Now, just before my many critics vent their spleen in rants about me being anti-English, anti-northern hemisphere, anti-Johnson, whatever, take note of this: the headline is not me saying it.
No, the headline is the sentiment of some mates – all of them England born and bred, all of them regular visitors to Twickenham, all of them with a red-rosed white shirt in their closets. In short, all true-blue England fans.
It may sound bizarre for England fans to say that, but there's method in their reasoning… That an early exit at RWC 2011 will possibly and hopefully prevent an even bigger embarrassment on home soil at RWC 2015. Or put another way, that defeat to France would stun England into making wholesale changes – in management, in player selection, in playing style.
As one mate put it: "If England go on to reach the final in New Zealand – even if they lose – Martin Johnson and the RFU will simply believe that all is okay with English rugby. And we'll forever have an impotent backline and stick to players well past their best and tactics good enough to beat mediocre opposition but inferior to the top sides."
And let's face it, France were far from great in Wellington. Committed, determined and workmanlike with the occasional flash of brilliance – but England lost this match as much as Les Bleus won it.
It will be a bitter pill for England fans to swallow. But maybe, just maybe, my England mates are right… this bitter pill could well prove to have a sugar coating.
As for the first quarter-final, wow! Wales were simply sensational. Direct, incisive running combined with tackling of an intensity not often seen, made them full value for the semi-finals – and final if they repeat this power show.
In a strange way, defeat for Ireland could have a similar clear-out effect to that of England. And they should start with old man Ronan O'Gara … two terrible knock-ons with Ireland hard on attack and two terribly overcooked kicks for touch took the sting out of Ireland's running – and Wales needed no second invitation.
Do you agree with my mates? What was really wrong with England and Ireland on the day? Let me know!
This blog is supported by Maximuscle, the sports nutrition choice of Courtney Lawes, Joe Simpson and the Welsh team. For more information on how Maximuscle is the Team Behind the Team go to www.maximuscle.com/tbtt
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