Tokyo (AFP)

The victories of Japan over Ireland and Scotland were highlights of the first round of the Rugby World Cup, marked by the cancellation of three matches and a severe challenge to the arbitration.

TOPS

The atmosphere

This World Cup is marked by the enthusiasm of Japanese hosts, praised by all teams. 1.8 million tickets have been sold, and most matches are contested in colorful atmospheres.

Japan in a quarter

The Brave Blossoms' historic qualification for the quarter-finals is the sporting performance of the first round. The game of speed and movement delighted observers, and carried off two traditional nations, Ireland (19-12) and Scotland (28-21). The Japanese successes have largely contributed to the beautiful atmosphere of this World Cup.

Favorites present

New Zealand, South Africa, England, Wales, and to a lesser degree Ireland, Australia, France ... The favorites will be present in the quarterfinals. The first four have cleared the first round without a hitch; the others have suffered. Ireland fell to Japan, sending them to the All Blacks in the quarter-finals. Australia was beaten by the Welsh (29-25) and hooked by Fiji. And what about the XV of France? Winner narrowly against Argentina and Tonga (23-21), but still there ...

The little ones resist

Finish 80 or 100 points ... The time of historically large wins like Australia-Namibia (142-0) in 2003 seems over. The little ones do better than resist. The Namibians were the only ones to collect more than 70 points (71-9 against the All Blacks) but they resisted very well. They were only 24-9 at half-time and offered several trial opportunities.

FLOPS

Cancellation and controversy

New Zealand-Italy, England-France and Namibia-Canada ... The cancellation of three matches, because of typhoon Hagibis that has 35 dead and 20 missing, is a first in a World Cup. These cancellations are coupled with two polemics: the lack of Plan B World Rugby, and on the positions of Scotland who threatened to file a complaint in case of cancellation of his match against Japan. The match took place; Scotland lost.

Arbitration in question

"The level of refereeing did not correspond to established standards" ... After the first weekend, World Rugby calls referees to more firmness on dangerous veneers. Since the referees, with the authority inevitably undermined, resorts enormously to the video and the cartons (red or yellow) rain. Eight players have already been suspended for 3 or 4 matches. And at least three others, including the Irish Bundee Aki, wait in the waiting room of a Disciplinary Committee.

Scotland and Argentina at the trap

These are the two big victims of the first round. The Scots, who had put tremendous pressure to play the game and avoid elimination without playing, were victims of Japan, carried by a huge atmosphere Sunday in Yokohama. The Pumas, semifinalists in 2015, miss the quarter-finals for two small points - defeated by France (23-21) - or a red card, collected by the second line Lavanini in the 18th minute of the match lost to the English (39-10).

Pacific nations disappoint

A win each ... Samoa, Tonga and Fiji leave the World Cup on a mixed track record. Samoans and Tongans saved their world, beating respectively Russia and the United States. On the other hand, the Fijians, presented as credible candidates for qualification in Pool D, were disappointing, falling against the modest Uruguayans.

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