Sport happens in its own bubble – whatever is happening elsewhere

The spectre of coronavirus may have hung heavy in the air, but that was all dispelled once kick-off came at Twickenham, writes Vithushan Ehantharajah

England’s Joe Marler in action at Twickenham (Reuters)

Saturday was not a particularly chilly day. But as night fell in the first half of England-Wales in the Six Nations, the darkness brought with it the kind of cold to Twickenham that penetrates layers, regardless of how many you might have on.

It has always been a tad strange that winter sports like rugby and football have press boxes out in the open. On the other hand, the majority of cricket facilities are indoors with the air conditioning pumped up. Go figure.

Truthfully, out in the open is always the best place to be. It is the only way to get a taste of the atmosphere and, on those wet and blustery evenings, the only way to gain even the slightest insight into what it is like to be a match-attending fan. We might not incur the costs, and are very well catered for, but some nights you can only marvel at the dedication of supporters, especially in defeat.