World Cup daily: South Africa feel the heat, Japan feel the love

As if their humbling at the hands of Japan was not hard enough for South Africa, their minister for sport has turned up the heat on the team in a public speech.

Fikile Mbalula addressed the squad at the opening of South Africa's Indigenous Games following their 34-32 defeat on Saturday, which is one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history.

He said: “Mr Heyneke Meyer and your team please represent South Africa and make us proud. What I saw yesterday was not the Springboks I know. I phoned the coach and I told him 'we are a nation of fighters'. Next game I want to see the Springboks otherwise they will be nothing else but a bunch of losers, who failed to represent the country."

So, no pressure then!

Following Japan’s famous victory, they were given a guard of honour by 1,200 students at their base near Brighton College when they returned to training. ….

And their success has made a pretty large impact on commercial sales as well it seems…

Meanwhile, Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has had a cheeky dig at the backs in his team and what they do during their down time…

Rugby’s governing body, the IRB, has tried to address the TMO issue after referrals to the video referee have seen lengthy delays during matches, including a 10-minute pause during the England v Fiji game.

World Rugby Match Officials Selection Committee chairman John Jeffrey says he wants to reduce the waiting around for audiences but there doesn’t appear to be any clear way in how he is going to do it.

He said in a statement: "The TMOs are tasked with promoting accurate and consistent decision-making. The objective of the TMO system is to ensure accurate and consistent decisions are made on the field in a timely and efficient manner. The TMO is a tool to help referees and assistant referees with their on-field calls and the referee remains the decision-maker who is in charge of the process."

Did you get that? It’s about accurate and consistent decisions. Thanks John, we’ll see how those reduced delays pan out…

Scotland take on Japan and the match has taken on a whole new significance in Pool B after Eddie Jones’ men beat South Africa. Japan have a whole new legion of fans and Scotland have been warned.

Australia also take on Fiji in their first game of the World Cup. This will be essential viewing for England fans as the 'Pool of Death' continues. Can Australia match the hosts’ effort in picking up a bonus point win?

Probably the least appealing game is France v Romania. Les Bleus will surely canter to victory.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre met Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in London ahead of his side’s clash against Romania.

‘A visit to a great gentleman of the sport and a great team manager #supportthexv', he tweeted with the picture.

Well, following the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend, it seems Wenger still has one huge fan.