All Blacked, All Memorable, All England 2015!

24 days of world class rugby. 2,439 points scored. History made in multiple ways. Heroes born out of the bubbling, flaming cauldron of intensity, emotion, grit and determination. Legacies were made. Records broken. Emotions shared. Millions of eyes glued to watch 15 men battling it out with another 15 men for the pride of their countries. Huge hits, incredible offloads, hard fought turnovers, and bloodied and bruised bodies strewn across the country during 48 matches.

It was do or die for countries. England out in the group stages. Japan beating all of the odds to defeat South Africa in their first pool game and become the first team to win 3 pool games and not qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament. Uruguay scoring two tries against Fiji. Scotland edging out Samoa in the epic at St. James' Park before falling shy of a historic win against Australia in the Quarter Finals. Wales similarly defying the odds but falling short of a win against South Africa after a sensational back handed offload to du Preez. Julian Savea's barnstorming run through the French defence Jonah Lomu style. Sonny Bill Williams consoling Jessie Kriel after the All Black's tight 20-18 win over South Africa in the semi final. Francois Louw giving Orlandi a hug after scoring in the last minute of the Bronze Final. The mighty All Blacks winning the Webb Ellis Cup for the two world cups running, with five tries being scored in the game! History was made all around the country, but the core rugby values remained throughout the last 6 weeks or so - those of humility, respect, honour, responsibility, endeavour, determination and teamwork.

In short, the best team ever assembled to play in a rugby world cup won the tournament. Respect was shown from players and commentators alike. This world cup will go down as the greatest rugby tournament to date and quite rightly so. It was phenomenal. Now only just under 4 months until the Six Nations starts up again!