Rugby Fever. The World Cup is Over

I’m not really a rugby fan, but it was impossible to be untouched by the game here in France. The Rugby World Cup began about a month after we arrived and even before that the advertising, merchandise selling, and preparations were intense. Rod loves rugby and follows it closely, and we were able to watch some of the games on big-screen TVs at cafes or bars, so even I began to get involved, especially with South Africa (the Springboks, or Boks) going so well.
From reading, from listening to others, and from talking to Rod, I’ll attempt a summary of some of the main thoughts about this World Cup. (at Gare Montparnasse)
The Final: A Proud South Africa reclaims the cup
South Africa 15, England 6
As in 1995, SA took home the world cup from a final without tries, the only team to finish the world cup unbeaten. From Johannesburg to Cape Town thousands of people, wearing green and gold, thronged the streets. South Africa hasn’t known such scenes of jubilation since its first rugby victory in 1995, after the first multi-racial elections in 1994. This enthusiasm must have pleased ex-president Nelson Mandela, who wasn’t able to be at the Stade de France to follow his team, although President Thabo Mbeki was there.
For the French team, the Blues (les Bleus) it was “Une sortie par la petite porte, dans une petite finale” (‘an exit through the small door, in a small final’)—they ended up in 4th place, after being beaten by Argentina. However, many say that the World Cup was not a fiasco for France because of their incredible victory over the All Blacks earlier, and because of their superb hosting, but improvement is needed and France must turn the page quickly.
The final games in Paris the last weekend were marred by the French transport strike at the time. Even though supposedly enough trains were put on to ferry fans to and from the Stade de France, there were many reports from fans fighting to get onto trains, as the frustration of knowing they might face a walk of over six miles back into Paris late at night boiled over into anger, especially against the French.
This is a great pity because until then it was hard to fault the hosts, who offered wonderful hospitality. It wasn’t just rugby that was a winner but France and her people, who from north to south were proud of staging a truly special sporting event, and French rugby fans reaffirmed their love of the game. From day one everybody—except perhaps Ireland in their awful Bordeaux hotel—felt at home and among friends.
Players and fans spent much of September and October in this beautiful country. For the beginning games it felt like summer—T-shirts, shorts and cold beers—even as the autumn leaves were turning but with the sun still shining. At the finals, people needed jackets and scarves—and hot chocolate. (our boulangerie window)
Overall, the World Cup was deemed a success. Fans found many of the games, and the teams, very inspiring and surprising.
In recent years, the game of rugby has been threatened by rampant commercialism, giant egos and ugly self-interest but for some, Rugby World Cup 2007 seems to be a turning point (for the good) for the Rugby Union.
England, following their appalling 36-0 defeat against South Africa in the Pool game, transformed into a highly competitive, proud, and stubborn team that battled its way to the final to play South Africa again.
South Pacific Island rugby was a winner. Tonga had great games, as did the Fijians, who many feel could be a powerhouse nation if properly supported and encouraged.
Georgia did well, especially in their game against Ireland; Japan played fine rugby and their coach talked good rugby sense whenever he opened his mouth; Portugal reminded us that amateur enthusiasm must be encouraged.
But, perhaps the main winner was Argentina—Los Pumas—who, after an amazing series of games, made a gala spectacle out of the usually much dreaded third-fourth play-off game.
Many say the Pumas have shown the rugby world what can be achieved against overwhelming odds.

For the future:
The World Cup must only be played in one country. When it moved outside of France it was watered down but within France it was a success. Regardless of their ranking within the world game, teams played to capacity crowds and those crowds brought the best out of the players. (ads)
A major message from the World Cup is that now is not the time to reduce the number of teams from 20 to 16—this World Cup has endorsed that view with many of the less-famous teams doing so well. It should be a celebration of the world game, and many say that all this talk of taking it down from 20 to 16 is ridiculous. Rugby should be trying to grow the world game and this jamboree of world rugby every four years, not reduce it. Maybe even increase it to 24 teams.
Next time in New Zealand!