George Ford scored two drop goals just when England needed to steady the ship in the 33-19 win but is the team really improving at a fast enough rate?
England has copied the South African model of having a bench equally as strong as the starters. In Henry Pollock, they have an enigma. The 20-year-old is box office, a considerable talent, and while his personality and antics are not to everyone’s liking, he’s an outstanding player. Watch this space.
Similarly, questions surround the All Blacks. Are they in decline? They certainly are not the force they used to be. Their forwards don’t dominate and they lack on and off-field presence.
It was a bad day for the Southern Hemisphere with Ireland easily overwhelming Australia 46-19. Former Aussie greats are seriously questioning the players’ attitudes. The Wallabies host the World Cup in 2027 but any more performances like this and they will not get out of the pool stage.
Ireland, however, can rely on two young and talented fly-halves in Prendergast and Crowley and you can win a World Cup with outstanding fly-halves.
Wales beat Japan 24-23 thanks to a last-minute penalty. Will they now face the wrath of the All Blacks, their next opponents? Japan is Japan. A home for exiles with dubious Japanese backgrounds. They play exciting rugby and occasionally cause an upset, but they are few and far between. If Wales somehow beat the All Blacks, the following week it’s the South Africans!
South Africa won a tricky fixture 32-14 against Italy despite having a player sent off, their second consecutive dismissal in two weeks. The Springboks are completely unflappable and get on with the job until it is done. Italy are the improvers. They have self-belief and an excellent forward coach, but beating South Africa is another rung up the ladder.
France led Fiji 21-0 at one stage ad decided to relax, a dangerous thing to do against the Fijians. And so it proved as Fiji fought back to 21 each before France re-booted and pulled away to win 34-21. Fiji are a 60-minute team and a little ill-disciplined. Play for longer and be less reckless, and the big win is just around the corner. France is France. They may explode and play exhilarating rugby at any time.
Leading 21-0 against Argentina, Scotland were cruising to an easy win. However, to lose 24-33 says a lot for Scotland’s demise and Argentina’s character. The arrival of five bench replacements triggered the momentum shift and Los Pumas arguably have the most potent attacking players, as five tries in twenty minutes proved.
Next up for Argentina is a match against England, who would be wise to be on guard.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.