5 Things from the opening weekend

So every pool has played two games and pretty much all of them have been enthralling to watch and have made this arguably the greatest world cup ever. Here are five areas which have been highlighted this weekend.

Minnows refuse to give up

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.

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.

All referee's should take a leaf out of Wayne Barnes' book, for TMO referrals

Scrums are working for once

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.

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:

5 Things from Wales vs Uruguay

So Wales opened their World Cup account with the expected bonus point victory over Uruguay, in a nutshell it was job done. However in reality the eight try victory was a little unconvincing, and a raft of worrying injuries have been added to the already damaged squad. Here's five areas of conversation after the 54-9 victory.

Questionable game-plan

From the out set Wales didn't seem to know how they were supposed to defeat the South Americans. The standard procedure is to keep it tight with strong and constant forward carriers around the break down combined with strong centre running down the ten channel, for at least the first 20 minutes. However Priestland at fly-half seemed to want to initially spread the ball wide instantly, expecting the Uruguayans to just be a walk over, and it cost Wales early only. With the minnows leading 6-0 at a point and seriously frustrating the home side. 

Wales came into the game playing two opensides, so it was assumed Wales would also look to play a fast paced game, winning the breakdown battle quickly and exhausting their opponents, leading to gaps and mis-matches after a few phases. Instead the forwards seemed much more content with a driving maul game plan against a physicially weaker side, and while it proved highly effective with half of their tries coming from a driven lineout and another one dropped my Tipuric over the line, it also seemed to decrease the effectiveness of the Welsh attacking output.

The Welsh mauled proved effective against Uruguay, but it meant Wales didn't show what they were capable of

Injuries had a noticeable impact

Liam Williams suffered another set back

With Liam Williams at fullback Wales had their most dangerous player raring to go after a long lay off with injury, however they lost him within half an hour. Replacement Matthew Morgan didn't see the ball till the second half it seemed, and even then didn't exactly have the impact that was expected of him, potentially down to a flaw in the game-plan with Wales failing to tire Uruguay out. 

Williams wasn't the only issue, an initially powerful scrum dwindled a little with the loss of both Paul James and Samson Lee by the start of the second half, both lists as having "tight calves", which could pose major problems if the injuries are anything more than minor knocks. It could be especially worrying if it causes Samson Lee's previous Achilles injury to flare up.

Morgan has been called up to replace Allen

The biggest worry was seeing Cory Allen limp off with a torn hamstring. I've always questioned his effectiveness, but he showed some good lines of running to always be available to dot the ball down, scoring a hat-trick of tries within the first half. While he did throw a couple of suspect passes, he did seem to be finding his feet internationally. Wales have called up teenager Tyler Morgan this morning, to replace the Cardiff Blues player, who is highly rated by the entire Welsh management. He is a powerful runner, with a very powerful fend and will be a star in the future, but whether he is ready now is a risk that Wales have had to take. The loss of Allen caused a mix-match re-shuffle with Cuthbert playing centre, and scrum-half Lloyd Williams shoe horned into the wing berth, which caused a massive loss of effectiveness in the Welsh backline.

Cuthbert still lacks form

Cuthbert once again failed to impress

Alex Cuthbert has been given the backing of Gatland to rediscover the lethal finishing ability that made him feared across Europe. But after three warm up tests and the first game of the World Cup, he still has only scored one - walk in - try, has failed to have any impact on the gain line battle. Against a semi-professional side like Uruguay he should have scored at least once, and been able to steam roller over the South American back line on multiple occasions. Instead he didn't get a sniff of the try line, and the few moments he decided to offer himself off of his wing he failed to burst the first tackle or make ground, often because he failed to take the ball on at pace. There were also a worrying about of handling errors, at times where Wales looked threatening, and the chance went begging. And on top of all of that defensively he still looked poor at best, on multiple occasions his positioning actually gave Uruguay a two or three man overlap, he has to learn his job is to defend the wide channel and focus on his opposite winger, far too often he steps in leaving acres of space to exploit. Against Uruguay it wasn't punished but against the likes of England's May and Watson on the weekend, Wales could suffer badly. 

Meanwhile on the opposite flank was the young Dragon, Hallam Amos. Who not only scored a wonderful try, but also broke the defensive line again and again, with intelligent angles run from deep. He also provides Wales with a left-footed kicking option which they are missing without Jonathan Davies, he has played fullback so provides a strong aerial combatant. He also provides an element of the unexpected with not much experience he is neither weighed down with previous failures, nor fully understood by opponents.

Amos is the form winger, will Gatland pick him?

The lineout is exquisite

The statistics speak for themselves, 25 lineouts for Wales, 25 lineouts won, and another stolen. Wales backed themselves at the lineout all game, eschewing kicks at goal constantly to favour their lineout. And it paid off with the towering Charteris commanding the air, but he acted as a decoy on numerous occasions too. Wales utilised pretty much all their options at the lineout, with Tipuric being used at the tail half a dozen times with pinpoint throwing from Scott Baldwin, also Warburton and James King offering other options. 

The Welsh lineout was at peak efficiency

If the Welsh lineout can operate at this efficiency again on the weekend, they might have a chance, especially against an England lineout which struggled against Fiji. Wales could use the set piece to their advantage, especially that tail ball. Throwing to the back of line-out ties in the opposition back-row, and provides great attacking ball which will allow the likes of North or Roberts to attack the gainline at full speed without concern of meeting forwards. England are likely to combat this by moving the diminutive Ford out of the front line, and maybe positioning Barritt in that channel or maybe even Mike Brown. Which just leads to a different method of exploitation, but the lineout will be the catalyst of Wales' attack come Saturday.

Priestland doing better

Priesltand looked confident

Four years ago Priestland was the best fly-half at the tournament, but after winning a Grand Slam, he seemed to lose a lot of his confidence and form. It wasn't helped by a disapproving crowd constantly booing him from the stands. As such he was eventually over looked by Gatland for the inform Dan Biggar, who has taken a firm grip of the ten jersey and during the 6 Nations was at the top of his game.

Priestland was given the chance to be in control, and he showed some of the ability that made him Gatland's favourite for so long. Excusing the initial attempt to play wide without "earning the right", he eventually exerted excellent decision making on the game. He was directly responsible for most of the tries scored by the backs, a deft chip started it off, before two tries arising from his exquisite gainline passing ability putting Scott Williams - although the centre did to most of the work - through and the miss-four pass to find Tipuric out wide was simply amazing. 

His goal kicking which has so often been sub-par, was at test quality once again, nailing seven from eight conversions. His kicking out of hand was still a little shaky, with a couple of missed touch-finders from penalties, and some of his "kicks to contest" were too long for any Welsh player to stand any chance of taking the ball. But it is a marked improvement for a player who is potentially playing his last games for Wales.

How is Pool D Looking?

In the final installment of this four part series we look at Pool D, which is full to the brim with 6 Nations teams. Catch our pieces on Pool A, Pool B and Pool C here.

France

They look to becoming into strength at the right time, after four years of pretty poor performance that was inconsistent at best, among hundreds of changes to teams, and dozens of half-back pairings. France look they might have found some stability and decided who is their first team, just in time for the biggest tournament. 

The biggest thing for French fans is seeing their scrum back on top, traditionally it has always been a fearsome weapon by which the French strangled and battered opponents into submission before unleashing a creative backline. However in recent years it has lacked power, this hasn't been helped
by Saint-Andre refusing to play the legendary Nicolas Mas at tighthead who is feared the world over. Since his reinstatement though France at back to nearer their best, especially against England who themselves are famed for their scrum. Waiting on the bench is the gigantic Atonio with his customised shirt, while at loose-head they have the option of Debaty who provides even more power in the scrum or Ben Arous who is more akin to an openside flanker with his movement around the park. In the second row - a sparse area considering the state of the club game - they seem to have found some form, with Pascal Pape and Maestri providing a lot of size.

In the backrow France possess some major players, obviously the captain Dusautoir is heroic in defence, and towering in the lineout. The other decision is difficult to decide, with Le Roux, Nyagna and Ouedrago offering multiple options each with their own distinct game-style in combination with Dusuatoir. At No. 8 there is the decision between Chouly, who provides ferocious ball carrying, edging over the gainline by painful inches, or the more dynamic Picamoles who offers a bit more speed and wider ball carrying.

Dusautoir is a tackle deamon, and an inspirational leader

The French backline always has and probably always will start with their scrum half, unlike most sides the scrum half is the one who dictates the game, controls the tempo and makes the decisions. As such it's likely the highly experienced and quality goal kicker of Morgan Parra will start the big games, and who can blame them, as France look a different team with him behind the pack. At fly-half it's as open as it has been over the last four years, neither of the two fly-half's who played during the 6 Nations are in the squad, which leaves it wide open for the maverick Michalak, or the slightly
more dependable Tales. The centre partnership seems formed a ying-yang partnership of the wizardry of Fofana and the bull-like stature of Bastareaud, although the free-running Gael Fickou could prove a useful impact substitute able to work wonders against a tired defence. In the back three, Yoann Huget is an incredibly dangerous winger, combining surprising strength, excellent footwork and just enough French madness he will score plenty of tries. At fullback the South African born Scott Spedding is favourite, offering level headedness within a infamously maverick side, and a monster boot which can on occasion knock over 50+ yard kicks at goal.

France stand a good chance at topping this pool, although will have to turn the tables on Ireland who they haven't beaten in a long while. Finishing second in the pool is likely to have them face New Zealand in the knockouts, at the Millennium Stadium, which could have the All Blacks reliving the nightmare of eight years ago.

Star Player: Thierry Dusautoir
Player to Watch: Gael Fickou

Ireland

At the start of the year Ireland seemed to be the best team in the World, capable of beating anyone but starving them of territory and possession and dictating the tempo of the game. However during the 6 Nations they struggled a little to get their game working, especially against a ferocious Welsh defence, but more noticeably in the warm up tests they weren't at their best. Yes they walked all over Wales in Cardiff, but the following fixture they were outplayed for much of the game and their driving maul game was beaten. And then going to Twickenham they looked rather lethargic in the first half, unable to retain possession, and being battered by a strong English pack up front.

It's not all doom and gloom though, they still are the best team in Pool D, and they have probably the strongest strength in depth of any team at the World Cup, with at least two players who can slot into any position without any lack of talent. Up front Healy, Best and Ross form a powerful and athletic first choice, but with the likes of sprinter Cronin, Jack McGrath and freshly inducted Nathan White. In the second row, there is the legendary Paul O'Connell, a giant of the game for many years. He is responsible for dragging Ireland over the finish line in games, when the flow of the game is going away from them he will dragging his fellow green shirted men back in to the match. Hard nosed and likely to play almost every game it's a question as to who will play alongside him, Devin Toner has been Schmidt's preferred choice in recent years with his towering height offering greater strength in the lineout, while the form choice would be Iain Henderson who is athletic and powerful in open play.

One last run for Ireland's greatest warrior O'Connell

The back row has recently become a source of incredible strength for the Irish, with vice-captain and Lion Jamie Heaslip and No. 8 they have a rock at the back of the scrum, who provides a smart rugby brain, even if he is often lacking in the short range carries around the breakdown. That instead comes from the "Tullow Tank", the rampaging Sean O'Brien who has been busting the gainline for years, and is back from injury with full fitness just in time for the World Cup. On the opposite flank it is likely to be Peter O'Mahony who has become a nightmare to deal with at the breakdown, capable of clamping like a limpet on to any unsupported ball carriers and winning Ireland multiple penalties.

The backline since Schmidt's introduction hasn't been the most extravagant line up, designed much more to retain possession than to score tries, but then again it has been working. The half back

Robbie Henshaw is a rock in defence
and strong in attack.

partnership of Murray and Sexton is probably the best in the northern hemisphere and would push the All Black duo too, both expert kickers both for retain possession and clearing their lines. Sexton also provides an ability to create overlaps with his infamous looping runs, which surprisingly still catches opponents out. In the centres they have young revelation Robbie Henshaw who could be a major player for any success that Ireland have at this tournament, outside him there is no stand-out performer, Jared Payne adds another "fullback" to the backline which allows Ireland to run their kicking game even better, while there is also Darren Cave who has had a good season or elusive runners Fitzgerald and Earls who are more accustom to the wing. 

Speaking of the wings all of them are imperious in the air, with their Gaelic football skills. Tommy Bowe is a fan favourite, but has lost a little bit of what made him a test Lion, Zebo provides excitement and flair which could light up the game and move away from the "dull" gameplan if needed. Then there is Dave Kearney who was majestic in the air during the warm-up tests. There are multiple options for Schmidt to choose from, and it might be a case of picking dependant on the opponents, something the Kiwi coach is a master at. At fullback it is all but certain to be the quality Rob Kearney, imperious in the air, lethal in attack and with a cannon of a left boot.

Ireland have a nice build up of fixtures, with their crunch match coming in the final game of the pool against France, so they could still be in a building phase at the beginning of the tournament, which could give them the stamina and game time to be ready for the important matches.

Star Player: Jonny Sexton

Player to Watch: Iain Henderson

Italy

It's been a long build up for the Italians to the world cup, it started with the players going on strike to training over a dispute with payment and kit deals. Eventually it was resolved and they begun training. The warm up games did not go well however, with zero from three, including an incredibly heavy defeat to Scotland in Edinburgh. They were back to their frustrating best against Wales, but didn't exactly look dangerous more just annoying to play against. 

There is some hope with the Italians, the scrum looks as powerful as always Castro being a dependable rock on the tight head and the rest of the veteran front row at their best too. In the back row there is the talismanic Sergio Parisse who every other team in the world wants in their scrum. And they have multiple options for the flankers with Zanni, Minto and Favaro all in contention.

Parisse is crucial to Italian hopes, they'll want to keep him fit all tournament

In the backline they still are lacking a confident fly-half, but Eduardo Gorri has started to come through at scrum-half. In the centres Campagnaro had a very impressive 6 Nations in 2014, but has managed to push on and really come good in the last year, while on the wings Italy possess some very impressive wingers. With Venditti and Benvenuti both having impressive outings in previous games. At fullback is the quietly impressive Andrea Masi who has plenty of experience and is incredibly committed in every match.

It's unlikely that Italy will progress to the knock-outs, having to beat one of Ireland or France to go through, but they have done it in the past so don't rule them out entirely.

Star Player: Sergio Parisse

Player to Watch: Michele Campagnaro

Canada

Canada are another team like the USA, they have a few big names in their squad but not enough to make them serious contenders. They have the giant Jamie Cudmore who is well loved at Clermont, then there is captain Tyler Ardron and flying winger Jeff Hassler who both play for the Ospreys. 

Hassler was top class last season for the Ospreys

Despite these names they had a very poor showing at the Pacific Nations Cup, not winning a single game, although they did come close against Samoa and the United States. It's highly unlikely that they will win more than one game at this world cup, so in reality they should be targeting beating Romania and possibly scaring the Italians, but France and Ireland are out of their reach.

Star Player: Jamie Cudmore

Player to Watch: Jeff Hassler

Romania

The whipping boys of Pool D, world cup regulars, but never really worry anybody. They might stand a chance against Canada but without any big names I can't see it happening.

Predicted Final Standings

Ireland

France

Italy

Canada

Romania