Match Brief #20 Sunday, 2 October 2011

Playing Today The race for third Argentina v Georgia, 1pm, Arena Manawatu, The race for quarterfinal places may be Palmerston North dominating the headlines, but for other nations the prize for finishing third in their pool is just New Zealand v Canada, 3.30pm, as important – as it guarantees a place at Regional Stadium England 2015. Wales v Fiji, 6pm, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton With no need to negotiate the qualification Ireland v Italy, 8.30pm, Otago Stadium, process, they can begin focusing on the long- Dunedin term goal of being more competitive. This is it! 2011 has already shown This is it – the last lot of pool games, with the gap narrowing between the Game’s four today from North to South! Let’s make leading nations and the developing ones, with sure they’re a success for everyone! the likes of Georgia, Romania, Canada, USA, Japan and Samoa taking their turn in the Today’s spotlight – and causing a scare or two for the greetings favourites. What a great Cup it’s been so far! Spanish (Argentina): Vital stats – night game Hola In its three Rugby World Cup 2011 matches to Georgian: Gamarjoba date, Ireland has scored a total of 99 points – (pronounce the ‘j’ as 12 tries, nine conversions and six penalties. in Joe) In its three matches, Italy has scored 86 points New Zealand: Hello or hi – 13 tries, six conversions and three penalties. Canadian: Hello or Bonjour (French speakers) Tonight’s game looks set to be a goodie with Welsh: Helô Italy's hopes of reaching the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for the first time ever still well and Fijian: Bula or Bula Vinaka truly alive after their 27-10 victory against USA Irish: Dia duit (dia-gwit) on Tuesday. Visitors and locals alike will be treated to a great game at Dunedin’s newest Italian: Buongiorno (bwohn-JOH-noh) landmark, the Otago Stadium. Tournament news Player of the day – Micayla Cotter All Blacks stepping it up for today’s game 20, Media Assistant, Hamilton Today’s game is more than facing a tough “I signed up pretty much Canadian challenge for the All Blacks – it’s as soon as I could. It was also about getting to where they want to be such a great opportunity heading into the playoffs. to help with an amazing "We've got Canada and we've got ourselves event. I’m in my final year that we're playing,” New Zealand assistant at university and I want to coach Wayne Smith said on Tuesday. get into event “And we've just got to keep stacking the stones management myself one up and get better at the areas we weren't so day, so it’s also fantastic good at (against France). We were patchy and experience. we've got to make those good patches longer."

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Match Brief #20 Sunday, 2 October 2011

“I helped out with the World Rowing Champs last year and had an absolute blast so was really looking forward to getting into the World Cup. “I’ve loved everything so far – it’s such an amazing atmosphere. The highlight, though, was when held the door open for me! My role as a Media Assistant is pretty varied, and lots of fun. I’ve helped with setting up the press conferences, and things like that. “Today’s game should be really good. I love rugby – we’ve always watched it as a family so it’s always been part of my life.” Team Christchurch welcomes Scotland.. Did you know? Wales first played the All Blacks in 1905 – and defeated them 3-0. At the start of Rugby World Cup 2011, former All Black Marc Ellis held the record for the most tries scored in a World Cup game. Caid is an ancient sport played in Ireland – with strong similarities to rugby. Tomorrow Right, that’s us for a few days – and that’s the end of the pool games. What an amazing few weeks! Get some rest and we’ll see you next Right: Belinda, Saturday for the first round of quarter finals. Peter, Erin, Send your pics and stories to: Hayley, Jo and [email protected] Craig beside Stadium Out and about on Queens Wharf Christchurch. Martin and Michael meet some volunteers at Below: Queens Wharf in yesterday. Suzanne, Tichila and Kim enjoying lunch

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