3 minute read

After a full round of matches at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, is it any clearer who is going to win?

RUGBY WORLD CUP EARLY IMPRESSIONS

Best team - The All Blacks' titanic win over the Springboks showcased an attacking self-belief other teams can only envy. The northern hemisphere big guns haven't had to get out of second gear yet so comparisons are tricky.

Most disappointing team - Scotland failed to front in a limp showing against Ireland. More of the same and they'll be tipped out in group play by Japan or Samoa.

Best game - The All Blacks-Boks gave us an early sighter of knockout intensity. Will be hard for any remaining pool game to top it.

Biggest issue - Head high tackles are a head-scratcher for all but the sharpest legal minds. Expect debate over the merits of citings and judiciary results to be more heated than anything unfolding on the field.

Team of week one - Beauden Barrett (NZ), Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa), Anton Lienert-Brown (NZ), Gael Fickou (France), Andrew Conway (Ireland), Richie Mo'unga (NZ), Conor Murray (Ireland), Ardie Savea (NZ), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Michael Hooper (Australia), James Ryan (Ireland), Maro Itoje (England), Allan Alaalatoa (Australia), Rory Best (Ireland), Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)