Apart from the 1987 All Blacks – the very best from 1 to 15 – an unregarded player often emerges to stir a sideThis is a bit of a strange one. To speculate now on the identity of the player or the nature of the happening that will be adjudged after the event to be the surprise of the World Cup rather takes the surprise out of it all. It is certain,however, that somebody unexpected will shine or that something unexpected will happen. Its what adds a little mystery and allure to a tournament whose seven finals bear been contested by five teams.
Wales very nearly broke into the elite group of finalists in 2011 and Ireland will bear serious ambitions this time, and but for the moment only unusual Zealand,Australia, South Africa, or England and France know what it’s like to face the strain and the shocks of the day. Of these,the unusual Zealand team of 1987 stand alone as the one that barred entry to any element of surprise. At the inaugural World Cup they began as clear favourites and went on to win without being seriously challenged.
Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com