But the nature of the so-called “Pool of Death” means it could still all come down to their final match against Australia at Twickenham today week – a scenario coach Warren Gatland knows is highly probable.
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Following losses to Australia and England, Fiji are desperate to salvage a few pride against a Wales side buoyed by their stunning 28-25 victory over England inspired by a kicking masterclass from fly-half Dan Biggar.
“He is a massive player for Wales at this moment in time and a real go-to man. He has taken the team by the scruff of the neck and he makes good decisions”.
England’s Welsh nightmare last week may have caused many fans sleepless nights but Saracens centre Brad Barritt insists the chance to right those wrongs against Australia has ensured the players haven’t been down in the dumps.
The Wallabies continued to be clinical on their visits into England territory, and it was Foley who went over for a second time to extend the visitors’ lead following a slick move through the backs.
In fact, the English have come out on top in the last five games between the two nations and, perhaps more importantly, they have won the last three World Cup games, including the 2003 final in Sydney.
“You don’t hear about them until we come in here and get asked”.
“I know they think we’re weak in the forwards”, Cheika said.
England must beat Australia at Twickenham on Sunday morning (NZT) if they are to avoid being knocked out of their own World Cup at the Pool stage.
“It’s an absolute credit to this squad and all the players we’ve got, the support team and coaching staff how we’ve stood up and been so competitive”.
“It’s about never letting them off the hook”.
Should Australia lose to England and then beat Wales there is also the possibility of all three teams finishing on the same points and then points difference comes into play.
It’s not one for now, we still have another week to go but as I said during the week, the responsibility and accountability rests with me. “So I think I will be quite neutral this weekend”.
“The game’s going to be close”, Youngs said.
“If England had kicked for the corner against Wales at Twickenham and got a try, Chris Robshaw would be called “inspirational” on all the back pages”, said Cipriani.
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Scotland rallied to make the Springboks work hard for a win that was completed by Bryan Habana’s 61st test try, a Springboks’ record, after Tommy Seymour had pulled one back for the Scots.
