Portugal, “bunker”, public… Successes and disappointments of the first round

2023-10-09 15:04:14

The first round of the Rugby World Cup ended on Sunday October 8. While waiting for the quarter-finals scheduled for Saturday October 14 and Sunday October 15, here is a sketch of a first assessment of the World Cup.

► The stands were full

The public is there for the Rugby World Cup. This was expected for the French team’s matches and for the “big” shocks of this first round, such as Ireland-South Africa and Ireland-Scotland, played at the Stade de France in front of more than 78,000 spectators. But seemingly less attractive posters also filled the stands, in a joyful and festive atmosphere. Sunday October 8, the Toulouse Stadium was full with 32,000 spectators to watch Portugal-Fiji.

This influx caused some hiccups at the start of the World Cup. On September 9 in Marseille, in particular, part of the public remained stuck outside the enclosure at the start of the match between England and Ireland. But these initial hiccups have been corrected.

► TV audiences celebrating

Thirteen million viewers gathered in front of TF1 to follow France’s victory against Italy on Friday October 6, according to figures from Médiamétrie. That’s an average audience share of 56.2%.

The opening match against New Zealand, on September 8, did even better: 15.4 million viewers (64.5% audience share). This bodes well for the private channel, which will broadcast three quarter-finals, including that of France.

As in the stadiums, the other teams also attracted large numbers of viewers in front of the small screens. A Fiji-Georgia film attracted 2.24 million people on M6 on a Saturday afternoon. As for the New Zealand–Namibia match, unbalanced and without suspense, it brought together 4.5 million enthusiasts and curious people on TF1 on a Friday evening.

► The “bunker”, a big novelty

Throughout the matches, spectators and viewers were able to familiarize themselves with the « bunker »a new rule tested during the Under-20 World Cup and the preparation matches for this World Cup: in the event of a fault meriting an exclusion, but whose seriousness merits further analysis, the referee issues a yellow card , then cross your arms.

This gesture means that the offending player is excluded for ten minutes and that a video referee has eight minutes to review images of the action, which can result in permanent exclusion. Observers have commented on these decisions and the usefulness of the new system. The rugby players complied with the rule without question.

► Portuguese exploit, Australian failure

The Portugal team delighted its supporters and spectators from all countries with the quality of its game. Beaten without merit by Wales (28-8) and Australia (34-14), authors of a match draw against Georgia (18-18), the Portuguese players achieved the feat of beating Fiji (24-23), Sunday October 8 in Toulouse. A historic success, the first in two participations in the World Cup for this team composed partly of amateurs.

This victory was acquired against the Fijians who had achieved the other feat of this first round, dominating the Australians (22-15). The latter also made rugby history: for the first time, Australia, double world champion (in 1991 and 1999), will not be in the quarter-final.

► Damian Penaud rushes towards the record

Thomas Ramos is, for the moment, the best scorer of this World Cup, with 61 points scored in three matches, including 56 with his feet. That’s an average of 20.33 points per game.

His teammate Damian Penaud leads the try scorers in this competition: he placed the ball behind the opponent’s goal line six times.

2⃣ more tries Friday evening, which brings to 3⃣5⃣ ???????? ???????????????????????? ????’???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? by @PenaudD with the Blues! ????????????#UnisPourUnRêve#XVdeFrance#RWC2023pic.twitter.com/uyRgPbo3Fi

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) October 8, 2023

Since the start of his international career in the blue jersey, the French XV winger has scored 35 tries. Here he is, three points behind the French record established by Serge Blanco (38 tries between 1980 and 1991). What if he beat him in the final?