Round 1 of the 2019 Rugby World Cup demonstrated what we already knew: there is some serious quality at this tournament, with New Zealand, England, South Africa and Ireland all showing flashes of brilliance.
A superstar stood up for each of these teams, and it will be fascinating which one of them dominates the tournament and whether that is enough to influence the outcome. These included Beauden Barrett, Manu Tuilagi, Jonathan Sexton and Cheslin Kolbe.
It is not difficult to see comparisons between Tuilagi and Jonah Lomu in 1995. And with an England vs New Zealand semi-final looking likely, it would not surprise if we saw England getting their own back. Let’s hope George Bridge or someone else doesn’t cop a Cattesque trampling in the semi-final. How the landscape of rugby might look different if these champions played for their native Tonga.
But let’s not forget as brilliant as Lomu was in 95, it wasn’t enough to get the All Blacks home. It’s funny how the multiverse conspires to entertain at times.
While there is no doubt that Tuilagi is a Rolls Royce athlete who has the ability to blow teams off the field – he appears to be operating right at the top of his game – Sexton looked like a man whose time had come to deliver his destiny. We all know that past World Cup winners have usually fielded iconic first fives. Dan Carter is the most obvious example from 2015, while there are many other prominent examples.
The brand of risk and mistake-free rugby Ireland are playing is perfect for Sexton. Certainly based on the first round of action Ireland looked to me as the team most difficult to beat. Sexton controls the game with absolute purpose and effectiveness and would be worthy to sit in the pantheon of legends as a World Cup-winning No. 10.
But so too would Beauden Barrett. While he is operating at 15 so far in the competition, make no mistake – he is driving games from the back and, like the others listed here, is a matchwinner. He had the look of a man determined to influence the outcome of games. It reminded me of the glint he had in his eye when dragging wellington to their Super Rugby title, and that potentially bodes well. You don’t become world player of the year twice by mistake, and Barrett is in his prime.
Whether the All Blacks can limit the damage of Tuilagi if they meet, as form predicts in a semi-final, remains to be seen. England have a tough draw, though, and a New Zealand vs Ireland final would the stuff of dreams – an irresistible force against an immovable object. Like in 1995, I expect a final for the ages.
The problem for the All Blacks is that they tend to score points off opposition mistakes. When, like Ireland does, you stick to a simple game plan and don’t make mistakes, that is a very large problem for New Zealand and difficult to know if they can unlock. I have my doubts.
And then there is Kolbe, who has the ability to light up the tournament in ways we have never before seen. Whether that is enough to get past Ireland will provide a stern test for the South Africans. That clash is worthy of at least semi-final status given the class that exudes from both sides.
Unfortunately for South Africa I don’t think they will have enough to break down the Ireland defence.
Lindsay Amner
Roar Guru
If only I was so correct when debating with my wife...
Todd
Roar Rookie
Sure, and thats a good point you make. But it would be good to see the island teams get in on the gravy train as well.
Todd
Roar Rookie
These are suddenly looking like very pertinent comments :stoked:
Todd
Roar Rookie
I didn't realise Ireland hammered SA by that much last time they met. That should breed confidence
Todd
Roar Rookie
Yeah, what can I say, my oracle skills are taking a bit of a battering. Perhaps with the benefit of hindsight, had I foreseen Japan beating Ireland (and I would have bet my house if I could afford one that wouldn't have happened) I may not have predicted them so strongly. Am I right Sexton wasn't playing? If so I think I mentioned Ireland would be toast without him. I still get the distinct possibility Ireland have the ability to beat anyone on their day. The 'minimalist mistake free' team from the previous week seemed to have morphed into 'limited and tired' this week. What a difference semantics and a change of perspective make. Certainly if I was going to factor in the these latest variables I would would swing towards the Boks. However it seems as you noted that the point may be moot with an AB Ireland qf now looking very likely. Regardless of how 'off the boil' shall we say Ireland were against Japan, they have the potential to be a huge banana skin for the All Blacks. Seems the ABs and Japan have similar tactics of hitting the wings fast and it worked for Japan and may do so for the ABs. It will be fascinating to see if Ireland can counter this and adjust their game plan accordingly. I would have preferred avoiding Ireland in the qf though and a Japan AB qf (or final!) could be awesome.
Liam Watson
Guest
Its the vunipolas yeah. Tuilagis brothers all played for Samoa. In a team where 70% of them were born in nz the last world cup or something crazy like that. Pays to bear in mind the makeup of the nz (and oz) community is distinctly pasifika especially in rugby. We are not a little England and have never been, despite assumptions
Liam Watson
Guest
Well Japan just manhandled the Irish pack. Reckon the Springboks could do the same with a stronger but slower game? Might be ab vs ire now anyway tho
BadgerBob
Guest
With regards to Ireland v South Africa, I think as people have mentioned the packs are fairly evenly matched, but im convinced Ireland have a more potent backline that will test South Africa in all areas. With regard to Sexton, I think people are underestimating how good Carbery is, if Sexton goes down they have a more than able replacement. Carbery got the better of Sexton the last time the two met on the field in club rugby, and lets not forget Ireland routed South Africa 36-3 the last time they met...
Todd
Roar Rookie
Well spotted, yep that must have been it.
Todd
Guest
All extremely valid points, I agree this version of events could also easily unfold. Will be fascinating to see how it pans out.
Gonzo99
Roar Rookie
I think Vunipola's dad played for Tonga, maybe that's what was talked about in the commentary. Tuilagi has a load of brothers who all played for Samoa.
Todd
Guest
You might be right there. I got the feeling Sexton can handle the pressure though, possibly better than Pollard. Although I don't mean to criticise him because I think he is a great player as well. As ever time will tell.
Todd
Guest
Great comment, thanks for that. Yes it was a (careless) attempt at a tribute ... And yes the sensitivity is understood.
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Interview by telephone book...
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
With little pressure - the difference...
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
I think your essential point remains valid - a tribute to Tonga, Samoa and Fiji who have all contributed a lot of talent to the tier one nations, whether through players born in NZ/Oz etc., or born in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji. It would be great if every writer had the extra time/resources to fact check every part of their articles but this is a fan based site and we have to accept some gaffes. Having said that, there is an understandable sensitivity to a tendency in this country to roll quite distinct groups into one. A good article and let's try to temper criticism with appreciation.
Scotty P
Roar Rookie
Tuilagi will be injured by the time they meet NZ in the semi.
Lara
Guest
If Ireland meet the Boks , I do see a lot of kicking n set pieces. The forwards are evenly matched, but the Boks 8 seem to me have more power in the contact. The halves, the advantage would go to Ireland, but Pollack can produce. The midfield cancel each other out and the back 3 is again a close call. Penalties will rule this game, but if the Bok produce a first 20 min n get a decent lead, Ireland may be in trouble. The ABs got lucky to a point, but this Bok team won’t repeat the mistake. The Boks do have some game changers, they are not toothless , and there will be some damage to both teams, especially at knockout stage.
Todd
Guest
Very good point, if Ireland fall behind they may struggle but kicking to corners and forward grind can be hard to stop
Todd
Guest
Good point. I wrote above before the Wales game. They certainly looked well organised and slick and I would say have a great opportunity to go far in the comp