In a spectacular display of rugby prowess, Henry Arundell scored five tries, leading England to a resounding victory over Chile in their Pool D match in Lille at the Rugby World Cup 2023. The final score of 71-0 provided a significant morale boost for the team, particularly with the return of their captain, Owen Farrell, from suspension.
The initial stages of the match saw Chile’s determined defense holding strong against England’s relentless attacks for the first 20 minutes. However, it was a scrum in front of the posts that finally broke the deadlock, with Farrell delivering a precise pass to Arundell, who dashed across the try line.
England’s front-row players, Theo Dan and Bevan Rodd, added to the scoreline with close-range tries on either side of Arundell’s second score, during which he showcased his incredible speed and agility. Yet, the standout moment of the first half was full-back Marcus Smith’s remarkable kick-and-collect play, earning him a well-deserved try.
The second half saw England’s set-piece prowess shining once again, as they orchestrated a brilliant try by Dan from a lineout. Arundell, a 20-year-old rising star, continued to dominate with three more tries, including a delightful chip-and-chase for his fourth. Impressively, Marcus Smith and Jack Willis also contributed to England’s stylish performance.
Chile’s journey in the Rugby World Cup continues as they prepare to face Argentina in Nantes on September 30th to complete their pool games.
Arundell, rightfully named the Mastercard Player of the Match, humbly credited his teammates for his remarkable try haul, acknowledging their excellent work both up front and in creating opportunities out wide.
Chile’s captain, Martin Sigren, acknowledged that the heavy defeat served as a valuable lesson for his team, comparing it to their struggles four years ago against Canada and the USA. He expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing their commitment to improvement.
Owen Farrell, making his debut in this Rugby World Cup, expressed his enjoyment of the game and praised the team’s collective effort, especially given the numerous changes to the lineup. He noted the team’s improved cohesion and hoped for continued success.
Pablo Lemoine, Chile’s head coach, while not overly disappointed by the result, acknowledged the significant gap between rugby nations. He stressed the need for his team to evolve and adapt to the demands of international rugby, expressing hope for positive changes in the future, both for the sport and its supporters.”
