KEY POINTS:
Every team has now stretched its legs at the World Cup. Argentina, Italy, Japan and the United States have done so twice, and were joined by England and South Africa early today.
Who has made an impact, for good or bad? The second part is easy - but
let's begin on the positive side.
Argentina must top the list for giving the tournament just the fillip it needed on a dramatic opening night at Stade de France by tipping over the hosts.
For years, the Pumas have had a rough deal from the International Rugby Board. Six Nations or Tri-Nations? No chance. They have been the awkward cousin despite, on ability, being well worth a place in either competition.
That victory was the equivalent of a roared: "We're not going away."
Whether it has an impact is another story. It should. They are a good chance to make the semifinals, despite being scratchy in their subsequent win over the burly Georgians.
New Zealand, South Africa and Australia have cleared their throats with emphatic wins. If the Wallabies clean out Wales tomorrow with something to spare it will suggest, as is their World Cup wont, that their timing cannot be faulted.
Japan, on the end of a 91-3 tonking from Australia, showed terrific spirit to bounce back on three days rest to take Fiji to the line, losing by four points.
And did anybody see their coach, John Kirwan, on the touchline in the closing minutes? Old JK looked fit to bust. But he should be proud as punch. It was the best, most rousing finish of the cup so far. And the Japanese deserved to pinch it.
Samoa have been a hit. Just ask the bruised Springboks. But, bottom line, they were beaten by 50 points. They remain hugely popular and could still make the last eight.
England can be beaten but first Samoa have a special date in Montpellier early on Monday (NZT) against neighbours Tonga.
Tonga were not flash against the US - but they won. This is the first inter-island Cup clash. Does the rugby world at large appreciate what awaits them?
Other big ticks? The fans and the crowds. The fun factor is high; international camaraderie is thick on the ground.
And more than 44,000 for Italy v Romania in Marseille?
More than one All Black noted with amazement the 56,000 who attended their opener against Italy. None of their pool games four years ago approached capacity.
Hats off, if with a half-tick, to the gallant Georgians, Namibians and Romanians - who can feel they were stiffed against the Italians when a dodgy penalty-try and a sin-binning enabled Italy to sneak home - the US (for giving England a decent shakeup) and Canada (ditto Wales before falling over in the final quarter).
And the bad?
Easy, and summed up with two words: Six Nations.
Throw the job lot in.
They have collectively played a shocker in the first week.
This is not to say they won't rebound with a blast in the days ahead, but you wouldn't put your shirt on it.
There is a serious lack of skill, ambition and creativity in their rugby.
What chance a Northern Hemisphere skipper raising the Webb Ellis Cup next month? Right now, forget it.
