Time is now for our golden generation

ABSOLUTELY sensational — and that was just the opening ceremony.

Leaning heavily on Maori culture and protocols, Eden Park was electrified well before New Zealand and Tonga took to the field for the most incredible spectacle I have ever witnessed on a rugby pitch.

As an opening statement from the tournament organisers, it could not have been more striking. Hopefully now, after such an explosive start, the quality of rugby produced by the competing 20 nations will be equally memorable.