New Zealand edged home 34-32, but that didn’t seem to matter. The lasting message was of quality team play, and the players France left at home.
Ireland edged out Australia in similar fashion 31-33 in Sydney. With the World Cup a year away, results are important. Australia will host the World Cup, and they must start to win over the sceptics. Ireland has usually disappointed overseas, so a win in Australia will help maintain their confidence.
Japan beat a disappointing Italy 27-10. Not a result to shake the world, but Japan finds it hard to win at this level. Italy has just lost the best forwards coach in Europe to Bayonne and must regroup soon, as it’s New Zealand next.
Fiji was far too loose to beat Wales in Cardiff. When you play the way they do, you must score, because when you lose the ball, your opponents generally do. Wales, with inspirational Jack Morgan back won 39-24.
Scotland found it far too easy to beat Argentina in Córdoba, 47–38. Not to be too disrespectful to Scotland, but this was a poor Argentinian side. Where was the physicality, the support play, the clinical finishing, and the destructive defence? Watch this space.
Finally, South Africa beat England 45-21. Now clearly it is time for England to stop telling us how good they are as, cearly, they are not! Both captains, George and Itoje, should go. They need a new back row that operates as a unit. The backs, when in phase play, should play through the line, not grubber-kick into touch at the first sign of an oncoming defensive line. You do not build pressure by offering a line-out throw to the opposition!
All in all though it was a great start to the tournament and long may the quick ball produce fast attack.
Wherever you live, enjoy your rugby.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.