I am currently in hospital following major surgery last Wednesday. I was able to watch the opening ceremony of the World Cup on television, and what a lovely opening show it was reminding me of the amazing show put on at the opening of the 2012 Olympics. I didn't catch the rest of the game that followed as tiredness took hold, but today was a different matter.
Like many people I cram more into my life than is probably wise. Why is it we live our lives at such a frantic pace? I think I may leave that for now and perhaps explore that another time. So with time on my hands thanks to being bedridden, I could settle down to watch the games that my otherwise busy life would have had me miss.
The first two games went with expected form, but still excellent and enjoyable rugby nonetheless. Then the third game started. South Africa vs Japan. Like most people I though this was actually going to be a walk over for South Africa after all this is a team with its members holding over 800 caps. So being stoically British it was inevitable I would be rooting for Japan the definitive underdogs.
Well what a game I was treated too. This was Rugby being played to the highest level with skill, guts and determination on display. At no point were Japan overawed by facing one of the top teams in the world. They never let the South African's reputation overshadow their ability and so stayed with them try for try, penalty for penalty. It all came down to a nail biting finish where they could so easily have finished the match in a draw, a result that they could have rightly been proud of but no, they chose to go for the win, and were rewarded for their display of courage and tenacity.
The Sporting World Cup events always showcase their respective games, and Rugby is finally taking its rightful place as one of the great team games in the world. I look forward to seeing its takeup by other countries and the world cup growing each time it is held. It is a game of gentlemen, a fast paced and exciting spectacle. For me it knocks football into a cocked hat.
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