The truth is that I have not spent as much time preparing this month's editorial as I ought. And while one of my excuses will perhaps pass muster in some quarters - a newborn in the household - the other - the Rugby World Cup - is something I must admit only shamefacedly.

To set the exact context - to wring the most mitigation possible - we go to press the day before Wales play France in the semi-final. Tomorrow morning I will get up early, dress my England-born ...