Wynne Gray: England a winner even before ball is kicked off

Opinion

If hosts England, with their entourage of wealthy sponsors and media connections, stumble in their group like a novice at Becher’s Brook, what then for the tournament? The money will not dry up but some of the fizz might go out of the champagne parties.

No Americans in the final of the US Open. It was no surprise on the men's side of the draw while Serena Williams' exit is probably still a numbing shock to tennis royalty.

It was left to the Italians, Flavia Pennetta who claimed the title then retired and Roberta Vinci who had already created tennis history with her semifinal win against Williams.

The final may have withered in prestige for some, without a Grand Slam-chasing Williams, however the quality of tennis seemed as strong as many in recent times.

The promoters and television channels may have a different perspective but there was a freshness and sisterly vitality about the contest.

What price this year's Rugby World Cup without at least a playoffs appearance from hosts England?

On the economics front, World Rugby charges a $195,447,200 fee from the hosts who have to make their money from television deals, broadcasting rights, sponsorships, tournament fees and gate receipts.

The impact on the British economy has been predicted to bring in more than $977,236,000 so England are on to a winner anyway.

They don't need Stuart Lancaster's mob to Swing Low Sweet Chariot through the West Carpark to swell the coffers for tournament playoff tests at Twickenham.

From most accounts they are at near bursting point already for the sudden-death section.

If England don't make it out of their group, St George supporters with a bagful of Twickenham tickets will face several options.

They can still go to the Old Cabbage Patch to see how new crops have evolved, check if World Rugby has a resale bin or what they can get on the black market while avoiding the militia.

This tournament is touted as the third biggest sporting event on the globe and that may be so.

However, in England it will be competing with the significant television and spectator audiences for the Football Premiership and Euro 2016, the end of the cricket season, horseracing, darts and others.

Layers of public school punters will hunt down RWC seats with those supporters who have travelled from other parts of the globe.

RWC will generate surges of bow-wave support as long as England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland hang in there.

However if hosts England, with their entourage of wealthy sponsors and media connections, stumble in their group like a novice at Becher's Brook, what then for the tournament?

It will continue just like the US Open did. The money will not dry up but some of the fizz might go out of the champagne parties while the television rights will not have as much appeal. Would that be an issue, can I hear you cheering for England for a little while at least?