Minnows refuse to give up
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| Japan's victory will the story of this World Cup (after one weekend) |
It's perhaps the biggest sporting story of the year so far, the small nation of Japan - hosts of the next world cup - defeating the mighty Springboks. There was warning from the outset with Japan leading early on. It all came about because Japan played an intelligent game, refusing to let South Africa bully them around, playing fast ball spreading it around and avoiding contact as much as possible. It was a lesson on how to beat the big teams, and a warning shot across the whole tournament, that the giants who expect to waltz through games will have to pay attention.
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| Gorgodze was legendary for Georgia |
Only a couple of hours earlier Georgia thought they had pulled of the shock of the tournament beating Tonga who were five places ahead of them. Lead by the fearless and determined performance of captain Gorgodze. And they weren't the only ones, Uruguay put up a fight in the opening stages against Wales, taking a 6-0 lead. Also Samoa had to hold back against the United States, who proved just how good they could be if they could get more test experience in their side, in fact it was largely down to goal kicking that provided the 25-16 win for the islanders. USA simply giving away too many penalties and missing a few of their own kicks to contend entirely.
It is excellent to see the Tier 2, Tier 3 nations actually competing for once. For so long it's been a matter of weathering the storm, and focusing on playing each other. Now it seems that they are looking to pull of upsets and change the face of world rugby. It's obvious to be that the governing body, World Rugby, need to get these other nations playing regular matches against the tough opponents, to improve competition at the major tournaments even more.
Over use of the TMO
Rugby has long prided itself on it's use of technology when it comes to making the big decisions, and I've always enjoyed that. However over recent seasons it's become more and more relied upon by the referee's, which has killed the mood and tempo of the game, and bored the fans beyond recognition. At this world cup the average half length has increased to 50 minutes, largely because of referring decisions to the TMO.
And while most of the time it could argue to have been merited, the main problem has been referees making decisions but then shortly before a conversion is to be taken, seeing a new angle on the big screens and halting the kick. Which not only frustrates the fans, but also the players who were preparing for the restart of play, and consigned the fate of that phase of play.
While some referee's have been accused of over use, there have been two notable performances that deserve credit for how they used the system. Firstly Craig Joubert - let's ignore his tendency to award far too many penalties - who for France's second try trusted his own judgement (and perfect positioning) with the ball being grounded against the bottom of the post. Then there was Wayne Barnes who set a precedent for how the TMO system should be used by all referees. He was in practically constant conversation with his three "assistants" (both touch judges and the TMO), checking for foul play, contentious decisions and other moments of play. It meant the right calls got made quickly and without interrupting play.
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| All referee's should take a leaf out of Wayne Barnes' book, for TMO referrals |
Scrums are working for once
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| Fiji showed us how to use a scrum, beating England more than once |
Scrums have been a constant menace on the game, needing constant re-sets; practically always ending in penalties; and generally boring the pants of fans. There seems to have been a sizeable shift at this World Cup, with plenty of teams looking to use the scrum for what is was designed for, restarting play. The advent of teams actually hooking the ball has lead to it reaching the back sooner and therefore if a team finds themselves going backwards they are actually capable of using the ball instead of giving away a penalty. Meanwhile when they are going forward it allows them to exploit a retreating defensive line, which has lost it's back row, and if they have won a penalty essentially a "free shot" under the advantage law.
It's wonderful to see, and has lead to a much more exciting style of game being played, in reality only the France vs Italy game has this not occurred, this could be down to a combination of two teams who pride themselves on their scrummaging, and Craig Joubert who loves listening to his own whistle.
Crushing injuries
It seems that the injury curse is hanging over this world cup like a gloomy spectre of doom. Wales came into the tournament suffering two major injuries, and having two major players coming back from long term injuries. More worryingly, was the fact that both of those players (Liam Williams & Samson Lee) limped off before the 2nd half against Uruguay, along with second choice loosehead Paul James. That was before Cory Allen picked up a tournament ending injury, creating another back injury in an already bare looking cupboard for the Welsh.
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| Seeing Huget weeping was tough for everyone, the World Cup will suffer |
But they weren't the only ones to suffer, French maverik and lethal finisher Yoann Huget suffered an awful looking injury which has ruled him out for an extended period. England centre Jonathan Joseph is struggling to be fit for the crunch match against Wales this weekend. Ireland's star inside centre Robbie Henshaw missed the opening fixture with a hamstring injury, and South Africa's ramapging back rower Willem Alberts limped out of the game against Japan during the warm up.
It's awful when you see potential stars of the World Cup suffer injuries, it's so much worse when they are tournament ending ones. We hope all of them a speedy recovery.
Atmosphere
Heading into this World Cup there was a small fear that there could be a lack of atmosphere and support for some games, the likes of Tonga vs Georgia and Samoa vs USA were expected to be pretty dull affairs that those in the stands would fail to get excited for.
Quite the opposite has happened, through a combination of travelling fans from across the globe, and a home crowd wanting to watch the biggest spectacle in the sport, the noise and pandemonium at stadiums has been incredible. Everybody loves and under dog and the scenes in Brighton were insane as thousand of fans backed the Brave Blossoms against the Springboks and turned the stadium into a bouncing crowd of Japanese fans. The same happened again the day after as fans got on board to the big bruising game between America and Samoa with huge hits combined with exciting wide attacking play.
Meanwhile the small stadium in Gloucester - Kingsholm - has backed its infamous atmosphere during Aviva Premiership games for these international fixtures. The Shed has kept its usual clamour despite the Cherry & White's not being on the field. The Georgian fans were loud and passionate in their support of their players. Even the big stadiums that have never hosted rugby before have been able to find atmosphere, it's been an excellent World Cup so far.
One of the best moments was the video showing Irish fans celebrating Japan's win over South Africa, after their victory in Cardiff, shows the excitement isn't just contained to the stadiums:
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