England "heartbreak" as media mourn defeat

By Luke Baker

LONDON (Reuters) - Heartbreak, personified by a dejected Jonny Wilkinson, was the overriding media emotion after England's defeat in the rugby World Cup final.

"The final heartbreak" read the headline in the Observer newspaper alongside a photograph of Wilkinson, who piloted England to victory in the 2003 World Cup final but failed to repeat the feat against South Africa in Paris.

The media echoed supporters' disappointment, pride and a lingering sense of 'what might have been' over a disallowed try after England lost 15-6 on Saturday.

"Brave England go down with pride" said the headline in the Sunday Times.

"The hearts of the white lions were finally broken in the Stade de France last night. The surging, thrilling revival of the team from nowhere is over, the title is gone," the paper's chief rugby writer said.

"People sense that this team, with their obvious strengths and equally obvious weaknesses, gave every shred, showed England rugby and the English in a red rose light."

The front page of the Sunday Telegraph was taken up with a picture of Wilkinson, hands on hips and on the verge of tears. Above his head, the one word "Heartbreak".

England recovered from a terrible start to the competition to record wins over Australia and France in the knockout stages, after losing 36-0 to South Africa in a pool game.