MAN OF THE DAY
Alun Wyn Jones – embodied his side’s gritty spirit as they powered through the injuries in a fierce Twickenham fightback.
VOICE OF THE DAY
Referee Jérôme Garcès: showed football’s respect campaign the way, taking the wind out of dissent by treating players like petulant under-12s: ”Focus on the game. I’m in charge. I don’t need your help.”
BEST PRE-MATCH
Jonny May – played it cool all week, revealing his big game buildup involved staying in and mending his dishwasher. He nailed the opening try.
ENGLAND’S CONSOLATION
Some straw-clutching facts to give England a lift: when they hosted in 1991, they lost a group game (against New Zealand) and still reached the final. They also made the final in 2007 after losing to South Africa in their group – while France finished runners-up in 2011 having lost two Pool A matches. On the other hand, no side has ever won the tournament after a group-stage defeat.
GRIPE OF THE DAY
England, Wales and Australia being in one pool. The draw, made at the Tate Modern in December 2012 when Wales were the world’s No9 side, delivered one of world sport’s deadliest-ever groups of death.
BIGGEST LETDOWN
A petition set up to convince ITV to drop Paloma Faith’s very special title-sequence version of World in Union passed 7,500 signatures pre-kick-off. But Paloma held her nerve.
LUCKIEST ESCAPE
Was by the pitch invader who joined a maul in the final minute of South Africa’s win over Samoa, and made it out intact.
CELEBRITY WATCH
David Hasselhoff provided the consolation glitz at Twickenham for disappointed viewers who tuned in for The X Factor. Cue “Boyowatch” gags on Twitter.
COMPLAINT OF THE DAY
@Jules_John: “Dear ITV, I wish to complain that your adverts are being spoilt by the coverage of the rugby.”
AND QUOTE OF THE WEEK
An unnamed Twickenham resident, talking to the Richmond & Twickenham Times about the need for more temporary toilets after she caught a fan weeing in her garden. “I couldn’t believe it – I opened the window and shouted: ‘Oi, put that penis away.’ In my work as a nurse, I have dealt with a lot of penises over the years and I have no problem with them or with rugby. But it is disgusting on personal property.”
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