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The 2015 Rugby World Cup witnessed some fantastic action on the pitch in the course of the pool stages. There were results that shocked, business as usual for some while some others struggled more than normal. Through it all, there were some fantastic images that came our way, each of them telling their own story. Here we look at the best images from the pool stages.
#1 The opening ceremony
The grand opening ceremony just before England’s first game against Fiji at Twickenham was an expansive one. It saw Prince Harry be a part of it and involved giants coming up from under the earth in a satanic ritual of sorts. A crazy one indeed.
#2 Japan stun the Springboks
Its the result that will be talked about for years to come. Japan caused the most dramatic world cup upset ever by beating mighty South Africa in their group opener. The scenes post the win were that of delirium, tears and joy for the Japanese while shock, despair and frowns dogged the South Africans.
#3 All Blacks haka
The haka performed before each match by New Zealand’s rugby teams is something to look forward to in itself. It inspires a sense of awe and gets the blood pumping, exactly what the All Blacks use it for, laying down the challenge to their opponents. This was the first All Black haka of this world cup against the Argentines, intensity level max.
#4 English gloom
There was much expectation around the English team, despite being in the ‘Pool of Death’ with Australia and Wales in it. Yet, nobody expected that they would lose both of those key games and be bundled out of the tournament at the end of the pool stage. In the process, England became the first host nation to bow out of a world cup this early. Captain Chris Robshaw drops to his knees in the picture above as Australia score their first try in the match that sealed England’s fate as the sinking feeling started hitting the English players.
#5 Maradona leads celebrations
Argentina made it through to the quarterfinals despite the early loss to the All Blacks and they did it in mighty impressive fashion, so much so that by the end of the group phase they looked much more impressive than the defending champions. There was an almighty celebration when the Pumas clinched their place in the knockout phase and the celebration was led by none other than football icon Diego Maradona who broke into a little dance with the cheering Argentine fans.
#6 The proposal
Romania did decently at this world cup, but for one of their players, it was truly a memorable one. Scrum-half Florin Surugiu got down on one knee after his side’s game against Ireland to pop the question to his girlfriend, flanked by his teammates and the thousands of fans who were still in the stadium.
"It was her birthday and being in Wembley was a very good opportunity to make it special," said Surugiu. "I told a couple of team-mates and they said it was a good idea."
Well, she said yes and that indeed provided a very poignant moment to remember from the pool stages.
#7 Habanaaaaaa
South Africa’s pacy wing Bryan Habana made history in the Springboks’ game against the USA when he scored a hattrick to put him level with Jonah Lomu for most tries at the Rugby World Cup with 15. He could have broken the record if not for a fumble when he was clean through for a touchdown. The world-cup winner still has a chance though to be out on his own with the next opportunity coming against Wales in their quarterfinal tomorrow.
#8 Nonu brings up a hundred
Ma’a Nonu has been an integral part of the All Blacks set up for the last decade, being one of the best centres in the world and forming an outstanding partnership with Conrad Smith, becoming the centre pairing with the most starts and probably the best combo in the world. Nonu though had another special moment when he earned his 100th Test cap in the final pool game against Tona. And what’s more, he grabbed his team’s last try on the night to put a nice ribbon on it.
#9 Tears flow as the moment gets to them
Japan’s win over the Springboks was a shock not just to the rugby world but also to some of Japan’s own players. While ecstacy was certainly to be found on the faces of many players, there were some who were simply so overwhelmed by it that the tears started flowing after the game as they tried to wrap their heads around the magnitude of their achievement.
#10 Gloves off
The Scots are known to be feisty but things got particularly heated in their game against South Africa. Here Scotland's Richie Gray (right) was not for backing down as he squared up to Eben Etzebeth and takes a grip of the giant South African lock's jersey as tempers boiled over.
