Hero photograph
 
Photo by Norah Thomson

Meet Our Rugby World Cup Reporter

Norah Thomson —

Hi I am Angus or the smallest, yet biggest All Black fan. I will be the Rugby World Cup reporter, keeping you informed on how the teams are working their positives and negatives and end results, predictions and my man of the match for both teams, plus my favourite moment.

I enjoyed the opening ceremony especially the Japanese showing us their culture, but the best bit for me was seeing Richie McCaw carrying on The Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup Trophy.

Japan vs Russia had a rusty start where Japan won 30-10. There were way too many turn overs in the game.  When it was Russia getting the ball, it would be from rucks or mistakes, but when it was Japan getting the ball it would be mostly about Russia kicking the ball away. When the teams pulled together they were fantastic, but more often, it was dull rugby. My player of the match was either Japan's No 8 or right wing who got a hat trick.

New Zealand vs South Africa. I expected better from South Africa where they only scored one try, and Handre Pollard along with the rest of the players didn't flare as much as Wellington, but Handre Pollard got a drop goal while Cheslin Kolbe was taking strikes at the line, almost scoring two tries. New Zealand didn't start well, however after one quarter, they started playing well, with the best player for me being Richie Mounga or Beauden Barrett. Overall both teams didn't take all their opportunities but New Zealand won 23-13.

My semi Final pick is Argentina, New Zealand, England and South Africa.