Rugby World Cup, weekend 1

So, we've had the opening round of matches.

New Zealand, no surprises to me, proved those who said "They've had no consequence games, they'll be rusty" wrong with a very clinical outing, killing the Italians in every respect. I'd be a happy Graeme Henry today.

Argentina rocked the rugby world. That's not meant to suggest that they're a bad side, but France had played like real challengers in the warm-up matches, Argentina hadn't played that well. On Friday night, the roles were reversed. Les Bleus froze under pressure and expectation, the Pumas played with heart and soul and conviction, and thoroughly deserved their win.

Of the home nations, I'd rather be Welsh (which I am) than anything else. Why? Well Wales varied between mediocre and good, and played a team which can surprise bigger sides in the right sort of way. They weathered, albeit with more damage than we'd like the storm at the start of each half, and then struck, and struck, and struck to kill them off when that initial roar died back.

Ireland looked old and flat. They won, but please... with the greatest of respect to Namibia, they're not exactly dangerous. Ireland v Argentina and Ireland v France could both be even more fascinating than anyone thought in "the group of death." Before the tournament I'd have said France and Ireland to qualify, in that order. Argentina unlucky to be in that group rather than say in the group with Australia instead of Wales. Now, I just don't know. I guess it depends on how France do against Ireland. They might show up worked up and demolish them and go through. I suspect they'll be fragile though, and if Ireland start well France could easily go out in the pool stages.

Scotland, playing Portugal looked a bit stunned and out of sorts. They played between badly and mediocre, not what you want in a first game. Still, I'd rather be Scots that English - England were shocking against the USA. They failed to get a bonus point, against a side that many places below you in the rankings, it's unforgivable.

Australia? Don't know. Japan, with the best will in the world, didn't pose any sort of threat. Australia v Wales will be interesting, the only real challenge for them in the pool stages you'd say. After New Zealand v Italy, it remains to be seen how much of one, although recent matches between the two in Wales (and the first test in Australia) have all been contests, which might bode well.

South Africa - did a good job against Samoa, but losing a centre, particularly such a good one, who can guess.