Punters' moments - Gavin Cummiskey

BEST MATCH : New Zealand v France. A haka confrontation to rank alongside Willie Anderson's of old was followed by a typically electric NZ start, led by the hitherto imperious Luke McAlister, before the Toulouse set ripped it up. Three images: Richie McCaw unable to secure ruck ball; McAlister's failure to drop into the pocket; the haunted looks of Messrs Carter, Kelleher and Oliver all helplessly sidelined.

WORST MATCH : Ireland v Georgia. The lowest point of a slow-burn, six-week nightmare. After Girvan Dempsey's face-saving try, an Irish fan cheered before a weather-beaten observer snapped, "What are you celebrating? This is worse than the Irish football team drawing nil-all in Liechtenstein." Needing the video ref to save them at the death was laughable (what else could one do?).

BEST MOMENT : Argentina, Tonga and Fiji all provided great memories but seeing the US Eagles' Zimbabwean-born wing Takudzwa Ngwenya stand up and then burn Bryan Habana on the outside was breathtaking.

OUTSTANDING PLAYER : "El Mago" - Juan Martín Hernández - showcasing his full range of kicking and handling skills from outhalf (he's a fullback, you know). Even in defeat, and despite cheap shots from Juan Smith and Butch James, his bravery was admirable.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT : The All Blacks. Not even Graham Henry could have planned for the loss of two outhalves within 15 minutes, and with Jerry Collins, Anton Oliver and Byron Kelleher also gone, a great, albeit arrogant, rugby nation was humbled.

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times