RWC 2019: WEEKEND #1 REVIEW

So what did we learn about each team during the opening weekend of RWC 2019 in Japan?

In terms of Tier 1 clashes, New Zealand edged a titanic tussle with South Africa, France likewise against Argentina, whereas Ireland dominated a poor Scotland team, and Australia finally stretched away from a impressive Fiji. In the other games, England scored four tries, getting the bonus point against Tonga but have room to improve, Wales likewise against Georgia and Japan and Italy finally stretched away from a dogged Russia and Namibia respectively.

England's Samoan scored two tries against fellow Pacific Islanders

There was plenty of controversy involving referees and their application of the laws (or lack of). Reece Hodge somehow stayed on the pitch after his his high no arms shoulder charge on Yato, Fiji's best player, who did leave the field permanently (after failing an HIA). Hodge has since been cited (quelle surprise). South Africa were so incensed with the French referee's refusal to penalise NZ for persistently dropping scrums, clearing out rucks from the side, off their feet with no use of arms, that they made a nice video to show everyone. 

The Kiwis have been masters of the dark arts for years, and were very smart and clinical at the weekend. Yes, they cheat, but they do it better than anyone else - Richie McCaw's middle name was "lazy rolling away".

So it's award time, who got what?

Team super heroes: Fiji, Tonga, NZ (they are still the best) and France (for making the QF's despite everyone writing them off).

Team rubbish: Scotland, especially the forwards, and that Japan game (without Hamish Watson) now looks tight...

Ali Price thinking about that foot injury that will keep him out of rest of tournament for Scotland

Individual gold stars: Jordan Larmour (Ireland), James Ryan (Ireland), Damian Penaud (France), Antoine Dupont (France), Manu Tuilagi (England), Marika Koraibete (Australia), Sevu Reece (New Zealand), Zane Kapeli (Tonga).

Games to look forward to next weekend:

Ireland v Japan (could decide the group winners now Scots are recovering from Culloden#2),
Australia v Wales (again the group decider unless Fiji can beat the Welsh like they did in 2007...),
Scotland (or what's left) v Samoa (which Scots need to win to keep QF hopes alive).