Rugby World Cup: While you were sleeping

A sloppy first-up game between England and Fiji opened the Rugby World Cup. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The 2015 Rugby World Cup kicked off this morning with England taking on Fiji in the opener. Here's all that occurred in the early hours.

WHAT'S HAPPENED

The opening ceremony went off without a hitch (except for former Wallaby captain John Eales who got stuck in a lift at Twickers for almost an hour). It was only 20-minutes long with a nice cameo from Prince Harry as a peasant gardener. Each country was represented by a former legend. Sean Fitzpatrick got the nod for NZ. Straight after the game, England opened the tournament with an underwhelming 35-11 victory over Fiji.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Because the phoney war is finally over and we have some rugby at last!

UPSETS?

For a few minutes, it looked like brave Fiji could cause the upset all Kiwis were hoping for. In the end, the occasion got to them and England fell over the line rather than romped home as the scoreline suggested.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THE ALL BLACKS

The performance will not do anything for England's confidence. If the All Blacks smash Argentina, anxiety will rise in the English camp over their ability to beat Richie McCaw's men.

COMING UP

Three games overnight starting with Tonga v Georgia at 11pm, followed by Ireland and Canada at 1.30am overnight and the Springboks and Japan at 3.30am. Plus don't forget France v Italy at 7am tomorrow.

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