Field of broken dreams

So is this what depression feels like?

At 17 minutes past 9 this morning Wales had its heart ripped out. Why? Because we lost the match to France? No. Because we had Sam Warburton sent off by the most controversial referee decision ever made in rugby world cup history.

Wales were on top. Only by 3 points but we were sharper, faster and fitter than the French. We were winning the rucks, stealing the ball and looking like a cobra poised to strike. The French seemed to be sleepwalking. They were struggling to cope with our power and were looking like they'd forgotten to turn up.

Then that decision. Was it a spear tackle? Wasn't it a spear tackle? Judge for yourself here. The real question is why didn't the ref consult with his linesman or the video ref instead of reacting in the heat of the moment? It will be a decision talked bout again and again.

As Sam Warburton, the immense Sam Warburton, trudged off the field, the hearts of 3 million Welsh fans had sunk to their feet. It was the hollowest of hollow feelings. How could we play over 1 hour of rugby with 14 men and without our inspirational captain? At half time France led Wales 6-3.

The second half served to show what a superb team Wales have become in this tournament. Trailing 3 points and with a man off the field they had it all to do but they absolutely refused to lie down and die. In the 57th minute, at 9-3 down, fuelled by a steely determination and an unfaltering belief, Mike Phillips crossed the line for a superb solo try. The Welsh went mental. The French scratched their heads. Could this be the most monumental comeback in rugby world cup history? Stephen Jones took the conversion and the ball bounced off the upright and missed. It was a matter of inches.

The following 20 minutes was the most tense period of rugby I have ever watched. France could not make use of the man advantage and Wales kept looking for that break that would edge us into the lead. With 5 minutes left on the clock, Leigh Halfpenny kicked a penalty from the halfway line that the whole world thought had gone over. We jumped, we screamed, we hugged each other. But it was not to be. The slow mo replay showed the ball just dipping under the bar by the smallest of fractions. A few minutes later the final whistle went and Wales had lost 8-9. Did France deserve it? No. Were France the better team? No. Had France made it to the final of the 2011 rugby world cup? Yes.

It was brilliant brilliant theatre with the most heartbreaking of endings. As the Welsh players jogged around the stadium applauding the fans who had travelled to New Zealand to support them, the French players hugged each other with relief in their eyes. Not elation. Or joy. But relief.

Wales have been the outstanding team in this world cup. They have become loved the world over because of their refreshing brand of attacking rugby. Even before this match had kicked off people were predicting a Wales - New Zealand final. And we came so close. Even with 14 men.

We are immensely proud of the Welsh boys and they will return to a hero's welcome. We will of course get over the sadness and frustration eventually but I don't think we'll ever let go of what this exciting team could have achieved at this tournament.