Retired comentator Huw Llywelyn Jones noted (about Friday's match) that if it had taken place at the beginning of the pool stages, with a fully fit squad, only six of Friday's squad would have expected to be in Wales' starting 15.
I'm happy to say it's an improvement on four years ago, when the squad was bruised and battered in fighting its way out of the group stages: this time we got to the semi-finals before the injuries really started to tell.
After a successful twelve years, I find myself wondering if the incoming management will be able to develop this squad with an attacking pattern that isn't quite so dependent on bludgeoning the opposition (and ourselves) into submission. That might be more profitable, given we have a smaller pool of players to select from in the first place.
South Africa's strategy of loading their substitute bench with forwards, to keep their pack fresh throughout the game, seems to have paid dividends for their very direct style of play. On the other hand, Japan have reminded the world that fast and free play can still work in the modern age.
All in all, an enjoyable few weeks of rugby!
