WORLD IN UNION: The opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup kick-started a tournament that has seen large and passionate crowds fill stadiums, even for matches between 'minnows'.

Fellow Kiwis, give yourselves a pat on the back.

I always felt this World Cup would be a big event. But I wasn't convinced New Zealanders quite grasped that.

However, the first week has exceeded my wildest expectations.

We can reflect with satisfaction on two fronts. First, the stadium of four million concept. I wondered whether we could fill the grounds, particularly for the so-called "minnow" games.

But the attendance has been spectacular, and the atmosphere brilliant as New Zealanders have adopted teams, and taken the time to get into the colour and spirit of the event. Our people have embraced the tournament.

Then we have the performance of the "minnow" nations. We haven't seen any real blowouts yet, and these teams are pushing some of the big boys now.

Maybe we shouldn't be surprised. Many of these guys play in professional leagues around the world and many teams have now been to a number of World Cups.

The IRB has to get some credit for this. They've invested significant sums into the national unions to help develop the game.

Their targeted revenue appears to be now delivering the goods.

The other factor is coaching. There are lot of international coaches around the world, and a lot of New Zealanders in those roles. Quality coaching has helped lift the quality of these teams.

We're even seeing some of the "minnows" pushing the Six Nations sides. Romania and Georgia both gave Scotland a run for their money, Japan put a scare into France and Ireland did not find the USA easy at all.

Which leads us to ponder just how serious are the northern threats at this tournament?

In my book Wales were the most impressive on display in the first week. They pushed South Africa to the limit and, though they couldn't finish it off, were within a hair's breadth of winning.

Scotland and Ireland are battling. The Irish have been struggling for form and their first game didn't indicate any improvements. It's a big test for them tonight against Australia.

The Scots have had two ugly victories but, as I'm sure they would tell us, it's winning that counts.

England struggled against a competitive Argentina side, but they have a knack at World Cups of winning tight games.

They tried to play a more expansive style but didn't look that comfortable with it. Still, you just know, with their pedigree, you've got to be very wary of England. They know how to win tight contests at this event.

And France? The All Blacks' next opponent struggled against Japan and showed if you put them under pressure they can look a bit ordinary. But we also know how dangerous they can be if things start going their way.

Right now it's hard to see a winner coming from the northern hemisphere. But who would have thought England would make the final in 2007 after getting belted by South Africa in game one?

It's early days. Too early to make any definitive calls.

* Grant Fox played 46 tests for the All Blacks and was first-five for the 1987 World Cup winners.