It must have been the longest 10 seconds of Sir Clive Woodward’s life.
Time certainly appeared to stand still for the knight of the realm. Would Shaun Edwards shake his hand or not after France completed their Six Nations Grand Slam in Paris?
There Woodward was, with his right arm half-raised, inviting a handshake, as a tracksuited Edwards came over to ITV’s press area. Possibly, the said arm had been elevated from the moment word had reached presenter Mark Pougatch’s earpiece that Wigan’s finest was heading over.
But it was Johnny Wilkinson with whom Edwards initially touched palms on arriving at the Stade de France working area for ITV's team. Then the cross-code legend embraced his old Wasps mate Lawrence Dallagio, two old comrades showing genuine warmth and respect to each other, the coach and one of the greatest players he led during those trophy-laden years in the first decade of the century.
So much shared experience and affection went into that hug. There were even words whispered in Edwards’ ear from Dallaglio.
All the while Woodward was waiting for his turn, hand out, perhaps praying the ex-Wales defence coach wouldn’t bypass him. It was the sporting wait of the year, with England’s World Cup-winning coach from 2003 patiently watching the grand acknowledgement between two old friends, turning his body towards them as he did so.
He wasn’t going to miss out, even if it meant looping a net over Edwards and reeling him closer.
Finally, as the great man — Edwards, that is, for the avoidance of doubt — was making off the chap across the way with his hand still in the air finally pounced.
Fair play.
Good things, as they say, do eventually come to those who wait.
