IN BATTLE, to the victor the spoils. In a world cup final, the winner takes the glory and the champion’s crown. For New Zealand’s rugby team, their narrow victory over France in Auckland yesterday was deserved, and the prize was won after a thrilling game of passionate intensity. The All Blacks have dominated world rugby but had little to show for it. In 1987, they won the inaugural World Cup but had to wait 24 years for a second success. With this narrow victory, an anxious and greatly relieved Kiwi nation has, like the team’s coach, Graham Henry, finally achieved “internal peace”.
New Zealand’s inability to perform under pressure when it most mattered was again apparent at Eden Park. Critics have accused them of choking on the big occasion, often snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Yesterday they panicked but narrowly avoided choking. This time the All Blacks had no excuse for failure. As hosts they had home advantage and an extra motivating factor – to dedicate a World Cup success to victims of the Christchurch earthquake earlier this year.
Overall, this World Cup has been a moderate success with some outstanding games, not too many outstanding individual performances, and some perverse outcomes. France reached the final despite two earlier defeats at the group stage and a lucky victory over Wales in controversial circumstances. Irish referee Alain Rolland made the correct decision when he sent off the Welsh captain for dangerous play. It sent the right signal to all who play the game. That prompted the Wales coach Warren Gatland, however, to admit he had considered cheating – by asking one of his players to fake injury – to neutralise a French advantage at scrum time. He did not do so. Were the public being asked to congratulate him for not doing so? Mr Gatland’s confession of his temptation has, not for the first time, greatly upset the International Rugby Board.
For Ireland, the team performance has been a qualified success. In 2007, disappointing team displays shattered high expectations. This time low initial expectations were surpassed with spirited victories over Italy and Australia (a landmark southern hemisphere win). But defeat by Wales meant yet again Ireland failed to advance beyond the quarter-final stage. As the age profile of this golden generation of players increases, the need for a smooth transition to a new generation, and their phased introduction at international level, is clear. That is surely the best foundation on which to build for greater success at the World Cup in 2015.