As if the 36-0 demise of a struggling English team wasn’t enough, the current World Champions were forced to give a premature farewell to one of England and the British Lions’ greatest heroes.
Who will ever forget his little in-and-out jink in 2001 to split the greatest defence in the world on the Lions tour to Australia? Or his scintillating slide over the white wash in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final.
On Friday night he was a standout for the English, one of the few players who looked to make a difference in a game where they were totally outplayed by the Springboks.
With blood pouring down his cheek and constantly getting peppered with high balls, Robinson showed true guts and stood proud, possibly being the only Englishman who could threaten the Boks’ organised defence.
So when he pulled up with what looks like a torn hamstring, it was a sad moment for all. My initial reaction was that of sympathy, considering that it in all likelyhood will be the last time we see him on the international stage.
Thiry three year old Robinson however, thinks otherwise. He is determined to return and has not given up. The results of a MRI scan on monday will confirm his fate.
And if it’s meant to be that it was his final appearance, then what better way than to leave with field with a standing ovation at the Stade de France.
“To hear the biggest roar of the evening as I limped off and seeing everyone on their feet applauding was a humbling moment,” he said.
“If that’s the way I am to go out of rugby, I will remember that as a very proud moment.”
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