THANK goodness for Japan and Georgia, who on Saturday gave the Rugby World Cup the lift-off it needed as the doom mongers prepared to try and sap the life out of the tournament.

Some have gone a touch overboard with what the Brave Blossoms’ Brighton heroics could mean for the sport, although they were excellent again before tiring against Scotland because of a cruel schedule, but their win against South Africa and Georgia’s success against Tonga did give reason to be cheerful.

The timing was perfect because Friday night was one for the moaners.

I’ll admit that I’m not one of life’s cheerful souls but the England versus Fiji opener prompted an unprecedented amount of whinging on social media.

Rugby supporters wait four years for their sport to be centre stage and then just use the opportunity to grumble about television pundits, the commentator’s pronunciation, refereeing decisions, time spent on TMO referrerals (admittedly a fair moan), John Inverdale and Sir Clive, Paloma Faith’s ‘World in Union’.

But there was nothing to complain about on Saturday evening as Japan produced awe-inspiring rugby to beat the Boks, turning down the chance of a draw to make history.

It was rugby’s Cameroon at Italia ’90 moment and the Springboks will hope that they can emulate Maradona’s Argentina by recovering to make it to the final.

Japan have grabbed the attention of rugby novices and rugby haters; a wider audience don’t want to see 100-pointers as we will no doubt witness when the All Blacks take on Namibia.

South Wales Argus:

After the incredible events on Saturday the clash between Wales and the semi-professionals of Uruguay was always going to be an anti-climax.

Thankfully a super start by Los Teros prevented it from being a complete drubbing, although they also were helped on their way by some worryingly bad handling by the hosts.

Cory Allen scored a hat-trick but his awful pass led to Liam Williams’ thigh injury, Hallam Amos had to settle after some early errors, Alex Cuthbert continued to frustrate, Luke Charteris coughed the ball up on a routine carry and even Justin Tipuric got in on the act, spilling the ball over the line.

But the most mind-numbing moment came in the first minute of the second half, setting the tone for the spluttering events to follow.

The day after Ireland had impressed with slick handling off first phase, Wales wasted prime attacking territory in the 22 by going for a chip over the top from a scrum.

Granted it had worked in the first half but such lack of ingenuity was hardly a statement of intent to fellow contenders.