The Rugby
World Cup final and World Series went against the form book and most academics regard ‘the M word’ as a trick of the mind
“Never underestimate the value of momentum.” That’s what Sir Clive Woodward advised after England’s rugby players lacerated Australia a fortnight ago. And how wise those words seemed when
New Zealand were also scattered and flayed, and it seemed England’s name was all but engraved on the Webb Ellis Cup. And then, without warning, the team’s hot hand turned Arctic and the World Cup was ripped from their grasp by South Africa.
Related: Mastering momentum: exploring the anatomy of amazing comebacks | Andrew Anthony