3 main talking points of the weekend
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3 main talking points of the weekend
After 3 days of action packed World Cup action we take a step back to look at the biggest moments & talking points of the weekend.
TMO Fever
It's been a weekend of limelight for TMOs, which is never a good sign. It all started with Nikola Matawalu's blistering break down the blind side against England on Friday night which after some confusion was eventually disallowed.
From here on the TMO was a frequent guest on our TV sets over the weekend with dubious calls and confusion which slowed down the action. Jonathan Sexton with a certain try against Wales seemed like an unnecessary call.
The confusion between the TMO and referee was opitimized when France had a try was ruled nearly 4 minutes after the try was scored.
The refereeing panel will need to review the use of the TMO after this weekend and look to avoid similar situations going forward.
Brave Japan become world beaters
On Saturday in Brighton, Japan secured a truly historic win over two time World Cup winners South Africa. Karne Hesketh snatched the result in the 85th minute to create ecstatic scenes in the Amex Stadium. A social media meltdown ensued as Japan caused one of the biggest upsets in international sport never mind rugby.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones described what he hopes will happen back in the country after their stunning win over South Africa on Saturday.
The greatest World Cup shock of all time stunned everyone watching around the globe.
"That has got to go down as one of the greatest games in World Cup history," Jones said,
"At our opening ceremony in France last week they showed our history, hadn't won a game for 24 years, and the bloke said "do you want to see that again?"
"I said to the players, 'next time in four years, you want them to able show history where Japan have won big games." Now the history has changed for Japanese rugby.'
"Kids at home in Japan who wanted to try baseball or soccer and be superstars in those sports, now they want to be the next Michael Leitch or Ayumu Goromaru.
"It can change the sport in Japan, because rugby may get the best young athletes which can have an amazing effect on the sport.”
The greatest World Cup shock of all time stunned everyone watching around the globe.
"That has got to go down as one of the greatest games in World Cup history," Jones said,
"At our opening ceremony in France last week they showed our history, hadn't won a game for 24 years, and the bloke said "do you want to see that again?"
"I said to the players, 'next time in four years, you want them to able show history where Japan have won big games." Now the history has changed for Japanese rugby.'
"Kids at home in Japan who wanted to try baseball or soccer and be superstars in those sports, now they want to be the next Michael Leitch or Ayumu Goromaru.
"It can change the sport in Japan, because rugby may get the best young athletes which can have an amazing effect on the sport.”
Shaky All Blacks scrape win
A error ridden All Blacks performance was the main talking point on Sunday as they defeated Argentina 26-16 in front of a record crowd at Wembley Stadium.
The world watched as the All Blacks looked fearsome pre-haka and a comfortable win was expected. But obviously Argentina got the memo of the weekend that was in it to cause an upset. A courageous effort from Los Pumas and discipline issues for the All Blacks saw Argentina reach half time with a 13-12 lead.
Argentina extended their lead to 16-12 early on in the second before New Zealand began to creep back into the game. Botched tries from Milner-Skudder & Sam Cane would lead one to think it would not be the All Black's day. But with Aaron Smith & sub Sonny Bill Williams making a positive impact, New Zealand's true quality shone through and the win was secured.
The brave performance from Argentina will have the winners of Group D sweating as it will be by no means an easy quarter final, whether it be Ireland or France most likely to face Argentina.
