It was a fantastic day for sport last Sunday. We saw the final of the Rugby World Cup take place between the French who were lucky in their manner towards the final – despite having world player of the year, Captain Thierry Dusautoir, in their ranks - having lost two games on the road! An All Blacks team lacking the powerful, potent attack that; arguably the most gifted player in the world - Dan Carter provides, were clearly not at full capacity. It was an ugly final which even I, a neutral, couldn’t bare to watch. The whole game, from start to finish was all that a final should offer.
The French decided to form an ‘arrow head’ during the confrontation that is the native New Zealander Haka (war dance). The French Federation of Rugby is now being fined £2500 which I feel is a little unfair. Yes, it is only respectful to watch the spectacle that is the Haka while your opposition performs it but, with all the intensity in which it is executed, some dispute that it gives the All Blacks a psychological advantage – which I believe to be a load of utter shit! The Samoans, Fijians and Tongans also have a Haka….none of these teams have won the world cup twice! It is the quality of players which New Zealand have the world’s best of in many positions across the field. Anyway, I disagree with the fine. I think it is just as respectful to watch the challenge being laid down by the All Blacks via their intimidating war dance as, in your own way accepting the challenge by demonstrating you are not afraid. You are here to do battle. You are here as a team. The French did all those things and it was not in defiance. It was their own way of signifying their acceptance of the challenge with a counter-challenge.
Piri Weepu, dubbed ‘Mr Fixit’ by many in New Zealand was the go to man when Dan Carter was ruled out early in the competition with a groin injury. He remained in his Scrum-half position but took on the responsibilities of a fly half on pitch. Despite his excellence during the tournament, he missed 8 points worth of kicks in the final – 2 penalties and a conversion, leaving it only 5-0 at half time instead of a potential 13-0. By the end of the game, the All Blacks had to resort to their 4th stand off – who came on to kick a penalty with wonderful composure to ensure an 8 point lead which would require the French to score twice to win the game. The game ended at a nail biting, nerve wracking 8-7 as the French scored a try via their captain which was converted.
It was not by any stretch of the imagination an All Black exhibition but, a win! This ended their 24 year World Cup drought despite being the best team on the planet for so very long. The French did play very well but, I hate it when people say the French deserved to win. Well, they did not. They did not deserve to win because they did not score more points. Also, if you look at any good rugby team, one who pulls all the strings and makes all the play is and always will be the man wearing the number 10 jersey – the stand off position. For New Zealand to have to rely on their FOURTH starting stand off in a world cup final and STILL win, albeit by a single point, goes to show the strength in depth this team have and in my humble opinion, very much the deserved winners of the most prestigious prize in international rugby. So, to those who say otherwise – I casually spit in your face and ceremoniously walk away from your futile, feeble minded opinions/self. Just remember what New Zealand did to France earlier in the world cup during the pool stages. That was them at full capacity and it was above and beyond any of the other matches of the world cup. It was one of the best displays of rugby I have ever seen. I am not saying that the All Blacks would have repeated this in the final….every game is different but, do not forget what they are capable of when they are firing on all cylinders.
In the last 20 minutes of that game I actually felt my heart racing! I have no affiliation whatsoever to New Zealand – if anything more for France I was on the verge of embarking on a professional rugby career there. I guess I hadn’t realised I wanted them to win it so much.
A positive find for the future of New Zealand rugby was Aaron Cruden. Only 22 years old and by chance, given the opportunity to start at number 10 and he seized upon the prospect….and what a prospect he is! Unfortunately, it looked like he tore some ligaments in his knee during the final. A great player with a fantastic future. He is a possible replacement for Dan the man.
This final marked a great day for rugby where we saw many a great and celebrated name in world rugby finally be labeled ‘world champion’. Most notably Captain Richie McCaw.
All the power, all the passion, all the glory, all the world. The All Blacks. The hallowed black is finally turned to gold. Well done New Zealand.
The day only got better when I learned the result of the Manchester derby. Man City schooled Man United at Old Trafford – ‘The Theatre of Dreams’ – and a dream it was! 6-1 the final score and an embarrassed Sir Alex Ferguson conceded the most humiliating day in Manchester United history. Mario Balotelli is such a hero. Having read an interview with him recently, I am happy to see he has really taken a shining to Roberto Mancini who I think is doing a great job at Man City. I think he will do well this year. So far undefeated in the league and enjoying a 5 point lead on the summit.
I love sport! It is so sad to see the Rugby World Cup end but I cannot be happier for the eventuality.
Much love,
Jackson L.
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