My sporting weekend

Saturday – from the comfort of my sofa – I watched 3 rugby games: the Women’s World Cup Final, England versus Japan and France versus South Africa.

I must agree to differ with Sandra on her take on the World Cup Final whilst agreeing it was an enthralling contest.

Lydia Thompson knew the rules, her challenge put Portia Woodman out of the game and she deserved to go.

There may be an argument that a Black Fern challenge in the second half should have resulted in a red card rather than a yellow.

Further Wayne Smith showed why he is such a respected coach by winning the Final – and the crucial last-minute line out upon the Black Ferns’ try-line – through a clever ploy.

I though the Black Ferns were worthy winners.

England beat Japan comfortably but the question of whether Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell can play together is still unresolved.

Add to this, two rusty locks and Eddie Jones’ predilection for playing players out of position – like Otoje at flanker – and I cannot get too enthusiastic  about England’s World Cup chances next year.

More so France, who completed their list of victories over the big boys by beating South Africa.

The Boks were far from behemoths with Faf du Klerk aged 31 still directing operations from scrum half and Eben Etzebeth every thing a lock should be: always in the action and one tough hombre.

Both teams were significantly better than England

I woke up early for the T20 World Cup Final.

I was concerned that the Melbourne weather, which can have all 4 seasons in one day, might scupper the game.

As it was, gastric upset, the central heating breaking down and putting my joggers in the washing machine with the wallet inside did that far more effectively.

Scurrying around between the three, I opted for the radio commentary of Jonathan Agnew. Alex ‘Squeaky’ Hartley was co-analyst – a marginal improvement on Nasser ‘Humourless’ Hussein on Sky.

Pakistan did not set a big enough total and, once speedster Alfredi pulled up, the English victory was inevitable.

I am no admirer of this format but at least it has revived the art of leg spin and Adel Rashid was most effective in the bowling attack.