The West London's RWC blog

The Final Countdown...4

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

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!

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!

Not All Cavemen Are Ugly!

Yes - it has got a lot to do with diet, lifestyle and nagging (Tr: 'enquiquiner')
but us boys need that little bit extra to keep us young. Take Johnny Halliday for example (I wish someone would) - he has bounced back so many times now, he's known as "rubber Johnny". Anyway, his secret is a magic bottle filled with the tablets of youth. We gave some sample bottles to selected Parisien friends and also tried them ourselves. Undoubtedly, the French version of  Cliff Richard gives grizzly old cavemen the chance of a future - look what it has done to all these old gits - young again!

So we gave the caveman some and look what happened!

Up Sport! (Anag.) France.

Yes. We will all be supporting France in their quest to rekindle the romantic game that was drilled out of them by Bernardo Lasporte, working under strict instructions from his Leader, who, in turn, had the hump because his nearly ex-wife is going to take him to the 'agents de nettoyage'. (cleaners). She will be fit long after Sarkosy the man has turned grey  - weary from so many strikes and Laporte's 'skipping for fitness' policy. "Gris pas gras" will be the cry of crowds gathering in village squares throughout France.
That's after the XV beat a tired Argentina tomorrow evening.
It would be too boring to quote the whole of the Marseillaise - if only because it is available - in both languages here - suffice to show a little video of some bloke getting the nod and being alowed to sing in the bar...cool stuff! Watch and enjoy - like I hope we all enjoy the game tomorrow.

South Africa XV For Their Big Game.

No change for the Springbok. Hopefully no change for them on Saturday. Jonny to slot them over...

Actualité

PARIS, 17 October - England head coach Brian Ashton on Wednesday announced his team to play South Africa in the IRB Rugby World Cup final on Saturday at Stade de France.

England team:

1 Andrew Sheridan 2 Mark Regan 3 Phil Vickery (c) 4 Simon Shaw 5 Ben Kay 6 Martin Corry 7 Lewis Moody 8 Nick Easter 9 Andy Gomarsall 10 Jonny Wilkinson 11 Mark Cueto 12 Mike Catt 13 Mathew Tait
14 Paul Sackey 15 Jason Robinson
Replacements:
16 George Chuter 17 Matt Stevens 18 Lawrence Dallaglio 19 Joe Worsley 20 Peter Richards 21 Toby Flood 22 Dan Hipkiss

Brain Ashton has no sense of adventure - he can always go safe and bring Cu*t* on if the going gets tough for Hipkiss. What's he going to do when Cu*t* has a casual dip at the ball with whichever foot seems to be nearest - and miscues?

Galti eh?

What do you think the chances are of this man being the next trainer of the France XV. He's nearly got Jo "le taxi" Maso hair (but a bit more preened) and he runs a good team (of Argentinians) at Stade Francais (who also happen to wear the best jerseys in world club rugby).
Check out fabulous Fabien Galthie  by taking a look at this casual wear shot taken when we were 'hanging out' with him, David(Auradou), Laurent (Cabannes) in a bar with a red canopy, somewhere in Paris...

Getting An Eyefull...

Tension - but loyal to the last drop...