Lucky Maree
➤ George Ford buries Los Pumas with one, two, three drop goals!
It took only four minutes for England’s flank forward Tom Curry to get sent off and it seemed like England would continue the way they had come into the World Cup – as losers.
But then along came George Ford. The England flyhalf, clearly on the field because England’s beloved number 10 Owen Farrell, was still serving a suspension for foul play, made the game his own.
On 26 minutes, with the scores even, he kicks a fairly long drop goal to give England the lead. But wait, there’s more! Two minutes later, he scores another perfect drop goal and just before halftime, he scores his third – it’s a monster from behind the halfway line.
And then, cool as you like, Ford carries on racking up the penalties, taking the game away from Argentina with every kick.
Argentina picked the worst match of their year to forget to pitch up. Their try on the final whistle is the powerful effort they were expected to display throughout the match.
In the coaches boxes, Steve Borthwick can’t help smiling the biggest smile he’s had since he became England’s coach, Argentina’s Michael Cheika looks sullen. Pacing up and down, Owen Farrell tries to look neutral, no doubt worried about his place in the team … England has a new hero, and it’s not Farrell.
➤ Australia off to a good start, Italy scores freely, and Ireland look scary good
Eddie Jones will be relieved at Australia’s performance. Georgia was not an insignificant challenge before the match, but after the game it looked a little like a mismatch. Australian Carter Gordon at flyhalf will no doubt get better as the tournament progresses. Georgia, despite scoring two tries, could still be a contender to get into the finals but it seems like a far away romantic notion right now.
There is very little to be learnt from mismatches, but Italy will be satisfied after running in seven tries against a game but outclassed Namibian team. But the Namibians can hold their heads high. As they always knew, it’s going to be a tough tournament for them but they played for 80 minutes and gave their best at every step.
For Ireland, one of the tournament favourites, to score 12 tries against Romania has no meaning in itself – but the way they did it, was scary. Andy Farrell has trained this team to win matches. It’s what they do. They play what’s in front of them, and they go for every point – even when they have 80 points on the board. They will be very tough to beat.
England (0 tries) 27-10 (1 try) Argentina
Australia (4 tries) 35-15 (2 tries) Georgia
Italy (7 tries) 52-8 (1 try) Namibia
Ireland (12 tries) 82-8 (1 try) Romania
Pictured above: A new England hero: George Ford
Image source: Rugby England Twitter
