The 'other' June tests
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="589129" data-time="1466218018">
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<p>Okay, that was my second game of the day. 15 minute break and then it's time for Fiji v Samoa.</p>
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<p>Same here - a fine display from the Under 8s this morning, good committed tackling, cleanout and running. It almost looked like proper rugby for a while!</p> -
<p>Hopeless 2nd half from Samoa. Couldn't catch a thing out there.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="African Monkey" data-cid="589140" data-time="1466226432">
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<p>Hopeless 2nd half from Samoa. Couldn't catch a thing out there.</p>
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<p>Agree! Fiji wasn't going to give up and Samoa totally wasted their opportunities. They could have won with a bit more focus. Fiji wasn't playing that well and conceding a lot of turn-overs, but Samoa didn't do anything with it.</p>
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<p>Next week's game, Samoa v Tonga is still going to be important for RWC qualification. The numbers 1 and 2 of the 2016 and 2017 PNC combined will qualify directly for the 2019 RWC; the number 3 can still qualify via <span style="color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">home and away play-off matches against </span><span style="color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;"> the second best Rugby Europe Championship team.</span></p> -
<p>Ten minutes into the second half and Italy leads 14-13 against the USA.</p>
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<p>Magpies flanker Tony Lamborn, who was named on the bench for his USA debut, came on early in the 27th minute.</p>
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<p>Only just found a stream, so can't say much about the game.</p> -
<p>USA with a man in the bin, giving Italy the opportunity to add some points. Watching this game, it's clear these countries are in the "transition zone" between two tiers of rugby. Tier 1 country Italy is better than tier 2 country USA, but the difference isn't very big.</p>
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<p>Italy leads 21-13 after 67 minutes.</p>
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<p>... and then the livestream goes offline. </p> -
<p>Half time: Argentina 17 - 10 France</p>
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<p>Most of the game was played in the Argentinian half, with France having majority of possession, but Argentina's attack more effective, with two good tries scored (Montero, Tuculet).</p>
<p>France is clearly under-strength, with its best players still involved in the Top14 semi-finals. Their goal kicker (Plisson) missed several kicks, but Bonfils scored a very necessary try.</p>
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<p>Reasonably entertaining game, but it's a pity that France can't play with its best players.</p> -
<p>Full time: Argentina 30 - 19 France.</p>
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<p>Scrappy second half. Could have been a nice match to watch if ill-discipline - especially from the Argentinians - hadn't spoilt it. Try of the match came from Argie lock Petti, who must have thought he was a back for a minute.</p>
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<p>Two yellow cards, one for each team, but what the officials missed was - what looked like - Creevy kicking a French player who was lying on the ground. Camera picked it up, so now wondering whether World Rugby is going to have a look at it. They should. We'll know if he gets cited.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="589842" data-time="1466377757">
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<p>It was actually a decent game given the two teams playing. The French team looked very weak - not many household names in there.</p>
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<p>Yeah, it wasn't bad. I assume - now with the Top 14 semis played - the French will be able to call in some reinforcements for their second game next Sunday.</p>
