Rugby of greater interest

Derby County 4 v Wolverhampton Wanderers 2

The last time Wolves ran out onto the turf at Pride Park, or as it is now affectionately called The iPro Stadium, the game ended in 5-0 ignominy. That defeat, close on twelve months ago, presaged a run of four further defeats in which the Wolves defence - previously praised for its parsimony - assumed the traits of an out of control spendthrift. Though not quite the crushing defeat of last season, one hopes that today’s loss doesn’t herald a similar run of poor form. But, bar a ten minute spell following their equalising goal, well despatched by Benik Afobe, Wolves were never really in the game. Distinctly off colour they looked one dimensional and lacking in pace.

One dimensional and lacking pace is not a description one might ascribe to the All Blacks. Last night’s crushing defeat of the French hinted that their world cup campaign is coming to the boil just at the right time. The game featured a running game of raw power and beauty but an outcome that was never in doubt. Wales v South Africa was the complete opposite, a match of bone crunching intensity and attrition whose outcome was permanently in doubt. Only in the dying minutes was the result sealed, a piece of individual brilliance by Duane Vermeulen whose back handed pass created the winning try for scrum half and captain Fouree du Preez - and with it heartbreak for Wales .

With England long since gone there is a certain pleasure in being totally detached from the rugby on show. Today was another case in point since, much as I enjoy watching the Wolves, I spent more time on ITV watching the underdog Argentinean’s dismantling an injury ravaged Irish outfit. Should, as I expect them to do, Australia defeat Scotland this evening, it will herald the first RWC semi-final whitewash of Northern Hemisphere teams.

And when that happens, my money is on Australia. A rejuvenated pack, a back division of devastating pace and collective heart (the thirteen man heroics v Wales) they get my vote. And if they do ultimately triumph at least England can claim that they lost to the eventual victors. There are positives everywhere you look.

©Mark Brennand