Talking Points: Day 8/9

Sonny Bill-Winger: Graham Henry had hinted that SBW may be used in other positions in the All Black backline; his appearance on the wing during NZ’s thirteen try win over Japan will be strike fear into the rest of the competition.

Irish eyes smiling: Ireland’s win was their first against Australia in World Cup history and blows the draw wide open. We all knew that Ireland had a performance in them, but few expected them to come out on top against the Wallabies.

Moody returns: Lewis Moody returns to captain England in their group stage encounter with Georgia tomorrow morning. England have made eight changes to the side that started against Argentina, with Toby Flood starting at fly-half.

Geographical draw: Ireland’s win over Australia has given the potential quarter final draw a geographical divide. Barring any shock results, Ireland will face Wales/Samoa with England playing France. New Zealand will play Argentina with South Africa facing Australia to complete a northern-southern 

hemisphere divide. 

Talking Points: Day 1 & 2

Star Man: New Zealand’s Richard Kahui was instrumental in the AB’s curtain raiser victory over Tonga. The winger scored twice and was heavily involved during the build up to three others.

Fiji’s First: Fiji wing Vereniki Goneva crossed the line four times to become the first Fijian to score a World Cup hat-trick in their game against Namibia.

Goal kicking glitch: Jonny Wilkinson and Dan Carter were both out of sorts with their goal kicking in the opening games; Wilkinson missed five penalty attempts.

Bulky Back-line: The All Blacks fielded a starting backline with an average weight of 98.7kgs, that’s 15 stone 7lb in old money. Staggering.

Group C Banana Skins: Both England and Scotland narrowly avoided defeat to teams that they were expected to beat. From that showing, the Argies’ will be handful for Scotland, possibly too much. 

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