Let The Games Begin

Well, the Rugby World Cup actually, and I can't wait. Although I am somewhat disillusioned about the style of the game at the moment, there is no doubt that this tournament could be the best yet.

Firstly its in France, so its actually possible to pop over for the day to watch some of the games, secondly the All Blacks look like they might have peaked too soon again, and finally, all the groups , are primed for big games and possible upsets.

Stan and I are off to Lille tomorrow and then travelling up to Lens on Saturday for the England v USA match, one Les Blanc should win. The tournament kicks off on Friday night with France v Argentina, a potential banana skin for Les Bleu, but one I see them avoiding. My spread bet is on them at +14!

The following week there are four of us in Bordeaux for the Ireland v Georgia game. If you want a craic, then the Irish are going to provide it, and I can't wait to hear them cheering for South Africa as they play England on the Friday.

Saturday before our match we will be watching Wales v Australia where brother-in-law, David will be pitching for an upset. And upsets are potential all over the place, Ireland v France, Ireland v Argentina, England v Samoa and Scotland v Italy. Wales and Aus should make it through their groups OK.

One has to feel for Portugal having been drawn in the same group as New Zealand though, the spread for the highest scoring game is 128-132 and guess which one they have in mind?

My smart money is on there being a few red cards this time round, and with the spread 1.4-1.8, Samoa v Tonga could cover it all on their own. That really is a match I will try to see, albeit on the big screen. From Englands point of view its good they play both teams after they have played each other. They will be so beat up they just might be running on empty.

Jonny is crocked already, Ashton has done his best with limited time, and its payback time for Farrell. So its England for the semis then anything can happen!!!!!

Oh yes, I got offered tickets for the England v South Africa game yesterday, face value £170, train and match tickets and two nights hotel in Lille are costing that, so I politely declined!!!!