Join host Alex Chapman with special guests Buck Shelford and Michaela Blyde as they review the England v South Africa RWC Final and the All Blacks v Wales Bronze Final. VIDEO/Spark Sport/RWC/Mark Mitchell/AP/SNTV/Photo Sport/Getty Images/allblacks.com/TVNZ
Distraught England pair Maro Itoje and Kyle Sinckler refused to wear runner-up medals around their necks following a devastating 32-12 defeat to South Africa in the World Cup final last night (NZT).
The loss was a heavy fall from grace for England, who last weekend, against the All Blacks, playedwith belief, skill and without fear. But last night they were nervous, they second-guessed themselves, and even appeared a little fearful of going into contact.
Star lock Itoje had one of his worst games for England, while giant prop Sinckler also had a horror night, going off injured with just three minutes played after appearing to collide with Itoje's elbow.
The duo were labelled 'petulant' for refusing to wear their runner-up medals as they were presented by World Rugby boss Bill Beaumont.
Sinckler allowed Beaumont – a former England and British Lions captain – to place the medal around his neck, but immediately removed it. Itoje, meanwhile, shook hands with Beaumont before gesturing that he didn't want to wear the medal and grabbing it in his hands as he trudged off the field.
Welsh rugby journalist Simon Thomas defended the pairs actions on Twitter, saying their behaviour "speaks volumes for just how gutted England are. They had hoped for so much more."
Sinckler taking his runners-up medal off straight away and Itoje not even putting his on speaks volumes for just how gutted England are. They had hoped for so much more.
England will be devastated. The irony is prior to the tournament reaching the semifinals was considered par. But having crushed the All Blacks, the chokers tag will inevitably be attached to his England team.
England weren't just beaten, they were schooled on the biggest stage. Their third lost final, after those in 1991 and 2007, the latter to the same side, will leave souls crushed.
