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WORLD CUP RUGBY: THE FINAL ANALYSIS – 12/11

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by Tyrone Smith

South Africa with a Herculean defense, held off a fierce onslaught by the All Blacks, to win their fourth World Cup; becoming the first nation to win four world cups and the second behind New Zealand to win back to back titles!

A gripping final was marred by cards of colour, discolouring what was a titanic tussle for supremacy, between two arch rivals!!!

Going forward, rugby needs to tread carefully!

Cricket has paid the prize and looks to be a no hoper!

Betting scams, match fixing, and a bottomless pit full of corrupt vagaries, have ruined the game of cricket!

World Rugby will have to re-look at how the game is governed! The advent of the Television Match Official (TMO} has led to delayed decisions, confusion and seems to be judged by trigger happy officials, rather than experienced former players!

If a player is cited and found guilty, he faces suspension. The same does not apply to the incompetence of a referee/TMO. Their decisions go unchallenged, while catastrophic reversal in form and progress can affect the team under hammer, leading to an eventual defeat!

Even in cases where the error is blatant and for all to see, there’s no mitigation. Worse still, the flawed outcome stands and doesn’t change! Isn’t this an ideal situation for corruption??? Won’t it lead to match fixing and players crossing the betting divide for underhand luxuries? The game is poised to take a dive that way, unless a stringent look from a respected multi-level, cross functional team of people, that are passionate about the game, happens sooner, rather than later.

If a decision is wrong and when it leads to a questionable outcome, isn’t that result flawed? If one were to agree that it’s flawed, for what reason would you allow it to stand?

With the introduction of the TMO, was not the stipulation, that only play going back two phases will be scrutinized? How come play over two phases get scrutinized now? Have the rules changed?

The TMO is definitely over playing his hand. Its time to recreate the role of the referee, he’s the all-important man in the middle! Stoppages in play will only hamper the sides that play fast open rugby. Time to change! Its time to whiplash the offender, no matter who, with a serious punishment and if the result is fixed and tainted, the offender should be dealt with accordingly and the result reversed appropriately!

When this type of legislature governs the oval game, when credible personalities make up the union, rugby football will be on a pedestal, beyond reach of rolling stones and sides like Fiji will hold their own in close encounters of the first and third kind!

Player safety is paramount but not a pantomime, like played out in the finals!

PHYSICAL INTENT – where does this stand among the disfigured laws of rugby? Should it be severely penalized? Is it not rendering a massive deterrent towards player safety? Why talk of safety and introduce tackle laws that eventuate with cards, red and yellow, when bull charge, high tackles off the Siya Kolisi mould finds mitigation – double standards, amnesia, an injurious fix or plain injustice to the laws pertaining to safety, is how I see it!!!

The game was locked in a battle of defenses- neither quarter asked, neither given!

Kolisi played his heart out, leading from front, even getting “naughty”, for the cause of his people back home in SA!Pieter-Steph du Toit, what a player, relentless to the very end and fittingly the man of the match. Eben Etzebeth just carries on, with no respect for his body or for that of another!!!His hits must surely hurt and shake ones foundations to the bone marrow. South Africa is blessed to play alongside him and not the other way around! Faff turned out a clerky performance, while Handre Pollard continued to amaze!

Pollards exploits were calm and assured, bisecting the posts without blemish. Called up in the seventh hour, having to sit out selection due to injury, his inclusion towards the tail end of the world cup, looked more in line with desperation! With no game time and shoved into the deep end, what a champion he proved himself to be! He reclaimed his ownership of the 10 jersey from a manly Libbok who did justice to the cause and to himself. Yet, cometh the hour cometh the man, the dead center hallmark Pollard!

There was Mbomabi and co, working tirelessly, fearlessly and to a purpose, but met with a resistance from them in black! The boks couldn’t milk a single scrum penalty and were hard pressed to secure their own lineouts!

What a transformation from the All Blacks! From a pounding by the boks at Twickenham to a hounding by the French at the Stade, how they’ve regrouped under the ‘under fire’, Foster, is quite the story of the World Cup!

Even the All Blacks need to kick their penalties and convert their tries – it proved to be the ultimate nail in an unnecessary coffin – four more years, the haunt of George Greegan and not Monte Christo will ring long after the dust has settled…!!!

Despite the result which was not evident until the final blast on Barnes’ whistle, the All Blacks played with gusto! The Smith in black and named Aaron, played his last for the mighty blacks; his efforts were as usual a fillip to the side, a voice that swayed more than a reed. He’ll be sorely missed!

Sam Cane will always get a mention when this final is discussed! It was a sad day for this gentleman rugby player, to sit and watch his team, battling it out with a man down, against the rampant Springboks and what a battle it was. The All Blacks played 62 minutes of the game with 14 players and carried it to the very wire! The grit, the tenacity and the purposefulness of being an Aall Black was clearly very evident and deserve more than three cheers! What’s left for Cane? Hope he continues to ply his trade for both club and country with great distinction! Its only a greater effort, a humongous performance and a sustained consistency throughout the period to be, will ensure a place for Sam Cane, among the greats of the game! Use this faux pax Sam, to stamp your class and leave behind a lasting legacy- adversity brings out the best in champions and not in everyone else!

Every dark cloud has a silver lining! For the blacks, it was Mark Tele’a and the roving Ardie Savea!

Here’s a man playing out of position, switching from seven to eight, making it his own and being adjudged the best player in the world! For a lightweight man in a heavyweights suit, up against giants and to call it his way, getting right to the top, he is both a David and a Goliath rolled into one, they call him Ardie Savea!!! Congratulations champ!!!

Tactically, technically and strategically, how did Ian Foster, Joe Schmidt, Jason Ryan and co. measure up to the innovative Rassie Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber and Co.?? Just a thin line and the difference of a mere point separated them from the cup of gold! The Boks with their bench exploits of a 7/1 split, were met with a well planned resistance! The South Africans were customary to say the least; bombs and bomb squad, set piece onslaughts and the 7-1 bench strength were their forte! The All Blacks embraced a tightened defense, outplayed the Boks in the lineouts, held their own at scrum time and showed periodic signs of their amazing grace, when in full flow, the best sight to behold in rugby!

Possession and territory was controlled to the last digit, but to play a 15 man team game with 14 players was a bridge too far! In the final analysis, a decision(?), a miss and no mitigation was not in the book of All Black strategies for the day- it cost them the cup and a wait of ‘four more years’!!!

Rassie and Co. have two world cups to cheer, while Ian Foster has a one, one, two, three.. Champs in 2011, 2015, Bronze in 2019 and Silver in 2023… the man that got razored out. Will he be a “hard act to follow”? A resilient man, who knew his journey and planned his game accordingly – bravo Ian Foster! Congratulations Rassie Erasmus!!

This brings us to the referee of the final, Wayne Barnes.

How much control did he have of the game? Were decisions taken out of his hand? A referee of huge experience and repute, he should’ve had more authority on the game including some crucial TMO decisions- that’s when his value and experience will have stood counted!

The game when designed and redesigned over a 100 years ago, had margins for error! Humans are prone to trial and error, for as long as its marginal and honest, the misjudgment will be accepted by all and sundry!

Congratulations South Africa, commiserations New Zealand! Thank you for a rip-roaring final!!!

Tyrone Smith
Kandy/Sri Lanka

About the Author….

Tyrone Smith is a Strong, outgoing, and proactive Marketing leader with a demonstrated history of success in supporting clients with innovative marketing strategies and organizational skills.



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US withdrawal from UNHRC, a boon to political repression and ultra-nationalism

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President Trump in a meeting with President Putin. The New York Times

The US’ reported withdrawal from the UNHRC and some other vital UN agencies could be seen as a fillip to anti-democratic and ultra-nationalistic forces worldwide. Besides, the stark message is being conveyed that the developing regions of the world would from now on suffer further impoverishment and powerlessness.

The UNHRC needs to be more effective and proactive in bringing to book those states that are lagging in upholding and implementing human rights standards. But thus far it has been notable in the main in only ‘naming and shaming’ periodically those countries that stand accused of human rights and associated violations. More states and their rulers who have proved notorious violators of International Law, for instance, need to be brought to justice.

Hopefully, the UNHRC would be more dynamic in carrying out its responsibilities going forward but it needs material, moral and financial sustenance in increasing measure as it goes about trying to implement its brief. By withdrawing its support for the UNHRC at this juncture the US has further weakened the body and thereby provided a stimulant to the forces of repression worldwide.

What ought to be equally disquieting for the ethically-conscious is the withdrawal of US support for the WHO, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees or the UNRWA and the Paris Climate Agreement. With these actions the US under President Donald Trump has forfeited all claims to being the world’s foremost democracy. It could no longer lead from the front, so to speak, in championing human rights and democratic development.

It is no coincidence that almost at the time of these decisions by the US, President Trump is meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At the time of writing what transpired at these talks is not known to the public but it is plain to see that under the ultra-rightist Israeli Prime Minister, there would be no easy closure to the Middle East conflict and the accompanying blood-letting.

This is in view of the fact that the hawkish Trump administration would be hand-in-glove with the Netanyahu regime right along. There would be no political solution in the foreseeable future nor could it be guaranteed by the main stakeholders to the Middle East question that the current ceasefire would continue.

As mentioned in this column before, Israel would need strong security guarantees from the Palestinian camp and its supporters before it sits earnestly at the negotiating table but a policy of repression by the Israeli state would in no way help in resolving the conflict and in ushering even a measure of peace in the region. With the staunch support of the Trump administration the Netanyahu regime could stave off Palestinian resistance for the time being and save face among its supporters but peace in the Middle East would continue to be a lost cause.

The issues in focus would only be further compounded by the US decision to cease support for the rehabilitation and material sustenance of Palestinian refugees. This policy decision would only result in the further alienation and estrangement of Palestinians from the Western world. Consequently, Intifada-type uprisings should only be expected in the future.

As should be obvious, the US decision to pull out of the WHO would further weaken this vital agency of the UN. A drop in material, medical and financial assistance for the WHO would translate into graver hardships for the suffering civilians in the world’s conflict and war zones. The end result could be the alienation of the communities concerned from the wider international community, resulting in escalating law and order and governance issues worldwide. Among other things, the world would be having on its hands aggravating identity politics consequent to civilian publics being radicalized.

Considering the foregoing, the inference is inescapable that the US is heading in the direction of increasing international isolation and a policy of disengaging from multilateral institutions and arrangements geared to worthy causes that could serve world peace. As matters stand, it would not be wrong to conclude that the Trump administration is quite content with the prevailing ‘international disorder’.

One of the most negative consequences of the US decision to pull out of the UNHRC is the encouragement the forces of repression and ultra-nationalism could gain by it. In almost all the states of South Asia, to consider one region that is notable from this viewpoint, the forces of ultra-nationalism and majoritarian chauvinism could be said to be predominant.

Unfortunately, such forces seem to be on the rise once again in even post-Hasina Bangladesh. In Sri Lanka these forces are somewhat dormant at present but they could erupt to the surface, depending on how diligently the present government guards against their rise.

However, the government of Sri Lanka could not be said to be going the extra mile currently to blunt the appeal of ultra-nationalism, whether it is of the Southern kind or of the Northern kind. Crunch time for the Sri Lankan state would come when it has to seriously cooperate with the UNHRC and help bring those accused of war crimes in Sri Lanka to justice. On whether it could cooperate in this exercise would depend the democratic credentials of the present regime.

The cumulative result of the Trump administration weakening the UN and its agencies would be the relentless rise of anti-democratic, fascistic and repressive regimes the world over. Given this backdrop, one could expect the war in the Ukraine and those wasting civil wars in Africa to rage on. In the case of the Ukraine, the possibility of the US and NATO not being of one mind on ways of ending the war there, could render closure of the conflict any time soon impossible.

However, waiting on the US with the expectation that it would be pulling itself together, so to speak, before long and addressing the issue of international law and order would be tantamount to handing over the world to a most uncertain future. It is highly unlikely that the Trump administration would prove equal to the challenge of bringing even a measure of order out of the current global chaos, given the primacy it would be attaching to what it sees as its national interest.

Rather than wait in suspense, democracy oriented sections the world over would do well to come together in a meeting of minds, with the UN playing a catalytic role in it, to figure out how they could pool all the resources at their command to bring about a world order that would be more respectful of International Law in word and spirit.

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‘The Onset: A Short Story’: A philosophical drama attempting to redefine perception and cinema

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A scene from the movie with Hannah Brennen and Matt Heakes

Debut filmmaker, Thevin Gamage, presents a bold challenge to the time-honoured conventions of cinema. Through his daring short film, Thevin invites audiences to reconsider ‘the truth’ of cinematic rules. The 180-degree rule is broken with seamless subtlety, and a fresh perspective is offered on breaking the fourth wall.

This 13+ minute dialogue-driven drama, ‘The Onset: A Short Story’ featuring two actors and created with the collaboration of a debut cinematographer, was shot entirely in his living room—a testament to ingenuity and creative audacity.

The film not only aims to redefine the language of cinema but also thematically contests one of Plato’s most renowned teachings—The Allegory of the Cave. Thevin offers a fresh lens to examine ‘truth’ blending bold cinematic innovation with a philosophical exploration of perception, arrogance, and enlightenment.

At its heart, this story reflects the universal tension between belief and truth, highlighting the cost of breaking free from illusions. His debut is both a defiant act of rebellion and a bold invitation to shape the evolution of future cinema, leaving audiences with as many questions as answers.

Born into a family of artists in Sri Lanka, Thevin, grew up surrounded by a legacy of creativity yet confined by the traditional expectations of society. His parents achieved success as actors and later as entrepreneurs.

For Thevin, questioning the rules was not rebellion for its own sake—it was a search for freedom, truth, and new perspectives. This drive began in childhood, where strict parental expectations collided with his innate creativity. Movies became his escape, a lens through which he experienced life, love, and possibility.

Yet it wasn’t until his late twenties, after years of academic success and professional detours that he finally embraced his calling as a filmmaker. His audacious short film bridges his personal journey with his artistic vision. By breaking the 180-degree rule and redefining the fourth wall, the film demonstrates that cinematic rules can evolve—not as acts of rebellion, but as purposeful explorations of storytelling.

In the spirit of art and its boundless novelty, Thevin Gamage seeks to induct exactly that: originality.

His debut film is a bold exploration of cinematic boundaries and philosophical inquiry, redefining two foundational principles of cinema. This film invites audiences to experience a narrative that subtly bends the historical rules of the 180-degree rule and the fourth wall—often without them even realizing it.

This debut dares you.

It’s a resolute challenge to tradition and a provocative reminder that “rules” are just a few letters that form a word.

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About young filmmaker

Thevin Gamage

Thevin Gamage is a South Asian filmmaker whose journey reflects both a profound reverence for tradition and an unrelenting desire to transcend it.

Born into a family of artists in Sri Lanka, Thevin was shaped by a legacy of creativity and resilience. His grandfather, Sri Lanka’s first film makeup artist, pioneered his craft with remarkable dedication, laying the foundation for a family deeply rooted in the arts. Though Thevin never met him, his grandfather Regie de Silva’strailblazing work ethic and passion for storytelling helped shape the family ethos, inspiring Thevin’s mother and, in turn, Thevin himself. Reggie was the first Sri Lankan makeup artist. He went to India for his studies in makeup artistry and was active during the era when B.A.W. Jayamanne and Rukmani Devi pioneered the Sri Lankan film industry.

Thevin’s mother, Kumudumali De Silva, a celebrated Best Supporting Actress winner two decades ago and recent Lifetime Achievement Award honoree for her contributions to the wedding industry, met his father, Nihal Gamage, while on set. Together, they transitioned from the entertainment industry to entrepreneurial success, founding a wedding photography and bridal dressing business. Their ventures flourished, even leading to the publication of their own wedding magazine, providing a middle-class life of success and recognition.

Despite these creative roots, societal expectations in Sri Lanka compelled Thevin to pursue academics. After excelling at the University of Toronto with a degree in Political Science, Economics, and Psychology, Thevin still yearned for storytelling. In his late twenties, after years of professional detours, he enrolled in film school and committed fully to his craft.

Operating outside the framework of traditional film production companies, Thevin embraced the challenges of independence. From conceptualization to execution, his debut film is a testament to his determination, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to his vision. His journey as an independent filmmaker exemplifies the power of creative freedom to challenge norms and shape unique perspectives.

Thevin’s work invites audiences to question, reimagine, and ultimately transform their understanding of storytelling. His journey is not just one of artistic pursuit but an act of defiance—an effort to inspire others to embrace the power of the arts and forge paths beyond traditional norms.

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Top three at 40th Mrs World pageant

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Mrs World – South Africa: Tshego Gaelae (L) / First Runner-up – Sri Lanka: Ishadi Amanda (M) / Second Runner-up – Thailand: Ploy Panperm (R)

While South African model Tshego Gaelae becomes the first Black woman to win the Mrs. World title in its 40-year history, we, too, were in the spotlight, at the finals.

Ishadi Amanda took the No. 02 slot, being the first runner-up at the prestigious pageant, held in Las Vegas, USA, from 29-30 January, 2025.

Thailand’s Ploy Panperm was placed third, as the second runner-up.

Sri Lanka’s Ishadi had support from the audience when her name was announced as one of the three finalists.

The Mrs World pageant winner, from South Africa, expressed her thanks on Instagram, saying, “To God be the glory. Thank you so much for the love and support, I am beyond grateful and elated! My beautiful South Africa, the crown is coming home,” she shared with her followers, encapsulating her elation and gratitude.

The Mrs World pageant, established in 1984, stands as the first international beauty contest solely for married women, providing a platform for married contestants to showcase not just their beauty, but also their intellect and community outreach efforts.

Before being picked as the winner, Mrs South Africa was asked: “What is the biggest challenge you have faced and achieved?” And her answer was brilliant:

Rosy Senanayake: Mrs World 1984

“I was so stressed on social media. Social media people should use it to share knowledge and good things. But it’s used to stress people out. But I stood up for myself without that social media pressure. I used the same social media that stressed me out to share good thoughts and hope to get to the victorious place I am today.”

Gaelae’s success is a testament to the ideals celebrated by the pageant, where diversity and empowerment take centre stage.

Gaelae balances her roles as a devoted mother, wife, labour relations manager, and model.

Being the first black woman to clinch the title at the Mrs World pageant has ignited a sense of pride and celebration among South Africans.

The Mrs South Africa Organisation, which played a crucial role in supporting Gaelae’s remarkable journey, also expressed their pride through a statement: “From Soweto to Vegas and now the World, @mrsworldpageant The Crown is Coming Home! Thank you to everyone who supported our queen on her incredible Journey.”

Gaelae returned home to a triumphant celebration fit for a queen.

At the airport to welcome her were her family, friends, church community, the Mrs South African team board and alumni, and the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg.

The crowning of the 40th Mrs World winner

And, guess what? Gaelae is now in touch with me!

Second Runner-up Mrs Thailand Ploy Panperm is quoted as having said: “I believe that modern married women have the potential to excel in multiple roles – as wives, mothers and even as beauty queens – embodying intelligence, talent and beauty.”

For the record, it was our very own Rosy Senanayake who brought Sri Lanka fame at this pageant … being crowned Mrs World at the very first Mrs World pageant, in 1984.

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