In fact what transpired was one of the best European finals in its 25 year history. Yes, error strewn at times and occasionally erratic and random but also a pulsating, engrossing contest full of wonderful skills, monstrous hits and dramatic twists.
This contest above almost all others deserved a beery, colourful 80,000 crowd going delirious with excitement, but instead it was played out to the echoing sound of solitary voices in the stands while even BT Sport, for whatever reason, decided to cut the ambient noise and cheering they normally feed into our Premiership games.
Given all that you can only praise every single player from both sides who took the field yesterday. Somehow they conspired to serve up a high octane rip snorter. Heaven knows where they conjured up the physical intensity and inspiration amid the morgue like stadium but they did and frankly we are in awe of them.
It was moving, and instructive, seeing many Exeter players immediately reach for their smart phones on the touchline after the final whistle, desperate for some face time with loved ones and friends. They badly wanted that nod of approval and human contact, that sense of sharing, that makes all these things worthwhile.
Most sports stars dislike the presumption that they must also be role models, though most try their best, but it’s games like this when they achieve just that. Such professionalism, endurance and passion in the most difficult of circumstances. That’s not a bad message to be preaching in this of all years.
This story is from the October 18, 2020 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 18, 2020 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England were good, but a bit complacent
WATCHING the France versus England game last Saturday night, I couldn’t help but think that a little complacency had found its way into the England team after their surprise win against Ireland.
Hurricanes fly high as Crusaders flop again
JORDIE Barrett bagged two tries as the Hurricanes thumped the Melbourne Rebels 54-28 to maintain their 100 per cent record at the top of the table.
Millfield end long wait as they take 14th title
MILLFIELD ended their decade-long wait to win a 14th Cup title at Rosslyn Park as they defeated reigning Champions Harrow 28-17 in a thrilling final.
Turner leads Crusaders to hardest of triumphs
DINGS and Exeter University were involved in a try-fest that could have gone either way.
Having strength in numbers is proving big Barnes bonus
BARNES have used an incredible 51 players this season, and head coach Jack Heald puts his side’s success down to their squad depth which derives from a second team that continuously punches above their weight.
Cooper stars as Bury end poor run
RELIEVED Bury St Edmunds ended a run of seven defeats by grinding out a win against an emerging opponent.
Lewis full of pride for his Titans in bid for promotion
LOSING just one game all season would usually be more than enough to finish first, but Rotherham Titans can count themselves unfortunate to be in the same division as Leeds Tykes.
Okafor at the death has Tykes stunned!
ROTHERHAM Titans threw the promotion race wide open by inflicting a first defeat of the season on Leeds Tykes in a tense Yorkshire derby yesterday afternoon.
Warren seals Tigers' league status in thriller
A WIN at long last for Sedgley Park Tigers who hosted Cinderford at Park Lane yesterday and came away with a well-earned win for the first time in 2024 to secure their place in National 1 for next season.
The whistleblowers under the spotlight
Matthew Luddington talks to two referees at the lower end of the game about the trials of taking charge of a match