While you were sleeping: Springboks still a threat

JP Pietersen shows nifty footwork to dot down against Samoa. Photo / Getty

It was a big morning of Rugby World Cup action, with three games being played including a classic clash in England v Wales. Here's all that has happened so far.

WHAT HAPPENED

Italy pulled off the biggest Rugby World Cup comeback since France's fateful quarterfinal win over the All Blacks in 2007, coming from 10-0 down to beat Canada 23-18.

South Africa also picked up their first win, looking much better as they swept aside Samoa 46-6.

The Springboks were hugely impressive as they weathered an early storm then crushed the Samoans, backed by huge crowd support at Villa Park. In a bizarre end, a Springbok fan in blue jeans invaded the field and joined a ruck putting himself offside with everybody including the South African players. After the shock loss to Japan, South Africa started tentatively as Samoa tried to knock the two-time World Cup winners off their stride. With their lineout supreme, South Africa stuck to their task and put a stranglehold on the game. South African captain Jean de Villiers said the loss to Japan "still hurts".

Finally, Wales picked up a historic victory over England, battling through a barrage of injuries to topple their rivals 28-25.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

South Africa showed that they are still a threat at the World Cup, and should be a tough opponent in the quarterfinal stage. They will likely top their pool, and face a quarterfinal showdown with either Australia, England or Wales.

Meanwhile, England - picked by many as a potential finalists or even a winner - have continued their uninspiring start. A 35-11 opening win over Fiji was solid but unconvincing, and they'll need a win over Australia to remain a title hope.

WHAT'S COMING UP?

There are three potentially one-sided games tomorrow. Australia take on Uruguay at midnight, Scotland play USA at 2.30am and Ireland will battle Romania at 4.45am.

TALKING POINTS?

The 36-year-old Italian flanker Mauro Bergamasco became the second player to play in five World Cups, coming off the bench in Italy's win over Canada at Leeds. (Samoa's famed hit man Brian Lima was the first to play in five tournaments). It was almost a day not to celebrate for the veteran, as Canada had Italy on the rack for long periods.

Man-of-the-match, Canadian wing DTH van der Merwe, said his side had targeted a win over Italy, and took little joy in being brave losers.

"In the end we just weren't good enough and people pat us on the back for a brave performance. But that's not good enough for us; we wanted to win."

Italy face a do-or-die Pool D game against Ireland in London in eight days.

Meanwhile, Samoa set a Rugby World Cup record by having three brothers on the park. For the first time in World Cup history, three members of the same family were on the field when Ken, Tusi and George Pisi all took their spots in the backline.

ANY ALL BLACKS NEWS?

I'm glad you asked. Maths boffin Stefan Yelas - who successfully picked the World Cup outcome in 2003 and 2011 - has created a formula which says the most likely World Cup outcome is a four point win by the All Blacks over England in the final.

The All Blacks are said to have a 39% probability of winning the Cup, and a 77% chance of making the semifinals.

Additionally, All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has admitted the players looked bored due to the many stoppages against Namibia.

For more stats go to

Herald Rugby Stats Centre

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