The big boys may have won the matches, but the minnows of Namibia, Portugal and the United States are the real heroes of the Rugby World Cup so far. That’s if you discount Argentina’s wonder show against France . . . and these days the Pumas are anything but minnows.

Namibia, ranked 24 in the world, Portugal (22) and the USA (15) were expected to be thrashed out of sight by Ireland, Scotland and England respectively. Admittedly none of them ever looked like winning, but their performances against top-tier nations were a credit to the cause.

While Portugal, in their first-ever World Cup, were finally nailed 56-10 by the Scots, I’ve never seen a team honour their national flag with so much pride and passion.

'How none of the Portugal players burst a blood vessel in their fanatical pre-match rendering of the national anthem I’ll never know'


How none of coach Tomas Morais’s players burst a blood vessel in their fanatical pre-match rendering of the national anthem I’ll never know. What a change to see every member of a team chorus their enthusiasm - unlike those nations whose players don’t even seem to know the words!

The Portuguese had the pleasure of scoring their first-ever try in the finals through Pedro Carvalho. And they also produced both the most joyous celebration and most disappointing moment of the tournament so far - all in the space of 20 seconds.

The ecstasy came when David Mateus intercepted a Dan Parks pass on the Scotland 22 and dashed off unopposed to race 70 metres and dive over under the posts. The agony followed when Mateus finally realised that referee Steve Walsh had already indicated he was playing advantage for offside.

While I won‘t argue with Walsh’s decision, the sheer arrogance of French official Joel Jutge condemned Namibia to a heavier defeat by Ireland than they warranted.

The Irish were leading only 27-17 with the clock winding down when replacement hooker Jerry Flannery crashed over in a huddle of bodies near the corner flag. Jutge immediately awarded a try - but video playbacks showed that Flannery may well have grounded the ball inches the wrong side of the try line.

Why any referee would refuse to use technology in such a situation is mystifying. Jutge may have been convinced the try was legitimate, but why on earth ignore a second pair of eyes when they are available?

The reality for Ireland after an under-par display is that they could be facing exit at the group stage unless they beat France because Argentina will surely register a more convincing victory over Pool D whipping boys.

Let’s face it, South Africa caned the Namibians by 100 points not so long ago - so what does that say for Brian O’Driscoll’s stuttering troops?

England’s 28-10 victory over the United States in Pool A said more about the reigning champions’ deficiencies than the quality of the Eagles. Brian Ashton’s men had to thank a 19-point haul from Olly Barkley for their success…a veritable case of all Bark and no bite on the night.

Wales had an almighty shock before beating Canada 49-17 in Pool B - a scoreline that barely reflects the way the match went. The Canadians, ranked two places higher in the world pecking order than the USA, led 17-9 early in the second half after scoring three tries to Wales‘s three penalties from James Hook.

But a tactical switch by Wales coach Gareth Jenkins, who brought on the wise old heads of Stephen Jones and Gareth Thomas, turned the game on its head. And five tries in the last half hour by Sonny Parker, Alun Wyn Jones, Colin Charvis and Shane Williams (2) set them up nicely for their weekend clash with group favourites Australia.

Three days into the tournament, the world has already been split into two. The Southern Hemisphere giants have all walloped their opponents, while their counterparts from north of the equator have struggled almost without exception.

In other words, the combined ‘might' of England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and France don’t have a hope in hell of winning the competition. Of course, Portugal might be a different matter...

Is Donna right to discount the Northern Hemisphere nations as serious challengers after just one game? Post your comments below or submit an article of your own to Sportingo.