In a close game in Pool C before talks of Typhoons and cancellations, France ground out a win against a strong Tongan team. The overall performance was characteristically french. The flair came through till the 45th minute. However after that Tonga wrested back control forcing increasing mentions of the game in 2011, where Tonga beat France.

It will be the French flair that I will aim to focus on. The simple strategies and techniques that France used are demonstrably difficult to detail and may well derail Wales in the Quarter Finals. The exploitation of space, against a suffocating defence will be an interesting battle,but back to Sea Eagles instead of Dragons.

If we look at France’s first try, scored through the combination of Raka and Vakatawa we see the ability to exploit space clearly. The conditions that enable France to prosper are created by a Tongan mistake but it is their natural rugby style that enables the exploitation of the mistakes.

Chat, wins the overthrow and partially bounces off the Tongan 10. Being unable to complete the job however he stays on his feet. As siale Piatau is shooting up it leaves a dog leg which is exposed.

This gives Raka freedom to attack directly in the wide channels, and unfortunately for any defender the ability to gain speed. The carry is devastating, really working to go through the contact.  This draws in the inside defenders to him, and gives France the perfect attacking set up. 

The support has carried on both sides of the ball. This means that despite the tackle, France are able to attack space quickly through the offload. The skill delivers the ball, and enable Vakatawa an unopposed finish.

However this all stems from the calmness of Chat when he wins the ball. His dominant carry could have led to a ruck instead he uses his ballast to offload, enabling Ntamack to free the French backline.

While the above score shows France’s ability to expose wide channel space it was their work in the tight channels that catches the eyes. To some degree all international teams should be able to expose the outside channels, but the heads up notice of the space in 5m channel was incredibly pleasing to see.

As you can see in the still France have Serin at the front of the lineout, this means they have him able to loop around for the ball once the jumper has secured it. It’s a common tactic and hence the Tongan front lifter is facing in. It is this space Serin exposes with a simple 2 on 1 being created.

France are then also able to react with speed, their openside tearing through the Tongan lineout in support for Chat. This keeps the play alive and stretches Tonga even more. By keeping the ball alive it also means more French support can support the carrier. WIth a pod of 3 in support it gives France another chance to play off the deck.

By staying on his feet, the openside can offload and play the ball to a hard runner (currently being tackled), who then offloads to Vahaamahina. The work by the openside then to keep the blindside open, allows the try to be scored. Except of course it is disallowed. 

The pass goes forward, in a microcosm for the match. The French do something incredible and then almost pull off a contender for try of the tournament. The completely unplayable attack is then let down by some overzealous attacking.

Tonga also played well however, and it would be unfair to dismiss the sea eagles. The fight and control they brought in the second half was outstanding. Throughout the game they had patches of brilliance and putting down chances which meant it became a what might have been sort of game.

Throughout the game they invited pressure onto themselves as a result of simply not being able to escape their own 22. The inability to move from it, even with kicking included shows the general problem with the Tongan attack. The handling also led to them surrendering 80% of the ball. A genuine problem restricting a possibly historic win.

Frances ability to cut a team open in many ways will be a worry for Wales and any other opponents should they progress further. Over 10% of their platforms they converted to points, with a massive 20% chance of scoring in Tonga’s half. The variation shown in attack coupled with the ability to really control the flair will be key if France are to fulfil the promise of the halves of rugby they have produced. Tonga gave a good account of themselves but key chances went to ground and the fact they converted at a rate of 0.4 points per platform compared to 0.5 of France was really the difference. As Frances ability to exploit key moments shone through.

New Zealand continued their march for the Quarter Finals with a comfortable win against Namibia even if they were kept under pressure by a good first half showing by Namibia. The taking of opportunities and the general efficiency of the All Blacks was key to success and bodes well for their future. 

By half time they had left with points on 18% of their attacks. Yet, Namibia had kept them under pressure. Taking pints on 13% of their 22 opportunities. Whilst all these points came from 50m area, for a team of Namibia’s quality this is a high return. Meanwhile, they will hope to improve their progression to the NZ 22m area.

NZ’s efficient attack started at the beginning of the match.The image above shows the set up for their first try. By starting a maul New Zealand force Namibia to commit. This draws in all their forwards. Where normally you would set up guards and close quarter defenders using this forwards.

While this is not a fault on Namibia’s side, as they will have to stop the maul as it is the current and present danger, it forces 3 backs to anchor inside the 15m channel. This contracts the entire line as they have to be connected and prevent the close offloading game. A confrontational offloading game had worked to great effect v Canada but the All Blacks instead experimented and started to vary their game.

This wide angle shows New Zealand’s structure of first phase. Whilst it gives two options for Namibia to worry about, the move is predestined. This means that the inside centre (Positioned to the right of the 15m line) can immediately clear the ruck. This allows the All Blacks to realign with the strike play ready to be used. 

The play has drawn Namibia in, having to defend a more confrontational play. This leaves the 15m channel undefended, and Tromp can’t get across. The limitations on Namibia mean the play is almost undefendable and clearly, New Zealand are preparing and running strike plays in preparation for harder tests. 

Off this scrum New Zealand have another 2 phase move set up to go. This time rather than rely on forwards straight off, they instead play using Goodhue on the second run on a direct line. By running straight and aiming for the posts Goodhue keeps the All Blacks wide and prevents them getting drawn into an arm wrestle with Namibia close to the posts.

Namibia could not have really done much, and the pure talent of Aaron Smith finishes off the try. By firing the ball directly to Ben Smith it stops Namibia being able to realign and make an impact upon the NZ attack.

Look at the image above. The All Blacks have managed to clear the ruck with such efficiency they have prevented Namibia offering the threat they had earlier in the half. The wonder of the pass is that despite Namibia having a numerical advantage, the pass cuts out the defenders.

The scary thing for World RUgby is that New Zealand whilst showing some of their cards know the entire deck. They have been here before, they are beginning to perform at just a fraction of their performance and blowing, admittedly mainly amateur teams, out of the water. Even South Africa struggled with that extra gear that the All Blacks have. The periods pressure where New Zealand become unplayable will need  to be restricted by any side otherwise there will only be one name inscribed on that trophy again.

Japan are the controlling team in Pool A, having taken their chances and beaten an Ireland side struggling in the conditions and now lead the way. The attack and work rate has every neutral supporting the Brave Blossoms in their exploits as they aim to create history and get through to the Quarter finals for the first time.

The game was a much slower start than the fireworks against Ireland. Samoa brining physicality but more importantly staying in touch on the scoreboard. By taking points when available the score was 9-6 to Japan at the 25th minute. It was at this point that Japan unleashed Matushima who immediately made progress into the Samoa half.

The key however for unleashing Matsushima was Tamura. In the image above you can see that Japan is playing right on the gain line with a simple diamond formation. The ball goes out the back, but Samoa are unable to react. Due to the close runner Samoa have to make sure he is covered giving time for the ball to go out the back. The way Tamura runs and shapes keeps Samoa guessing. The simple angle prevents them judging where the ball is going. This key deception makes Matsushimas run significantly easier.

The Samoan defence has to deal with close runner as shown above, but importantly the wrap allows significantly more speed for the back runner. This forces the outside defenders for Samoa to make a decision. In this case they shoot slightly to wide. This allows Matsushima to cut in and break the arm tackle.

However it is the second carry by Matushima that makes the try. His ability to keep the play alive means Japan maintain momentum while Samoa have to keep retreating. It also allows him to have a more positive presentation allowing Japan to use quick ball off a fast close runner. Whilst Samoa can cover this it draws them in whilst it only uses 4 Japanese players. The first clearer secures the ball, while a second clearer comes into protect the Scrum Half who organises the ball for a split second while Tamura organises the outside runners.

This allows organisation from Tamura and the outside Japanese players. Having 2 flat runners, an inside runner to hold the defence and 3 rapiers out back allows Japan to flow quickly. The transition to wide lay is not damaged or slowed by careless forwards but instead the Japanese are disciplined. This allows them to spread the ball and find the edge of a Samoan defence who are still reorganizing.

Whilst Samoa lacked the wideplay and transition of Japan. Their try just after the 70th minute was wonderfully executed and showed a different brand of rugby played to perfection.

Off a lineout Samoa look to expose Japan rund the tail running a physical runner at the weaker Japanese defenders. By setting a maul it prevents the Japanese runners from tracking round and offering support. 

As you can see there is one Japanese defender able to offer support however the Samoan 5 carries wider running more of an arc. But most importantly after the first tackle he remains on his feet looking to add guile to a traditionally brutal type of rugby.

The crucial part of this however is not the additional movement and carry, nor the fluidity. By offloading back inside it stalls Japanese defenders on the inside whilst allowing Samoa to gain width and set up pods ready to carry on the play.

As you can see here, the ball is spread from that previous ruck and instead of running straight Samoa target the outside of the Japanese tacklers. This has 2 benefits. The closest Japanese defender has to face inward in case he has to support the tackle. Meanwhile Samoa can easily resource the ruck and have momentum wrapping round. 

The Japanese defence is then stretched by another carry aimed yet again at a slightly wide defender. This provides a contraction in the defence as the inside realigns slower than the yet untroubled outside. Following the wide pass, however a chink in the Japanese armour is exposed. The quick service spreads the ball and as a consequence allows the Samoan carrier to spin and score.

Overall, this game of 2 opposing styles was a close game in which Samoa kept Japan under pressure in a game they were expected to be dismissed. Both teams ability to turn possession in the Opposition 50 to the red zone made the game enthralling. Samoa pushed Japan close but it was Japan’s slight domination of Attacking platforms that played the key role meaning that as they converted more to points they were able to win. Despite this though, to be cliche Rugby was the real winner as two extremely varied and positive teams did battle.

England and Argentina shared a rather dull game, one which had been hyped up as one in which England were going to get their RWC truly up and running. However, following Tomas Lavinni’s Red Card the game turned into a dour and dull affair where England were rarely stressed as they eased through the game against Los Pumas revealing little about their current preparation or condition.

At the beginning of the game it looked like Argentina may offer something in the contest. Having started slowly against France they seemed determined not be distracted. And it was Los Pumas who made the first major attack, starting with a 5m Scrum on the English try line.  They drew a penalty from England however it was England who could be best pleased with this phase of attack.

Whilst George Ford was clearly offside at the beginning of lay, he still managed to haul Ortega Desio down short of the England line making a dominant tacke. However, it is not this bit of illegality the English should be proud of but the speed at which they reorganized.

As you can see in the above image the English front row are still retreating but Underhil and Kruis have managed to get back and are able to attack with ferocity. The ability to really apply line speed and make the pumas uncomfortable make it easy to defend the close pick and go game. However it has the added benefit of stressing the Pumas to the point at which they are unwilling to continue with this forward based game instead trying to force the ball wide.

With a lack of patience they try and expose a 2 on 1 in the outside channels, for what should be a simple footage. However as you can see in the above image England are defending with an almost two tier line. Watson and Dlay hang back ever so slightly whilst George Ford jumps off and puts on immediate pressure.

This is a risky tactic and can lead to teams being exposed but due to Italy lacking depth and options, the rush helps to shut down the move. The hanging off of Daly also means he can cover the 15m channel comfortably with the pace to cover, after Argentina slow given the dropped ball.

The lack of fluidity in the Argentina was dismal. As you can see they have created a 2 on 1, but the Full back is facing inward. So rather than flowing with the ball, Argentina are attacking in 2 waves. This means they are staggered whilst Daly and Watson act as if on string and pull across as one allowing them to bundle the Argentine wing into touch.

This defensive play comes from Daly. He shows a calmness  against his opposite number. The whole english team are all connected on a rope. They move and stay, cutting off inside options. However while I can talk to you about what they did well. It is key to point out what went wrong, and in the same game Argentina don’t act calmly and it leaves an easy opportunity for England to take.

If you look at this wide angle shot, the Argentina wing is sat outside the 15m channel. The lack of width from Argentina coming from some strong English phases and carrying. When the ball goes wide, Argentina start well,actually getting closer to the ball initially in terms of lateral movement. 

However the Argentina Full back over commits. This leaves England a path way, forcing the Argentine wing to make a decision. However crucially a dogleg forms, this enables Daly to run around Boffeli who has gotten too high before getting in front of Daly. This means that the space can be exploited easily.

This direct contrast between Daly’s calm and Argentina’s tendency to rush and poor alignment is a microcosm in which the game can be viewed. Argentina were unable to execute opportunities meanwhile England had that extra level and were clinical with their chances. This contributed to the dull feeling of the game portrayed in both teams ranking lowly in a game ruined for deserved Red Card.

Fiji were victims to the first shock of the tournament losing to Uruguay in Kamaishi, meaning they were on the back in teams of automatic World Cup qualification. This is meant that they’re test versus Georgia was a key game. Following being outplayed by Los Teros, the Fijians didn’t make changes with their basic game plan remaining the same.

The Fijians looked to attack wide pick Georgia apart, who yet again struggled with set plays off the lineout. The Lelos had been picked apart off first phase against Wales and against Fiji it was the same.

One interesting tactic of the game was Fijian kicking. By the 19th minute they had regained 3 of their 7 kicks. In the kick Ben Volovola receives the ball close to the line and slides a kick in behind, which Georgia seemed hesitant to deal with.

The nature of kick being a stab rather than a low drive means that Fiji immediately have the advantage as they are running and accelerating while Georgia have to turn. As a result it becomes a direct threat.

The danger however is increased merely due to Georgia not having a sweeper. In most defensive structures there will be a sweeper sitting behind the ruck. However as you can see in the image, the closest player is a deep sat full back. This means that Fiji merely have to put pressure on the ball, so when the Georgia wing tries to leave it, it is handing Fiji an opportunity on a plate. Yes it takes a lot of skills to finish but allowing Fiji opportunities is an easy way to lose.

Georgia’s defence applied pressure on themselves. They appeared to approach the game similarly to Uruguay in terms of defence. Whether it failed because Fiji finally clicked or because Georgia were unable to execute.

Looking at this wide angle there is no Georgian defender in the 15m channel. However, fiji have got an additional back ready to attack. Fiji run a crash ball off the first phase and this enables them to run a 2 phase play. It also forces Georgia to respread their defence. However, whilst Uruguay were positive even when defending with a drift. However Georgia sat on their heels, looking hesitant and unwilling to take control of the game.

With the Georgian winger on his heels Tuisova only has to beat his opposite player. By getting on his outside Fiji are able to expose the width. This coupled with a good offload, allows Fiji to exert a poor Georgian defence. Whilst Uruguay had been confident and been aggressive, Georgia were on the back foot.

The radradda try in the 60th minute really summed up the Georgian defence. Fiji having placed the doubt in their minds in their first half, they continued to defend with their wing holding deep in the 15m channel, allowing Fiji to drift more when in attack. This is a poor startegey as it enables Fiji to use their speed and strength to really exploit outside shoulders.

As you seen in the above still, Georgia appear to have the Fijians contained. However Volovola passes wider and this enables Fiji to get to the edge. This is exactly the same style of attack as the one explained earlier. The worry still for Georgia being that undefended outside channel.

Even when it’s clear Fiji aren’t going to kick there is no positive movement by the Full back on the wing. Allowing Fiji to make ground easily, but more importantly allowing them to pick their own lines.  There is also no cover coming across deep with the majority of Georgia focussed on the first line defence and no defensive cover. So when Fiji make the break it means they can decide the passage rather than having to react to an even defence.

Yet again Fiji expose Georgia out wide. The Georgian full back kept has to make a decision with Fiji really pushing. With the speed of Tuisova beating the Georgian defence Fiji are really attacking individual bricks rather than the wall Georgia would have wanted to build.

The finish for Fiji is significantly easier than expected with Georgia being beaten by the change of line from Fiji.

Overall, Fiji should be pleased with their overall performance. They took their chances with almost 80% forward momentum.  This led to a 31% chance of scoring when in the Georgian half. This overall conversion paired with forward movement is something which Fiji can take into their crunch game against Wales. Georgia themselves showed some bright patches but struggled to control the game and make any real impact.