The David Campese-coached Singaporeans were bigger, fitter, tougher, faster and more organised than us. Campese was one of the world's finest rugby players from the mid-80s to mid-90s.

The best way I can illustrate how it felt to play a superior side was as if we were in a boxing match against an opponent who wouldn't give us a chance to punch. We never had the opportunity to attack. Fifteen of us back-pedalled the entire game.

In a strange way, there is no shame. We lost to a comprehensively better side. At times like this, philosophy comes in handy. Cest-la-vie and all that.Our next game is against Thailand on Wednesday evening. I hope some of the injuries on our side heal in time for that game. If we field a full strength side, it will not be a 85-0 whitewash. On the plus side, I felt our fitness held and while tempers frayed ever so slightly, the team's discipline was impeccable.

The earlier game tonight was another Pool B match where Sri Lanka beat China 48-5. This was a slightly less authoritative display but effective nonetheless. The Chinese (who will probably play in our last game) are not very good handlers of the ball, play hard but lack rugby wisdom. The Sri Lankans exposed their weakness and had a pretty good match.

The final of Pool B will see Sri Lanka playing Singapore. That should be a close game. The team that keeps possession of the ball will win.

As for us, its going to be a long night's sleep, followed by recuperation and training tomorrow. We have 48 hours to the next showdown.

Bose is a member of the Indian rugby team. He is also an actor andmodel