adminNgoni Dapira
THE 2015 Rugby World Cup has come and gone with some epic memories for rugby enthusiasts, but the greatest awe-inspiring lesson for all sportsmen was the devotion and patriotism displayed by the Argentinean football legend, Diego Maradona. Although the Argentinean Pumas lost 15-29 to the Australian Wallabies, it is Maradona’s fanatical zeal throughout the RWC that also drew inspiration to the side.
Many would have expected the revered football god to be seen only at the FIFA soccer world cups, but his devotion for his country and craze for sports saw the Argentinean legend in England supporting his countrymen all the way.
Prior to last weekend’s finals, only New Zealand, South Africa and Australia have won the RWC twice.
Australia gave it their best shot and midway through the second half came back to 21-17 with some intelligent rugby, scoring two tries when the All Blacks were reduced to 14 men by Ben Smith’s yellow card. However, that only served to emphasise once again the All Blacks’ amazing mental strength and composure under pressure as they completed the job by 17 points.
The All Blacks team and New Zealand rugby will now be at peace having totally fulfilled their potential and becoming the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup three times and retain the trophy.
Meanwhile, World Rugby declared England 2015 the biggest and best Rugby World Cup ever with record attendances, reach and competitiveness.
Tournament owners World Rugby and tournament organisers England Rugby 2015 have hailed the success of the biggest Rugby World Cup ever which saw records broken on and off the pitch. This included tickets sales of over 2.47 million, an official fanzone attendance of over one million, Wembley Stadium recording two consecutive Rugby World Cup attendance records and Bryan Habana equalling Jonah Lomu’s Rugby World Cup try scoring record with three tries against the USA during six weeks of competitive and compelling rugby.
The pool stage saw fans pack into the venues to witness some of the most competitive matches of any Rugby World Cup. Highlights included Japan claiming one of the greatest upsets in sporting history by beating South Africa and Romania staging the biggest-ever comeback with their win over Canada.The knock-out stages saw some thrilling rugby which included Argentina’s pulsating win over Ireland in the quarter-finals and New Zealand’s narrow two point win over South Africa in the semi-finals.
Online Reporter