Wigan's win was not just the victory of a team, but the triumph of an approach to a sport.The financial feeding frenzy that is accompanying the professionalisation of rugby union completely misses the point: that too often it is still a thoroughly dull game - witness the Pilkington Cup final last weekend, which Leicester attempted to win by repeatedly infringing the laws.If investors in rugby union think that they will make money from this kind of second-rate entertainment, they should think again Once more, look at Wigan's lesson. Wigan's players are fitter, more flexible, more skilful, better- disciplined and cleverer than their union counterparts. The following weekend, the Lancastrians will be back at Twickenham again, to take on Bath at a full-scale game of union. Don't bet on Wigan losing. These games will measure how far British rugby union has to go before it becomes a fully-fledged professional sport Likely answer: a very long way indeed.

On Saturday, Wigan are expected to carry off the crown at the Middlesex Sevens, the carnival celebration to end union's season. True, Wigan had an advantage: they were playing under league rules But that excuse for Bath's inferiority will not last long. The National Party's role in the transition government was essential. It helped the white minority to accept the ANC's accession to power, and steadied the markets while the newcomers gained experience in government. Now the party has conferred legitimacy on the new constitution.De Klerk deserves personal recognition.