The six weeks of rugby, which included twenty teams, is now over. The curtain was drawn with the All Blacks beating France 8 points to 7. At the end of it New Zealand delivered what was wanted. The crowds had a good story at these games where the stadiums looked more or less like a fancy dress parade that added colour to the spectators’ emotions.
New Zealand went into the final of the world cup with confidence but had to face resistance and much more than courage and character from France. France lived dangerously throughout the tournament but somehow managed to reach the final. The luck they had throughout the tournament deserted them this time. But then this was the best game they played in this world cup.
They managed to move forward even after losing two games in the pool stages. They managed to pass the quarters as well as the semis. It was this world cup final that saw France being classed as the biggest finals underdogs. Yet they resolved not to give their opponents the cup on a silver platter and they did not. Yet if they put over the penalties and won the cup would it have deserved.
 What kept France from not being world cup champs was that brilliantly executed line-out move that created a huge gap for Woodcock to score through. That this occurred in the fifteenth minute of the game would have made everyone think they were going to see the one-way traffic which was predicted before the match. Although France lost, they dominated the game in possession and territory in the second half and forced a solid defensive display from the Kiwis.
The All Blacks then organized their defense and McCaw marshaled his troops to win the Webb Ellis trophy. The All Blacks wanted desperately to end twenty four years of frustration and they did it. To a rugby-loving nation it was the win that they wanted and Richie McCaw led them admirably to lay their hands on the elusive cup. There is no doubt that New Zealand were the best team in the tournament and remained unbeaten. Yet were they the best in this final? Though the All Blacks were denied of possession in the second half when France built their attack, when they did get the ball they kicked it intelligently into French territory or towards the corners.
The final had its moments even before the whistle was blown. As New Zealand performed the ceremonial Haka, France linked arms and formed a 'V' formation, then fanned out as they marched from the 10 meter line towards the halfway line. The French were fined for violating the IRB directive on how to face the Haka.
One factor that helped New Zealand to halt the long years of frustration was Richie McCaw, the Captain who was a huge source of inspiration.
Other moments of importance in this year’s world cup were the coming of age of Wales, who won the hearts of the crowds. The playing standards of the lower ranked teams were also much better than in previous years. The try scoring though dropped after the pool stages of the competition with the semi-finals and the final producing just four tries. But these games were not just narrow margin victories but ones that saw willingness to play when the ball was in hand. Therefore the crowds saw some attractive games that gave them value for their money.
A question that was but has still settle with a good answer was the send off of the Wales Captain Sam Warburton. The officials decided on a three match ban as Sam accepted that it was a dangerous tackle. Wales, who won the admiration and support of the fans, now need to strengthen their act as they proceed as a team that showed potential.
The world of rugby moves on with the next world cup in 2015 in my mind. Not that there are no issues off the field that worry the playing nations but the game ticks on as decisions relating to sponsorship and host nation rights have surfaced and there will be questions that need answers. The Rugby World Cup 2011 has been hailed as an “exceptional event” and an “outstanding success” by Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset. Speaking further he said, “New Zealand 2011 will be remembered as an exceptional Rugby World Cup. It has been a tournament where New Zealand’s rich culture and heritage has gone hand-in-hand with Rugby’s tradition and values.” The games, it is estimated, brought in an £80 million net surplus to the game and contributes a NZ $ 750 million in direct economic benefits and around NZ$ 2 billion in long term benefits.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB |
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