This third day of competition marks the end of the first day of the group stage with three matches on the program. In Group D, Japan, surprise quarter-finalist in 2019, challenges Chile who will play the first match in its history in a World Cup. The Japanese must win if they want to hope to qualify for the quarter-finals, before playing England, Argentina then Samoa.
Later in the afternoon, the South African title holder enters the fray with an already decisive shock against Scotland. The Springboks are under pressure in a group where the Chardon XV hopes to play spoilsport until their last scheduled match against another favorite, the Irish neighbor. Finally, Wales faces Fiji in Bordeaux. In the midst of a sporting crisis, the Leek XV will have a hard time facing the Flying Fijians, more ambitious than ever after their victory at Twickenham in a preparation match.
Japan-Chile (group D): 1:00 p.m. (France 3)
South Africa-Scotland (group B): 5:45 p.m. (France 2)
Wales-Fiji (Group C): 9:00 p.m. (TF1)
At the end of the day on Saturday, the French players spent a relaxing moment in Rueil-Malmaison by meeting the kids from the rugby school of the local club, the RAC (Rueil Athletic Club). Jelonch, Danty, Falatea, Bielle-Biarrey, Chalureau, Couilloud, Hastoy, Macalou, Baille and Bourgarit, the ten players who did not participate in the victory of the Blues, made their happiness by participating in training before bend with good humor to a signing session. This Sunday, day behind closed doors without a press point for the Blues.
“We hope that future generations will reap the fruits of the seeds that we are sowing,” declared Chilean third row, Alfonso Escobar. The Condores will play the first match in their history in the World Cup this Sunday in Toulouse against Japan. “This team is the best in the history of Chile but we are only at the beginning of the adventure and I hope that others will follow and take over,” added Escobar, who will take his first steps accompanied of his brother Diego, the hooker. “A dream that I want to enjoy every minute of.”
Opposed to Wales, Fiji will rely in particular on their center Semi Radradra. The one who plays for Lyon in the Top 14 is the perfect example of what Fiji are feared for: powerful (1.90 m and 105 kg) but mobile, he will be a real added value for his team. The Welsh will have a definite interest in watching him closely.
South Africa, which faces Scotland this Sunday in Marseille (5:30 p.m.), has lost only one World Cup match against a European team. Against England in 2003 (25-6). For eleven victories.
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