World Cup: Day one summary

Maximum points for Canada, USA, New Zealand, Australia and England, four points for France, and a bonus for Sweden. That was the simple outcome of Day one in Guildford. But what else did we learn?

We learnt that belief counts for a lot. The young and highly talented South Africans were over awed by their Black Fern opponents, but tournament outsiders Sweden showed what can be done if a team believes in itself. The only question is whether or not they can do it again.If they can then Scotland could be in all sorts of trouble - Canada were so dominant  against them that a semi-final spot seems a certainty for them.

Despite winning France are in for an awful tournament unless they can develop a Plan B, as will Australia whose fantastic backs will be of little use unless their forwards learn to keep hold of the ball. Wales worked that one out - but unfortunately they were 21-0 down by the time they did. New Zealand will not make the same mistake.

England were similarly lucky to get a bonus point win over Ireland - they will also have to improve a good deal if they really fancy chances of winning the tournament. And finally age told for Kazakhstan against USA - heaven knows what England will score against them, while for USA it was a nice way to warm up.

As for the tournament itself, if you can get down to Guildford the GO!!! You'll have a brilliant day!