So far things appear to have gone to plan for the Pool A heavyweights with New Zealand and France both recording 5 point wins, though Tonga and Japan had their moments, with Japan in particular making life a little uncomfortable for the French.
| Date | Time (UK) | Match Details | Location | ||
| Fri Sept 9 | 9.30 | New Zealand | 41 – 10 | Tonga | Auckland |
| Sat Sept 10 | 7.00 | France | 47 – 21 | Japan | Auckland |
| Wed Sept 14 | 6.00 | Tonga | 20 – 25 | Canada | Whangarei |
| Fri Sept 16 | 9.00 | New Zealand | v | Japan | Hamilton |
| Sun Sept 18 | 9.30 | France | v | Canada | Napier |
| Wed Sept 21 | 9.30 | Tonga | v | Japan | Whangarei |
| Sat Sept 24 | 8.30 | New Zealand | v | France | Auckland |
| Tues Sept 27 | 5.00 | Canada | v | Japan | Napier |
| Sat Oct 01 | 6.00 | France | v | Tonga | Wellington |
| Sun Oct 02 | 3.30 | New Zealand | v | Canada | Wellington |
Canada have pulled out the first surprise result with their “awesome” win over Tonga in a pulsating match where the lead changed hands several times. It’s unfortunate that, what could be the game of this Pool, Canada v Japan, is relegated to a Tuesday morning at 5.00am as it has the potential to be a cracker.
In the next round it should be wins for New Zealand, France and I’m tipping Tonga to put one over on an exhausted Japan next Wednesday, with the Brave Blossoms only having a five day turn round from their game against New Zealand.
| Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | TF | TA | BP | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
New Zealand
|
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
|
France
|
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 21 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
|
Canada
|
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 20 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
|
Tonga
|
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 30 | 66 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
 Japan |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 47 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
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