POOL STAGE VERDICT

BEST OCCASION

JAPAN beating Ireland was epic, but yesterday’s win over Scotland, in the circumstances, was perhaps even more momentous. The host nation were grieving after Typhoon Hagibis and the Brave Blossoms provided stunning respite.

FAVOURITE TRY

TJ perenara’S miraculous effort against namibia. phil Davies’s african minnows had fought bravely to stay in touch with the all Blacks, but were undone by the Kiwi scrum-half’s magical offload and leaping, stunning finish.

DIPLOMACY AWARD

VASILY ARTEMYEV. The russia captain won hearts and minds — and demonstrated the true spirit of rugby — every time he spoke publicly. He was articulate, humble and gracious at every turn.

BIGGEST SHOCK

URUGUAY beating Fiji. The South americans stunned their pacific island rivals in Kamaishi, winning a classic encounter 30-27. They also performed with distinction in defeats by australia and Wales.

TOP PERFORMER

SEMI RADRADRA. The Fijian (above) is a freakish talent. no wonder rugby league clubs Down Under are scrambling to lure him back to the rival code. at his best, he has been untouchable — a deadly runner.

GREATEST HIT

TONGA openside Zane Kapeli on Billy Vunipola, in Sapporo on September 22. The Bay of plenty player’s tackle stopped england’s mighty no 8 in his tracks, sent him tumbling back and earned the Tongan the nickname ‘Zane the train’.

WORST OFFENCE

AMID a steady stream of red cards and bans, Italy props andrea lovotti and nicola Quaglio committed an especially heinous crime — picking up South africa no 8 Duane Vermeulen and hurling him down on his head.