World Cup Opening Weekend - Hot Takes From Professional Coaching Consultant Mike Penistone

Japan 42 v Chile 12

Chile proved that they are worthy of a shot at the title, but after 20 minutes Japan took control.

Michael Leitch was playing in his 4th World cup for Japan and is still 4 years younger than Jonny Sexton!!

Chile is well organised in attack and defence but found building pressure through go-forward and continuity difficult. When their players get more experience of playing at a higher level they will improve quickly. Basic understanding is in place though.

Japan is not the team of previous world cups, despite the quality of the Kiwi coaching box. Maybe too many overseas players are playing in the Japanese competition. I doubt they will worry England or Argentina.

South Africa 18 v Scotland 3

South Africa won the early pressure, possession, and territory battle but it only produced 6 points. Scotland offered very little. Midfield penetration was almost impossible for both teams. The way the Boks play puts your discipline under pressure.

S A raised their intensity after half time. At 18-3 they should have scored more points but made poor playing decisions. Scotland could not get in the game. Russell failed to run the ball; he just sprayed it around. This made it easy for defenders to target the receivers. Defending is made easy if you know the 10 is not going to run with the ball. The great 10’s run their teams back into the game. Russell didn’t!

Scotland offered little. I can’t see them beating Ireland, who have terrific team mobility.

Did everyone see Erasmus hold the light up in the coaching box…interesting.