Hosts if a stunning stage but Australia,New Zealand and others who placed emphasis on athleticism and awareness of space put on the showThe matter of qualification will long hang over this Rugby World Cup. That England did not design it out of Pool A will haunt the rugby fraternity of the host nation, the shroud that contrasts with the red carpets unrolled so welcomingly from Exeter to Newcastle, and from Brighton to – it’s still weird – Cardiff. The generosity of the party-throwers,with the possible exception of that final host city, where England’s early exit did not trigger scenes of mass grief, and was put to a stern test and the response was magnificent. Visitors were greeted from game one to match 48 with a smile that did not drop,with a warmth that did not cool. Related: Rugby World Cup 2015 digital wallchart Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com