■ JUST like in Japan four years ago, which had the Olympics following a Rugby World Cup, this tournament has felt, security-wise, like a warm-up for the greatest show on earth. Security is huge, snipers have been spotted in some stadia, and Paris 2024 is being advertised around the country before the RWC bunting has even been taken down. nes.

FREDDIE Steward was born in Norfolk but was made an honorary northerner for the day when the England squad played a North v South, Ryder Cup style golf match in Le Touquet last week. Owen Farrell refused to speak about the game but Stewar...