Italy beats US, Japan gives up draw to Canada
Monday, September 26, 2011
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) -- Happy faces were hard to find among Rugby World Cup teams on Tuesday.
Italy labored to a 27-10 win over the United States in Nelson, and Japan conceded a 23-23 draw with Canada in Napier, blowing a chance in its last pool match to end a Cup-record 17-match winless streak since 1995. Canada scored eight points in the last five minutes to salvage the draw, but failed to put any pressure on a chaotic French squad for a quarterfinal berth.
One of France's veterans shot down rumors of a player revolt against testy coach Marc Lievremont, and Argentina and Australia lost key players for the rest of the tournament to leg injuries.
More like this
Italy rugby player banned 15 weeks for eye-gouging
