Looking back
The tenth world cup got off to a tumultuous start in Sunderland. An unparalleled build-up, then the biggest crowd yet seen at the tournament.
We must give due credit to the three women in charge, Sarah Massey, MD of the whole caboosh, Yvonne Nolan, competition director and Sally Horrox, in charge of women’ rugby worldwide.
They chose Sunderland as the unlikely host; an archetypal football town (in the English sense). But they rightly decided on a site far from Twickenham in the north. Lacking a rugby stadium of sufficient size, they settled on the Stadium of Light.
The opening ceremony resembled a mini-Olympics – lights, fireworks, dancers and Anne-Marie.
One team had to be England. And the opposition? It turned out to be the USA, the nation WR has set hungry eyes on, and slated to play host in 2033.
A 69-7 walloping didn’t help, but the result had to be expected. The hope is rugby will gain rapid growth in the States.
The Red Roses dazzled, as all their fans hoped and expected.
Saturday and Sunday
Next day brought no fewer than four matches. There is a danger there. Even the most committed fan can feel indigestion. Rather like a 7s tournament it can be tricky recalling match details after the event. Warning: you can expect the same next weekend.
Eight nations finished happy, eight unhappy.
Critics have complained of too many one-sided games, but these are commonplace in world championships. Think of 6-0 6-0 wins at Wimbledon.
Six continents took part; only two matches involved close neighbours: Scotland and Wales, France and Italy.
Spectators on the grounds were impressed by the commitment on both sides. The lesser teams showed dogged determination to the end.
The nearest we got to an upset was the Scots’ 38-8 win over Cymru. That story has a depressing background.
Any list of favourite moments can only be very personal. Here’s one:
Two hands touching the ball down simultaneously; verdict: no try!
Jorja Miller’ first try;
Julia Schell’s six tries;
Ellie Kildunne’s hands, knee and feet in creating a try;
Spain’s explosion of joy as they scored a try in the 82nd minute.
Looking forward
Here are the Round Two fixtures:
30 August
Canada v Wales 12.00 Salford
Scotland v Fiji 14.45 Salford
England v Samoa 17.00 Northampton
USA v Australia 19.30 York
31 August
Ireland v Spain 12.00 Northampton
New Zealand v Japan 14.00 Exeter
Italy v South Africa 15.30 York
France v Brazil 16.45 Exeter
Once more the 30th brings us four matches. I hope you survive this surfeit.
The key game is USA v Oz. The Wallaroos had an easy run-in last weekend; the Eagles a very tough one. If this was a one-off fixture, I’d expect the Wallaroos to win. But experience of hardship can be beneficial.
On Sunday the nearest we can get to a close encounter is the Italy-South Africa match. The Azzurre don’t have a great record in this tournament. They must first get on top of the mighty Boks’ pack, before they can unleash their dangerous backs. I can’t predict they’ll succeed.
It will be interesting to see how the crowds hold up. They were splendid across that first weekend. But novelty and curiosity may wear off a touch.
We must hope the neutral games can still attract a big audience, in the best of English traditions. Few other nations manage it.
Advertising
As in the Olympics, advertising is strictly forbidden – on players’ kit, on hoardings, everywhere. Even cinch have their name removed and replaced by NORTHAMPTON at Franklin’s Gardens.
Except – of course – for the main sponsors, whose names hit us between the eyes at every turn!
Where would we be without them? We all love Japanese beer.
