Uruguay v England. David v Goliath. Mother nation versus the rugby baby.
The result of the final Pool C match in Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Sunday 2 October was known soon after kick off. There was no surprise.
The English juggernaut steamrolled the Los Teros, scoring a bagful of tries during the 111-13 win to convincingly sit at the top of their pool and set themselves for a tilt at the top of the world rugby tree.
Surprising statistics
The 98 point margin is the third biggest score in Rugby World Cup history after Australia’s 142-0 defeat of Namibia in Adelaide on 25 October and New Zealand’s 145-17 victory over Japan at the 1995 RWC in South Africa.
England’s 17 tries is a new record for the Roses while fullback Josh Lewsey’s five tries is the most scored by an Englishman in Test rugby.
But it was not all one way traffic.
Uruguay actually had the better of the territorial battle in the first half.
For eight spine tingling minutes midway through the first 40 the South Americans camped themselves in England’s quarter and kicking penalty after penalty to the sideline, hoping to crack the English defence with lineout drives.
The try that brought the house down
But the siege was ultimately unsuccessful with Uruguay held out by the organised and committed English defence.
Los Teros had to wait until seven minutes in the second half for their moment of glory.
Big prop Pablo Lemoine’s barged through two defenders to crash over for a try that sent his team and the big crowd into a frenzy.
It was only the second time in the Tournament that England’s wall had been breached, not even the mighty South Africans were able to cross for a try against them.
Lewsey on fire
It is a rugby truism that games are won and lost by the tight five. The big men up front lay the foundation for the remainder of the team to build on.
And so Josh Lewsey can thank his locks and props for the grunt that enabled his five try blitz to take place.
Apart from the odd disruption from some committed Uruguayan forward play, England scrumhalf Andy Gomarsall served the ball up on a platter and was able to set his gifted backline alight.
Lewsey’s lightening speed and elusive footwork shone brightest at the end of it.
Number 8 Rodrigo Capo was again sensational for the Los Teros with his lineout work and ability with ball in hand.
Danny Grewcock injured
England’s perfect four wins from as many starts with a couple of tough Tests in the mix has them nicely placed to take on old foes Wales in quarter final 4 this Sunday at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium at 20:00.
The only blip on the radar is the injury big lock Danny Grewcock sustained to his left hand during the Uruguay match.
London Wasps’ player Simon Shaw has already been flown out from England as cover should Grewcock not be able to take further part in the Tournament.
Los Teros go back to Uruguay with heads held high, satisfied to have fulfilled their goal of one RWC victory with their 24-12 triumph over Georgia.
Although the size of the defeat against England will slip from Uruguay’s memory what will not be forgotten is the parting comments of the English players.
“Sorry, good game,” the victors said as they filed past on their way to the tunnel.
The Uruguayans will be striving for respect, not pity the next time the two sides meet.