I felt compelled to comment on the Rugby World Cup by first congratulating the world champions New Zealand who must surely be the greatest rugby team we have ever seen.
Sure the first 40 minutes of the final was hardly a classic but the way Australia came back into the game after the kiwis had extended their lead with a great try early in the second half, showed what a great side the wallabies are, but also brought out the very best in the eventual and deserved champions.
And what a great competition it has been overall.
Credit has to go to all of the teams, officials, organisers and fans for providing an absolutely wonderful spectacle; a one which I hope will encourage youngsters throughout the world to take up this wonderful sport, either as players or fans.
There were so many highlights in the competition that it is difficult to select a favourite, but if pushed, I have to go for the wonderful and unexpected match between Japan and South Africa in the group stages. What a match, what a supreme and brave effort by Japan and what a result.
As a lifelong fan of football (soccer), I have to admit that the game I love could benefit hugely from adopting some of the aspects of rugby that make it such a great sport. Why is it that a rugby player can take a crunching tackle and just get up and get on with the game, while a footballer gets a slight tap and goes down as if poleaxed and rolls around in agony? Why is it that footballers feign injury so much and why are football referees decisions not accepted with the same grace as in rugby? Also, it is a pleasure and a relief to see so few bad refereeing decisions made in rugby compared to football,where quite frankly, the standard is abysmal. The technology is there to help ensure that decisions are correct, so why isn't it used more in football?
My view is that frankly there is simply too much money in top class football and as a result, the game is being ruined. The rugby world cup has demonstrated that with great organisation, dedication and wonderful sportsmanship, the world can be entertained without the need for cheating or gamesmanship.
If the football world is not careful, I can see true fans leaving in droves and switching their allegiance to rugby. And not just in the southern hemisphere.
Personally I would not blame them. In fact, I may even join them.
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