LITTLE did I know when addressing the issue of Martin Johnson’s resignation as England manager last Wednesday the calamitous fallout that was about to unfold as English rugby hit a new low.

LAST Wednesday’s announcement that Martin Johnson had stepped down as England head coach/manager was not surprising and closed a horrible few months for English rugby after the fallout from their World Cup campaign.

IT says everything about how competitive the Heineken Cup has become that only one side — English champions Saracens — secured a winning bonus point from the opening round of 12 games with a home victory over Benetton Treviso.

I AM now officially parking RWC 2011.

IS IT possible that the Tinkerman will have the last laugh?

AFTER 46 games and a weekend of semi-final action characterised by controversy, drama, incident and passion, the 2011 version of the World Cup has produced a carbon copy of what transpired here at the inaugural event 24 years ago — a final contested by New Zealand and France with Australia and Wales battling for the bronze medal.

1. Half-back mastery

I WOKE on Monday morning without a tricolour, an Irish jersey or a Munster top to be seen anywhere.

I ARRIVED in Wellington with the Irish team on Monday morning to be greeted by gale force winds and torrential rain.

I CAN’T be sure if you’re getting the full impact back home but there is something special starting to happen over 12,000 miles away.