SPOTLIGHT - LYNNE CAMERON RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019

The ninth Rugby World Cup took place in Asia for the first time in 44 action packed days of rugby.

Japan was the perfect host. I cannot speak highly enough about the people the culture and of course their home team, the Brave Blossoms. 

The Brave Blossoms produced fast flowing exciting rugby that gripped Japan and the rugby community and following victories over top tier sides Ireland and Scotland qualified for the quarter finals for the first time bowing out to eventual winners South Africa. I was lucky to attend some amazing matches involving the host nation and the game against Ireland was possibly my favourite.

Japanese players erupt in celebration after a stunning win against Ireland. Image: Lynne Cameron

Japanese players erupt in celebration after a stunning win against Ireland. Image: Lynne Cameron

This really was the RWC with everything - shock results, record ticket sales, controversial decisions, cancelled matches, and sadly the impact of Typhoon Hagibis focusing the mind to remember that sport is just a game. 

The way the people of Japan reacted to the difficult time around Typhoon Hagibis was tribute to the resilience and determination of this beautiful and unique country and we all continue to remember and think about those who lost loved ones or were effected by the tragedy. 

Tommy Seymour of Scotland catches the ball in the late afternoon sun during the Russia match. Image: Lynne Cameron

Tommy Seymour of Scotland catches the ball in the late afternoon sun during the Russia match. Image: Lynne Cameron

The home nations had a mixed RWC - Scotland played Japan in the final group match with the winner moving in to the quarter finals.  Watched by an astonishing TV audience of 55 million the Brave Blossoms were triumphant meaning it was early Sayonara to the Scots who never really recovered from defeat to Ireland in the opening match and were the only home nation not to qualify for the quarter finals.

Ireland couldn’t repeat their previous win against the All Black in Chicago and Rory Best’s Ireland went home after the quarter finals leaving Wales and England in the Semi finals. 

The only team to beat South Africa were the All Blacks here. Image: Lynne Cameron.

The only team to beat South Africa were the All Blacks here. Image: Lynne Cameron.

The All Blacks pre tournament favourites were to play England and pre match events during the Haka were much debated. Not only did the England team step forward, form a V formation, captain Owen Farell also appeared to ‘smirk’ while taking the same pose as TJ Perena who was leading the cultural challenge. 

Owen Farrell England captain faces the Haka lead by TJ Perenara he appears to smirk as the English team mix up the traditional single line arms linked face off the opposition teams usually adopt. Image: Lynne Cameron.

Owen Farrell England captain faces the Haka lead by TJ Perenara he appears to smirk as the English team mix up the traditional single line arms linked face off the opposition teams usually adopt. Image: Lynne Cameron.

England were victorious after a brilliant performance outthinking and playing the New Zealanders to progress first to the final in Yokohama. 

Kieran Read of New Zealand retired after the bronze match win in Tokyo. He took his kids Eden, Ellie and Reuben on a post match lap of honour easing the pain of losing the semi finals to England the previous weekend.. Image: Lynne Cameron.

Kieran Read of New Zealand retired after the bronze match win in Tokyo. He took his kids Eden, Ellie and Reuben on a post match lap of honour easing the pain of losing the semi finals to England the previous weekend.. Image: Lynne Cameron.

The try of the tournament and possibly one of the best ever tries scored started and finished with TJ Perenara and included a no look behind the back pass from Brad Weber.. beautiful rugby. Image: Lynne Cameron.

The try of the tournament and possibly one of the best ever tries scored started and finished with TJ Perenara and included a no look behind the back pass from Brad Weber.. beautiful rugby. Image: Lynne Cameron.

Faf de Klerk of South Africa on of the stars of the tournament juggles the ball from and Leigh Halfpenny of Wales. Image: Lynne Cameron.

Faf de Klerk of South Africa on of the stars of the tournament juggles the ball from and Leigh Halfpenny of Wales. Image: Lynne Cameron.

Wales played South Africa in a stuffy defensive match the difference being the kicking of Handre Pollard meaning it was not to be an all northern hemisphere final. 

RG Snyman of South Africa wins a line out during the Rugby World Cup. Image: Lynne Cameron.

RG Snyman of South Africa wins a line out during the Rugby World Cup. Image: Lynne Cameron.

After the previous weeks performance England were the run away favourites but the South Africa quietly went about their tournament and the brilliant defence led to the Springboks winning the final in front of a record 70k crowd. 

Owen Farrel of England reflects on what might have been while looking at his silver medal as his teammates walk past the Webb Ellis Cup to pick up their medals . Image: Lynne Cameron.

Owen Farrel of England reflects on what might have been while looking at his silver medal as his teammates walk past the Webb Ellis Cup to pick up their medals . Image: Lynne Cameron.

The image of the first black Springboks captain Siya Kolisi lifting the Webb Ellis trophy with South African president Cyril Ramaphosa will become an iconic image and typifies that rugby is more than just sport it has the ability to unite a country. 

Siya Kolisi captain of the Springboks lifts the Webb Ellis Cup with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa bringing to an end my 22 games at the Rugby World Cup 2019. Image: Lynne Cameron.

Siya Kolisi captain of the Springboks lifts the Webb Ellis Cup with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa bringing to an end my 22 games at the Rugby World Cup 2019. Image: Lynne Cameron.

All words and Image by Lynne Cameron. You can find more of Lynnes work on her website: https://www.lynnecmrn.com or follow her on  Instagram: @pappasnappa