SYDNEY, 3 November 2003 — New Zealand suffered a scare against Wales in their rugby World Cup Pool D game in Sydney yesterday before eventually running out 53-37 winners while England trounced Uruguay in their Pool C tie in Brisbane.
New Zealand now face South Africa in the quarterfinals while the Welsh take on the might of England.
Wales found themselves behind as early as the third minute when Joe Rokocoko went over for the opening try, which was converted by Leon MacDonald.
However, Steve Hansen’s side fought back well and leveled matters on ten minutes when Mark Taylor touched down under the posts and Stephen Jones converted.
A great solo run and touchdown by Rokocoko restored the All Blacks’ lead before a McDonald try made it 21-10.
Forward Ali Williams then got his first try for New Zealand to open the gap to 28-10 but a superb break by Shane Williams helped send Sonny Parker over to cut the deficit to 28-17.
Colin Charvis then forced his way over for Wales just before the break and Jones converted to make the score 28-24 at half-time.
A Jones penalty shortly after the break cut the deficit to one and when Williams went over to put the Welsh in front for the first time an upset appeared on the cards.
Doug Howlett went over on 48 minutes to bring New Zealand within a point but a Jones penalty made it 37-33 before Carlos Spencer touched down to put the All Back back in front.
With 12 minutes to go, Howlett appeared to take a forward pass before going over in the corner but the try stood and New Zealand never looked back.
A MacDonald penalty and conversion of Aaron Mauger’s try five minutes from the end completed the scoring as a tiring Welsh side faded.
Earlier tournament favorites England finished top of Pool C thanks to a 111-13 victory over Uruguay.
Josh Lewsey scored five of England’s 17 tries as Clive Woodward’s side demolished the South Americans to set up a match against Wales in Brisbane next Sunday.
Lewis Moody got England’s first try after three minutes but Juan Menchaca hit back for Uruguay with a penalty to cut the deficit to 7- 3.
Lewsey then got the first of his tries, Iain Balshaw scored twice, followed by tries by Mike Catt and Andy Gomarsall to leave England leading 42-6 at half-time.
Lewsey ran in another try after the break while Dan Luger opened his account before Pablo Lemoine went over for Uruguay’s only try.
Stuart Abbott was next to go over for England before Lewsey got his third.
Two more from Lewsey and Jason Robinson as well as further scores by Catt, Gomarsall and Will Greenwood completed the rout.
Kangaroos Hit Their Stride in Wales Massacre
In Bridgend, Wales, Australia warmed up for their upcoming three-Test series with Great Britain by running up a record 76-4 winning margin against overwhelmed Wales here yesterday.
But the confidence-boosting 13-try rout was overshadowed by an ankle injury to center Ryan Girdler which has left him a doubtful starter for the first Test at Wigan on Saturday.
Australian captain Darren Lockyer broke his nose but that will not prevent him leading the side at Wigan.
Wales coach Neil Kelly questioned the wisdom of pitting his side against the might of the world champions, whom he tipped to retain the Ashes.
“We knew they were a good side and they will get stronger as the tour goes on. I would have Australia as slight favorites,” he said.
Having looked a little rusty in a narrow 26-22 win over England A last week, the tourists showed they are more than ready for the Test series with a superb display in which the 13 tries were shared by 10 players.
