How Twitter reacted to a wonderful weekend of World Cup rugby
Published:
The Rugby World Cup has now reached the semi-final stage, with South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia set to battle it out for a place in the final next week.
The dominance of the southern hemisphere sides means that a northern hemispheres side has failed to reach the last four for the first time in the history of the competition.
Wales put in a spirited performance against the Springboks but failed to defy the odds, The All Blacks showed their awesome ability against the French and Argentina continued their rise in the game with an impressive win over a patched-up Ireland.
And then… Australia v Scotland! At 6/1 the Scots were not given a hope against the Wallabies but came within a whisker of providing the upset of the round.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the action.
Australia v Scotland
The decision to award Australia a last-minute penalty has been met with derision all-round. Calls for referee Craig Joubert to consult the TMO proved fanciful – he wasn’t allowed to – but the sight of Joubert springing from the field at the close of play was not well received.
In fact, his Wikipedia page had been ‘updated’ within minutes…
Well, I see Craig Joubert’s Wikipedia page has been edited by a crying Scottish fan already: pic.twitter.com/Lq8j15jefy
— raremediumwelldone (@weimingkam) October 18, 2015
Not everyone was in agreement., however, with former England international Lewis Moody saying the Scots’ decision making, rather than the referee’s, is what cost them the game…
I’m so annoyed that #SCO didn’t make the simple decision, why test it in wet conditions and throw it long? #AUSvSCO https://t.co/C5SFLcM5Sk — Lewis Moody (@LewisMoody7) October 18, 2015
South Africa v Wales
While England’s doomed campaign saw most – if not all – their players hang their heads in shame, Wales’ spirited display against the Springboks meant captain Sam Warburton could hold his head up high despite the defeat…
What a roller coaster journey. Support been absolutely amazing and I thank you all so much. It has made this RWC very special. #CymruAmByth
— Sam Warburton (@samwarburton_) October 18, 2015
The way in which Wales refused to bemoan their injuries and just got on with the task at hand earned them countless new admirers. England’s own 2003 World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson was among those impressed…
Huge respect 2 Wales 4 truly inspiring RWC journey. Learned a lot from ur example #bproud Congrats SA 4 a great win and good luck in the SF — Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) October 17, 2015
Ireland v Argentina
Ireland had injuries and suspensions of their own to contend with but still went into their game with Argentina as favourites, and the usual pre-game craic was clear to see…
I don’t know who took this. It’s probably the best Ireland rugby supporters kit I’ve seen: pic.twitter.com/AO4kyBVrO3
— Barra Best (@barrabest) October 16, 2015
However, the Shamrock were outplayed on the day by a ferocious Pumas side, and even Ireland fan Rory McIlroy couldn’t deny the South American’s supremacy…
You’ve done your country proud @IrishRugby. Just wasn’t meant to be… All credit to Argentina, immense all over the pitch today! — Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) October 18, 2015
New Zealand v France
The performance of the weekend though came from – perhaps inevitably – the All Blacks. Many had predicted a close-run game against the French but the 62-13 scoreline served as a warning to the remaining teams.
England’s James Haskell may have been watching the quarter-final action from his armchair, but that was close enough for him to be blown away …
How good were @AllBlacks!? That was unreal. Skills to pay the bills. @maavelous @SonnyBWilliams @bensmithotago
— James Haskell (@jameshaskell) October 17, 2015
And it wasn’t just those in the know who were impressed, with self-proclaimed rugby dunce John Bishop warming to the sport on the back of the Kiwis’display…
Won’t pretend I know about rugby but I know the all blacks were brilliant today and this Scotland Oz game is great – #mansgame ! — John Bishop (@JohnBishop100) October 18, 2015
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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