JAPAN JOY: REVIEW 18TH - 21ST SEPTEMBER

Wow what a weekend of RWC 2015....England securing a much needed bonus point with their fourth try in the 82nd minute, Japan scoring the winning try, again in stoppage time against SA, Wales crushing Uruguay as expected but suffering more injuries and NZ doing enough to beat an impressive Argentinian outfit, but having the legend that is Richie McCaw, yellow carded, for what is only the third time in his international career.

First to England v Fiji on Friday night, where the hosts avoided the proverbial banana skin by beating Fiji reasonably comfortably, scoring four tries in the process, but being beaten up in the front five and breakdown area later in the game, when the pressure was on. Fiji will definitely have a say in the outcome of the Group of Death, whether they can beat an injury hit Wales remains to be seen, but you have to applaud their manic desire to keep the ball alive at every opportunity (they must be a nightmare to coach).

Next Super Saturday, where Georgia surprisingly overcame Tonga, in the most physical contest so far in RWC 2015, and celebrated down at Kingsholm like they had won the group. This achievement was only superceded by the magnificent Japanese, whose last minute victory over the South Africans, was definitely the biggest shock rugby result ever (Fiji Wales eight years ago was great, but nothing like this). Pictures beamed around the world of crying Japanese supporters will hopefully motivate those thinking of trying the game to take that next step.

This was no fluke, as, whilst South Africa played poorly, they still scored four tries and should have won the game, but Japan's never say die spirit, and accuracy and intensity under pressure in the closing stages was formidable. Whether Japan can now build on this foundation and qualify for the knockout stages, to possibly play England or Australia, remains to be seen. Scotland and Samoa lie in wait and will be better prepared than SA. There was another game, where predictably Ireland crushed Canadia (sic) by 50+ points, with Sexton running the show (let's hope they can keep him fit). According to my roving reporter, Big John, the poor FGW train service home from Cardiff was the most dramatic part of the game.

Finally Sunday, where the highlight was a very strong NZ team overcoming a creative but inaccurate Argentinian outfit, who have improved greatly as a result of being allowed into the Championship. Every other team in the competition must have been shaking their head, when NZ emptied their bench and Nonu was replaced by Sonny Bill Williams. Such strength in depth (like England's) will play an important role in any team's progress come the latter stages and inevitable injuries knock out key players.

So only three days in, and already rugby fans have big smiles on their faces...and with Costa's behaviour on the football pitch over the weekend, hopefully rugby made its mark and attracted some new recruits into its community.