I have too be honest when I say we were disappointed with the performance against USA yesterday.  Perhaps we did not get out of first gear – but we have won and it is time to move on.

We know we have got to up the tempo against the South Africans. It will be a question of upping our game both mentally and physically. But we are more than confident we can do that. Confidence is so important, and we are certainly going to be positive going into Friday’s match.

It could be worse we could be like the French. The Pumas, and now the Americans, have played like typical underdogs with nothing to lose. For the Americans the game against us was their World Cup final. At the end of it all we have come away with a win, unlike the French who are now under huge pressure.

There is a lot to work on this week and there is a real focus throughout the squad. We have got something to improve on and the chance to put a lot right.

I am glad the first game is out of the way, I think we were more aware than anyone that the Americans were a good rugby team. The South Africans are a different challenge but I am sure that as a team we can take them on and certainly put in a better performance.

We will find out on Tuesday what the team for Friday will be. Of course I am desperate to play as this is just the best place to be for any rugby player. There was great English support in Lens and we want everyone to remain behind us. All the boys will be raising their game knowing that Victor will be in Paris with all his important clients!

After the game we travelled straight to Paris on a high speed double decker train. We covered about 500 miles in about an hour and a half which was fantastic and put our trains to shame. Sometimes it takes me longer than that to get between Bath and Bristol.

Keep with us, because I promise you we will be doing everything we can to win on Friday.

*Mark Regan was speaking to VU Ltd for his RWC 07 blog. Look out for regular columns from inside the England camp during the tournament.

Well what an incredible night. The atmosphere in the Stade de France was just electric, but I must say it was the result that took my breath away.

As I said yesterday Argentina would be hard to beat (but I must admit I did also say my money was on France.)

What I had not reckoned on was three things – The Pumas’ awesome display of blanket defence, the French inability to control anything and most importantly the enormous weight of nerves and expectation on the shoulders of the French team.

Anj and I were absolutely wrapped up in the whole event, what a way to get this world cup going.  France can probably still get to the quarter finals of the world cup but it will be very difficult. I am trying to work out if this is a good or bad result for the Irish – let me get back to you on that.

One thing that it does mean is that if the French do get through their quarter final could well be in Cardiff. I bet there are a few hospitality companies working for the French market who were not expecting that! It goes to show that in the sports game (and sports travel and hospitality) you can’t guarantee anything. If anyone knows a French fan let them know that I have got a few places left on the classic train trip from London to Cardiff on October 6 for the quarter final!

I bumped into Scott and Gavin Hastings at last night’s game and they agreed with me that a Rugby World Cup tournament had never got off to such an amazing start.

I have had a good response to the blog, one being that people are amazed Ronnie can write. He is having a bit of help but the words are his!

Roll on tonight and look forward to seeing many of you over the coming weeks.