Irish slip but coach Gold hails English game

Sometimes, those looking in from the outside can see things most clearly of all. Gary Gold, the South African who coaches London Irish, reckons England won the World Cup "by the equivalent of 30 points" by doing the deed against Australia in Australia.

Gold said: "I was back at home in South Africa when we won it in 1995 and in that tournament it was pretty obvious that New Zealand were the strongest team.

"But they lost in the final, and I don't think people realise just how much home advantage counts for in that situation.

"That's why I think what England achieved in Australia was truly outstanding. To actually win it by beating Australia on their home soil makes it the equivalent of a 30-point victory in my book."

Gold's own team may have lost yesterday's Zurich Premiership clash against Newcastle Falcons at the Madejski Stadium - and with it their unbeaten home record - but the match, despite teeming rain, was a stirring advertisement for the quality of English domestic rugby.

Newcastle won 19-15, with a late rally capped by an injury-time drop goal from Jonny Wilkinson's fly-half deputy Dave Walder, and Gold said: "The game was a credit to both sides. There are a lot more teams in the Premiership now trying to play enterprising rugby, whatever the conditions.