09/21/2011 01:09 pm

Sean Fitzpatrick says: “What a weekend!”

DHL Global Rugby Ambassador, Sean Fitzpatrick, looks back at the past weekend of Rugby action.

What a weekend! Ireland’s brilliant 15-6 win over Australia has set the Rugby World Cup alight. One of the favorites has been taken down for now! And more significantly, because of the way the draw works, it has virtually guaranteed a northern hemisphere team will be in the final which will make for a wonderful north v south battle.

Despite all the nice words that were said about Australia before the World Cup, Ireland brutally exposed them. They exposed Quade Cooper and they exposed Tatafu Polota-Nau, the hooker. Both struggled when put under intense pressure. Cooper can make things happen, but under pressure he created problems for his own side.

The next step is blindingly obvious for Ireland – do not celebrate too big. They have to work hard to maintain their focus. They have to beat Italy and then they will take the Pool. For the All Blacks, it was job done. A score of 83-7 against Japan would suggest all is well for the favorites. But the injuries aren't helpful and they have highlighted just how much the team depends on three individuals in particular - Daniel Carter, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. Because of the injury to Read, we won't be getting them back in full until the final pool match or the quarter-final.

If scores can be misleading at this stage, you only have to look at England for proof. Six tries and 41 points against Georgia looks good, but if I was an England player I would be disappointed. You just cannot give away 12 penalties in the first half at this level. If Georgia had a kicker, it could have cost England the game. Wales followed their good but losing display against South Africa with a 17-10 win over Samoa which should see them through to the quarter-finals. This was the danger match for Wales and although there were uncomfortable moments, they can now look forward to the next phase.

I was very pleased that Wales captain Sam Warburton dedicated the win to the victims of the mining disaster in South Wales. Other nations involved in the World Cup - Australia, New Zealand and Japan - have all had their own natural disasters to cope with and we all know how sport can play in an important part in the healing process and letting victims know we are thinking of them.

Don’t miss a match! Track all the action online on the DHL Match Tracker!

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008.

CLOSE