It wasn't just one tackle though, he made two very poor decisions, firstly not to kick the ball into touch with two minutes to go and then to invite Sean Johnson the opportunity to win the game.

In that world cup they only played two decent sides Australia and NZ and lost to them both - not sure Ireland, Fiji and France really presented much opportunity for Sinfield to display the characteristics of game control in important matches?

That's been a bit disingenuous though. Sinfield until late in the game had produced a terrific display, which was key in us being able to complain about a narrow loss.

His last act in an international shirt, that miss tackle. must sting in his mind still.

Reminiscent of Danny Ward's miss late in the 2005 CC final. Costly, but shouldn't really detract from the herculean effort that had done so much to put us in the position to be defending a lead to begin with.

I would have said 3rd best player behind Burgess and Graham, but the point stands.

Crucially in between those Tom Burgess giving away another set of six with a head high tackle far into the tackle count when we looked to have them far enough back on the 40m line. With a 4 on 3 overlap then the Kiwis still were very likely to score anyway on that last play.