The West London's RWC blog

Great Film Titles...

"For A Few Dollars More.." or maybe "Get Carter".  There must be others..?
Check out this small ad - very important, particularly if you are on the lookout for a busted flush..!

Sackey, The Sack and Sacre Bleu!

Ok Paul is there to give a lilt to the headline but, he did play well in the England team. Graham Henry has got the sack after losing the battle of minds in Cardiff last night, and 'Sacre Bleu!' - the Rugby World Cup has come alive!
Today's results were a bit more realistic however, both losers were in with more than a shout with ten minutes left on the clock. South Africa proving too strong  - in a formal, old school trundle style of rugby against the fizzing Fijians. Rabeni beat someone every time he touched the ball...unfortunately he beat someone when he made a tackle too and received 10 minutes in the bin. Alan Lewis' refereeing, the delays, and his interpretation of advantage will not see him referee the final. (Please no...) Video judgement is fair enough but the delays are wasteful in my opinion  - and he is an arch time waster.
Unlucky Scotland, who did nearly enough to snatch a game that was a grinding affair for the most part. They just didn't have the collective firepower, despite some individual moments, to edge a win.
For me, Argentina were looking tired. (I wish I could be as tired on a rugby pitch as, say Ledesma or Roncero...non-stop big units.) Satisfyingly, South Africa and Argentina will be knocking lumps out of each other next week  - whoever gets to the final will be well tested. As for the other match well - it's only a game, we're all friends, and it doesn't really matter anyway does it?! Cheers cock!

Tickets...

Anyone want tickets for Scotland v Fiji next week?

Come To Tea, Come To Tea...

Well. That's what I always sing along to when the ubiquitous 'Haka' rears its inevitable head. With all due respect to heritage and tradition of those concerned, once again last night there was the "Oooooh, Aaaah!" as the New Zealand team slapped, preened and shuffled forwards in a pseudo confrontational manner - as much for the telly as anything else. I cannot believe that the players are 100% convinced as to the merits of what happened. Sure - have a haka - make it a statement of intent that both focuses the team 'performing' and, yes - it demands respect from the opposition at all times but stop there. Look at Tonga, Samoa, Fiji - all capable of announcing their particular intentions - vocal and challenging but without the 'cinema'. Boys, the haka has 'Jumped the shark' I'm afraid.
Besides, historical footage of hakas over the years gives evidence that it has developed from the original 'statement of intent' to a full-on 'marketing tool'. Or is it just me? Is it something that should only be performed by team members of Maori  origin, or  can anyone 'join in' if they are good enough to play rugby? It all seems a bit strange, that's all.

Try it for yourselves! Oh - and please get the microphones off the pitch New Zealand broadcasting and others - let the guys challenge the opposition, not the audio engineer and the stadium reverberation specialist. Anyway, better luck next time eh? Well played.

France v New Zealand

Meagre start for France but at least Wayne Barnes the referee has picked up Ritchie McCaw for mucking about  - as he always does... I may be wrong but I think a cheap and nasty shot was made by Robinson, the New Zealand lock, on Betsen - watch this space as I have not been able to see a replay - as yet. Lots of off the ball obstruction by the All Greys - very subtle stuff.
I have to say that Murray Mexted's true colours are finally showing through - the blinkers are on Murray - and we are listening!

Ok - I took the dog for a walk and didn't see the second half - too nervous unfortunately... GREAT WIN - AND ROMANCE WINS THE DAY! (See a previous post).

After Match Food For Thought Australian Style...

 

...nine nice little turnovers! Love you Aussie! x

Early Doors...

Here are two things that will be useful this afternoon -  and also tomorrow methinks.

Team toilets a go-go also...but I don't have a bog standard picture of them - besides, for some of you, it will be breakfast time. I write this as the radio news broadcasts that Marion Jones - winner of three gold medals and two bronze at the 2000 Olympics - was taking performance enhancing drugs. As Private Eye would say..."Well, fancy that!" You could never tell from looking at her figure...

Saturday Matches - The Guide

England v Australia
France v New Zealand

Form: Australia, New Zealand. Romance: England, France. Actual: Australia, France. Without Howlett and with an injured Carter who is having trouble with his balls, France have a chance to show flair, invention and confidence. Bonnaire can command a lineout - Jauzion can offer the ball to his support. Life in the brain will be very difficult for New Zealand if France concentrate...
England have power but nothing substantial to capitalise upon it - a few old players who will not intimidate the young blood of Australia...unless the scrum and Allan Roland go haywire...
Key words to look out for: "Cauldron" "Pressure cooker" "Do or Die" "...giving 110%" " fearsome Haka..." "Chris Latham is world class..." " There's a buzz of excitement every time Jason Robinson gets the ball..." "What can you say about Daniel Carter..?"

Where's Shabby?

Half term at Rugby World Cup and the kids are getting bored. See if you can track down that barrel of fun Shabby Chabal on his day trip to the beach in Rhyl before their home game against the All Blacks  - in Cardiff.
Rumour has it that if New Zealand reach the final stages in 2011, they are going to play at home, in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga... but let that not spoil our fun - Where's Shabby?

Selection Boks

The French connection goes on and on... Jannie Du Plessis has been called in to play for the South African side in their forthcoming dust up with Fiji. Let's hope they get "merde on" by the Fijians eh?!
For England, I think Brian Ashton will be bold. ("Rubbish!" - I hear...) Hipkiss in the centre with Farrell, Corry in the Second row, Rees and Madman Moody in the back row, egging on Easter. Gommersall, Wilkinson, Robinson,Sackey, Lewsey... yeah yeah, it's all taking shape now - JUST IN TIME BRIAN! "Brian?....Brian?"...."Are you there Brian..?"
For the French, I like the way Dusautoir plays. Along with Elissalde, Thion and Nallet, Jauzion, Traille, Poitrenaud, Michalak - plenty of choice there then. Will it be enough? Only if the mentality is there - New Zealand are on their self-destruct mission as of now and if a team can capitalise on that then..BOOM! Bye bye Blacks!
Australia have got Larkham, Barnes and Rocky to set stuff up. Control them and England can win.
Got a view on the All Blacks? Most people seem to be ignoring them. I'm sure South Africa would like to avoid them in the final. But will South Africa avoid going through the Argentine mincer in the semi-finals? Will Scotland come forth and bridge the divide between North and South? Things are warming up for SuperSaturdaySunday!