Overview
- Racing 92 edged Section Paloise 33-31 at the Stade du Hameau to eliminate Pau and advance to the Top 14 semi-finals against Toulouse.
- Stade Français routed La Rochelle 45-5 at Jean-Bouin to book a semi-final meeting with Montpellier and end La Rochelle’s run in the playoffs.
- Germany opened the World Cup with a 7-1 win over debutants Curaçao as the small Caribbean side scored its first finals goal but were overwhelmed by the German attack.
- The Netherlands and Japan drew 2-2 after a late Japanese equaliser that deflected in off Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen, leaving both teams level in their group.
- Côte d’Ivoire beat Ecuador 1-0 thanks to Amad Diallo’s 90th-minute strike, and Spain confirmed Lamine Yamal is fit but will start their opening match on the bench.