I was fortunate enough to attend the opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2007 - and I was flabbergasted by the hosts' performance. Argentina's 17-12 victory was well merited. Despite the fact that the French pack, contrary to its weight inferiority, dominated the scrums and line-outs, the game was lost by the backs where the home threequarters were taken by assault by repeated up-and-unders.

Poor receptions and scattered responses made for poor rugby. And the Pumas' pack constantly wrecked havoc on the set plays of Bernard Laporte's men. Not least, the Argentinian tackling was merciless.

So much for the grand opening.

'Maybe the historical rapprochement between the UK and US makes it difficult for the Limeys to crush the Yanks'


Saturday saw the Kiwi All Blacks and Aussie Wallabies maul, if not massacre, their minnow rivals (Italy and Japan respectively). At 72-14 and 91-3, the scores resembled one-day cricket stats.

The English victory over the USA at 28-10 is a difficult one for me. I have split loyalties; brought up in Blighty, I have always supported the English team. But as an American, I haven't had much opportunity to support a US team - much less at the Rugby World Cup.

I would have expected a mauling much as the Southern Hemisphere teams do to their Northern foes. Maybe the historical rapprochement between the UK and US makes it difficult for the Limeys to crush the Yanks. In any event, a more-than-respectable outing for the Americans. Given a few different quirks and bounces, the game might even have been closer.

Meanwhile, you have to love the Canadian effort against Wales. Canada went into the break up 12-9, and scored again right after the break to lead 17-9. This despite presumably a rousing half-time speech in the Welsh dressing room.

Although Wales came roaring back with 33 uncontested points behind some inspiration off the bench, the 42-17 win surely does not bode well for their match against the Wallabies next Saturday.  Well done to the Canadians for making it such a tight game.

Between the French loss, the English muddling performance and the Kiwi and Australian dominance, it's hard not to call the latter victors in waiting.

But over seven weeks, injuries, the weather and fitness may yet influence the results. Here's to the occasional upset. At least it keeps things exciting.

Will the apparent dominance of the Wallabies and All Blacks carry through? Post a comment below or submit an article to Sportingo.