The West London's RWC blog

Point Percy at the Posts Again

Oh dear! In the baby grand scheme of things, England are virtually out of the tournament. They do not seem to be mentally astute in the face of pressure, or physically combative against determined, indeed any, opposition. The fans must be disappointed to see capitulation on such a scale and it remains to be seen how many of the current selection are retained in the future. Apart from the lack of nous from England, South Africa did not have to play much rugby to win - they were never under sustained attack. On the odd 'go forward' occassion there was either a knock on, a big hit loosening the ball or a misdirected pass. Once, the England second row Ben Kay threw the ball at his left foot (2nd row 'chip n chase ) with Sackey outside him. I sense not just disappointment but a real irritation about this side's lack of competitiveness. Still, if we go out of the Cup we might get into the hyperbole...
Well done South Africa. You well and truly walked all over the England doormat on your way to the kitchen for a peek into the larder of the quarter finals. Mmmm! -  plenty to eat in there!
And the South African players are very hungry...
Samoa, meanwhile, were in the Bois de Boulogne snapping small trees across each other's heads - training to beat England. A more wooden, static performance would be difficult - but hey! England are not finished yet.
England also got whacked in the cricket. Roll on tomorrow and some fun - goodnight.
It was a nice walk across the river to Waterloo though... hurrying home to see...

Sushi go or should I stay?

Hells bells and buckets of blood! The Rugby World Cup is having a massive effect throughout the political world. Japan is reeling after Shinzo Abe has dramatically resigned following his side's heavy defeat against Australia, President Bush is bringing the US team home and even the Vatican has taken a hard line on indiscipline following the national team's ordeal at the hands of the All Black.
Meanwhile, in London, the government have offered their full support and backing to the development of a new generation of home-grown players for the national team.
Today's fixtures: Wins for Tonga, Fiji and Italy, against the US, Japan & Romania... best game will be the US against Tonga - a nip and tuck affair perhaps, and the weather is going to be lovely  in Montpellier!

Wilkinsoff

So he's not playing, nor the other bloke, and Vickery has admitted to a kick. Coach Ashton said, after their defeat against South Africa; "Well, this is a major setback to our plans, we couldn't field our strongest team and to an extent this has disrupted our planning. At the end of the day, when you pull on an England shirt you step up to the plate to take the hard knocks...blah blah" Well - he might say that but let's hope he doesn't!

This is a picture of a famous English place to be going on with - Ashton under Lime

Georgian Mildred Show.

Plucky Georgia with their 'heavy mob' including  Besso Udesiani No.8 - a big unit. A good start but worn down by the expertise of the Argentina / Europe domiciled team. Another underdog  - and they simply ran out of puff. Special mention for the Georgian No 14 who tackled anything that came his way. I am just hearing Martin Bayfield talk about 'dramatic events in the England camp' today... que? (I'll have to wait until after the adverts now).

"Cheers Coq"

Some of you may have read on the Plessis blog  about the marathon pis* up that took place last week around the streets of Paris. The album on the right er left (now where did I leave that glass..?) is a jolly record of the event. You will also be tempted by the video on the Plessis site, particularly if the two charming young ladies with tangible assets feature. (i'm off to have a look!) 

Oh - by the way - the title means  'elbow lifters'. Any advance or comment on that?

Burger Bar

The blonde bombshell is also up before the beak. "Only going for the ball"  says the manager. As always. Silly Samoan for carrying the ball tucked under his chin...

Picture from the Guardian

Ref: The Ref

Gary Gordon has written an interesting note from the referee's point of view and you can read it in the Arbitration "Come on Ref" bit. Just click on it and read...
As Gary is being so serious, I might even make it a post and encourage him to keep us up to date with controversial moments.
He's got it all wrong mind you...

Picture shows AGM of the Scottish referee's Society getting their 'r' s into gear and doing the 'Gary Gordons'

I'll Have Samoa That!

Good morning everybody. Another day dawns - overcast in London - so I guess it must be the same in Paris. There could be a few fireworks at 15:00 this after...when South Africa and Samoa indulge in a friendly bit of "bish bash bosh" (with a fair helping of bish bash BOK I reckon).
Scotland have got a bit of holiday in Portugal, the bloody great fishes will have a tussle against Canada, while Ireland, basking in the 'Pool of Death' will get Irish eyes a smilin' with a victory over Namibia. (Unlike the attrition there will be when the Argentina rowdies come looking for a scrap - eek!).
Have a lovely day people, I'm off for a walk in the woods with Jack, the blog dog, followed by roofing, a bit of rugby, a couple of hours on the velo and then an evening of up to the minute reportage on all things indirectly related to this wonderful tournament!
Allez! Bon matches, bon appetit and bon zer (for Australian viewers).
PS. I just had the thought that, if Wales end 'all square' with Canada, would it be... A Nantes Drew Mystery? (Sorry)

England, Australia and New Zealand Win.

"Three of the top seeded teams progressed without too much trouble earlier today, as the Rugby World Cup spread it's wings through France..."
Don't worry if you are reading this over your breakfast - it is probably going to turn out like this by the end of today. Could be warm though, especially in Marseille, with the temperature ramping up to 29 degrees. Phew - what a scorcher!
England - "We'll take the positives and build on this..."
Australia - " G'day at the office mate - we're goin' for a sushi and a tinnie now..."
New Zealand - "Yeh. I was reasonably pleased with the way the boys performed out there but Italy are a good side and they put us under a lot of pressure..."
I have been passed a confidential video, detailing secret reaction training techniques used by the Japanese Squad. Bog standard skills with a twist. Interesting equipment too. Take a look.

Beware Men With Partings in their Hair(s)

Apparently, this horse's tail of a bloke is popular with the ladies in England - but not Mrs Masoe.
Last night he hammered on the Argentinian door to no avail. Just to remind you that time travel IS possible, ie: see sombody get knocked into the middle of next week, have a look at 'pretty boy' in action!