Longing for the day ...

Well done, Springboks.

At least the Webb Ellis Trophy is back in the southern Hemisphere where it belongs - albeit on the wrong side of the Indian Ocean ...

After Sunday morning's bore-fest I'd be surprised if the tournament won any new fans but it was, at least, a gripping contest because of the closeness of the sides. The English played tighter than they had all year and gave the 'Boks a few scares, but the South Africans seemed to always have their opponents' measure and were never really threatened. They wobbled a bit about 10 minutes into the second half but the English lost their composure in trying to take advantage and the Springboks regained theirs quite quickly.

I would have loved to see a game in which a team with a bit more flare took on the 'Boks - say the All Blacks or the Wallabies. Even Argentina or Fiji would have provided better entertainment. Still, these tournaments are as much a test of you ability to maintain the right attitude off the field as they are about winning the battle on the day - and the Wallabies and All Blacks both proved unworthy.

Four more years, boys, and we'll try again. In the meantime, South Africa can enjoy a bit of Pommie-sledging and celebration. They need it.