The biggest and best professional club competition in the Northern Hemisphere kicked off this past weekend. There were a few surprises, a few close calls, and more than a few great highlights. 

The Eagles are in search of their first World Cup win since 2011's triumph over Russia when they face Tonga in the final game of the tournament for both teams.

With six of the eight quarterfinalists already decided, we have a fair idea at this stage who the real contenders are. 

With the news that tropical storm Hagibis would be hitting Yokohoma on Saturday, World Cup officials decided to call off the England vs France match. And both sides will be just OK with that. They'll get extra rest before the quarterfinals. 

The 2015 World Cup saw one of rugby's greatest upsets, as Japan toppled the mighty Springboks in the World Cup opener. However, the huge win amounted to nothing after Scotland trounced Japan four days later, ending their hopes of a first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. 

It was a first half of utter destruction as the Springboks raced out to a 47-0 lead before the break en route to a 66-7 drubbing of Canada at Kobe Misaki Stadium on Tuesday.

We're now past the halfway point of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and boy has it been quite the show.  

France held off a spirited Tonga comeback to book a place in the quarterfinals, winning 23-21 at Kumamoto Stadium on Sunday evening. 

After a slow first 35 minutes, the All Blacks revved the engines en route to a massive 71-9 victory over Namibia. 

Two late tries from the Brave Blossoms helped Japan to hold off a sharp Samoa unit, 38-19 and, more importantly, secure a crucial bonus point in the process. 

A Tomas Lavanini red card in the 18th minute soured Argentina's hopes of making it to the World Cup quarterfinals, as England blasted the Pumas, 39-10. 

Tevita Kuridrani earned man of the match in his first game back following injury, as Australia throttled Uruguay 45-10 at Oita Stadium on Saturday night. 

The Italians were no match for the might of South Africa, as the Boks thrashed them 49-3 at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa. 

A try within the opening two minutes by fullback Rob Kearney set the tone for a one-sided affair, as Ireland defeated Russia 35-0 on Thursday evening at Kobe Misaki Stadium. 

A second half explosion from Fiji saw them run riot against Georgia on Thursday afternoon at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, winning 45-10. It was a big turnaround from their shock loss to Uruguay a week ago.