World Cup Daily: September 18 Review

Well, it finally arrived. England’s Twickenham opener against the Fijians ended in a 35-11 win for the red rose, with Stuart Lancaster’s men far from reaching their fluid best.

Hype surrounded the first game, with many pundits unanimously backing England to take the win, yet also praising the improved form of the pacific islanders.

England, at times falling out of their stride, were able to rely on the majestic Mike Brown throughout. The Salisbury born centre linked up well with both Jonathan Joseph and Jonny May repeatedly during the clash, and stood as the main instigator behind many of England’s moes.

The big talking point

Billy Vunipola’s last minute try. The final moments had ticked from the clock, the contest was all but done, yet in the dying embers of the game England managed to drive one last try over the line.

Hanging on the official’s decision, the waiting game was a nail biting affair. Should England not be awarded the try, the red rose would be denied an all-important additional bonus point to add to their tally in pool A.

The TMO confirmed the score and a roar of relief let rip across the Twickenham terraces. England could have made it much easier for themselves, but a win is a win nonetheless.

 Around the World Cup

It was a waiting game for all other nations, as they sat back to watch England kick off the show. In today’s fixtures South Africa meet Japan in pool B, Tonga meet Georgia in pool C, Ireland meet Canada in pool D and later this evening France meet Italy, also in pool D.

Not to be outdone by their English counterparts, yesterday saw Wales unveil a rather spectacular addition to Cardiff castle… a huge rugby ball which appears to have smashed into the ancient structure.

Welsh man and women alike woke up yesterday to find the large artistic installation towering above them, with many posing for photos to get in the World Cup spirit.

Of course, as with anything else the internet soon had to get involved – with a collection of online users choosing to photoshop the ball in place of other random people and objects. The craze, it appears, soon caught on. Take a look: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/row-zed/rugby-world-cup-2015-rugby-6471697

Inside the England camp

One game and one win for Lancaster’s men, giving early breathing space and a lift of morale in the England ranks.

The lads immediately took to social networks following the game, to thank fans for their early support.

Scrum-half Ben Youngs said on Twitter: ‘Great win against a very physical and skilled team. Boys pleased to get the first game done and win. Crowd amazing honoured to get 50 caps’

While Exeter Chiefs player Henry Slade added: ‘Great win to start off the campaign. Good shift from the lads. Amazing atmosphere! Onto next week.’

Following the game, the England lads were visited in their dressing room by none other than celebrity host pair, Ant and Dec, who are huge rugby fans… apparently.

And now for something a little different

It wouldn’t be an opener without a lavish ceremony, however the firework filled affair which preceded kick-off wasn’t to everyone’s taste.  

Social media soon became awash with comments of the preparations looking rather cheap and lacklustre.

With an estimated cost floating around the millions, it appeared the general public simply wanted to overlook the huge rugby ball dominating the middle of the field, surrounded by props and fancy pyrotechnics, and let the sport itself get under.

In fairness, the wait for the tournament to arrive had been tough enough.