The West London's RWC blog

Fiji Tings...Sunday Matches

Look forward to a good match this afternoon when Australia look to outplay Fiji in Montpellier. Could be a bit miserable if you have clicked on the link and seen the weather, but Nice Nigel is refereeing today so there will be a good feel to the game. (Famous last words..!)
(Now, the above words may seem a bit 'ooo er missus' if you read the link to Nigel Owens but I assure readers that I knew nothing about his background when composing the words! When I said 'famous last words', I meant that, knowing my predictions, he could be officiating at a mass punch up...) A good ref and a good ref.
Anyway, Scotland's second team get a crack at the All Blacks too - at Murrayfield, where we, the TV viewers, hope not to see blue plastic seats galore but whiskey galore! Tries galore! Rugby galore! South African referee alors! Actually, Scotland could deal out a bit of power in the forwards if all goes to plan, and it will be interesting to see if New Zealand need to call for extras - as South Africa did yesterday. I watched their game develop and, after going out and coming back to the TV screen, I saw Habana, Big Percy, VapourVic, Francois Steyn and Smit on the pitch? All change! - and they were on their knees at the end too. Let's hope Scotland force the pace like Tonga did - thistle liven up proceedings!

Whistle Stop Tour...

Just watched most of the Argentina v Namibia game and I found Stuart Dickinson to be very dour - in contrast to Wayne Barnes'  handling of South Africa  v  Tonga. What is Stuart's problem - if any? (Apart that he is a self-centred prig...).
Of course, in Wayne's World there is hardly any laughing and finding humour in the game - as Tony Spreadbury likes to play it but, equally, not stern or arrogant like others seem to be...Other notable performances: Chris White did well in the France v Ireland contest, Nigel Owens has been able to let his games flow with minimal interference. Wayne Barnes particularly, is not a massive chit-chat sort of referee - he seems to get his decisions explained and sorted using concise language. No messing. Anyone got a beef with the refs - got a favourite? Let us know, below...blow the whistle on the bad, praise the good!

Great Game!

Tonga!Tonga!TONGA!Tonga!Tonga!TONGA!Tonga!Tonga! Tonga!Tonga!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TO TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!
TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!
TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!
TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!
TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!
TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!
TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!
TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!
TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!
TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!TONGA!

Great game -well played! Roll on England!
 

Boom Bang-a-bang...

1966 The World Cup at soccer, 1969 The World Cup at singing  and 2003, The World Cup at Rugby.
Fast forward to 2007 and the latest challenge for England's finest...staying in the tournament.
Let us hope for a good contest eh?

The Croke 'chicken' - how the bird flew!

Just a word for Vincent Clerc - scorer of two tries that buried Ireland. He is the bain of the Ireland team, denying them a home victory in the six nations and now, thanks to all the girl's favourite non-caveman, Frederick Michalak, he got another. Of course, that's the glamour: the blast came from the France back row, with Bonnaire being periscoped to win line out ball as required. The Irish forwards seemed ponderous, no, just sluggish in comparison. Argentina will be going out with all guns blazing this evening, looking for a bonus point against the abrasive Namibians. Should be interesting for a while as the Argentine boys also 'do' abrasive! England? More words, more stepping up to the plate etc - where is all this going to end and rugby entertainment begin? Doesn't ultimately matter if it is a win or a loss I suppose, but at least be beaten whilst competing, not just lose the plot again...England expects. Meanwhile, in the Samoa team hotel, the players are recovering from an all-night party, having spent the day at the races...they're tucking into piles of crepes, Nutella sandwiches, sausages etc etc - such is the threat of England in full roar! Finally, a look at something interesting; you hear it everywhere,from coaches, rugbymen, even some soccer players who can pair off their brain cells, everyone is supposed to head in that direction...it's the plate!

Un Mot Juste...

BAM! Ireland without form, fitness and invention. Well played France.

O'Straw poll - 15 minutes before kick-off...

In a straw poll taken by moi just now. I have final scores of    26 - 15 , 26 - 7, and 32 - 28...all in favour of a French win. Our Hanlon brothers, skiving...er supporting Ireland at the Stade think the results will be Patrick: 100 - 0 to Ireland (he's piss*d) - and Tyrone is not answering. ( give him time...). Meanwhile, a portrait to remind you of friends in foreign parts:

Stop press: Tom and Jerry Cock Tales

Scene: the after match cocktail bar in 'a secret location in France...' Occasion: Rugby World Cup... Cast: Little Jerry Collins, a sad old tart clamouring for attention, and an all black haired lady. Supporting cast - Tom Collins, Ricard, pression and an extra strong chinstrap!

Different - divers

2007 in France sees a group of West London boys in their beer proof drinking garments. Yes it's the All Black Street Boys on their European tour - starting in France and finishing in  er France. Here they are posing before diving into several jugs of beer. At some point in the proceedings these fern emblazoned super surfers hope to be tickling a few sea bass and making out with a few Bettys.. (or should that be bêtises?) Who are they? What do they do? Where are they now? Are they only there for the beer? I think we should be told.

Lots of News is Good News

Throughtout the tournament, we all turn on tune in and drop out.  Well, maybe not to Tim Leary's excesses but nevertheless we absorb loads of information.  Here's a site which is non-stop  - available in any language you like as long as it's   vbgrin edshgs oerugnw fv!
You must have others that we should take a look at - do you? Or do you just lurk around not saying anything?  France 24 - for those who want good news -  worry not, it's in English too!