After all that rugby it seems only right that we have our own little awards ceremony for the characters and incidents that have made the World Cup 2007 so memorable.
So, please read on:
Worst refereeing decision: STUART DICKINSON
Perhaps the turning point of the final was the English 'try' in the corner scored, or not, by stand-in winger Mark Cueto. Amazingly Mr. Dickinson, armed with as many replays and angles as needed, took three minutes to come to the wrong decision. After all that deliberation he couldn't give referee Rolland the go ahead to award the try, even though I am yet to meet anyone that feels anything there than Cueto grounded the ball before his knee and foot fell out of bounds. Would England have gone on the win the game if it had been awarded? Probably not. But it would have been a more interesting second half with the try on the board.
Most distinctive player (best hair): FINAU MAKA
The Tongan number eight made a massive impact at this year's tournament with his big hair and even bigger game. An ever-present as the Pacific islanders came so close to claiming a place in the quarters with brave performances against both finalists.
Zidane award: RAFAEL IBANEZ
The French captain was tipped to retire from international rugby after the match against Argentina. His final touch? A boot to the neck of Alvarez at the back of a ruck. The result? The pair of them in the sin-bin with Ibanez substituted immediately and never to return.
Most entertaining game: FIJI v WALES
I was looking forward to this match from before the tournament, with probably the two most entertaining teams pitched against each other for a place in the quarter-finals. Certainly the crowd packed into the stadium in Nantes was not disappointed, treated to a feast of running rugby and an overload of tries. A match that showed us all how the beautiful game should be played. No other match-up even came close to this particular spectacle.
Best try: SHANE WILLIAMS
So many to choose from, but the diminutive winger's score to spark the Welsh revival against the Fijians was a moment of individual brilliance with ball in hand as he swerved round half the opposing defense. Honorable mention to Arumbura's try for the Puma's against Les Bleus in the bronze medal match, a marvelous team try set up by a searing Corleto break.
The dark horse award: TAKUDZWA NGWENYA
One of this World Cup’s revelations, Takudzwa Ngwenya, outruns South Africa’s Bryan Habana. This American with Zimbabwean origins did the 100-metre dash in 10.5 seconds. Will top European clubs stay insensible to that?
Most boring game: SCOTLAND - ITALY
A ticket to the Quarter finals was at stake but neither team showed any inspiration. Indeed, the game played under heavy rain in Saint-Etienne turned out to be the yawner of the tournament.
Silliest tackle: BRIAN LIMA
The World Cup veteran was a record breaker this year, appearing at a fifth consecutive competition for the Tongans. Used as a substitute in their opening match against South Africa, 'The Chiropractor' lasted only a minute before knocking himself senseless with a trademark 'physical' tackle. Many former victims of his brutal tackling would have had a little smile to themselves about that one.
Biggest hit: JUAN MANUEL LEGUIZAMON
Minutes after the introduction of Sebastien Chabal during the second half of of the "small final", he was nailed in no uncertain fashion by the Argentine substitute. The Caveman found himself hurled backwards through the air like a rag doll, his opponent in the sin bin for not attempting to use the arms, knowing his team already has the match wrapped up.
Portugal award: PORTUGAL
A special mention has to go to the only team making their debut at this year's tournament. Os Lobos left France with many new friends after four performances full of grit, determination and no little skill. A breath of fresh air in a world now dominated by professionalism, and many will be hoping they qualify for New Zealand in 2011.
Do you agree with our take on the last six weeks? What sticks in your mind from the 48 matches? Do let us know if you would like to make any awards of your own.
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