A despondent Williams was taken to a hospital and medical tests showed a partially ruptured Achilles tendon, which is expected to keep him on the sidelines for up to nine months, ruling him out for the All Blacks in 2016.
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In the other quarters, France play Japan, Argentina meet Great Britain and Australia play South Africa.
Britain face New Zealand at 16:30 on Wednesday in the final match in Pool C with GB holding an advantage.
Lemeki had little explanation for Japan’s giant-killing run. “So I don’t know what’s happened here”.
Even that finish was nothing compared to the drama that played out in the third quarter-final, which was only decided when Britain’s Dan Bibby crashed through the Argentine defense four minutes into golden point extra time.
Japan produced the biggest upset ever at last year’s Rugby World Cup with a win over South Africa in the group stage in the marquee tournament for the 15-a-side game.
Rugby in Japan has been nearly entirely dominated by teams owned by big corporate teams which important talent from overseas. “We just weren’t good enough”.
Powers said they have one key asset to do it: “We have a team of heroes right now, and Canadians love heroes”.
The Brisbane State High School graduate was named Player of the Tournament for Australia after leading the Pearls to the sport’s inaugural Olympic gold medal early on Tuesday morning (AEST).
When Sonny Bill went off, it was a boost for us, Tuqiri said. “We are embracing that pressure at the moment – the more the better”.
The Corinda resident made her global debut in 2013 when she helped Australia win gold at the Youth Olympic Festival and was selected in the World Cup team.
He was expecting another Australian connection if Japan proceeds further. Allen Vansen was on the board of Triathalon Canada when Simon Whitfield won his surprise gold medal at the Sydney Games in 2000 – and the national organization had no plan in place to capitalize. “We started our very well and implemented our game-plan”, said Norton.
Switching off their phones is one thing the Japanese have in common with their semi-final opponents Fiji, who have also imposed a social media ban.
“We’ve just got to get on with it”, said Tietjens. Silver or bronze won’t do it.
With the their prime minister watching on from the stands – he sat with spare seats either side, flanked by security guards – Fiji were the most consistent side on day one.
“I’m gutted we lost against England”, said Kuwazuru. But it’s the opposite.
“It’s not “little old Fiji”.
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From his Kuala Lumpur experience, Otieno faulted the management for allowing the team to travel to Rio 16 days to the tournament.
