#360Rugby: Too much TMO and Garryowen's return

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  • Use #360rugby to have your say on the week's biggest stories.

    LONDON, UK — After an exhilarating first week of Rugby World Cup action, #360Rugby takes in the TMO debate, the return of the ‘up & under’ and a deepening injury crisis for Wales.

    Too much TMO?
    Quite simply, the television match official process needs speeding up. Japan’s unbelievable victory over South Africa kicked off at 4.45pm and finished a full two hours later due to several significant TMO delays.

    On this occasion the atmosphere was of such high quality that the constant stoppages were tolerated as Eddie Jones’ men from Asia made World Cup history.

    However, the most exciting start to a Rugby World Cup in history could quickly turn to its most boring edition if officials don’t find a way to speed up these breaks in play.

    The experienced Jerome Garces was the man in charge of the whistle and was quite correct to refer every decision that he did.

    What #360Rugby would like to see is a 90 second time-limit imposed on the TV official to make a decision and get play restarted.

    With match tickets starting at around £120 (Dhs680) fans expect first-class entertainment and a fast-paced match and it is in the hands of the officials to make sure the crowd receives value for money.

    Up and under back in fashion
    Back to matters on the field and it seems like this World Cup may be won and lost in the air.

    With modern defensive lines becoming increasingly water-tight, the ‘up and under’ tactic has been used regularly in the opening round of matches to devastating effect.

    Nemani Nadolo and Anthony Watson enjoyed a gripping personal duel with the Bath winger winning an early clash to set up an English attack, before the gigantic Fijian plucked the ball from above his opposite number’s head to score for the visitors.

    New Zealand provided a stern aerial examination of Argentina which the Pumas dealt with superbly. Santiago Cordero in particular demonstrated perfect technique to relieve pressure in Argentina’s half.

    With players like Rob Kearney, Israel Folau and Mike Brown arguably selected as high-ball specialists, fans can expect to see a lot more of the Garryowen in the next round of matches.

    World Cups bring out the best in Test ‘minnows’
    The performances of Japan, Georgia, Argentina and even Uruguay in the first round underlined the fact that this will be the most competitive World Cup ever.

    Gone are the days of 120-point thrashings and Japan even proved that the top teams will need to be at their best to progress from the groups.

    There are two main reasons behind the improved results of the lesser nations. Firstly, players have improved their conditioning to a level which allows them to compete for a full 80 minutes and win collisions.

    Secondly, the underdogs have benefitted from the complacency of top teams who fail to recognise their threat.

    South Africa’s arrogance against Japan led to some very poor decisions, for example turning down several easy kicks at goal in favour of scoring tries at the close.

    With the element of surprise now gone it is crucial that the smaller teams continue to maintain their standards and build on their performances.

    Crowd involvement surpassing all expectations
    Rugby crowds in England are not exactly famous for their animation but over the past five days the fans have been in supreme form.

    Concerns were raised prior to the tournament that high ticket prices may prevent fans from attending matches, resulting in a lack of atmosphere inside the venues.

    On the contrary, stadiums have been packed to the rafters with a sea of colour and noise welcoming all teams, while fans have congregated in their thousands outside the grounds to add further support.

    Shining in amongst the fervent nationalism on show is the neutral fan. Many English ‘egg-heads’ have had to settle for tickets not involving the hosts but the locals have gamely made the noise of a partisan home crowd to provide all teams with an extra lift.

    The Rugby World Cup brings with it a unique sense of community and fun that even next week’s predicted rain will struggle to dampen.

    Extra-time
    It will come as no surprise that this week’s extra-time is plucked from Japan v South Africa. After turning down several chances to draw the match, there could not have been more pressure on the Brave Blossoms to score.

    Eddie Jones’s men showed pace, power and a clinical finishing touch to score a famous winning try. Bravo.

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