Australia were without half a dozen players themselves, including world-class talents behind the pack such as Matt Giteau and Stirling Mortlock, and their entire first-choice front row, with the new-look Wallaby front row having only two caps between them.

BBC: Australia 27-17 England

The fact that Button had used that set-up to put himself on the front row seemed only to intensify Hamilton's frustration.

BBC: Can faultless Button tame thrilling Hamilton?

You have more leg room, and should you wish to leave, the front row is the only one that lets you sneak out easily from any seat.

WSJ: A Front-Row Seat at the Movies

Both Jerry Flannery and John Hayes, who have had limited action this season, remain in the front row with Brisbane-born Court making only his second start for Ireland following his full debut in the defeat by Argentina in Buenos Aires back in 2007.

BBC: Sexton to make debut for Ireland

He is joined in the front row by veteran loose-head Os du Randt, the only survivor from the Springboks' 1995 World Cup victory on home soil.

CNN: Springboks unchanged for WC final

Only a handful of reporters were on hand, and I wound up in a seat on the front row closest to the jury.

CNN: Returned verdict catches everyone off guard