RWC 2023 R1: 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 George Ford controlled the game and kicked all 27 points, including three first half drop goals, perhaps leaving them with a bit of a selection dilemma when Owen Farrell returns from suspension. A good problem to have. 

Japan vs Chile 42-12

In their World Cup debut, Chile showed promise, scoring an early try by Rodrigo Fernandez. However, 2019 hosts Japan took control and led 21-7 by halftime, with Amato Fakatava scoring twice. Despite Alfonso Escobar's try narrowing the gap for Chile, Japan secured a bonus point with Michael Leitch's score, followed by Ryoto Nakamura and Warner Dearns sealing the deal. Chile's attacking spirit impressed, but Japan's experience prevailed. The Brave Blossoms are eyeing another quarter-final appearance, likely needing to defeat England or Argentina.

South Africa vs Scotland 18-3

While there was a lot of talk about this being the best prepared and most dangerous Scotland team to appear at a RWC, the World Champion Springboks side - playing in an alternate strip that had many fans up in arms - showed that their new mix of power and flair, combined with a seemingly impenetrable defence, was too much for the Scots on the day. It was just 6-3 to South Africa at the break, but two quick tries, through Pieter-Steph Du Toit and Kurt-Lee Arendse, made the difference. Manie Libbok's no-look kick pass in particular was one of the highlights of the match. The loss puts Scotland in a challenging position in Pool B, which includes top-ranked Ireland, while South Africa looks ahead to Romania next.

Wales vs Fiji 32-26

The best was saved for last as Rugby World Cup rivals Wales and Fiji produced yet another classic contest between them. Wales had to make an incredible 248 tackles to 70, but held on at the end despite tremendous pressure from Fiji, who were perhaps one dropped ball away from a famous come from behind victory. While there was a lot to talk about in the fascinating contest, it's worth mentioning Levani Botia's lovely show of sportsmanship as he crossed the try line but knocked it on inches before, then got up and turned to the referee to let him know it's not a try, rather than going through the TMO process. Classy.

Bring on round two.