The atmosphere was fantastic. From the first game between Japan and Russia, to the clash on the first weekend between New Zealand and South Africa, to the first sight of the Fijians against Australia, you sensed it would be a World Cup to remember – and it did not disappoint.
The Fijians brought a huge smile to my face because their three-quarter line was off the charts with their skill and pace, and any children watching would be captivated and want to find out more.
The way that Fiji and Japan played in attack was uplifting. It was great to see the Japan make the knockout stage for the first time, and from the quarter-finals, through to England knocking out the All Blacks in the semi-final, and then to them being beaten by South Africa in a one-sided final, it was memorable.
The World Cup left the game on a high, and despite the domestic difficulties around the Saracens salary cap story, there should be a feelgood factor from the tournament in rugby nations around the globe.
My only reservation is that it would be an even better sport if the bench was reduced in number. Half a team coming on with fresh legs and sharp minds against guys who have been taken to the point of exhaustion is pushing the game out of the realms of normality.
Where the 15-a-side game was a shape for all shapes and sizes, these days anybody under 6ft and 16 stone is the exception rather than the rule, but thankfully smaller players like Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk and Kotaro Matsushima were still able to light up the stage in Japan.
Denne historien er fra November 10, 2019-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra November 10, 2019-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
