The West London's RWC blog

Italy Thrash Scotland...

...at National Anthems that is!
Without a doubt, the Italian anthem is the most stirring evocation of World Rugby anthems. Fiery, proud, pacy and  well, just right... can't wait until tonight as another of the contenders for my top five is there (rubbish words though - which is a shame) Scotland. Without further ado (oh well, maybe a bit...) here's my top five Anthems:
1    Italy
2    France
3    New Zealand (with the proviso that they already sing it in two languages but should be a few more...)3a) Scotland
4  Portugal
5   Ireland  (surprise version!)

The Rain In Spain...

...is a bit like the rain in Bordeaux.
Stade Chaban-Delmas is the venue for today's encounter between Australia and Canada. Bit of a foregone conclusion but I am pleased to announce the winner of one aspect in this tournament: 'sans doute' the band of the pools is the mob that are blowing their lungs out and thumping the drum within this stadium...dispersing the wetness with their brand of accelerated pomp - FANTASTIC! There was a rendition of the Basque 'national anthem' before the break which was enough to dislodge my speakers  - mes enceintes - from the wall... Agent Sylvain, your task, should you choose to accept it will be to get this band, on video, on the front page of Le Parisien Rugby World Cup 2007. What an honour that would be! (Clue - Dax? Attention the Controle de dopage: if the band are found to be full of Petrus, they need to be tested or congratulated...not sure which at the moment :¬)  )

The France team warm up before the match...

All Good Frenchmen love a Queen now and then...

Agent Clancy has been undercover to bring us this revelation that has struck at the heart of French sport. The loss to Argentina has sparked a knock-on effect, not dissimilar to the 'Mexican Wave'. Consequently, French fans are turning their allegiance to the nearest team capable of success- us!
Just watch and listen to the Renault F1 going through its paces. (Which is more than the rest of Les Bleus have done so far...)