True enough. Martin Johnson was a leader and a frightful player, Dallaglio too. And they had a fit Wilkinson and played to his strengths.
Loving this world cup so far. Japan today were incredible, that the Boks fucked now. If Fiji had played with their discipline yesterday for the 20 minutes either side of half time then they could have done the same thing. They just didnt trust themselves to go through more than 3 phases and play sensible attritional rugby, they felt they had to grubber kick it away when they should have set it up and rucked the ball. It was as if they prefer open loose play, which I suppose they do but England were so shite in parts of the game that they could have got a lead. They dont look much to be concerned about at the moment.
Ireland looked really good I thought, organised and clinical and as ever with a very efficient maul which is hard to stop legally.
I think Wales will really notice the loss of Rhys Webb who changed them as a side when he emerged. His sniping and sharpness was great, and if Mike Phillips replaces him then their game will slow down and become predictable. It only takes a moments hesitation at the breakdown these days and all advantage or momentum is lost, and he takes a big step before passing, or looking for a scrap. Shame really, I had high hopes for Wales.
Looking forward to the rest of the pool games, none have disappointed so far, even Georgia
