England v South Africa: The Rugby World Cup Final

For a country obsessed by sport which has recently undergone a major political transformation, this evening's match represents an opportunity to forget troubles back home.

Its team does not accurately reflect the ethnic make-up of the nation. The sport is dominated by a white, moneyed elite. Its towns and cities are plagued by the curse of gangs and gun crime. Its politicians are at a loss over how to deal with Robert Mugabe. Its current political leader lives in the shadow of his famous predecessor who changed the perception of his country around the world. The nation is one of the most racially diverse in the world, but integration remains a problem. The song its fans love to sing is a hymn to the historic struggle of the black man. But, for a night, this beleaguered people will leave all those cares behind And rely on their sporting heroes for consolation. Come on England!