Trim the bench, enforce rules...and improve game

THE 2019 World Cup was a great advert for the game, and even though I was a long way away from Japan, I loved it – and also believe that it can be a springboard for an even better version of rugby union.

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The atmosphere was fantastic. From the first game between Japan and Russia, to the clash on the first weekend between New Zealand and South Africa, to the first sight of the Fijians against Australia, you sensed it would be a World Cup to remember – and it did not disappoint.

The Fijians brought a huge smile to my face because their three-quarter line was off the charts with their skill and pace, and any children watching would be captivated and want to find out more.

The way that Fiji and Japan played in attack was uplifting. It was great to see the Japan make the knockout stage for the first time, and from the quarter-finals, through to England knocking out the All Blacks in the semi-final, and then to them being beaten by South Africa in a one-sided final, it was memorable.

The World Cup left the game on a high, and despite the domestic difficulties around the Saracens salary cap story, there should be a feelgood factor from the tournament in rugby nations around the globe.

My only reservation is that it would be an even better sport if the bench was reduced in number. Half a team coming on with fresh legs and sharp minds against guys who have been taken to the point of exhaustion is pushing the game out of the realms of normality.

Where the 15-a-side game was a shape for all shapes and sizes, these days anybody under 6ft and 16 stone is the exception rather than the rule, but thankfully smaller players like Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk and Kotaro Matsushima were still able to light up the stage in Japan.