Before we put RWC 2011 to bed...
In his column in The Examiner, Donal Lenihan gives his final verdict on what unfolded in New Zealand over the past six weeks.
"I am now officially parking RWC 2011.
"After three months of previews, warm-up matches, speculation, analysis, excitement, disappointment, emotion and, for eventual winners New Zealand, elation, it is time to put another World Cup odyssey to bed.
"I am penning this somewhere over the Indian Ocean flying from Sydney to Bangkok. After an amazing seven weeks spent traversing the north and south islands of New Zealand, it is only right that due credit is paid to the hosts for staging what has been a very enjoyable, rewarding and at times inspirational tournament.
"Achieved too without any great razzmatazz, just a return to the traditional values of the game when incoming tour parties were welcomed with open arms and made to feel at home. The difference this time though, was that the New Zealanders embraced and immersed themselves in the different rugby cultures and heritage of their visitors."
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