France Australia.
Huge expectations, hadn't seen France play int'lly in a WHILE and this was truly, literally a "test" match. Outcome was everything in perfect order, all sectors of the game exploited, a nice 33-6 and the symbol ultimately of what would turn out to be a good 3-straight, so, a long awaited consistency for France. The official arrival of Michalak and his rebirth, a big revelation of Picamoles' definitive quality, and Nyanga's return with his tears during the nat. anthem...
Ireland Wales 6N
even though as an Ireland fan I'm STILL bitter over how the hosts let the lead slip stupidly and ultimately lose the match. But the intensity was very high in this match.
NZ ARG
Argentina scores within the opening minutes a very nice try, and it takes the hosts NZ 65min to score their first. Very intense, excellent defense, good running...big match, and a statement for the tournament's rookies.
SCO NZ
funny enough, it WAS an entertaining match.
I'd like to say England NZ, but with all due respect to England, realistically speaking there was just something wrong that match...it wasn't "normal", in retrospect. We were all stunned during the match, but I think after that, looking back, we can all admit it was awfully, awfully - eerily even - bizarre. Not to boost the kiwis confidence, or discredit England's outstanding performance, but I find it hard to actually put this match on the list here.