Hasn't the World cup got off to a great start ? Wasn't the South Africa vs Japan match fabulous ? I was on the edge of my seat for the whole thing. For me it's right up there with this year's 6 nations England v France match as one of the most enthralling of recent years.
I thought Ireland were clinically impressive in their opening game. They are slick & professional and have never been better prepared to take a decent shot at lifting the Webb Ellis trophy. I wish I felt the same confidence about England. Unlike Ireland, whose squad is the result of 3 years solid team building, Lancaster appears to have panicked in his final squad selection& has left us very short of decent options at 12 & 13. The pack looks weak, in particular it looks ineffective at the breakdown. Although we got the result we wanted against Fiji, it was not an encouraging start for the hosts.
The Japan game was stunning.... their decision not to kick and draw was absolutely magnificent. Incredibly high risk - but it paid off. As you say, edge of the seat stuff.
Games like SA and Japan are the games that make touruments so great. Just like at the cricket world cup this year, some great games with "lesser" teams. Sad thing is the cricket world cup will be cut back....shame.
Japan v SA was anawesome spectacle. Truly great advert for the game and tournament. I think it will make a lot of teams wake up and not assume the so called " rabbits" are easy meat. I hope Japan will be able to recover for the next match...only 4 days?
I hope Uruguay don't do to Wales what Japan did to the Boks! Brilliant game, which I didn't intend to watch, but three Japanese turnovers in the first ten minutes or so made me think they had turned up to win.
Rob
Bavaria 46, 20% of Hunter Impala. 100% of another Hunter Impala, black 4/4 Competition
They were more determined, more disciplined and handled the ball better and produced a couple of the best try's I have seen since the 73 Barbarians V All Blacks.
This is not a top notch SA team, think they may struggle to get out of the group.
