EDITORIAL
It is some consolation a week after the loss of the Rugby World Cup to discover we are not sore losers. Our feature today examines the reasons we have not taken this defeat as badly as we reacted to those of 2007 and earlier disappointments. One of the reasons may be that the semi-final last weekend left us in no doubt of the rightful winner.
The refereeing was consistent and fair, the game was not decided by a disputable penalty awarded or not awarded, or a red card. The result could not be blamed on a crucial error on the field or an obvious lapse of judgment in selection or match preparation, or lamentable tactics by the opposition.
The All Blacks were simply and comprehensively outplayed on the day. New Zealanders' recognition of that fact, painful as the fact is, has been noted by commentators abroad who have been critical of our response to previous disappointments. Many New Zealanders to be honest, have worried about their own sportsmanship at these times. Well, this time shows that when there are indeed no excuses, we can accept it.
The All Blacks were outplayed by England so well that in our acceptance of the fact there is a risk we will lose faith in the brand of rugby the All Blacks have exemplified. That would draw the wrong lesson from the result. England did not defeat the All Black brand last Saturday, they matched it with their own ball-handling skills and their superior determination to win the ball at lineouts and breakdowns.