CASUALTY LIST MOUNTS

As predicted in OATH a week ago, following a mounting casualty list in most teams, the balance of power starts to swing towards the bigger teams, as replacements are called up to fill holes left by injured first picks.

In terms of minnows, Wales have lost Scott Williams and Hallam Amos for the tournament, who have been replaced by fringe squad players Gareth Anscombe and James Hook (I rate him). They may also lose Liam Williams, who was knocked clean out on Saturday by Tom Wood's careless boot. You have to feel the decision to not cite Wood for such a reckless act smacks a bit "homie" (suspciously favourable to the hosts), but maybe it has been trumped by the decision to ban Nemani Nadolo of Fiji for two weeks for a tip tackle against Australia (taking him out of Wales game, not good news for England). I was at the Australia Fiji game and that tackle was not reckless. This is rugby, not netball.

Liam Williams in better health

Scotland have already lost Grant "Lazarus" Gilchrist for the tournament, who has been as unlucky with injuries as anyone, with no replacement announced as yet (they are still looking), although I vote for "Big" Jim Hamilton, but I have a suspicion he retired when not originally selected. Hopefully they will not also lose Finn Russell, who has been Scotland's best fly half since Gregor Townsend.

In terms of giants, in contrast to minnows, despite England losing Billy "Marlowpola" (his Dad coaches there), they have been able to call up Nick "The Rock" Easter, who has a million caps to his name (I exaggerate, but he is very experienced). However, South Africa may have worse problems, as not only did they lost their captain, Jean de Villiers (who has now retired from the game), in that brutal clash with Samoa, but also had their two other centres injured, De Allende and Kriel. If neither recover, SA could field Habana or Pietersen in the centre against Scotland, or even their young fly half, Pollard. Last but not least, Ireland have doubts over Rob Kearney.

Two games in and RWC 2015 already looks like Rorkes Drift (without weapons).