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| October 20, 2003 | Monday | Sha'aban 23, 1424 |
Unlikely hero saves Wales
CANBERRA, Oct 19: Wales, saved by unlikely hero Martyn Williams, were still left fearing the worst after recording their second World Cup win on Sunday.
The Welsh beat Tonga 27-20 at Canberra in Pool D.
If it had not been for British Lions flanker Williams and his eight points, Wales might have lost.
He came on as a second-half substitute and popped up unexpectedly on the left wing to score a try after a clever looping pass from the impressive Iestyn Harris before surprising even himself with the first — and last — drop goal of his career.
Williams had no idea replacement scrumhalf Dwayne Peel was going to pass him the ball. The ball wobbled and dipped off his boot and over the bar from about 20 metres out.
Flyhalf Stephen Jones kicked four penalty goals for Wales and scrumhalf Gareth Cooper scored their first try, while flyhalf Pierre Hola, captain Benhur Kivalu and prop Heamani Lavaka touched down for Tonga.
There were no surprises in Ireland’s 64-7 win over Namibia in Pool A in Sydney, or Samoa’s 46-9 victory over Georgia in Perth in Pool C.
The fact that Samoa and Ireland now top their groups — Samoa ahead of England and South Africa and the Irish ahead of Australia — might raise some eyebrows but that supremacy may not last long.
Samoa, with 10 points, have yet to play the two heavyweights of their pool while Ireland also have their major tests ahead of them in the shape of Argentina and Australia.
The bulky Georgians were competitive up front but short of pace and ideas behind as Samoa flyhalf Earl Va’a scored 21 points with a try, five conversions and two penalties. His side scored six tries in all.
Ireland, meanwhile, feeling happily at home in torrential Sydney rain, ran in 10 tries, with backrow men Alan Quinlan and Eric Miller both claiming a brace while number 10 Ronan O’Gara kicked seven conversions.
There was less welcome news, however, when Namibia coach Dave Waterston asked World Cup officials to cite Ireland lock Paul O’Connell for stamping.—Reuters
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