E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly Version 
Subscribe to RSS FeedAshton ponders the ride
Forget Paris: Ashton contemplates defeat alongside Jason Robinson and Andy Gomarsall
England coach Brian Ashton believes his players should be proud of what they achieved at the World Cup despite their 15-6 defeat to South Africa in Saturday's Final in Paris.
After remarkable wins of Australia and France, England's monumental bid to create rugby history failed at the final hurdle as the Boks punished the former world champions for a series of errors by kicking five penalties to Jonny Wilkinson's two.
But Ashton preferred to focus on the tournament as a whole, and England's resurrection after being smashed 36-0 by South Africa in their pool meeting last month.
"They did fantastically well getting into the Final," he said.
"In days to come, they'll reflect on what they've done and be really proud of themselves."
"Despite what everyone else thought outside the squad we believed we had a good chance to win the game.
"I don't think 15-6 reflected the difference between the two sides but ultimately you can't argue with the scoreboard.
"Congratulations to South Africa, they have been the best side through the tournament.
"The whole seven weeks has been a fantastic adventure for us in many ways.
"I am incredibly proud of the players to have got to where they got to today and put up such a fight in a World Cup final."
Ashton gathered the players together in a huddle after the final whistle, but declined to reveal what said.
"They were private moments. We closed ranks during this tournament but I told the players they can keep their heads held high," he said.
"It was not quite enough on the night but they have nothing to be ashamed about.
"There will be no recriminations from me and from the way the supporters responded around the stadium, not from them either."
South Africa won thanks to four penalties from Percy Montgomery and a long-range effort from Francois Steyn.
England were denied a try by video referee Stuart Dickinson when Mark Cueto finished off a brilliant attack in the corner, but was adjudged to have had a foot in touch as he was tackled by Danie Rossouw.
"It is easy with hindsight to say 'yes, that was the turning point' but you just don't know," said Ashton.
"We were hanging around the South Africa 22 for long enough after that. It was a big moment in the game but it is hard to justify it was the turning point."
Despite reports a new contract had been agreed, Ashton insisted no decision has yet been made on his position.
But he is excited by what the future holds in store for English rugby.
After injuries had forced off Jason Robinson and Mike Catt, England finished the match with a back division of the promising talent featuring Dan Hipkiss, Toby Flood, Mathew Tait and Paul Sackey.
Ashton said: "The future is very positive for English rugby. There are some very good young players coming though and some more mature players haven't finished their international careers either.
"I have no idea what my future is. I am out of contract on December 31. All I will do immediately is enjoy myself with the lads tonight once we have dusted ourselves down and left the changing room.
"Spending time with the lads tonight is my immediate future."
