They are all talk and singing

I don't think many people in the world rate Chris Rattue of the NZ Herald as a sports writer, but in his summary of the World Cup he was pretty accurate.

But the rest of world rugby hovers around incompetence. It's a game awash with money and gizmos and money but devoid of sufficient rugby sense and maybe raw-athletic resources.

Australia got smashed in the final. They were physically overpowered. They can't last the distance in a tournament. 

England play like draft horses. They even dare to go into big matches without a proper openside. They are all talk and singing.

France were pathetic in the quarterfinal - the land of scary forwards turned up with powder puffs instead. Money isn't talking.

Wales think they can survive on a swarming defence and backs built like forwards, some of whom aren't even as skilful as the All Black forwards.

South Africa have regressed, finding their game plan on the wall of an ancient cave.

Ireland suffered key injuries, but they still don't truly believe. They aren't rugby's little people. But the back up players probably are unfortunately.

Argentina were superb for a rising nation. I loved watching Argentina, who were like a blast from the past. But they will struggle to rise much further, once they get overly tactical and freaked out by error rates.

As for Nigel Owens, his refereeing in the final was on the button, even if it slipped off a couple of times. He got a few things wrong, including a giant All Black forward pass. But he was on the lax side, and rugby needs referees on the lax side. Otherwise it turns into Rugby Laws 101 under professor Wayne Barnes. Most of us would rather watch the TV test pattern (remember that).