This has been a romantic World Cup. More romantic than 1991, when David Campese cast his spell and the unfancied Western Samoa surged to the quarters.
More romantic than the national sigh of relief that swept England when Jonny Wilkinson potted his drop goal in 2003. It may even rival the historic 1995 Cup for romance, particularly if we get a final with a try scored this time.
It is a romantic Rugby World Cup because the little guys have stuck it to the big guys, because glorious uncertainty has reigned. It has been romantic because the game has been played, for the most part, in the grand manner, with the ball sweeping majestically up, down and across the field.
It has been romantic because Japan beat South Africa, because Georgia beat Tonga, because Samoa and Canada came within Paul Carozza’s nose of toppling Scotland and Italy. It has been romantic because of Namibia, outmuscled, outrun and outgunned, but continuing to hurl themselves with might and main into the fray.
It has been romantic because a team like Argentina has emerged as something quite different to what it was in past decades. Where once the Pumas competed with the grunt of their feared bajada scrum and the boot of Hugo Porta, here they have scored more points than any other team in the pool stages, with a brand of 15-man rugby well suited to the pampas.
It has been romantic because even less accomplished and less successful teams have played similarly, tries flowing from every corner of the field, and if Canada and Fiji and Tonga failed to go home with as many wins as they’d have liked, they left with some spectacular notches on the highlights reel.
And of course, from my parochial Australian perspective, it’s been romantic, firstly because of the magnificent slaying of the old enemy in white, but even more so because of the stunning victory over Wales. I remember Michael Lynagh’s last throw of the dice at Lansdowne Road in ’91.
I remember Stephen Larkham’s drop goal in ’99. I remember John Eales’s penalty in the 2000 Bledisloe and Toutai Kefu’s last-gasp try a year later and Campese’s no-look pass and Justin Harrison’s lineout steal and Stirling Mortlock’s intercept and young George Gregan’s miraculous tackle on Jeff Wilson.
All unforgettable, but none more unforgettable than an oft-derided Wallabies team, one man down, then two men down, defending their line for 12 minutes straight against flying Welsh backs, rampaging Welsh forwards, brutal lineout drives and heaving scrums. It was simply impossible for Australia to not concede a try, but somehow, a Wallabies body got in the way every time. It was heroic, as romantic as rugby gets, and for a game won 15-6 with no tries, astounding.
So let us hope the romance continues in the quarter-finals and beyond. What, one may ask, would be the most romantic conclusion for this World Cup to reach?
Let us begin by stating the obvious. Objectively, the best outcome is for Australia to win. But I admit to personal bias here, and in the universal sense, a third Wallabies World Cup would not be the most romantic of all. So let’s proceed on the hypothetical assumption that God is displeased with His creation and that Australia does not win.
And indeed, it would be a win for lovers of romance were the flower of Scotland to knock Australia off in the quarters. The Scots have been skilful and bold in the tournament, and are led by a hero in the classic mould in Greig Laidlaw, who could win a nailbiter with hand or foot. The little brother of the Home Nations would write a magnificent saga if they vanquished Australia, and even more so if they pushed on further.
It surely goes without saying that the most romantic result in the France-New Zealand match is for the All Blacks to go home. Yes I realise a victorious farewell for Dan Carter and Richie McCaw would be fitting, and I realise that the French have dumped the Kiwis, to widespread shock, out of two World Cups previously, so that song may be getting a little repetitive.
But the All Blacks need to face up to the fact that they are simply too good for their success to ever be truly romantic, particularly against the effortlessly romantic Bleus, who have been so close and yet so far before, losing three finals, and who would surely delight romantics everywhere with triumph in 2015.
The French have already been beaten, though, by the Irish, and if one can imagine the drinking and singing that will echo up and down the Emerald Isle if Ireland goes all the way, one can see what romance there may be in a green conquest. If Ireland are not underdogs of Scottish magnitude, they are still exceedingly unlikely world champions, and the sheer poetry of Irish victory is worth consideration.
Unfortunately for Irish romantics, they play Argentina in the quarters, and even the land of Yeats could not compare to the romance of the aforementioned Pumas taking their place atop the world. Most rugby nations struggle to bring public attention to the game in the face of more popular national pastimes, but surely no team has had such an uphill battle as the Pumas, fighting to establish the game of Porta in the land of Maradona.
An Argentine Cup would be an underdog story of marvellous, heart-swelling Latin romance, especially given the thrilling way they’ve been playing. If they win, maybe the rugby public will even agree to start calling them the Jaguars, according to what’s on their badge, rather than the Pumas.
Like the All Blacks, South Africa must fail in the World Cup for romance to rise victorious. They had their one grand moment in 1995, but like their fellow southern hemisphere superpowers, they’ve already won two Rugby World Cups, and in their two finals have not scored a single try. There’s a sweet romance in South Africa losing at pretty much any time, at pretty much any sport, and this is no exception.
For the Springboks to be displaced by Wales would be extra romantic, because the land of coal mines, rich baritones and cheese on toast is a titan of the game, laid low and now rebuilt. If there had been a World Cup in the ’70s, Wales would probably have won at least one with their almost unfeasibly talented side of that era.
From there to the humiliations of the early ’90s was a long fall, and it’s been a long rise back to where they are now – if not at the very top of the ladder, at least capable of putting up a good fight for a rung. A Welsh World Cup would be unexpected and entirely fitting at the same time. And they have a romantic advantage over their fellow outsiders by actually being a country where rugby is the number one game: if they win this thing, the valleys will be ringing with drunken harmonies for months, if not years.
So we can probably agree that the optimal romantic path for this World Cup to take will see Wales, France, Argentina and Scotland win this weekend. This will be followed by Wales knocking over France in a cliffhanger, and a brave but overmatched Scotland going down to the flamboyant Argentines.
And then, Wales versus Argentina. Just imagine. The rugby-mad sons of the dragon versus the plucky gauchos whose entire country believes are playing the wrong sport. What is the most romantic outcome of that dream match-up?
I’m not sure… but god it’d be good to see it happen. I can’t wait.
Mango Jack
Guest
A nation that invented this fully deserves to win RWC. Go the Pumas!!! http://gizmodo.com/5917724/this-vending-machine-wont-give-up-your-beer-until-you-tackle-it
Mango Jack
Guest
God loves tragedy and pathos. NZ to beat Argentina in a nail biter.
Mango Jack
Guest
Well they have won the last 2 6N, so they genuinely have something to crow about.
Red&BlackKnight
Guest
A Wales vs Argentina final would have two Welsh speaking nations against each other! Well, at least partially Welsh speaking: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonian_Welsh
Lee
Guest
Lovely writing. Thank you.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Great article Ben. My dreams are aligned with God's: I'm English My dad's Welsh Bored of ABs French food and wine makes me smile Boks don't add value Love romance of Argentina potential WBs have had two Hate bagpipes but Scotland rugby needs a boost (tiny player pool) Rugby would be better off with an NH win (are you listening God?)
nickoldschool
Guest
Haha yes a WC or any event without an open conflict wouldnt be truly french! At least, unlike some air france execs this week, PSA and Blanco still have their shirts on! I read the nouvel obs article and it seems PSA has decided to step aside or 'let loose' before the qf and basically give carte blanche to the players themselves. That's how most people see Parra's selection for example as PSA has been anti parra for 3.5 years and finally picks him for the most important game of his tenure hoping there will be some kind of psychological shock within the group. Dunno if all players are convinced but deep in the french mindset, and not only in rugby, there is this 'impossible n'est pas francais' mindset which makes you try things that everyone else think won't work (Half the nation is still working 35h week and enjoying 9/10 weeks paid holidays per year with a legal retirement age of 60-62 when the rest of the world goes the other way!) So I guess there is still a tiny chance they may find a way to upset the AB but not many people think they can. My belief in them is worth about $20 and considering the odds are pretty good if you're french, it just shows how little faith I have in them but well, we never know ;)
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Yes NOS, many of us probably don't truly understand how things look on here from a non-Sanzar perspective. No question that the event itself has been fantastic - the venues, crowds, weather and refs all excellent. The only real downside for me has been the seemingly haphazard nature of the citing process and some inconsistencies in those decisions. Of course it is never going to be perfect, no two cases are ever exactly the same, but there does seem to be too much disparity and a lack of relativity in some of the suspensions. But really, a minor quibble when all taken into account.
The Battered Slav
Guest
"Many of the compliments to Japan were mitigated by ‘ oh but they only achieved this thanks to SH expertise from Jones and a couple of kiwi players, amazing what they can achieve thanks to us’ type of comments or articles" ...only the rugby league trolls that like to denigrate the game were saying that I reckon NOS. Most if not all of the real rugby fans on here were singing the praises of Japan, Georgia and the like without feeling the need to backhand t all by stating 'oh well they have a Kiwi coach'. Completely agree with your comment re the spectacle though, has been absolutely outstanding. I'm also interested to hear your take on the current coaching debacle/revolution apparently taking place in the French camp. Sounds familiar....
kezablonde
Guest
Good piece, the use of 'aforementioned' always gets me in. Got all the classic moments in too, but given you included Mortlock intercept you could have added Radike Samo's runaway.
nickoldschool
Guest
That's obviously not the way I saw it All. Many of the compliments to Japan were mitigated by ' oh but they only achieved this thanks to SH expertise from Jones and a couple of kiwi players, amazing what they can achieve thanks to us' type of comments or articles. Same for Ireland, Wales or Scotland, writers and fans also 'claimed' their qualification as theirs, it was all about Schmidt, Gatland, Cotter and the few saffas who made Scotland a better team. Some of the articles and comments I have read were quite pathetic in this regard. And it's just the tip of the iceberg. Anyway I am in the 0.5% non sanzar minority who occasionally read and comment on the roar so obviously I don't see things the way you guys do and I accept that. As an aside, am really enjoying this rwc and think the spectacle, organisation and refs performance have been top notch.
clipper
Guest
Agree it would be very romantic if those four nations made it to the Semis - would get huge odds on that happening. Can see Argentina making it and perhaps one other, but it would be an even greater shock than Japan's win over SA if all four got through.
The Battered Slav
Guest
Nice one Ben. Agreed that if it's not Aus, would be great for a newbie to win it. My preference would be Argentina, as I have just too many Irish friends who believe Ireland are the best team in the world even if they're bombing out of the six nations. A world cup win would just support that sort of thinking for decades to come, and I would get oh so sick of it! Go the Wallabies, and if not, vamos Argentina!
The Battered Slav
Guest
Agreed All, I was mightily impressed by the manner in which the Saffies conducted themselves after the loss the Japan. Both here on these boards (althoght most of our Jaapie contributors are very well spoken level headed guys) but also the stories that came out of England after the loss. Guards of honour formed at train stations for the Japanese fans, an old Japanese fella being held aloft by Springbok fans in a way you see retiring greats being walked around after their last game. Just awesome. Reminds of the just how wonderful the soul of this game really is.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
I think you're being a wee bit harsh NOS, sure there are some who fit your description, but my take is that the majority of writers and posters have been genuinely excited about how good this world cup has been, about the performances of all sides, without patronisation. The majority reaction by South African supporters to the Japan loss was balanced and full of due acknowledgement, and likewise, the reaction to England's demise was mostly restrained and respectful. It is natural that the "big three" power sides who have won in the past are favoured to do so again, and for their fans to barrack for that. But at the same time I detect on here a mood that, at whatever point these sides fall in this tournament, and if the winner happens to be Argentina, Ireland, France, Wales or Scotland, the reaction will be gracious and genuine.
CharliOz
Guest
Ah yes, the romance of rugby..... It truly is a magical game. And it's fantastic to see this mob of Wallabies living up to the legendary teams of the past. It's been a long time.
Red Menace
Guest
Enjoyed the article Ben. It would be very romantic if we had a new winner of the cup, if not the Wallabies, I am hoping one of the virgins win it. Now for something completely different - I admit that I was wrong. On the night that Ewen McKenzie walked away from the Wallabies, I predicted that we wouldn't make it out of the pool stage and that rugby would die in this country. Wrong. No matter what happens on the weekend, as far as I am concerned, this RWC has been a success for Michael Cheika and his Wallabies. Looking forward to all the Q/F's and stuff sleep....plenty of time for that on Monday at work.
nickoldschool
Guest
Another top article Ben. You have been a stand out in this rwc and your articles a breath of fresh air on the roar. For most journos and fans on here, the rwc has, as usual, brought out the worst in them, from ultra nationalism to false modesty we have seen it all. Denigrating 'others' has been a favorite too, especially countries who, sacrilege!, have never won the rugby World Cup! How dare they even play in quarter finals against mighty rugby powers? Imo you are one of the very few who get rugby, and what sports in general are all about. Not just a funny man.
Derm
Roar Guru
Agree completely with this. And not just for reasons of romance. The old guard of Sanzar needs to be toppled and allow a new cup winner to emerge that will help grow the game and encourage other teams to go further in the new destination RWC 2019 in Japan. Who wants to hear that once again one of the SANZAR teams has won it for second or third time? Only their domestic fans and media scribes. Roll on the revolution - time to give the old guard the broom.
Ken Cathpole's Other Leg
Guest
Agree Ben. Almost. But for the bit about Scotish romance. And Argentine rugby loneliness. When most weeks rugby can't get a mention till page 10 in on the sports pages OZ fans of the other 'world game' could do with some romance too. If OZ don't get to the dance, Ireland is my pick for the final romance.