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Now I know how it feels not to like football.

I have no interest in rugby. My love for the football World Cup is matched only by my indifference to its oval-shaped equivalent. So England’s hosting of the tournament and all the attendant excitement mean nothing to me. I suddenly have empathy with those who feel the same way about football. The appeal of rugby remains a mystery, like an alien tongue spoken by creatures in Barbour jackets drinking pints of real ale. But even I’m aware that yesterday saw perhaps the biggest upset in the sport’s history. South Africa – traditionally giants – were beaten by Japan – traditionally minnows – with a last-minute try. So let’s all hail the Land of the Rising Sun. And that they play this as they run out for their next game.

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