Pool A match between Wales and Fiji. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Pool A match between Wales and Fiji. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The Pool of Death should be the model for every World Cup.
It's been a lifesaver in a tournament which has been high on spectators and patted itself on the back about sponsors and its global television reach yet has infrequently offered games to stir the pulses.
Today's game between the All Blacks and Georgia is the 23rd in the schedule of 40 pool matches before the World Cup graduates to the cut-throat playoff section.
How many of those pool games have caught fire and ignited your lust for more?
Japan's boil-over win against the Springboks was a cracker and one which caught everyone unaware while the All Blacks opener against the Pumas was a serious arm-wrestle and there was tension as Italy crawled past Canada.
Outside Pool A, the rest of the contests so far have either withered as Samoa did against the Springboks and USA against Scotland, or been a predictable one-sided encounter.
Some games which promise more are in the latter rounds of pool play.
Think Samoa-Japan, Springboks-Scotland and France's final pool game against Ireland.
But most of the guts and glory and pulse of the tournament has been Pool A.
There was all the expectation about the opening match when England hosted Fiji and did well enough to douse the visitors' threat - which was evident when halfback Nikola Matawalu made a brilliant burst only to drop the ball as he dived for the line.
Fiji had a short break then fell to the Wallabies while the England-Wales game was a thunderous piece of combat before Wales rolled up their sleeves and went at it again with Fiji.
Great stuff and there's just as much suspense about tomorrow's trapdoor test for England against the Wallabies at Twickers.
Wales won all three games as their fit players dwindled while Fiji went through a three game wringer in 13 days. They were stiffed by the uneven itinerary but brought immense starch to the tournament.
Instead of increasing the number of teams and diluting the competition, the tournament should be reduced in numbers or split into divisions.
Until other teams produce better quality, there will be too many lopsided matches.
Image 1 of 10: Ayumu Goromaru of Japan tackles Jean De Villiers of South Africa. Photo / Getty Images
Every squad should get similar schedules, after all they each have 31 players and can call on replacements if men are too damaged.
This past week has been a virtual rugby landscape rather than something which showcases the best in the game.
World Cups have great potential but while officials work with the speed and inspiration that marks law changes in rugby, they will not reach their potential.
