With the pool stage of the 2015 Rugby World Cup now complete, we take a look back at a selection of memorable moments.
Japan pull off the greatest shock
Regardless of what happens in the remaining weeks of the tournament, it is hard to see how Japan's remarkable victory over South Africa can be topped.
Pool B's opening fixture was expected to prove a one-sided affair, the Springboks overwhelming favourites to kick off their bid for a third World Cup with a routine victory over their tier-two opponents.
Yet Eddie Jones' Japan delighted a full house at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton by pulling off the biggest upset in rugby history.
Karne Hesketh's last-gasp try secured a stunning 34-32 triumph, after Japan had turned down the opportunity to kick for a draw, and sparked delirious celebrations - even among supporters who had started the day as neutrals.
A heavy defeat to Scotland, just four days later, dealt a terminal blow to the Brave Blossoms' bid to reach the quarter-finals, but they ended the tournament with three victories from four matches, having won the hearts of many.
Surugiu pops the question at Wembley
Romania acquitted themselves admirably in Pool D - prompting coach Lynn Howells to suggest the Six Nations should be expanded to feature tier-two sides.
It remains to be seen whether Howells will get his wish, but a very different sort of proposal was immediately accepted in the wake of the Oaks' 44-10 defeat to Ireland at Wembley on September 27.
Surrounded by his team-mates and with thousands of fans still in the stadium, scrum-half Florin Surugiu got down on one knee and asked his girlfriend to marry him.
"It was her birthday and being in Wembley was a very good opportunity to make it special," said Surugiu. "I told a couple of team-mates and they said it was a good idea."
Early exit brings misery for England
While Surugiu can prepare for wedded bliss, the partnership between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Stuart Lancaster could well be headed for a miserable divorce after England suffered the humiliation of being knocked out before their final pool match.
At least one major nation was always going to make an early exit from Pool A after England, Wales and Australia found themselves drawn together, but few believed the tournament hosts would be the one to miss out on a last-eight place.
Debates over selection and skipper Chris Robshaw's decision to turn down a late kick at goal dominated the headlines following England's 28-25 defeat to Wales at Twickenham on September 26.
Yet worse was to follow for Lancaster's men as Australia exploited frailties at the breakdown and, more surprisingly, the scrum to claim a 33-13 victory at the same venue seven days later - eliminating England and leaving their coach's future in serious doubt.
Maradona leads Argentina celebrations in Leicester
Argentina's players were given a "beautiful surprise" after their 45-16 victory over Tonga on October 4, when legendary footballer Diego Maradona joined the post-match celebrations.
Maradona had proven a typically passionate observer at Leicester's King Power Stadium as the Pumas moved to the brink of qualification for the quarter-finals.
And the 1986 FIFA World Cup winner was warmly welcomed into the Argentina dressing room after the full-time whistle had blown, with his arrival delighting coach Daniel Hourcade.
"For me Maradona was always the best player in history and it was very nice for him to come and see us," said Hourcade - whose side face Ireland in the last eight next weekend.
Wallabies show their mettle
If victory over England was not enough to mark out Australia as genuine contenders for the Webb Ellis Cup, their subsequent performance against Wales - particularly during an intense 12-minute period in the second half - will surely have convinced many that Michael Cheika's team are capable of securing World Cup glory.
A dramatic passage of play saw the Wallabies perform defensive miracles to keep Wales at bay, despite being reduced to 14 and then 13 men.
Australia's phenomenal effort in repelling wave after wave of attack secured a 15-6 victory and top spot in Pool A, meaning they will now face Scotland rather than South Africa in the quarter-finals.
And Wales coach Warren Gatland accurately summed up the resistance after the match, hailing Australia's "heroic defence".