England vs Uruguay: Joe Launchbury 'embarrassed' by man of the match during England's RWC 2015 exit
Launchbury was chosen as the man of the match despite the 33-13 defeat confirming England's exit from the Rugby World Cup
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England lock Joe Launchbury has revealed his “embarrassment” at being named man of the match during the 33-13 defeat to Australia that knocked the hosts out of the Rugby World Cup.
Launchbury was forced to go through a pitchside interview just minutes after the Pool A loss meant that England had no chance of making the World Cup quarter-finals, having suffered a 28-25 defeat by Wales a week prior at Twickenham.
Despite a number of impressive performances from the Wallabies, the stadium announcer confirmed the 24-year-old as the man of the match, much to the surpise of those in the stands.
It was embarrassing and it definitely won't go on the mantelpiece at home
While Launchbury was one of England’s better performers on a forgettable night, the Wasps second-row has admitted that it will not live long in the memory of his fond rugby moments. Launchbury was replaced by Saracens' George Kruis after 67 minutes, with the award being announced roughly 10 minutes later.
"It was extremely strange to be named man of the match. It was embarrassing and it definitely won't go on the mantelpiece at home," Launchbury said.
"It was a strange award that could have gone to a whole host of guys on their team.
"The most important thing for them was winning the game, so I don't think they'll be too disappointed.
"I'd been out of the game for a long time and that was my first proper start for a while. I wanted to impress as much as I could.
"Individually parts of my game went quite well, but the overriding emotions were hurt and frustration."
Each man of the match award is decided by a fan vote, with a three-man shortlist decided by the tournament’s world radio feed put to social media to select a winner. Australia fly-half Bernard Foley – who starred with a record 28-point haul – and back-row combination Michael Hooper and David Pocock all stood out during the match, but were overlooked for the award.
Launchbury will have another chance to strengthen his claims to a regular first XV spot when he starts England’s final Pool A match against Uruguay this Saturday, before the players disperse from the England camp and return to their clubs after a disastrous World Cup campaign.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments