Cup Final Tries.

At least four of those 11 tries have now been knocked out of the 11 Greatest Ever Rugby World Cup Final Tries. Perhaps five, if you are a fan of well-executed mauls. The 2015 tournament, perhaps the first conclusive victory for attack over defence in Rugby World Cup history, a six-week extravaganza that might launch rugby into a braver new global future, had the captivating final it deserved and needed.

The tournament was not perfect, and rugby should strive to improve in order to capitalise on this superb tournament. There were too many injustices, on and off the field, in terms of scheduling and, occasionally, officiating. Scrums have improved of late, but remain a time-draining irritation far too often. Goal kicks take too long. The maul is,fleece people face-to-face, whilst getting some much-needed fresh air).

The atmosphere in the stadia was superb. Or at least, it was superb during the games, when it was permitted. In the half-hour before the matches, during half-times, and after full-times, the collective council of wisdom which decides such things had decided that the spontaneous noise and authentic atmosphere created by a sold-out crowd in a state of sport-induced excitement would be less enjoyable than a man shouting into a microphone and asking supporters in the crowd whether they hoped that the team they support would win.

Whilst I concede that, this being the 21st century, some shouting into microphones is now inevitable – I also hope that, at some point, sport will employ someone who understands sport to stage-manage the