Sunday the 23rd of October 2011 will be a memorable day for two reasons. One for the triumphant New Zealand All Blacks. The other for the tragic loss of Marco Simoncelli.
The New Zealand All Blacks celebrated their second Rugby World Cup title by going through the tournament undefeated. A happy occasion for the New Zealand public having to wait 24 years since their last world cup triumph.
Joy also for the people of the Canterbury region who suffered so much when earthquakes dismantled Christchurch in February and June.
The All Blacks were deserved winners of the tournament with dominant displays against every opposition team they faced, except for runners-up France. In a match that surprised much of the Rugby world, New Zealand held on to defeat Les Bleus 8-7.
After being lucky to scrape into the finals playing some of their worst rugby, France demonstrated they still have the ability to match it with the best when all is well. French skipper Thierry Dusautoir led his team extremely well and picked up the final man-of-the-match award for the tournament.
But it would be New Zealand captain Richie McCaw lifting the trophy affectionately known as 'Bill' after a fine match that was fitting for a finale.
Like Dusautoir, McCaw always being a nuisance at the break down, led the New Zealanders with his usual passion, toughness and skill.
As expected the New Zealand home crowd were in raptures following Craig Joubert's signal that the match was complete. Surely the party will last for weeks.
Unfortunately, while the All Black celebrations were taking place, much sadder news to the sporting world was coming through.
24-year-old Italian MotoGP favourite Marco Simoncelli lost his life. While racing at the Sepang circuit for the Malaysian GP, Simoncelli lost control of his machine and drifted into the paths of Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.
The ensuing collision can only be described as sickening. So violent that Simoncelli's helmet flew off during the impact with the other riders. The seriousness of the incident was quickly addressed as the race was initially stopped and eventually cancelled.
Fans at the track had begun to throw bottles onto the circuit when news of the cancellation reached them. Had they realised the seriousness of the situation their actions would have been more subdued. With Simoncelli in such a critical condition and the medics tending to him it was not safe to continue the race.
Marco Simoncelli will definitely be missed in the MotoGP paddock and to many Moto fans across the world.
My thoughts are with his family and friends and may he Rest In Peace.
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