Warburton gets it wrong on world's biggest stage

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful

- Brendan Gallagher

What’s happening here?

It’s October 15, 2011 at Eden Park, the World Cup semi-final, and Wales skipper Sam Warburton, his head obscured, has just sent France wing Vincent Clerc into orbit with a high impact tackle. Clerc crashes painfully to the ground. The rugby world holds its breath. Yellow or red card?

The story behind the picture?

An exciting young Wales side with head coach Warren Gatland calling the shots and Shaun Edwards yapping at their heels were mounting an impressive World Cup campaign. They narrowly lost a Pool match against Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful South Africa that they should have won but were scoring tries for fun and put away Ireland with some ease in their quarterfinal in Wellington. Next up were a France team that were scarcely talking to their coach Marc Lievremont. They had huffed and puffed their way through their Pool, just scraping through despite losing to Tonga as well as New Zealand.

The French did look a little more accomplished when beating England in their quarterfinal but a rejuvenated Wales were favourites. There was an infectious mood of expectation around the city as Wales supporters arrived and with Wales the only Home Unions team left in the tournament English, Irish and Scottish supporters were swallowing their pride and getting behind them.