The West London's RWC blog

PS... Gee!

Well. it had to end sometime. For those teams out of the Cup in the early stages, they had their moments - it augurs well for the game at large but puts the responsibility for development on those nations who can help. Keep an eye out for what actually happens!
Many players are retiring now - the more articulate will try punditry or journalism. The rest..who knows? Groundsmen, coaches, managers, travel 'envoys', clothing 'designers'..?
For the journeyman amateurs ie: us, most  already have occupations so we reduce our options by one third. We can still talk about it and think about it, but not do it. That is, unless 'FOLKLO' rears its formidable head - in which case we become ten years younger at a stroke (if she does it again make it fifteen years younger..). Plessis Meudon got to this stage many years ago and started a Folklo XV (which was really their First XV playing beer matches- they were ancient!).
Then Old Gaytonians, we were invited to 'tour' (that word again!) in 1998. I was captain. We won. Who cared - it was a great weekend which included a trip to Chablis from Paris that took two and a half  hours in the cold and rain going out and about ten minutes for the return, fuelled by thirty or so bottles of Chablis. Every song in the history of rugby songs was sung on that coach and it must rate as a special moment for anyone who was there. Our rugby was phenomenal and included the introduction of a plucked chicken into the passing movements - no-one seemed the slightest bit 'fazed' by this and the game continued... Someone tried to kick it into touch but didn't poulet off. The restaurant was wrecked on the Friday night and Plessis had to get a cleaning company to sort it out the next day - all their fault I understand! Sunday's after match affair was suitably restrained and we gave them a gnome to celebrate all things nice and, particularly "Folklo". Oh - and Patrick Delage was 40 so we spent the post Chablis night raving - great preparation for the Sunday game!
It was destined to be a 'one off' this folklo thing...a lot of players saying cheerio to each other.
1999 saw Plessis Meudon arrive with a very young Johan and Jerome Delage, a baby faced Arnaud Bigoin and angelic Max Cettour Rose. Angels pah! Everything paled into insignificance because it was the weekend of the France victory over the All Blacks in 'that match' at Twickenham - what a day!
Having finished with all this touring lark in 1998, we went again in 2000 (irresistible  Paris, irresistible!) - this time as a newly formed Club - West London RFC. It was Halloween and Bobby Blundell improved his looks by wearing the restaurant pumpkin on his head all night - no mean feat when it weighed in at about 30 kg. We saw Australia beat France and spent a lot of time in restaurants - what's new. Gordon Seggar was a useful addition to our touring party this time around - helping deal with the wine lake single handedly, and making a nostalgic visit to 'chez Denise' for a top up.
2001 Folklo came to England - we were thinking that it was about time to stop. Running around with guide dogs and intraveinous drips dangling was not sport for the oldies...
So in 2002 Tony and I went to Paris as "The Two Spectator Touring Party". Talk about keeping the fire going. We only managed to see two internationals, one domestic ie: Plessis match and got totally 'involved' with Patrick Delage's next door neighbour, the maniac TGV driver / alchoholic who wouldn't take no for an answer when it came to dishing out drinks. This was also the Tour of the Crooner aka  "night of Coco Ferrandez" I'm sure.(no I'm not but hey! there were only two of us...)
Definitely deciding not to do this sort of thing anymore, the French veterans arrived on English soil in 2003. Late arrival memories abounded in Covent Garden and the Spanish Arches in Harrow, with two live rock and roll bands kept the guests happy. Sunday was a laugh at Top Golf, with everyone showing how multi-talented they are/were!
Nowadays, we have mere social visits...for example The Salon Des Vins  - organised by Doron, ably assisted by loads of wine. This year Myself, Doug Maxted and Nick Dickins - next year - who's coming? Darts, Pool, even Golf - nothing is out of bounds to the determined Folklorist!
I'm sure there's more to come...

The Final Countdown...4

South Africa win. Well played but it wasn't a very good spectacle...not even a monocle.

The Final Countdown...3

At this stage, with the curtain on the verge of going up, I think it would be nice to say a thank you to Sylvain who organised this Rugby World Cup 'blog. Also a big thank you to all those from Plessis Meudon who, generally,  left nice comments - but why Jipé would want to deny a "liaison de jeunesse" with Mildred - heaven only knows!
So thank you Sylvain.
On the other side of the channel there has been agent Tony Usher keeping me supplied with useful information on what actually happened (I am always  too 'bonhommied' to remember). Phil Chesterman started the ball rolling with his recollection of past Paris plastering trips inspiring reminiscences from Alastair McGillivray...Colin Dickins chipped in.. Top poster was Annie with Miss McTavish in close support - not forgetting Rab E Lais with a vested interest. A bit closer to home and thanks to Domfrance, Emilieitalie, Alexleeds - not forgetting her friend Charlene, and Rob(son) with one or two snippets. Oh! -' Chabalist' too. A short lived phenomenon (unlike his hair) methinks, but useful nevertheless. If there are any I have forgotten then sorry. Paul Clancy provided a couple of bits for which I am grateful but Jim O'K was unable to give the readers a low-down on the 'Onions' - maybe next time. (2011?)
From West London's point of view, nothing much has been said by the current membership. Not a problem because reading or commenting here has not been a compulsory exercise. For those that have taken part, whether 'lurking' or expressing a point of view in the comments area - thank you. Unfortunately the lead up to the blog on the front page of Le Parisien says that it will be the points of view from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa etc etc - ie our players "In English please!"... but it didn't materialise.
Their loss.
For us, this time 'together' with friends from Paris, has been a chance to re-enforce our relationships, to make us a little bit stronger - win or lose. We never forget because we chose not to. We may, on the other hand, have trouble remembering! We are all on the same side in our game...
This bit of the build up ends with a tribute to all those who would love to be here. Here's one guy we will not forget.

Patrice Boutelleux

The Final Countdown...2

Wow! I can't wait - two of the most uninspiring pieces of music are coming our way in the guise of the national anthems. I'm sitting here with a bottle of red bracing myself for the worst. Apparently, Martin Corry gets 'up to speed' before a match by drinking two cans of Red Bull. If he glanced at this blog, he would have 'read bull' a plenty!

The Final Countdown...1

Fans everywhere are rooting for England, pubs are expecting massive trade with people keen to cheer England on to victory. Talking of victory, the statue Horatio Nelson 'looks' out over Trafalgar Square to see the masses of England supporters gathered to watch the big match on giant TV screens which have been installed for the match...
...but they are not there. Nor the screens. Today is the festival of Eid - the end of Ramadan - a muslim celebration. The Mayor of London has commandeered the Square for this religious celebration which will bring diverse communities, families and friends together.
Let's hope they don't want to see the rugby...

On the contrary, and for information only, here's a snap of the same Square last year when the dismal England soccer team all managed to tie their own bootlaces...and lose to Portugal in the quarter finals -on penalties!

Radio For...

I think Mihir Bose - sports editor for the BBC - was broadcasting live from Paris at 07:15 London time this morning. To paraphrase, he said "..there seem to be more South African supporters here than English but  the fans are able to drink together, and they don't feel the need to threaten each other, or behave in a rowdy manner..." all delivered with his plum in gob educated english accent. He went on to talk about Jonny Wilkinson  being able to kick... doh! WELL FANCY THAT MIHIR! Tell us something about the friendship in sport why don't you?
Talking about the media, which I am, it was a selfish move by ITV to miss the National Anthems from last night's play off game. It was okay to plug the weekend of 'sport' and it was even ok to show the dreary introduction sequence in full. They preferred to show muffin-top telly in the form of Corrynation Street "the UKs longest running TV soap." They still found time to harp on about the bloke who might win Formula One motor racing, claiming his activities as a triumph for English Sport. No time for a bit of courtesy to the teams and their distant supporters watching the channel.  Total rubbish. Now if those guys were using pedal cars and busting a gut of their own volition I could comprehend that as a challenge - not sitting on top of artificial power - no matter how difficult that might be to execute. It's all about the money mate, and smarmy TV presenters keen to attach themselves to all this kudos. Which brings me on to Jim Rosenthal who is nearly back to his greasy best. Luckily there has been Michael Lynagh, Martin Johnson and Will Greenwood to offer the voices of experience and, okay fair enough, Francois Piennar. Not much to say about the rest - just don't appeal to me I guess.
As I finish, the sports report has finished with the news that Lewis Hamilton will NOT face disciplinary action following his actions yesterday. However, his team has been fined £10,000. What's the 'crime'?
Using two pairs of wet weather tyres in practice. Inexplicable crap of the first order - when will someone get this "sport thing" in perspective..?

France Stuffed.

Unfortunately, tonight saw the unravelling of a good team of French rugby players. They were undone by power, direction and commitment of a seemingly 'tired' Argentine team. It started well, with both sides doing the run it / kick it/ pass it stuff that they have become good at doing but, suddenly, the wheels came off the France trolley. They were never to recover; firstly against massive defence from the big Pumas and then nailed by pacy counter-attacking. It made for reasonable viewing  - but not if you were French. Enjoy the champagne and celebrations both groups of players  - plenty of teams were watching from home!

Saucy le Roux

Jipé, un vieux pepere,an old 'bisou baveux' of St Mildred,  prefers Mireille Mathieu singing the French National Anthem. It is, unfortunately, typical that older French men lower their standards as they start to droop a bit (it is lucky that the English folklo prove the exception to this rule...we think about it and talk about it like billyO!  mutter, mutter...) Anyway, to make an old man very happy (that's me) I take pleasure in presenting Ms Mathieu as he would like...

Allez Nicolas - aux armes aux court de Cecilia! Ooops!

Boring View From The Office Window...

I took this picture of a little bird perched on a ledge when I happened to glance out of the window. "Professional curiosity" enabled me to have my camera at the ready. I'd rather be looking out at a car park or something interesting.  I assume she has put her shirt on England to win tomorrow - I would!

The Braai Of Frankenstein...

This sore sage has been searching for genuine South African humour. Look no further, you afficionados of dry wit, dry meat and some things that look like dog doody being smoked on a barbie, for here it is -
accompanied of course, by someone or the other in a 'springbok' rugby shirt. All the videos seem to have one - even Nelson Mandela got in on the act twelve years ago. Now, remember to hold your sides in while you savour this vid.  - I'm warning you all...