Strange as it may seem to single out a World Cup loser for special praise on such an occasion, the French captain deserves acclaim for a truly inspirational performance in defeat to the All-Blacks.
At one point during an absorbing second half in the Rugby World Cup Final, RTE’s Donal Lenihan was moved to say of Thierry Dusautoir: “He has been unbelievable.”
“UN-BEL-IEV-ABLE” repeated an excited Ryle Nugent in his high-pitched and slightly smug tones as the French skipper managed to claim a ball while running back towards his own posts and somehow defied intense All-Black pressure to turn it into go-forward ball and break the gain line as France went in search of an equalising score that proved ultimately fruitless in the end.
That little episode occurred only a few minutes after Dusautoir had dragged his side back into the game with a fabulous try, running an exceptional line off Aurelien Rougerie before touching down under the posts.
Considering the weight of expectation that rested on New Zealand’s shoulders going into the World Cup Final, the demands of their needy fanbase, the arrogant reporting of their over-confident media and the chokers tag that had stuck to them for nearly two decades, the All-Blacks deserve huge credit for finally getting over the line and they had plenty of heroes on the biggest stage.
Israel Dagg cemented his reputation as one of the world’s most exciting backs with another eye-catching display at full-back, Brad Thorn was inspirational in the second row and Richie McCaw gave a typical Richie McCaw performance despite hobbling on one leg for the majority of the tournament.
But still, Dusautoir outshone them all. As usual, he was a one-man tackling machine and with 21 in total, he made six more tackles than anyone else on the pitch. When France pushed for an opportunity to edge ahead late in the game, it was often Dusautoir that they looked to to carry the fight.
It didn’t happen for the gallant French in the end, but as heart-warming as it was to see McCaw lift the Webb Ellis trophy for the All-Blacks, it was equally as gutting to see the French captain denied.
There were four nominees for the IRB Player of the Year on the pitch tonight, and the Frenchman was easily the best of the lot. And by some distance.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
