WHAT a wonderful event this Rugby World Cup is turning out to be.
Now that Wales have left after a terrific close encounter with England I can use my resident English qualification to shout for the boys in white to fulfil their potential and win the final.
It was not about the play, good that it has been, that I wanted to comment, it was more about the sporting rugby atmosphere, the camaraderie, the behaviour.
To see Keith Wood of Ireland after giving his all and losing to France, congratulate Fabien Galthie the French captain and be a trifle emotional on his retirement, encapsulated the spirit of the occasion.
What an ambassador for the props union Jason Leonard is. His achievement in winning 111 caps in the front row through amateur and professional times is outstanding, in a sport where throwing a punch was usually seen as a gesture of friendship!
Now that we have the benefit of the referees being 'miked-up' and can hear their comments it was amazing to hear one say 'Now, now, gentlemen, what sort of language is that?' Wonderful stuff.
A far cry from spitting, fights in the tunnel, drugs and sex cases.
It restores my faith in the value of sport and rugby union in particular.
I know all is far from perfect but let me use my rose coloured specs at least until the end of the tournament.
Russ Thomas
Exeter Road
Okehampton