October 2 down the years
The Cabbage Patch makes its bow
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Wales wing Gerald Davies poses for a squad photograph, April 16, 1974
Gerald Davies skippered Cardiff in their 29-25 defeat by Argentina © Getty Images
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1909
Harlequins defeated Richmond 14-10 in the first ever match played at Twickenham. The game attracted a crowd of 2,000. The ground hosted its first Test match four months later when England defeated Wales 15-6 in front of a crowd of 18,000. The RFU purchased the plot for £5,500 in 1907, and the first stands were constructed the following year. Before the ground was bought, it was used to grow cabbages, and so Twickenham became known as the 'Cabbage Patch'.

2011
Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu is charged with misconduct by the International Rugby Board after accusing referee Nigel Owens of racism following Samoa's defeat to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup pool clash. The defeat - on September 30 - saw Samoa eliminated from the competition and the Gloucester centre questioned Welshman Owens' neutrality with Wales benefiting from a South Africa victory.

Elsewhere, the news that all of New Zealand was dreading was finally confirmed: Dan Carter's World Cup was over, the fly-half having suffered a groin tear in training the day before. "It is devastating for Daniel," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said. "He has been a world-class player for a long time, probably one of the greatest players ever produced by this country. This was going to be his pinnacle, the Rugby World Cup. We've had a lot of focus on this tournament for the last couple of years, and it is devastating he cannot be involved in that."

On the field, Wales booked their place in the knockout stages with a confident performance over Fiji as they banished the memories of 2007 with a commanding 66-0 win. Ireland also made light work of Italy to ensure they were in the quarter-final mix as they prevailed 36-6.

1976
Even the presence of Gerald Davies in the starting line-up was not enough to prevent Cardiff becoming the latest victims of a rapidly improving Argentina side, the Pumas triumphing 29-25 in a thrilling encounter in the Welsh capital. The game was very nearly touched by tragedy, though, as Argentine prop Mario Carluccio lost consciousness with just over ten minutes of normal time remaining. However, Carluccio was resuscitated by Cardiff trainer Tom Holley.

2007
Tongan wing Joseph Vaka was cautioned by police after clashing with an England fan who teased him over his team's Rugby World Cup defeat. The 18-stone player was travelling home with team-mates after being knocked out of the tournament in the group stages by England in Paris. One witness told The Sun newspaper that the Tongan hit the fan, an airport worker, with his forearm after the man repeatedly chanted "Come on, England''.

2007
Ireland boss Eddie O'Sullivan was given the dreaded 'vote of confidence' by the Irish Rugby Football Union following their group-stage exit from the Rugby World Cup. "We have put our faith in Eddie. We made decisions last May in terms of where we wanted to go over the next four years,'' chief executive Philip Browne said. "We're happy with that decision. In our view he's the best man for the job." O'Sullivan left his position following the 2008 Six Nations.

1924
The Invincible Second All Blacks battled their way to a 13-10 victory over a strong Newport XV.

1966
The Athletic club in Wellington departed New Zealand on an ambitious 11-match world tour which would eventually see them visit Great Britain, Ireland, Hong Kong and Japan.

1976
Japan were edged out 23-21 by Combined Services at Davenport on their tour of Great Britain.

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