WHAT an amazing World Cup it's turning out to be in Japan, with a mix of some brilliant team performances and cliff-hanger quarter-finals.

England kicked things off with a commanding victory against Australia, and they will now meet New Zealand, who tore Ireland apart.

The following day saw a cracker, where Wales had a very lucky let-off against a France side who played more than half-an-hour with 14 men after Sebastien Vahaamahina elbowed Aaron Wainwright in the head.

In the final game, Japan's dream run was eventually halted when South Africa were physically too strong for the hosts, but it was a great game and Japan can be very pleased with all they achieved being the home nation.

Looking ahead, England take on the All Blacks on Saturday. What a game this is going to be – I think we do have a chance of upsetting them as no team has really put them under pressure. Let’s hope the boys can do it.

Wales and South Africa, who knows? But if Wales play the way they did last weekend I think they will get blown away. Two northern hemisphere sides in the semis is great news, though, whatever happens.

On the local front, London Irish began life back in the Gallagher Premiership with a brilliant 29-26 victory at Wasps.

It was only their second away league win in 26 top-flight games, and hopefully they can back it up at home to Sale Sharks on Saturday.

Rams had a tough encounter up at Blackheath losing out 22-17, but at least they came away with a losing bonus point keeping them third in the league.

They had a few young players impress and hopefully they can bounce back at 12th place Bishop's Stortford on Saturday.

This week we travel to top-of-the-league Witney, where we will have a hard game on our hands.

Reading Abbey also had a fine 21-15 win over Stow-on-the-Wold 21-15, which was their first of the season.

I am sure that brought some smiles to the supporters and players, and we'll see if they can continue winning ways this week when they travel away to Wallingford.

Lastly, Berkshire Shire Hall hammered Thatcham 66-0, with Matthew Margot racking up a barely believable 36 points.

This week they travel a short distance to Aldermaston which no doubt will be another game they will want to add to their winning ways.