RWC 35/RLWC 22 - Everything Thread

[TJUN-ia]

After all of the wins and all of the different types of games we have faced, the time for talking was over. The Rugby Teams of TJUN-ia, both in Union and League, have made their marks on the pitches of Darmen with their unbeaten records and the types of games they have played across these many weeks but now, things were about to get ultra-serious. We were in the quarterfinal stage of both World Cups, a stage where things start to get serious and dramatic as all fuck, and everyone knew that things were going to be tough as hell no matter what. Both Jacob and Louise Peterson knew that they had a job on their hands to steer their teams through the infinite pits of potential pain...but could they navigate those waters for another week?

The XVs were over at Southwestern Rugby Stadium in Chuckio in order to face Hannasea and while we were expecting a tough time of it, nothing could truly prepare us for the game that ended up being played here. No tries would end up being scored but that didn't mean the drama was lacking at all as this game ended up being a tight and tense affair where every possession of the ball seemed to matter more and more. In a game like this, you have to take anything (and I mean anything) that you can get and while Jason Connor got the 3 points for our opponents, Jose Valbuena did what he loves to do and kicked 3 penalties in order to secure our passage via a 9-3 win. It wasn't pretty...but the XVs got the job done.

Meanwhile, the XIIIs took on #2 Abanhfleft in what was expected to be an absolute banger of a contest at Pittwater Road in Darmen City...until the game started, that is. Abanhfleft managed to get 2 tries (with 2 conversions) and a drop goal and in any other knockout tie, that might've been enough to make things tight. But TJUN-ia are not like any other opposition in the 13-a-side game and the 6 tries we scored showed that in full colour, with Steve McGoey scoring a hattrick, Logan Jacobson grabbing 2 and Jack Henderson scoring the final try - as well as all 6 conversions. 36-13, fun fun and oh so fun.

Now, we have to carry on. The Semifinals approach in earnest. The XVs will go back to Brham to face lovely Port Ember while the XIIIs must face the music and #1 Ko-oren in Johnho. No matter what, both teams have done oh so well...but there is still time for more. Time to try and make history. GO JAGS'!

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UNION SCHEDULE (Group D)
MD1: vs Acadiana (35) - Westown Stadium, Brham W 36-0 (1st)
MD2: vs The Licentian Isles (17) - Centennial Centre, Cleveland W 22-17 (1st)
MD3: BYE (2nd)
MD4: vs Abanhfleft (1) - Centennial Centre, Cleveland W 21-10 (1st)
MD5: vs Mali i Kuq (UR) - Westown Stadium, Brham W 23-6 (1st)
MD6: vs Ardsk (UR) - Southern Stadium, Rogerton W 5-3 (1st)
MD7: vs Lisander (11) - Southern Stadium, Rogerton W 23-10 (1st/25pts/#1)
Ro16: vs Hundredstar (UR/#16) - Rugby Park, Springfield W 17-10
QF: vs Hannasea (15/#8) - Southwestern Rugby Stadium, Chuckio W 9-3
SF: vs Port Ember (10/#4) - Westown Stadium, Brham

LEAGUE SCHEDULE (Group B)
MD1: vs Taloren (UR) - Cumberland Park, Rogerton W 23-7 (1st)
MD2: vs Mali i Kuq (UR) - West Central Stadium, Romanopolis W 11-2 (1st)
MD3: vs Copper Cuprum (4) - Dairy Farmers' Association Stadium, Johnho W 21-9 (1st)
MD4: vs Sea Dome (UR) - West Central Stadium, Romanopolis W 19-5 (1st)
MD5: vs Ochre Islands (9) - Cumberland Park, Rogerton W 42-6 (1st/10pts/#1)
QF: vs Abanhfleft (2/#7) - Pittwater Road, Darmen City W 17-10
SF: vs Ko-oren (1/#4) - Dairy Farmers' Association Stadium, Johnho

[Darmen]

CUTOFF #10! RWC & RLWC Semifinal scores coming right up.

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RWC 35 Semifinals

TJUN-ia 15–13 Port Ember
Baggieland 23–23 Abanhfleft (28–23 AET)

Third Place Playoff
Port Ember vs Abanhfleft @ Southwestern Rugby Stadium, Chuckio

Final
TJUN-ia vs Baggieland @ National Rugby Stadium, Scott City

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RLWC 22 Semifinals

TJUN-ia 28–18 Ko-oren
Quebec and Shingoryeo 10–2 Darmen*

*Thanks to Reçueçn for the 3rd party scorination.

Third Place Playoff
Ko-oren vs Darmen @ Wolves Park, Liverpool

Final
TJUN-ia vs Quebec and Shingoryeo @ WSC Stadium, West Scott City

[Baggieland]

[Port Ember]

Blog of The Crazy Nomad

Blog Series: Rugby Union World Cup 35.

Greetings my lovies!

I bid you all a hearty welcome / welcome back to my blog, detailing my adventures as I follow the Port Emberian National Rugby Union squad's campaign within the prestigious 35th rendition of the Union World Cup, hosted by the Republic of Darmen.

If you have not yet read my previous adventures from this trip, please do so! That's okay, I will wait patiently…

♡ Part 1
♡ Part 2
♡ Part 3
♡ Part 4
♡ Part 5
♡ Part 6
♡ Part 7
♡ Part 8
♡ Part 9 (You are here).

Okay then dearies, welcome back!

Blog Series: Riley's World Cup 35 Adventures

After the epic and historic win over Lisander, I travelled to Brham ahead of the epic semifinal showdown at the Westown Stadium against the legendary Jaguars from TJUN-ia.

The day started with the anticipation of a lifetime. My team is just one win away from the finals, and the excitement is palpable. But there's also something else on my mind, a mysterious love that lingers like a secret I can't share with the world. The emotions were driving me insane. To distract myself, I decided to make the most of my time before the big game. Brham city was a blend of tradition and modernity. I explored the historic streets, sampled local cuisine, and chatted with friendly locals who shared my love for the game. It's amazing how rugby brings people together from all corners of the world.

Amid the hustle and bustle, I stumbled upon a charming little cafe tucked away in an alley. It was quaint and cozy, the perfect place for a tankard and some quiet reflection. As I sipped my brew, I couldn't help but think of the absolute bliss that would swamp me should our boys reach the finals. Ecstasy.

In the late afternoon as I walked about, I realized that the city, this very foreign city, was painted in the colors of the Port Emberian Dragons. Everywhere you looked, there were banners, flags, and enthusiastic fans. The excitement in the air was infectious, and I joined the pre-game festivities with fervor. I may have had a few drinks, but hey, it's not every day your team reaches the semifinals, right?
Anyway, I did manage to make it to the stadium, just in time for the Semis, dressed in my signature official work uniform - Combat boots, skinnies, and my official Dragons™ supporters jersey.”

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World Cup 35: News from over there

Port Ember 13 - 15 TJUN-ia

Heartbreak at the Semis.

In a nail-biting, heart-stopping showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, TJUN-ia emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins, defeating Port Ember 15-13 in the Rugby World Cup Semi-Final. The match, which took place on a crisp, sun-drenched afternoon, will surely go down as one of the most unforgettable encounters in recent memory.

From the very first whistle, it was evident that both teams came into this match with their A-game. Port Ember, known for their uncompromising defense and powerful scrum, put up an impressive wall that TJUN-ia found challenging to penetrate.

The scoring started with an early penalty by Port Ember's reliable kicker, Ryley Mićjo, putting them ahead 3-0. TJUN-ia, however, answered back with a try that showcased their agility and speed. Their scrum-half, Jose Valbuena, orchestrated a perfectly executed set piece that allowed winger Emmerson Gawakali to dart down the touchline, putting TJUN-ia ahead 7-3.

Port Ember didn't take this setback lightly, and they pressed hard to regain control. Their relentless forward pack pushed deeper into TJUN-ia's territory, and it was lock forward Barric Francisko who powered over the line to score a try. With the successful conversion, Port Ember took the lead 10-7.

As the first half drew to a close, both teams exchanged penalties, with Port Ember's hero, Ryley Mićjo, again showcasing his accuracy. The scoreboard read 13-10 in favor of Port Ember as they headed into the halftime break.

The second half saw Port Ember looking to extend their lead, and they were unrelenting in their pursuit of dominance. Their ferocious pack continued to dominate in the scrums, causing concern for TJUN-ia supporters.

However, TJUN-ia's defense remained resolute, and they patiently bided their time. Their efforts paid off as they won a crucial penalty that was expertly converted, bringing the score to 13-13 and setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

With just minutes remaining on the clock, TJUN-ia orchestrated a stunning last-minute drop goal that would ultimately be the game-winner. Peter Mullins, who had already impressed with his quick thinking, calmly slotted the ball through the posts, securing a 15-13 lead for his team.
Port Ember fought valiantly in the final moments, attempting to turn the tide one last time, but TJUN-ia's defense held strong. The referee's final whistle sent the TJUN-ia players and their fans into jubilation, knowing they had earned a place in the Rugby World Cup Final.

In the end, it was a closely contested battle between two rugby powerhouses. Port Ember's tenacity and might were met with TJUN-ia's speed and precision. The final score of 15-13 highlighted the razor-thin margin that separates victory from defeat at the highest level of rugby.
TJUN-ia will now look forward to the Rugby World Cup Final with immense pride, while Port Ember, despite the loss, can hold their heads high, knowing they played a memorable semi-final match that will be remembered by rugby fans for years to come.

Score Breakdown

Port Ember: 13

Tries:

#5 Barric Francisko

Conversions:

#10 Ryley Mićjo: 1/1

Penalty Kicks:

#10 Ryley Mićjo: 1/1

Drop Goals:

None

Substitutions:

#1 Davie Nikola replaced by #16 Jenson Karesinda (65).
#3 Domenic Amika replaced by #17 Jamie Rubena (65).
#4 Aarush Casimjo replaced by #18 Graeme Koralo (65).
#5 Barric Francisco replaced by #19 Ralph Valora (65).
#8 Prescott Aleksandro replaced by #20 Cat Ayers (65).

Cards:

None

Injuries

None

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TJUN-ia: 15

Tries:

#14 Emmerson Gawakali

Conversions:

#10 Peter Mullins: 1/1

Penalties:

#10 Peter Mullins: 1/1

Drop Goals:

#10 Peter Mullins: 1/1

Cards:

None

Injuries

None

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A quick sumerical looksie at our past matches

Match Day 1: Port Ember VS Maraonia (16—10)
Match Day 2: Port Ember VS HUElavia (20—00)
Match Day 3: Port Ember VS Tanah Jaya (45-00)
Match Day 4: Port Ember VS Ko-oren (14-03)
Match Day 5: Port Ember VS Nova Anglicana (18-19)
Match Day 6: Bye Day
Match Day 7: Port Ember VS Tangatarehua (03-03)
Round of 16: Port Ember VS Darmen (17-0)
Quarter Final: Port Ember VS Lisander (29-09)
Semi Final: Port Ember VS TJUN-ia (13-15)

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A quick looksie at the Next One!

Port Ember VS Abanhfleft

Normally a game between the Port Emberian Dragons and the Abanhfleftian Revolutionaries would be my personal highlight, an event that would have me walking funny for weeks in anticipation. Our two teams have a storied rugby history and colorful friendly rivalry. Now it all just feels so different. This was our chance to reach the finals of the holiest tournament – yet here we are competing for bronze once more, just like in the previous World Cup. And our rivals? Well, they are the Back-to-Back Champions, robbed of their opportunity to cement themselves as the greatest rugby team in history, instead competing against us for a dirty bronze. Despite the somber feeling, this is still a momentous occasion and will be, yet again, one of the toughest most enthralling matches to date.

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That is all I have time for today, as I need to catch a flight. Thank you for reading!

Anyway… I need a drink. A lot of drinks actually.

Till we meet again my lovies!

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The owner & author of this blog is one Riley Heglion.

Riley is a female Port Emberian, aged 22, hailing from Port Ember Megalopolis, Waterstad Borough.

Riley has earned her Anthropology Degree at the Lilly Black Memorial University and has dedicated her life to the advancement of this field, studying and reporting on various cultures & subcultures.

Her main focus of studies is world cuisine & beverages and the study of international rugby culture.

Riley considers herself a nomadic world traveler, with a passion for meeting new people and getting herself into all sorts of trouble and fun.

Riley also runs a sister blog, Riley's quest to achieve a food & drink orgasm, which focuses on all the food & drink she encounters on her world travels.

[TJUN-ia]

After two tight wins, the two Jaguars of TJUN-ia had made it all the way to the Final 4...and things were still looking pretty good from our point of view. The fact that both Jacob Peterson's 15s and Louise Peterson's 13s were still undefeated this late into both tournaments was a staggering feat, which will go down as the best in our history no matter what happens from here on out. But everyone also knew that the grand prizes of these tournaments were two games away and no one wanted to give up now. But these games were going to be very tough indeed, so could we make it to that promised land?

Let's start with the XVs, who had to take on the lovely Port Ember back at the Westown Stadium in Brham. We knew for a fact that King Kidd was going to throw everything at us and then some and that was certainly the case, with the game we ended up having being only decided on the very last possession. PE would end up scoring one try in this game, thanks to Barric Francisko, while Ryley Mićjo managed to kick the conversion and two penalty kicks. For us, on the other hand, we managed two tries - via Emmerson Gawakali - while Jose Valbuena managed 1/2 on Conversions but did get what would end up being the deciding penalty in the 75th minute. Port Ember did get one final chance to counter but that would end in a turnover...and thus, our place in the final was secured.

Meanwhile, the XIIIs were taking on the pre-season #1 in the form of Ko-oren and this one would end up being more of a traditional back and forth affair. Teppei Shibata, Moen de Waard and Ramiro Monteverde all scored for the opposition while de Waard also managed all 3 conversions but we simply had too much for the Dragonflies to handle and that's all anyone wrote on the contest. Our 5 tries were scored by Kepo Kalawakawa (2), Mohammad Al-Kafa (2) and Captain Jack Henderson - who also managed 4/5 from the conversions. That made things all the more sweet as this 28-18 win secured a remarkable feat...TJUN-ia is in the final. Both of them.

How we managed this, we do not know...but silverware has never been closer and we now have two chances to create history.
For the Union, it's Baggieland at the National Rugby Stadium in Scott City - the #4 in pre-season, but the #2 seed.
For the League, it's Quebec and Shingoryeo at the WSC Stadium in West Scott City - the #10 preseason, but also the #2 seed.
This was destined to be. 1 vs 2 for the right to the crowns.
Someone has to claim them...but can we do something magical.
Winning either would be historic. Both? Mythical.
But we have to get the job done first.
Two teams looking to make history. Let's hope something sticks.

GO JAGS'!

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UNION SCHEDULE (Group D)
MD1: vs Acadiana (35) - Westown Stadium, Brham W 36-0 (1st)
MD2: vs The Licentian Isles (17) - Centennial Centre, Cleveland W 22-17 (1st)
MD3: BYE (2nd)
MD4: vs Abanhfleft (1) - Centennial Centre, Cleveland W 21-10 (1st)
MD5: vs Mali i Kuq (UR) - Westown Stadium, Brham W 23-6 (1st)
MD6: vs Ardsk (UR) - Southern Stadium, Rogerton W 5-3 (1st)
MD7: vs Lisander (11) - Southern Stadium, Rogerton W 23-10 (1st/25pts/#1)
Ro16: vs Hundredstar (UR/#16) - Rugby Park, Springfield W 17-10
QF: vs Hannasea (15/#8) - Southwestern Rugby Stadium, Chuckio W 9-3
SF: vs Port Ember (10/#4) - Westown Stadium, Brham W 15-13
F: vs Baggieland (4/#2) - National Rugby Stadium, Scott City

LEAGUE SCHEDULE (Group B)
MD1: vs Taloren (UR) - Cumberland Park, Rogerton W 23-7 (1st)
MD2: vs Mali i Kuq (UR) - West Central Stadium, Romanopolis W 11-2 (1st)
MD3: vs Copper Cuprum (4) - Dairy Farmers' Association Stadium, Johnho W 21-9 (1st)
MD4: vs Sea Dome (UR) - West Central Stadium, Romanopolis W 19-5 (1st)
MD5: vs Ochre Islands (9) - Cumberland Park, Rogerton W 42-6 (1st/10pts/#1)
QF: vs Abanhfleft (2/#7) - Pittwater Road, Darmen City W 17-10
SF: vs Ko-oren (1/#4) - Dairy Farmers' Association Stadium, Johnho W 28-18
F: vs Quebec and Shingoryeo (10/#2) - WSC Stadium, West Scott City

[Darmen]

CUTOFF #11! RWC & RLWC 3PPO's and Finals scores coming right up.

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RWC 35 3PPO & Final

Port Ember 21–3 Abanhfleft

TJUN-ia 26–27 Baggieland

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RLWC 22 3PPO & Final

Ko-oren 0–2 Darmen*

*Thanks to Equestrian States once again for the third party scorination.

TJUN-ia 31–14 Quebec and Shingoryeo

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Congrats to the winners. Commiserations to the not winners. Thanks to everyone who participated. Rankings for both codes will be updated tomorrow.

[TJUN-ia]

Rugby. A sport where its different codes have treated us differently. Union has always been hard on us while we took to League like a duck through water. This difference in experience between two codes of the same core sport has certainly caused a divide in the two camps in the past...but not in Darmen. As both teams clicked, both sides agreed to support the other to try and produce the Finale to end all Finales. And look where we are now. On this magical weekend, two TJUN-ian teams would be playing in two Finals for the chance to win a World Cup...and the whole country was almost paralysed to try and witness it all. Top 2 would be a historic result for either team in this situation...but could any of them claim the gold?

Saturday was the time for the XVs in the 35th Rugby World Cup Final against Baggieland at the National Rugby Stadium in Scott City. Jaguars vs Throstles, Jacob Peterson vs Billy Wilkinson, the #1 seed vs the #2 seed, pre-season #6 v #4. Everyone knew that a clash like this would be a potential banger, especially with a title on the line, but what we ended up with was certainly a brilliant game for the neutrals and a heart attack for those who were supporting either team in the stands or at home. It was an instant classic, one in which late on we did lead 26-24 thanks to Philip Quatteraro (2), Peter Mullins and Emmerson Gawakali (with Jose Valbuena kicking 3/4 on Conversions) while Baggieland's points came from John Pilkington (2) and Alex Sherman while John Allen managed 3/3 on Conversions and a PK at that. The final few minutes were tough as balls but in the end, the final dagger would come in the 76th as a penalty would be converted by Allen and that would be that. The Union crown belonged to the Throstles...and thus, Silver was ours. It was a joy to make it this far, our 2nd Silver in 3 WCs, but you could tell they wanted more...and that was gnawing at their souls. For Lucien and Philip Quatteraro, Captain Alan Wakefield, Austin McBluey, Jose Valbuena and Peter Mahinulani, that was their last dance...and they certainly went off with their heads held high.

Then Sunday came and it was time for the XIIIs to take on the 22nd Rugby League World Cup Final against Quebec and Shingoryeo at the WSC Stadium in West Scott City. Jaguars vs Grim Reapers, Louise Peterson vs Nell Park, #1 seed vs #2 seed, pre-season #3 vs #10. No one was really betting on this final in the pre-season, but here we both were...and let's just say things played out exactly as the rankings said it would. The Grim Reapers did bring their A-game to this final with Nam Jong-Hyeong and Yi Cheol-Song scoring the tried that were paired conversions and a PK by Ghislain-Antoine Gbinije...but we simply had too much to handle and had destiny in our eyes. Steve McGoey (2), Andre le Grand-Et-Haut, Mohammad Al-Kafa, Logan Jacobson and Captain Jack Henderson himself all managed to score tries in the coronation...with 5/5 from conversions and a drop goal from the captain sealing the deal as well. 31-14. It was a long road but finally, a rugby code had been conquered. TJUN-ia are the the new kings of Rugby League...and my god, does it feel good.

Two Separate Codes, But Two Bright Futures Ahead. That's all anyone can really ask for.
GO JAGS'!

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UNION SCHEDULE (Group D)
MD1: vs Acadiana (35) - Westown Stadium, Brham W 36-0 (1st)
MD2: vs The Licentian Isles (17) - Centennial Centre, Cleveland W 22-17 (1st)
MD3: BYE (2nd)
MD4: vs Abanhfleft (1) - Centennial Centre, Cleveland W 21-10 (1st)
MD5: vs Mali i Kuq (UR) - Westown Stadium, Brham W 23-6 (1st)
MD6: vs Ardsk (UR) - Southern Stadium, Rogerton W 5-3 (1st)
MD7: vs Lisander (11) - Southern Stadium, Rogerton W 23-10 (1st/25pts/#1)
Ro16: vs Hundredstar (UR/#16) - Rugby Park, Springfield W 17-10
QF: vs Hannasea (15/#8) - Southwestern Rugby Stadium, Chuckio W 9-3
SF: vs Port Ember (10/#4) - Westown Stadium, Brham W 15-13
F: vs Baggieland (4/#2) - National Rugby Stadium, Scott City L 26-27

LEAGUE SCHEDULE (Group B)
MD1: vs Taloren (UR) - Cumberland Park, Rogerton W 23-7 (1st)
MD2: vs Mali i Kuq (UR) - West Central Stadium, Romanopolis W 11-2 (1st)
MD3: vs Copper Cuprum (4) - Dairy Farmers' Association Stadium, Johnho W 21-9 (1st)
MD4: vs Sea Dome (UR) - West Central Stadium, Romanopolis W 19-5 (1st)
MD5: vs Ochre Islands (9) - Cumberland Park, Rogerton W 42-6 (1st/10pts/#1)
QF: vs Abanhfleft (2/#7) - Pittwater Road, Darmen City W 17-10
SF: vs Ko-oren (1/#4) - Dairy Farmers' Association Stadium, Johnho W 28-18
F: vs Quebec and Shingoryeo (10/#2) - WSC Stadium, West Scott City W 31-14