Pubs and clubs all over the world have been packed with rugby fans since 8 Sept., cheering on their teams in the hopes of seeing them advance to the final of the Rugby World Cup.
After last Friday’s game between Argentina and New Zealand, and a nail-biter on Saturday that shattered England’s dreams against South Africa’s Springboks, it’s all come down to this: An All Blacks vs. Springboks final. This will be a tough one to call, so the Cayman Compass asked past presidents of the Cayman Rugby Football Union – Mervyn Cumber, David Wheaton, Derek Haines and Sydney Coleman – and current president Mick Kehoe, to weigh in with their opinions about this year’s games overall; the most surprising moments; and who they think will emerge victorious on Saturday.
What did you think of the World Cup 2023?
- Kehoe: “I think one of the standouts for me in this World Cup is the competitiveness of the tier 2 nations. Fiji is a prime example of what I mean. They have shown that they are not just a 7’s specialist nation and can play some well-structured rugby, while still displaying their flair with impressive individual performances over the course of the competition. World Rugby should look to do all they can to allow these countries to compete at this level [so they can]… grow and compete with the bigger teams.”
- Coleman: “It has been spectacular. It has produced excitement and drama to match the Ryder Cup at its very best;… a truly great tournament, even for non-rugby followers.”
- Cumber: “I think the RWC France has been well run and TV coverage has been excellent. There is a large gap between tier 1 and tier 2 teams, but all the games were entertaining to watch.”
- Haines: “I think that it has been exciting, surprising at times with the quality of rugby of some of the lower tier countries and some amazing games, particularly the quarterfinals. In the earlier games, the organisation of the fans was poor, but improved after much criticism. The match officials, including the television match officials (TMOs), were also not consistent with their decision-making throughout and have been blamed for handing an undeserved victory to the opposition on several occasions. This needs to be addressed (as with the selection for the pool games).”
- Wheaton: “Tremendous spectacle whose success speaks for itself – two months of rugby attended by tens of thousands of supporters from all points of the globe. Downside: Difficult to sustain my own interest in games which predictably ended in scores of 50/60-or-more to not much. Needs to have two tier tournaments, which thankfully looks to be in plans for the future.”
What was the most surprising moment?
- Kehoe: “England’s semifinal game against South Africa was a huge surprise to me and, I’m sure, many. They played a very smart game plan. Easily the better team on the day; although I do feel the better team overall has made the final.”
- Coleman: “In the games that I watched, the most surprising moment was when the South Africans chose to take a scrum after a mark being made in the 22 rather than the traditional kick down into touch which most teams would’ve done. The most shocking moment was probably when [Tom] Curry was sent off in the first few minutes of the first England game and was awarded a red card. At that moment, it seemed that England’s chances of giving a good account for themselves had plummeted even further, but we were rewarded by a first-class England performance – particularly from the boot of George Ford – and [they] played well in subsequent games. [They] were most unlucky not to go to the final.”
- Cumber: “The most surprising incident to me was when the South African full-back called for a mark. Instead of going for a kick, he put the ball on the ground to indicate a scrum. I had never seen this happen before and South Africa won the ensuing scrum!”
- Haines: “As an England supporter, the scrum penalty awarded to South Africa that won them the game.”
- Wheaton: “England captain causing team to be penalised 10 yards for arguing with referee. Whatever happened to the old maxim “the referee’s decision is final”? I have never seen a team at International level suffer that sanction because of the action of their captain.”
The most exciting game?
- Kehoe: “Being Irish, I must say their game against New Zealand was as good a game as you will get in any World Cup final. Both teams played with passion and left nothing behind. Ultimately, it wasn’t to be Ireland’s day, but I am still very proud of what this squad has accomplished over the past number of years.”
- Coleman: “There have been so many exciting games that it is difficult to select one above all others. Every quarterfinal match was highly competitive and exciting, but the two between South Africa and France and the All Blacks versus Ireland were exceptional in all respects. Ireland beating South Africa in the qualifying rounds was also worthy of special note.”
- Cumber: “France versus South Africa was a see-saw game and either side could have won it. A one-point margin for victory, amazing!”
- Haines: “France versus South Africa. The intensity was phenomenal and the playing skills fantastic. Again, the lack of decision on the charge down of a conversion being taken by France was a travesty.”
- Wheaton: “France versus South Africa – a game of power, incredible pace, and some sublime ball handling. Could have – maybe should have – been the final.
Who do you think will win the final, and why?
- Kehoe: “This is the million dollar question. I think I will have to go with New Zealand, who I think have a slight edge going into this game. South Africa has had a tougher road, which showed in their semifinal against England. It will be an exciting match I’m sure, and I look forward to seeing two great rugby nations do battle for what is the ultimate trophy in our fine sport.”
- Coleman: “[It’s] a very difficult question to answer because of the two outstanding sides playing against each other. I think if the All Blacks forwards can hold their own against South Africa, then they will have the edge. [B]ut if the South African forwards dominate like they did in the latter part of the game against England – and have done against other teams – then they must be favourites to win the final.”
- Cumber: “On the evidence, I think New Zealand will have the edge. A win by 10 points!”
- Haines: “New Zealand. Their skills have improved dramatically throughout the competition and I do not see the Springboks being able to match their strengths.”
- Wheaton: “Would not try to predict New Zealand v South Africa. Kiwis are now back to their own selves with power and speed and open play moves that look as though they have been endlessly rehearsed. Springboks are unpredictable, never seem to get flustered, and are hard as nails. It will not be a match for the fainthearted.”
The bronze final between Argentina and England is scheduled for Friday, 27 Oct. at 1:45pm Cayman time, with the final between New Zealand and South Africa on Saturday, 28 Oct. at 1:45pm. Matches are being shown at Fidel Murphy’s Public House, the Cayman Rugby Football Union clubhouse in South Sound, or on TV channel ESPN2. For more information about becoming a member of the CRFU and to view match schedules, visit www.caymanrugby.com.
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