The unique allure and jeopardy of World Cup matches, the exclusivity of such seismic occasions every four years, are undoubtedly the tournament’s greatest asset. It’s what stirs the senses, arouses tension, triggers drama. And yet, heading into this weekend’s final furlong, the World Cup’s penultimate match continues to be a showdown that nobody – players, fans, broadcasters – really cares about.
To hammer home the genuine pointlessness of the third-place play-off – recoined the “Bronze Final” this year, in some vain attempt to pique interest – one of rugby union’s most famous coaches epitomised its scope for mockery best.
