A compelling weekend showed that knockout rugby is shaped as much by the bold losers as by the beaming winners
The biggest misconception in sport is that winning is all that matters. It’s like saying that all relationships are purely about sex or that family meals are entirely about their calorific value. It completely ignores the range of contrasting emotions that, as was the case last weekend, can deliver something truly memorable and life-affirming.
Ireland's Garry Ringrose, Jonathan Sexton and son Luca, and Dan Sheehan after the defeat to New Zealand. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho For sheer sustained quality, however, the two weekend games in Paris eclipsed all of the above. Sometimes a distinction had to be made between a close game, an exciting spectacle and a seriously top-class contest. Completing all three steps, as the Ireland-New Zealand and France-South Africa fixtures did, is the key to rugby heaven.
There was another recurring theme. Everyone in Ireland wanted to see Sexton carried out on his shield. There is similar veneration in France for Dupont while Dan Biggar and Liam Williams were on their final World Cup laps for Wales. Cometh the hour and what happened? The 38-year-old Sexton looked leg-weary in the final quarter but Ireland seemed not to have the heart to take him off. Ditto Dupont, still feeling his way back after facial surgery.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Irish rugby fans react after Ireland is beaten by New Zealand to exit Rugby World CupFans go from high to devastating lows following Ireland’s loss to New Zealand
Read more »
Ireland’s quarter-final Rugby World Cup exit brings highest ever audience to Virgin Media TelevisionAverage of 1.378m people watched team’s heartbreaking defeat to New Zealand, making it biggest TV event of 2023
Read more »
Rugby World Cup fans fight in stands as England v Fiji clash descends into chaosThere were ugly scenes in the stands as rugby fans were involved in a brawl during England's 30-24 victory over Fiji in Sunday's Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash
Read more »
Rugby World Cup: England avoid Fiji upset thanks to the boot of Owen FarrellOuthalf has two late kicks to seal victory and hold off second half Fijian comeback
Read more »