andygates

South Africa vs Tonga, a far far closer game than it has any right to be.  The Tongans know it, and are loving it, and in the final two minutes kick a goal that brings them within one try of actually beating the Boks.  They're outskilled, out-conditioned, but by god, not outgunned.  They drive down the field, sheer brute determination foxing the Souh African interception attempts.  Their passing is faster and sharper than it's ever been -- time isn't running at the same speed for Tonga.  Someone cast Team Haste on 'em.  And all of a sudden, there's a chance.  Out the back of a ruck and someone sees a man headed for the touchline.  This is an heroic kick: This is Mighty Ducks stuff.

The kick misses and goes wide - of course it does, because Tonga aren't actually that good.  It's a couple of yards off when the final whistle goes.  And the Tongan team, denied a glorious upset and absolute heroism by a slim error, are all smiles.  They've played their absolute guts out, and now they can laugh about it.  That's serious sportsmanship, right there.