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I’ll admit it, I am a closet English supporter. The first inkling of this support came during last year’s Rugby League World Cup.
During their epic semi-final clash with New Zealand, an intercept chance came England’s way. Ryan Hall, the massive winger I call ‘Thundercat’, read the play and put himself in the right position but the ball agonisingly escaped his control.
Had he done so, fans would have seen him thunder his way towards the try-line, hammering in another nail in what seemed then to be an apparent Kiwi coffin.
My support for the English was confirmed yesterday during their Four Nations clash against Australia. Once again the Thundercat was involved. Once again my heart was in my throat thumping out hope.
With a minute remaining, Hall seemed to have scored a most remarkable four-pointer. To the naked eye, there was no try. Sent upstairs, there was a single solitary frame that showed clear evidence of a finger on the ball and downward pressure.
I found myself begging, literally begging, the video referee to allow Hall the try that would have given England the chance to kick the conversion that would have won them the match.
However, after almost a million and one reviews, the try was disallowed and roaring out a heart wrenching cry I knew right then and there that I really was an English supporter.
I have to keep reminding myself that the English will eventually come good. Not that there is any rule saying they have to but… they have to. They are so close to doing so.
Top-tiered nations find a way to hold on for the full 80 minutes. In years gone past, the English would have capitulated after 65 of them. The recent evidence suggests that this is no longer the case. They now play the full match.
The Kiwis found a way to win against a Samoan team that had effectively outplayed them for 75 minutes. Yesterday, Australia too found a way to win against an England side that had them in the trenches for more than half the game.
But then, top-tiered nations have the luxury of that potential.
Yesterday’s match showed that the English are there. They just need a little bit more of it. It won’t be long though before they get it.
When they do, the Thundercat – and fans of English rugby league – will definitely have something to roar about.
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