Rugby World Cup
Rugby fans want to see attacking intentions with plenty of tries, Shannon Parry writes
Shannon Parry, Australia captain at the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup
September 25, 2015
The opening week of Rugby World Cup 2015 had something for everyone, not least the biggest shock in the tournament's history; we also saw title favourites New Zealand pushed hard by Argentina in front of a World Cup-record crowd at Wembley before easing past Namibia, England and Australia each beating Fiji, and just a little bit more as we now look forward to the second weekend featuring the first blockbuster fixture of the tournament, England vs. Wales at Twickenham. Shannon Parry reflects on her highlight moments from the opening weekend.
Fortune favours the brave The Cherry Blossoms' historic win, after a thrilling last-minute try over the Springboks, was the undoubted highlight of the opening weekend. Japan's win broke a 24-year World Cup drought and undoubtedly threw South Africa's campaign a curve ball, and you couldn't feel anything but happiness and jubilation when you saw the raw emotions and tears of Japanese fans in the crowd before and after the whistle. I was impressed by the grit and determination of Japan to go for the match-winning try rather than go for a draw, as spectators want to see rugby teams chance their arm. Japan displayed character and an inner belief that they can mix it with the best in going for the win, and it really showed that they are here to play at this World Cup and that every team is beatable. However, you must ask yourself if South Africa took Japan lightly and underestimated the character of the Japanese. Japan played with the same intent in defeat by Scotland at Kingsholm on Thursday, pushing the Scots hard until they were undone by errors and the short turnaround , and their form is healthy for world rugby as a whole; the victory over South Africa confirms that rugby is a world game and that that top nations are no longer "unbeatable". The distance between the nations is becoming closer, which is great to see for the game, and hopefully the win over the Springboks will not only increase Japanese support for their national team but also help to develop the game from a grassroots level. Mamuka Gorgodze celebrates Georgia's victory over Tonga© Matt Lewis - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images Georgian muscle Japan were not alone in causing a shock, and I was surprised to see the Georgians run over the Tongans. Georgia simple outmuscled Tonga to claim only their third win in World Cup history, and credit must be given to their development and growth of their national organisation. This is a memorable step forward for Georgian rugby so let's hope they can continue this good form and take a couple more scalps through their World Cup campaign. Favourites get off to a scrappy start New Zealand are the obvious favourites for the World Cup, but their first performance, against Argentina, was far from convincing. The Pumas did not disappoint fans hoping for a tight tussle, fighting till the death as the All Blacks had a tough night. I bet New Zealand were glad to get their first win of the World Cup under their belts, but they have plenty to improve upon as they progress throughout the tournament. New Zealand's Kieran Read© Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Irish had no need for luck Ireland claimed a considerable first win against Canada in the opening round of the World Cup, with plenty of tries scored - which is what the spectators coming through the turnstiles pay to see. This will undoubtedly give the Irish confidence leading into their next pool game against Romania, and I think we will expect another convincing win over a lesser opponent; I'm hoping to see the ball being thrown around and some thrilling tries being scored. I believe the only real test Ireland will face in their pool match will be their game against France, which will give the spectators a true indication as to where the Men in Green are in the World Cup race. © Loic Venance/AFP/Getty Images Exciting and expansive rugby It was great to see fast, running and expansive rugby in the opening weekend of the World Cup, as spectators want to see attacking intentions with plenty of tries dotted down; and that is what they got. It was a great spectacle of rugby and I can't wait to see how the remaining pool games unfold - especially as I think all of the teams will start to step things up as they start to settle into their campaigns. Hopefully, over the next few weeks we will continue to see more and more exciting and expansive rugby. © ESPN Sports Media Ltd. Shannon Parry is an Australian Sevens player and captain of the Australian team that competed at the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup
|
Communication error please reload the page.