You may have noticed that I left the Rugby World Cup alone after my highly enjoyable trip to Marseille for its early stages. Here are a few of the Big Fat Pig's thoughts on where RWC has left us. In reaching these conclusions I also take account of some club rugby I have watched at my beloved Aston Old Edwardians and some Gallagher Premiership rugby courtesy of the good old telly box.
England progressed further and less humiliatingly than any of us might have wished given their dire form prior to RWC. Their rugby was turgid but lion-hearted. Marcus Smith must be given his head and Owen Farrell must be pensioned off with resounding thanks echoing in his ears. He has been a stalwart leader but he has never learned how to tackle efficiently - witness two embarrassing hand-offs aimed at his body in otherwise notable recent performances for Saracens.
The objective of the game is to score more points than your opponent. South Africa have a confrontational and muscular way of addressing this obective. No purpose is served in belly-aching about their success. Be better.
RWC lasted far too long and the seedings were settled laughably early. Groups of four would answer one point and a tad of common sense the other. Don't hold your breath.
We do not have a crisis in the laws of the game. We have a crisis of bad coaching. The methodology of modern tackiling best exemplifies this.
Grumpy Old Pig out.
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