We can safely say that the Rugby World Cup will be epic. Enough teams have worked out that high intensity attacking rugby will be the only way to win. Some sides are fine-tuning their approach and we saw that this weekend. One or two others are yet to start. 

Let us not say Ireland were off their game as much as Italy showing a stunning and we hope irreversible trend to throw the proverbial kitchen sink into the mix with considerable skill. Unfortunately, their habit to fall off tackles left them just short against an Irish team admittedly missing a number of their best players. Against England they were drawn into a maul fest, and they were never going to win that. Rome on Saturday was a cauldron of noisy excitement and a neutral could only admire both teams.

An equally gladiatorial contest unfolded in Paris within minutes. Self-inflicted wounds in such a big game show that Scotland are not quite ready. Also, they needed all their big guns to fire, and Hogg left his A game behind. I felt France were vulnerable and so it proved – the Scottish midfield gave their opposite numbers an absolute besting and it was a pleasure to watch, especially Huw Jones who is back to his best, probably the best centre in Europe currently. For France, Fickou, Ramos and Dupont (esp. in defence) were stunning, and you cannot give them space and time. A harsh lesson.

All that is best in rugby was on display, though with a salutary reminder that gratuitous head contact cannot be allowed. Both red cards were obvious and the referee for the record was outstanding,

At the other end of the scale, the lack of ambition by two sides with nothing – or everything – to lose had me shaking my head. The England midfield should have cleaned up, and as for the tactic of feeding Steward easy high balls I can only say that Wales had mitigation of emotional turmoil driven by off field conflict of breath-taking proportions which has finally taken its toll. The hard yards lie ahead.

For England, the baby steps will grow fast if the example of the outstanding back row and full back can be used as a platform. The experience within this side is huge – 100’s of caps- and must start to deliver. The Watson try was smart and slick, the one time the midfield operated with speed and skill. Assuming we all want Slade to get his hands on the ball as much as every other centre in the tournament, then something special could develop if they trust themselves to hold possession. They should take a look at the other two matches this weekend and learn from them. 

No better time to see that growth than versus Sean Edwards’ adopted countrymen at Twickenham where the French have a very mixed experience, despite London being the sixth largest French city by population!