There have been some remarkable games in the Rugby World Cup so far and after Japan beat South Africa it seems that the underdog really has got a chance. With baseball, basketball and American football filling up the sporting calendar stateside, few probably realise they have a rugby team. They do, and I saw how they fared against Scotland.
A group of girls dressed up as a team of Statues of Liberty led by Uncle Sam cross the road on a gloriously sunny autumnal afternoon outside Leeds United’s Elland Road. On the forecourt another statue remained fixed on its podium, that of legendary captain Billy Bremner, currently with a tartan hat and bright ginger wig. Amidst all the corporate necessities of DHL logos, £10 programmes and plastic bottles of Heineken for just £5 there was a loose, all inclusive atmosphere. The Scots were in full voice but the neutrals were left to work out who to support.
The disorderly first half did not help but was remembered largely for one big hit committed by the American, Takudzwa Ngwenya, which is likely still causing aftershocks. That was not the only jolt felt on the pitch as errant passing found Scotland trailing 6-13 at half-time. Could another upset have been on the cards? Alas no as Scotland found their form and ran out relatively comfortable winners at 39-16.
With over 2.3 millions tickets sold, this is easily the biggest World Cup as rugby continues to grow globally. As the queue leaving the car park ebbed away a group of boys could be seen chasing after a foam rugby ball, the future for rugby does look bright.
By Omar Soliman

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