The View from Japan: 80 minutes to immortality

Nothing in the rugby world matters but the World Cup. Of course there are tournaments in between and when focused on them they take on a unique significance, but the World Cup is the ultimate barometer. Ireland and Wales have shown that sustained success in the three years and nine months that separate World Cups is irrelevant if you can not land the killer blow when the title is within reach.

They would both sacrifice recent Six Nations titles for an extra life at the World Cup. While Wales receive the backhanded compliment of playing for third place, at least Ireland had the manners not to tease their fans but instead go home early to catch a tan on a Mediterranean beach. New Zealand will be less disappointed though as they have already reached the summit three times, with the bulk of the current All Black players satisfied that they will still be spoken of long after they have retired.

Wales looked formidable in the early stages of the competition. They played with confidence and assured purpose but withdrew into their shell as the tournament went on. If they throw off the mental shackles and play with free-flowing abandon, we may hope to see the Wales that was flourishing prior to the World Cup. The All Blacks will see it as their duty to give a little pride back to their fans at home. Neither fans nor players are unlikely to tolerate two consecutive World Cup defeats, so expect a professional if not fired-up All Blacks.

The result of Saturday’s final will ripple through South Africa’s social fabric. Springbok World Cup wins are like opioid hits to the South African psyche; it washes away the pain but also creates dependency. South Africa craves victory and the Springboks will have to do whatever it takes to achieve that next hit. Eddie Jones will have his master plan in place and if it comes together, South Africa will be checking into rehabilitation.

England will believe they have every angle covered and every Springbok player summed up. What England can not account for is a moment of magic or pressure-induced error. England’s execution thus far has been razor-sharp and will prove a far more physical threat to South Africa than their semi-final opponents. England make gains with every carry and if the Springboks are forced onto the back foot, it could be a long night for Rassie’s men.

These two squared off in the 2007 final with South Africa overwhelming favourites. The roles are reversed but just as England where comfortable with the tag then, so are the Springboks now. What both teams know is that whatever came before is irrelevant and that the next 80 minutes will impact them personally, professionally and nationally for the rest of their lives. Which one of them wishes to be immortal?