Rugby has the reputation of being a family event. Violence is only on the pitch and not outside the stadium. These fair play values attract fans to the stands and young players to clubs. But some people rooting for the All Blacks have blackened the scene in Cardiff.

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After 30 minutes at the Millennium stadium, 50% of the French public, who thought their team could pull off an upset before the match, must have felt rather foolish.

That opening period saw the All blacks at their very best. Running the ball at pace, with fantastic angles, and ripping the French to pieces at every opportunity. More

The Quarter final in Cardiff will be a challenge for the French but not only for the French squad but also for their fans. Those expecting a triumphant “XV de France” – top of the second pool - playing at the Stade de France in Paris will now have some travelling to do to support their team.  More

The World Cup final that the French have been dreaming about turns out to be a quarter final instead. They wanted to believe until the last second Ireland could do something to avoid an All Blacks encounter, but it takes more than relying on others to win a World Cup.  More

For their part, Argentina has shown both ambition and humility as the Pumas’ level dramatically increased over the past decade. The players stay humble, though their victory over France in the opening game is an historic performance rewarding the long-term work with the Amateurs.  More

The Irish team is ranked 6th in the IRB classifying, but hasn’t shown its best in their first three matches. Before they lost to France, Coach Eddie O'Sullivan already admitted he is at a loss to explain Ireland's lack of form. Things haven’t been better since then.  More

Well that was a welcome breath of fresh air. Thus far, this tournament has been relatively bereft of free-flowing, running rugby. That changed tonight with both Wales and Japan playing the beautiful game, treating the crowd at the Millenium Stadium to some wonderful tries. More

After a stunning run of results in their warm-up matches, the French fluffed their opening lines in spectacular fashion, with a loss that now means they are likely to have to play New Zealand in the quarter-finals, if they get through the toughest of groups. More

Fans from 193 countries are expected to be glued to their TV sets for the World Cup. Rugby's growing popularity makes it an attractive prospect for sponsors. More