It would be fair to say that, thus far, the 7th Rugby World Cup has surpassed all expectations. Usually by this point, with 19 games having been played, most people would have predicted all 19 winners correctly, and we would have had a couple of really one-sided encounters. The written media would have been filling column inches with questions about the tournament format, and whether 20 teams, with heavy defeats for the smaller ones, was such a good idea.
This time it's been different. Not many predicted Ireland's victory over Australia. Canada's victory over Tonga was not universally foreseen either. Many games which 4 or 8 years ago would have seen big margin, bonus point victories have been much closer this time around (Scotland-Romania, USA-Russia, Ireland-USA, Scotland-Georgia) and smaller nations have stayed close to their bigger brethren for much longer this time round (France-Japan and Canada, England-Georgia and Australia-Italy). This is to say nothing of the knife-edge games between South Africa and Wales, England and Argentina and Wales and Samoa.
Only Japan have been on the end of a true drubbing, and I think that owed quite a lot to some bad tactics from the coach, who seemed to play into the All Blacks' hands.
It is quite sensationalistic to call this World Cup the best ever (so far) but I think it's indisputably the case and I challenge anyone to successfully argue otherwise.
Team Rankings
As most teams (Italy and Russia aside) have played 2 games each, I thought I would look at what I consider to be my rankings so far. As ever, I await your comments and criticism with baited breath.
8 out of 10 - New Zealand
I think New Zealand are undoubtedly the most impressive side I have seen, admittedly against slightly weaker opposition, but they have shown none of the teething problems that the other major nations have.
7 out of 10 - South Africa, France, Ireland, England
South Africa, France, Ireland and England have all won their opening games, but not without their critics. France have spluttered and stuttered and left it late to score bonus points in games against lower ranked teams. South Africa could and should have lost to Wales, and England survived a fraught encounter with Argentina before showing promise at times against Georgia. Ireland played their bast game in years to beat Australia, and their worst for a while in their struggle against the USA.
6.5 out of 10 - Australia, Wales, Argentina
Australia have played 1 good half of rugby in 2 games, the 2nd against Italy. Defeat against Ireland was disappointing, obviously, but more concerning in the way they capitulated under irish pressure. Wales, impressive against South Africa, were fortunate against Samoa. A tricky start though has been overcome and there are signs of promise. Argentina threatened against England for 60 minutes before eventually falling short and put the Romanians to the sword effectively to be placed slightly ahead of the Scots in my mind.
6 out of 10 - Scotland
The Scots have struggled to beat 2 lesser sides, in admittedly tricky conditions at times, but they are on the road to 2 big games with a genuine dollop of confidence.
5.5 out of 10 - Italy, Samoa, Fiji
Italy performed well for 40 minutes in their only game before letting Australia get away. Samoa were at times brilliant against Namibia, and but for a tired second half against Wales, could have been swapping places with the Welsh and sitting pretty for the Quarter Finals. Fiji strolled to victory against Namibia and fell to pieces against Australia. Their destiny remains in their own hands.
5 out of 10 - USA, Canada, Georgia
All 3 performed solidly against big name opposition and while the USA and Canada have wins on the board, Georgia have to wait to play Romania for their chance at a win.
4.5 out of 10 - Romania, Russia, Tonga
The Romanians threatened a major shock against the Scots before losing their way against Argentina. Russia, in their only game, showed they have ability, and a seven point defeat saw a losing bonus point debut. Tonga did well in the second half against an All Blacks side in cruise mode, but suffered a disappointing defeat against Canada in a game they had targeted for a win.
4 out of 10 - Japan, Namibia
Japan showed well in the first half against France, but struggled for the other 3 halves. Namibia promised much against Samoa but couldn't repeat the performance against Fiji.
And Finally....
You wait 20 years for a Pool game without a try and then 2 come along.... After Scotland's tame victory against a durable Georgia side, Ireland and Australia produced no tries in a game which was thrilling in spite of no try action. Both finished 15-6 for the record.
Vincent Clerc leads the way in terms of Try scorers - his 5 courtesy of a double against Japan and a hat-trick against Canada, pip Goneva of Fiji and Kahui of New Zealand with 4, and Tuilagi of Samoa who has 3.
4 yellow cards have been issued in 19 games, which is admirable in terms of player discipline and referee restraint. England have received two of those, Samoa and Romania 1 each. Argentina being the beneficiaries on 2 occasions.
Criticism has been heaped on the kickers so far, as the percentage of successful goal kicks is not as high as in previous tournaments. Is it the new ball? I think it may have something to do with it, but not all kickers are struggling. My take is that those who drive the ball lower seem to have more success than those who float it up high. Look out for this in the next few games.
A day off from matches on Monday before we see at least one game every day for 9 days. Empty the Sky plus boxes folks, and get ready to record them as most will be happening while you're at work, though the weekend will see 2 games on Saturday and 3 more on Sunday, so the third marathon fix is only a week away.
Harlequins in England and Clermont in France continue to make the early season running in their Championships. This weekend saw Harlequins blitz Gloucester by 36 points, while Clermont went to last season's semi finalist Racing Paris and came away with the points.
Enjoy the steady trickle of rugby this week. I will be a distant spectator from Barcelona for a few days, but will be back at some point with some pithy comment I am sure. Next weekend will see some more reports though, in between the packing of the suitcase as I prepare to fly to the party.
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