England vs Uruguay: Joe Launchbury 'embarrassed' by man of the match during England's RWC 2015 exit

Launchbury was chosen as the man of the match despite the 33-13 defeat confirming England's exit from the Rugby World Cup

Jack de Menezes
Friday 09 October 2015 15:25 BST
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Joe Launchbury was named man of the match in the defeat by Australia
Joe Launchbury was named man of the match in the defeat by Australia

England lock Joe Launchbury has revealed his “embarrassment” at being named man of the match during the 33-13 defeat to Australia that knocked the hosts out of the Rugby World Cup.

Launchbury was forced to go through a pitchside interview just minutes after the Pool A loss meant that England had no chance of making the World Cup quarter-finals, having suffered a 28-25 defeat by Wales a week prior at Twickenham.

Despite a number of impressive performances from the Wallabies, the stadium announcer confirmed the 24-year-old as the man of the match, much to the surpise of those in the stands.

It was embarrassing and it definitely won't go on the mantelpiece at home

&#13; <p>Joe Launchbury, England</p>&#13;

While Launchbury was one of England’s better performers on a forgettable night, the Wasps second-row has admitted that it will not live long in the memory of his fond rugby moments. Launchbury was replaced by Saracens' George Kruis after 67 minutes, with the award being announced roughly 10 minutes later.

"It was extremely strange to be named man of the match. It was embarrassing and it definitely won't go on the mantelpiece at home," Launchbury said.

"It was a strange award that could have gone to a whole host of guys on their team.

"The most important thing for them was winning the game, so I don't think they'll be too disappointed.

"I'd been out of the game for a long time and that was my first proper start for a while. I wanted to impress as much as I could.

"Individually parts of my game went quite well, but the overriding emotions were hurt and frustration."

Each man of the match award is decided by a fan vote, with a three-man shortlist decided by the tournament’s world radio feed put to social media to select a winner. Australia fly-half Bernard Foley – who starred with a record 28-point haul – and back-row combination Michael Hooper and David Pocock all stood out during the match, but were overlooked for the award.

Launchbury will have another chance to strengthen his claims to a regular first XV spot when he starts England’s final Pool A match against Uruguay this Saturday, before the players disperse from the England camp and return to their clubs after a disastrous World Cup campaign.

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