expected to win the group is wide open, with any of the top three teams able to qualify for the knockout stages.
Group C
| Anserisa | 17 | 30 | Krauanagaz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stoinia | 29 | 32 | N&GB |
Krauanagaz put in a stunning display against the 2021 runners up Anserisa, their form in this World Cup has been spectacular and they deserve to be top of the group and qualify for the knockout stage. Conversely the Anserisa team have been a huge disappointment, they look out of shape and out of sync, and with 0 points after two games they now have no mathematical chance of progression.
N&GB managed to squeeze out their first win against an in form Stoinia in one of the most thrilling games of the group stages so far. Group C is wide open and any of the top 3 teams could reach the knockout stages.
Group D
| Brodlancia | 36 | 41 | Ryccia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transsuneria | 30 | 32 | Aberstopia |
Ryccia knocked up their first win against the Brodlancian team in another close game. Group D looks by far the most difficult group, and the standard of rugby has been spectacular. After a close game between Transsuneria and Abseropia all 4 teams can progress into the knockout stages, and progression will be down to which two teams win in GW 3.
Group E
| Techganet | 34 | 36 | Eflad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vrigny | 48 | 58 | Kalinskia |
Eflad edged out a close win against Techganet and have secured their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare. Techganet salvaged a point, will hope to progress after the final game.
Kalinskia and Vrigny had a high scoring open game, and in the end the Kalinskian offensive proved more effective.
In group E the bottom three teams will be fighting it out for second place, however playing an In-form Eflad in the final game Vrigny look least likely.
Group F
| Sedunn | 41 | 29 | Yttria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ikoania | 25 | 33 | Myria |
Sedunn secured a routine win against Yttria in their game, taking their first win of the tournament. The Sedunnic team will be concerned that they are in jeopardy of being knocked out as they face in from Myria next.
Myria managed a respectable, if close win against Ikoania, and look certain to advance to the knockout stage.
Group G
| Montacia | 24 | 23 | Akarina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sallodesia | 47 | 27 | Fauderland |
The Montacian All Blacks looked an absolute shambles in their win against Akarina, a team they should comprehensively thrash on a bad day. They were lucky to salvage a victory, and look a shadow of the team that won the World Cup 6 years ago. They’re now in the back seat in the race for a knockout space, and look like they’ll be knocked out in the group stages 2 world cups in a row.
Sallodesia put on a confident display, with the Kyboks making the Fauderland team look like amateurs. Now the less these two teams look most likely to progress, with Sallodesia already securing a space in the knockouts, and Fauderland facing an out of form Montacia.
Group H
| Frost Empire | 55 | 31 | Mitallduk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tigon (Ryccia) | 30 | 32 | Weisserstein |
The pace of the Frost Empire team was too much for the Mitallduks, and despite their physical advantage, there was little they could do against the onslaught.
The tigon team were unlucky to lose to Weissertein who go top of their group after winning twice. With one game to go The Frost Empire, Tigon or Weisserstein could win this group.m
| Match Day 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | Points | Group B | Points |
| Hazelia | 10 | Emerald | 8 |
| Besern | 6 | Izaakia | 6 |
| Keanu and Hurley | 6 | Valora | 5 |
| Hystaiga | 0 | Valkyria | 1 |
| Group C | Points | Group D | Points |
| Krauanagaz | 8 | Ryccia | 8 |
| Stoinia | 6 | Brodlancia | 7 |
| N&GB | 5 | Aberstopia | 7 |
| Anserisa | 0 | Transsuneria | 4 |
| Group E | Points | Group F | Points |
| Eflad | 9 | Myria | 10 |
| Kalinskia | 5 | Ikoania | 5 |
| Techganet | 4 | Sedunn | 5 |
| Vrigny | 3 | Yttria | 1 |
| Group G | Points | Group H | Points |
| Sallodesia | 10 | Weisserstein | 9 |
| Fauderland | 6 | Tigon (Ryccia) | 6 |
| Montacia | 4 | Frost Empire | 6 |
| Akarina | 1 | Mitallduk | 1 |
Match Day 3
Group A
| Keanu and Hurley | 46 | 13 | Besern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazelia | 34 | 27 | Hystaiga |
Keanu and Hurley put a comprehensive offensive display against Besern who proved no match for the hosts, and managed to secure a place in the knockout stages.
In the other game Hazelia continued their strong form to edge out a win against Hystaiga, leading them to the top of group A.
Group B
| Izaakia | 45 | 13 | Valkyria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valora | 43 | 37 | Emerald |
The Izaakian Sharks put in a dominant display against Valkyria, who haven’t looked an effective team since they lost 3 players on doping offences. The win is enough to put Izaakia top of the group.
Valora beat Emerald in the final game, and were unlucky not gain a position in the knockout stages. A missed conversion kick in the final minutes of the game by the Valoran team ultimately cost them a knockout place with Emerald going through on points difference.
Group C
| Anserisa | 53 | 43 | N&GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krauanagaz | 43 | 38 | Stoinia |
Anserisa finally showed up to the World Cup putting in a great display against N&GB, however they were too late to save their World Cup campaign, and will be going home bottom of their group in a great let down by the 2021 World Cup finalists. The effect of their win meant that N&GB also had no chance of promotion.
With the pressure off Krauanagaz and Stoinia fielded younger teams and put on quite a bash with the young Krauanagaz team edging through in the end.
Group D
| Brodlancia | 53 | 44 | Aberstopia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryccia | 42 | 37 | Transsuneria |
Brodlancians put in a strong offensive performance, however were let down defensively conceding a lot of points, they pulled through in the end to come second in the group.
In the other game Ryccia managed to grind to a victory against Transsuneria to go to the top of the group.
Group E
| Techganet | 37 | 39 | Kalinskia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eflad | 37 | 25 | Vrigny |
In group E Kalinskia held on to their first half lead for a nail biting win against group favourites Techganet who will now go home empty handed.
Eflad put in a dazzling display against Vrigny and will go through the knockout stages with high expectations following a strong group stage.
Group F
| Sedunn | 27 | 36 | Myria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ikoania | 10 | 50 | Yttria |
Sedunn lost to Myria and for the first time in history they haven’t advanced to the knockout stages, the head coach will no doubt not be around much longer.
In the other group game Yttria were dominant against Ikoania who went into the match expecting a win. The victory was enough for Yttria to proceed to the knockout stages.
Group G
| Montacia | 39 | 57 | Fauderland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akarina | 43 | 38 | Sallodesia |
The Montacian all blacks lost to Fauderland looking beaten from the start. This is the second consecutive World Cup where the 2 time world champions have been knocked out in the group stages, expect heads to roll back in Montacia tomorrow.
Akarina put in a surprise win against Sallodesia who had already guaranteed promotion. The win proved too little for Akarina who have had a poor World Cup campaign.
Group H
| Frost Empire | 35 | 30 | Weisserstein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tigon (Ryccia) | 60 | 23 | Mitallduk |
In the game to decide the group The Frosties pulled out a close win in a game of attrition against Weisserstein, and those points proved to be vital as the Frosties advanced on match points difference over Weisserstein.
In the other game Tigon knocked Mitallduk for six, leaving them looking dazed as they were truly outclassed. Tigon finished the group stages in first, and will advance ro the knockout stage.
| Match Day 3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | Points | Group B | Points | GD |
| Hazelia | 15 | Izaakia | 11 | |
| Keanu and Hurley | 11 | Emerald | 10 | 21 |
| Besern | 6 | Valora | 10 | -1 |
| Hystaiga | 1 | Valkyria | 1 | |
| Group C | Points | Group D | Points | |
| Krauanagaz | 13 | Ryccia | 13 | |
| Stoinia | 8 | Brodlancia | 12 | |
| N&GB | 6 | Aberstopia | 8 | |
| Anserisa | 5 | Transsuneria | 6 | |
| Group E | Points | Group F | Points | |
| Eflad | 13 | Myria | 14 | |
| Kalinskia | 10 | Yttria | 6 | |
| Techganet | 6 | Ikoania | 5 | |
| Vrigny | 3 | Sedunn | 5 | |
| Group G | Points | Group H | Points | GD |
| Sallodesia | 12 | Tigon (Ryccia) | 11 | |
| Fauderland | 11 | Frost Empire | 10 | 16 |
| Akarina | 6 | Weisserstein | 10 | 15 |
| Montacia | 5 | Mitallduk | 1 |
Last 16 Fixtures
| Hazelia | Frost Empire |
|---|---|
| Izaakia | Fauderland |
| Krauanagaz | Yttria |
| Ryccia | Kalinskia |
| Eflad | Brodlancia |
| Myria | Stoinia |
| Sallodesia | Emerald |
| Tigon (Ryccia) | Keanu and Hurley |
Last 16
Hazelia 23 v 33 Frost Empire
Hazelia came into this game with strong form, and would have expected a better result than a 23-33 lost to the Frost Empire. They started strong, putting in two tries in the first half, using their physicality against a Frost Empire team that didn’t look quite connected up.
In the second half the Frost Empire came out of the blocks flying, and scored 4 tries in short succession, however only managed to convert two, showing a weak kicking game. In the end the Frost Empires speed and fitness levels proved too much for the Hazelia team who looked run ragged by the end of the 80 minutes.
Izaakia 39 v 43 Fauderland
World Champions Izaakia had a strong offensive game through-out the game scoring 3 tries and converting all three. Their kicking game would prove to be the strongest part of their game and they scored 4 drop kick points and 2 penalties.
However, their defensive game was what can only be described as shocking from the world champions, who are capable of much better. A Fauderland team which on paper is much weaker than Izaakia managed to take advantage of these weaknesses and scored 6 tries against a team that hasn’t conceded more than 3 tries in any competition for nearly a decade.
The Izaakians ultimately paid the price for their defensive mistakes and were knocked out of the World Cup for them. A lot of these players that have won two of the last three world cups won’t be seeing another tournament and will be disappointed to retire on such a low point.
Krauanagaz 41 v 46 Yttria
Yttria who rode their luck through the group stages, getting through on the last game with just one win in the group managed to pull off an upset against a formidable Krauanagaz who looked to be one of the hot picks for the tournament. The Krauanagaz game play was much stronger than that of Yttria and they managed to score 6 tries in the game, compared to 4 tries scored by Yttria.
In the end it was the Yttrian kicking game that got them through, they managed to create space to score 6 drop goals in the game and that is what pulled them through to the quarter finals.
Ryccia 41 v 34 Kalinskia
Ryccia is starting to look like a team that refuses to lose, they have a certain psychological advantage over their opponents in this tournament where they are just relentless. After falling behind to Kalinskia in the first half they managed to score 5 of their 6 tries in the last 15 minutes of the game, utilising a physical advantage against Kalinskia who will be disappointed that they didn’t manage to hold on to their lead.
Eflad 22 v 32 Brodlancia
Eflad looked like a team on stronger form coming into this game, however it now seems that they had an easy ride in the group stages. For the first time in this tournament they faced a world class team and they looked unable to respond to the Brodlancian offensive class.
From the start the Brodlancian team was comprehensively in control of the game, and the fact that Eflad managed to score a single try must be seen as a small ray of light for an Eflad team that is heading home.
Myria 13 v 31 Stoinia
In another one sided game the Stoinians managed to completely dismantle a Myrian team who barely showed up. By the end of the 80 minutes the Myrian team looked shell shocked, like they had been victim to a massacre.
Sallodesia 41 v 37 Emerald
Kyboks may be famous for kicking, but these Kyboks almost paid the price for an inability to complete a conversion. Of their 6 tries they only managed to convert 1 for the extra 2 points, and following that display one imagines their kicker won’t be playing the next game.
Despite a poor conversion rate, they Sallodesian display against the Emerald team was generally superior, however the gulf between the two sides was not as large as one would expect in what turned out to be a very open game. The Emerald team will feel hard done by after being knocked out, and the Kyboks will feel lucky to still be in it.
Tigon (Ryccia) 32 v 41 Keanu and Hurley
Keanu and Hurley have finally found some swagger against a Tigon team that looked a tad unsettled after the Haka performed against them by an entire stadium. In the first half the Keanuan team managed to score 4 tries, however only converted one.
Following the break the Tigon team seemed to have recovered their composure, clawing back two tries and scoring a respectable 6 drop kicks. However, this proved to be too little too late, and the Keanuan team looked to be enjoying themselves in an electric atmosphere scoring 2 more tries.
Quarter final fixtures
| Frost Empire | Fauderland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Yttria | Ryccia | ||
| Brodlancia | Stoinia | ||
| Sallodesia | Keanu and Hurley |
Quarter Finals
Frost Empire 46 v 37 Fauderland
The first quarter final game between the Frost Empire and Fauderland was extremely close, and much closer than the score reflects. The Frosties used their speed and agility to score 4 tries against Fauderland, and converted all 4. The Fauderlanders used their size and strength advantage with an 18 stone advantage in the scrum pack to force their way through the Frostie lines and score 4 tries of their own, converting all 4.
In the end the score reflects the disciplinary record of the two teams throughout the game, and outpaced Fauderland conceded 6 penalty kicks to the Frost Empire team as they struggled with the pace of the game. The frost empire pressed their opportunity home to book themselves a place in the semi finals.
Fauderland will be disappointed to go home after making it this far in the tournament, however, they’ve exceeded expectations in this tournament.
Yttria 35 v 36 Ryccia
Yttria looked the stronger team on the pitch, and tore through the Ryccian defence to score 6 tries. However, their kicking game was extremely sub par, and they only managed to score a single conversion, and one penalty kick. One had the sense that the scale of the event got into the heads of the Yttrian players and they ultimately payed the price for their shoddy kicking.
The Ryccian team conversely, looked calm and composed, even when 6 tries down after 60 minutes. But they once again managed to scrape their way through, scoring 3 tries in 10 minutes to bring them within a single point of Yttria on 35. The Yttrian team then conceded a penalty kick to the Ryccians with the last kick of the game.
The Ryccian penalty kicker looked in complete contrast to the Yttrian team, he looked calm and composed, like he was kicking a ball down the park, and scored to put Ryccia a single point ahead and into the semi finals.
So far in this tournament Ryccia has yet to win a game convincingly by more than a try worth of points, and yet look like a team that continues to be unbeatable, with a psychological edge over all their opponents.
Brodlancia 40 v 46 Stoinia
The Brodlancia team was one of the favourite teams left in the tournament, ranked 3rd in the world and the top two teams already out. They faced Stoinia, ranked 9th and one of the biggest rugby power houses in the world. This game was the match of the round, and the game did not disappoint.
Both teams were on top form in the game, neither side managing to pull away from the other, with the lead changing sides 7 times in the 80 minutes. In the end the only thing to split the two teams was two lucky drop kicks by the Stoinian team that pulled them ahead just enough to win.
The Brodlancians will be devastated to have fallen at the quarter finals and would have hoped to make it further. However, they have a young team that will only improve over the coming years into the next World Cup. The Stoinian team look like the team to beat now in the tournament.
Sallodesia 33 v 41 Keanu and Hurley
The Kyboks were expected to make short work of the host team the Keanuans in what looked like the easier route to the final. However, the Keanuans seemed to have 25,015 players in the Royal Keanuan Stadium, and made the Kyboks look like a pub team.
Throughout the game the Kenauans looked in control and the kyboks were chasing throughout. They managed to put 5 tries past the kyboks and truly deserve a place in the Semi-finals at their home World Cup.
Semi Final Fixtures
Frost Empire v Ryccia
Stoinia v Keanu and Hurley
Semi Finals
| Frost Empire | 35 | 35 | Ryccia |
|---|---|---|---|
| extra time | 35 | 38 |
The World Cup semi final game between Ryccia and the Frost empire was fast paced game, perhaps one of the most thrilling knockout games in the history of the World Cup. Out of the blocks the Frost Empire team were strong favourites and set a high tempo and dictating the game, pulling a 4 try lead in the first 20 minutes of the game.
The Ryccian team played a more physical style and pulled back 2 tries in the first half as they settled into the game.
In the second half the game opened up as the Ryccians appeared to match the pace of the Frosties at the cost of conceding 2 more tries, but scoring another 1. However, as the clock ticked down the Ryccians began to make the Frosties feel the Ryccians Physical advantage, before pulling back 3 tries in the last 10 minutes.
The game was a draw at 35-35 with the Frosties lamenting their inability to convert more than 1 try and take the game when the momentum was in their favour. In extra time there was little between the teams until the Ryccian fly-half, and hero of the Ryccian team Karl Alsinvie scored a penalty kick for 3 points. In the end that penalty kick was all that separated the two teams, and for the 4th time in this tournament Karl Alsinvie proved to be the difference for the Ryccian team, making him one of the favourites for player of the tournament.
Stoinia 47 v 46 Keanu and Hurley
If there was ever a contender to rival the first semi final for the for the most thrilling knockout game in World Cup history, then it must be the semi final between the Rhinos, Stoinia, and the host nation the Turtles, Keanu and Hurley.
Both team came into the game champing at the bit. The Kenauan Haka was perhaps the most intimidating and loudest Haka ever performed in Keanu and Hurley, but the Rhinos team advanced to within a foot of the Haka, and didn’t move an inch until well after Haka was over. Neither side moved for minutes despite the protest of the Izaakian referee until, he yellow carded both team captains to enforce discipline.
Discipline didn’t improve much in the game, with both teams conceding over penalties due to fowls, each scoring 6 of those penalties before half time. By half time, Keanu and Hurley was up by 7 points, due to rapid game play, and maintaining a strong team cohesion. However the end of the first half was marred with violence as a brawl broke out between the two teams after un-sportsmanlike conduct in the scrum by the Rhinos hooker, who grabbed the nether regions of an opposing prop to disrupt the opponents play.
At half time the referee went to both changing rooms and gave them a good dressing down, issuing yellow cards to all the players on both teams, as a warning that a single disciplinary infraction will be punished with a ref card in the second half.
After the break discipline was much better, and the Keanuans came back strong scoring and converting a fourth try. However, the team couldn’t disrupt and frustrate the Stoinians as they had done in the first half due to the yellow cards they had received. The Stoinians played their advantage and by the end of the 80 minutes they were just 6 points behind after not converting any of their four tries.
In injury time, the Stoinians managed to cross the goal line, to put them within one point. With the last kick of the game being the conversion kick. The Stoinian fly half who took the kick had not managed to score a single conversion all night, but under the pressure game somehow managed to pull it together and score to send the rhinos through to the final.
The Keanuans were absolutely devastated to be beaten at the final kick, and soon after there was a pitch invasion, which soon broke out into a riot in Keanu. The riot led to the burning of the Stoinian team bus, who had to be evacuated by the Keanuan Air Division.
3rd Place Playoff
Keanu and Hurley 46 - 17 Frost Empire
The third place play off between Keanu and Hurley and the Frost Empire was a cordial affair. The Keanuans fielded their strongest possible team after 5 players were suspended following the fracas in the semi final game against Stoinia, and the Frost Empire team took the opportunity to field some younger players in a competitive match and only kept 2 of the starting 15 from their semi final game against Ryccia.
Out of the gates the Frostie team got the first try with their trademark agility and speed, and closely followed with a second. However from there it went downhill for the young Frosties. The Keanuan team then broke back and scored 2 before half time, leaving the sides toe to toe.
After the break the Keanuan team scored again, and the Frostie team started to collapse. In the end the Kenauans put 6 tries past the young Frosties and earned the unenviable position of third place in the World Cup. The Keanuan team will now attend the World Cup final to collect their medals in the awards ceremony.
