THAT was an incredible World Cup and hosts Japan can be truly proud after putting on a great show.

In the end it was not to be for Eddie Jones and his England side, as South Africa became champions for the third time – remarkably they have still never conceded a try in any of those finals.

They are the new number one team in the world rankings, and let’s be fair, they just outplayed England in all departments on Saturday.

Their incredible defence left England running out of ideas and up front they taught us a lesson in winning five penalties at the scrum, three of which led to penalties being kicked and keeping the scoreboard ticking over for the Springboks.

England just couldn't get going, but they have had a great tournament, and I am sure they are going to keep improving and building on what they had achieved.

One great thing with the final was our local clubs were all packed, which is great news for the club's revenues.

With the World Cup over, many of the stars of the tournament will be returning to – or joining – Gallagher Premiership teams, so we will get to see some great players in the coming months.

London Irish sadly failed to take advantage of the fact Saracens had a remarkable nine players competing in the final, slipping to a last-gasp 16-13 defeat at Allianz Park.

They will feel it was a missed opportunity, but at least they picked up a losing bonus-point which puts them 10th in the table after three matches.

They host Leicester Tigers on Sunday and will be hoping to build some momentum at Madejski Stadium.

Rams got back to winning ways in National One, producing a terrific first-half display and a phenomenal defensive effort to overwhelm Cinderford 29-7.

It was an excellent win for them ahead of a long trip to Rotherham this Saturday.

My boys Reading are back in action against Southern Counties North high-fliers Aylesbury.

We are at home and know what we need to do, so hopefully we'll pick up a victory.

Reading Abbey are also back in action at home against table-toppers Witney, so that’s going to be a hard game for them but fingers crossed they can produce a shock.

Berkshire Shire Hall, who have been on a winning run, are at home against Rams 4ths in Berks & Bucks Two South.