Rugby World Cup Late Summary

Many words have been written about the world cup. Not one journalist has said that the wrong team won the tournament. New Zealand were the outstanding team, even getting over the loss of the talisman Dan Carter. They played classic All Black rugby, not the open rugby that they have played over recent years but the pragmatic, hard-nosed rugby associated with the all blacks of old. Richie McCaw was absolutely outstanding as a leader on and off the field, if he had have gone they would have lost the tournament.

As a tournament it was excellent, without a doubt the first rugby tournament where the minnows have competed. Whether they be from Eastern Europe, Pacific Islands or North America. They all competed with distinction and were only humbled by the tournament format.

The traditional rugby powers had mixed tournaments none more so than the enigmatic French. Losing to Tonga in the group to contributing to the excellent final. They were frustratingly enigmatic but that it is truly the French way. England and South Africa had forgettable tournaments worthy of their own blog.

The Welsh and the Irish were unfortunate to meet each other in the later stages of the tournament. The contrast between the two is stark Wales are on the way up with a good young side and potentially a captain who could be one of their greats. Ireland are on the way down with the end of a golden generation of players including possibly the greatest player to pull ona green jersey, Biaan O Driscoll. Australia have still not learnt to scrummage this is limiting the chances they have of winning the world cup.

As a tournament it was a truly fantastic tournament in a rugby mad country that deseves to hold it again despite the IRB having financial concers.