Poms and Frogs Self Imolate - London, Thursday
The French:
First of all, let it be known that we had a great time in Paris, visited the must sees and watched the game in the end in our hotel. The Louvre, conquered the Metro, barge down the Seine, Notre Dame, up Gustav Eiffel's tower, and walked until our feet bled up the Champs Elysee. Musee D'Orsee with the French Impressionist masters was great. We also had lunch at Gabriello Bear Wendler's Aux Champetier Restaurant in the St Germain area.
But back to the game. But first, I called into Ladrooke's the betting thieves, and asked for odds on Australia v Wales tomorrow. They would give 9 to 2 on Australia and 3's on Wales. I didn't ask what a draw was worth, but my girls suggested that I would be better going to work than laying a reasonable bet on Australia to try to make some money.
The French Argentine match: 17-12 to the South Americans. Interestingly many of the Argentine players have been playing in France in the off seasons, and hence have been improving their skills. They have come a long way to be able to defeat one of the top nations. My recommendation is that they be invited to have a team in the Super 14 Competition along with NZ, Australian and Afrique-Sud.
But, back to the game. The France capitan Raphael Ibanez emerged from 3 days of concentrated soul searching (read: didn't leave the house) stating "The Blow knocked all of us out". They play Namibia on Sunday, so should be able to come up on that one. Ibanez however said "There was, however, no question of staying in our bedrooms".
France are in danger of elimination from Pool D, which also includes Ireland. They have to win their last 3 games and collect all the bonus points available against the Irish, Namibia and Georgia to avoid an early exit or a quarter final against the All Blacks at Cardiff: for that read elimination.
On Australia in Wales, Adam Ashley-Cooper is in danger of not playing having a "sore toe". Otherwise the squad is at full tilt and a pretty good certainty.#
But what about the bloody Poms? The newspapers here are running stories like "Is this England's worst ever rugby World Cup team?" Healthy criticism includes:
- there is no doubt that Egnaldn have been mismanaged since they bacame world champions in 2003;
- the political maze of English rugby;
- we have 30 PRETTY GOOD players;
- we may have to have depowered scrums with the captain sent off for 2 matches for a girly tripping act;
- Can Laurence Dallaglio and Mike Catt last for the duration of a World Cup? Some would argue not;
The reason for this is one poor showing against a rugby minnow, the USA. Today's Guardian newspaper cited the possibility that the upcoming game against South Africa (tomorrow, Friday evening, Greenwich time) might have to be forfeited because of a lack of specialist fron-rows! Bring back Merv Simmons I say!
Johny Wilkinson is still injured but has been practising, with straight line running and kicking. Both useless in a match - you have to run around bastards.
But, back to London; went out with Oli Cousland last night and we enjoyed a terrific Spanish meal, and then somehow moved over into the Tequilla. Oli got the worm in his glass; and that's all I remember. I awoke with the business card of two Royal Army bomb disposal squad officers in my trowsers. Well, at least we were safe!
Today, RW, Nell and I headed out with no plans in warm temperatures and clear skies. We went to the Paddington Train station, and found the next train was to Oxford, so we hopped on it, and spent the day getting educated. Lovely town that, and only an hour out of town.
Friday we leave London and meet up with Geoff and Merrilyn Copping and 'Whale' Leigh and Liz Sealy in Cardiff, also Tim and Mary Stewart. Should be a good dinner tomorrow night, and a watch of, hopefully, England being flogged by SA.
The Poms mind you are pleasant individuals. Oli recommended we go to Camden Market, and that is the grunge end, with basic Goth work all round. You can have any colour car you like as long as it is black, so said Henri Ford, and so in Camden, if the clothes ain't black, they ain't in.
Love the way when the sun shines the Poms drink outside their pubs. Everywhere, and until the sun goes in.
Birdman in Weinheim was a terrific host, and looked after us every minute; even gave me one of the best cigars I've smoked for many years. I think it was a Dominican Republic jobbo.
In Berlin Regina Prero and she and Robert's girls, Romy and Raquelle, cared for us beautifully, and we had the opportunity to see how Berlin works from the inside. Terrific town.
Point to note: people in each centre are very different in little ways, but the same in major ways. Hospitality is the best thing when you receive it or give it.
See you soon!
Love; PK
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