Sunday Special: The two faces of footy

A quick(ish) round-up of two wildly contrasting tests in this rugby newsletter ($)

Air Max Jorgensen. Getty Images.

For its myriad faults, its impenetrable law book and its houndstooth-blazered administration, perhaps no sport has the ability to offer up such genre-busting weekends as rugby.

On a bacon-and-egg Saturday morning, with an optimistic sun bursting through the gaps between the blinds and the ranchslider, the first half served up such an eyesore that this writer was immediately transported back to a bleak midwinter night.

And it involved New Zealand and Ireland, who a few months ago met in arguably the Greatest World Cup Match Ever Played.

Less than 24 hours later, the old Cabbage Patch was set alight by a shapeless yet compelling spectacle. It was barely organised mayhem where the team wearing Crunchie-bar gold, written off as no chance beforehand, hared down the left-hand touchline to complete their 42-37 heist as the clock ticked over into the 84th minute.

And it involved England, a team that a week ago tried to shut down a test with half an hour still to play, and Australia, who are barely even a team. 

Welcome to World Opposite Weekend.