Sport happens in its own bubble – whatever is happening elsewhere

The spectre of coronavirus may have hung heavy in the air, but that was all dispelled once kick-off came at Twickenham, writes Vithushan Ehantharajah

England’s Joe Marler in action at Twickenham (Reuters)

Saturday was not a particularly chilly day. But as night fell in the first half of England-Wales in the Six Nations, the darkness brought with it the kind of cold to Twickenham that penetrates layers, regardless of how many you might have on.

It has always been a tad strange that winter sports like rugby and football have press boxes out in the open. On the other hand, the majority of cricket facilities are indoors with the air conditioning pumped up. Go figure.

Truthfully, out in the open is always the best place to be. It is the only way to get a taste of the atmosphere and, on those wet and blustery evenings, the only way to gain even the slightest insight into what it is like to be a match-attending fan. We might not incur the costs, and are very well catered for, but some nights you can only marvel at the dedication of supporters, especially in defeat.

As for the technical stuff, rugby’s specifics make it an intriguing sport to cover – and that’s talking as someone who made their debut on the weekend. The build-up of phases, the swaying of offensive and defensive lines and the sheer brutality of it make it a game that changes with every hit and shift. Equally unforgiving on errors and bodies.

The differences compared to cricket are clear: 80 minutes to put together a report that only really becomes clear after 60, compared to two hours to wax lyrical about the previous four days at the Test. Of course, big things may happen at the death, but the bulk of it all has taken place and cricket’s slower pace allows for more in-game pontification.

What similarities there are rest on the stories. The history of England versus Wales is littered with great moments to riff on for every new encounter and the narratives in place here were just as stark and just as relevant as they were when Cardiff rocked to the tune of Wales’ 21-13 win in last year’s Six Nations.

There was enough to get involved with this time: 63 points, a red card, genital grabbing; and that’s without considering the spectre of coronavirus throwing the game into disarray.

On Saturday, it felt like the match was being played out without any attention paid to real-world issues. By Monday midday, confirmation of it permeating the sporting bubble came through with the announcement that France-Ireland was to be called off. Rumours that the final round of Six Nations matches will be postponed to the end of October also started doing the rounds.

Yet however peculiar it felt to be at Twickenham amid thousands upon thousands mattered not. However small fry, the reports on another Welsh defeat and stories of Eddie Jones’ assertion that the referee was on the opposition’s side – not to mention Marler’s “tug” on Wyn Jones – were written up and posted as per.

Another similarity between all sports, perhaps. Regardless of the rain, shine or code – it all ultimately matters little, especially at a time like this.

Yours,

Vithushan Ehantharajah

Sports features writer