The RWC, up for grabs for the fifth time in the third biggest sporting event globally......and it was all about winning this cup - named after William Webb Ellis, and affectionately known as 'Bill' by us Aussies
was won by England! The pic there to your right is one I took after our boys bought Bill back with them after the 1999 World Cup - I hate to gloat, but I have touched 'Bill' :) It's going to be a while before I get to see Bill up close again :(
First let me apologise for not updating this site until now - I was off gallavanting around Australia watching the RWC from the quarter finals onwards. It's safe to say that I had the time of my life :)
We all know what happened leading up to the final. New Zealand were smashed out of the comp by Australia in the semi-final - an absolutely awesome game! England stomped all over France in their semi and appeared to barely raise a sweat in the process. And for the next week there was a lot of
banter back and forwards in the press from both sides of the camp. On the Thursday before the final one of the Sydney newspapers even had a Jonny voodoo doll in it that you could cut out and stick pins in!! Perhaps I should have taken the doll to the match?? heh.. I'm just kidding, that was a bit OTT - but very amusing:)
The Play off final was on the Thursday night between New Zealand and France. Out at Telstra Stadium the weather was humid beyond belief - but the rain held off and New Zealand beat France very easily 40-13 in a game that was hardly spectacular.
Mind you, France only fielded one player from the semi-final clash against England, preferring to trot out their young troop for some match time. Afterwards it was off to All Black central at Darling Harbour - which shut surprisingly early. Luckily the Wallaby bar was still kicking it down the way... :)
Sunday morning saw pouring rain, and rain, and more rain. Then it rained again. And it was quite cool - 18-19 deg celcius. Uh Oh! We were in big trouble. All those weeks of praying for a stinking hot 40 deg c night were to no avail. Perfect English rugby weather. Damn!
Headed out to the game, stopping at a pub in Lidcombe for a few on the way. Telstra stadium was awash with Green, Gold, White, and Red. Inside the crowd was around 50/50 in support, and boy were the supporters loud. I learnt some very interesting new songs but I think it's best I don't repeat their lyrics here. Let's just say political correctness was left at hotel room doors by supporters - but it was all in good fun:)
We got off to a good start with a five pointer, and the match progressed into a brutal see-sawing clash. Elton Flatley unfortunatley missed a couple of kicks early on, kicks that would prove to cost the ultimate price.
Still, Australia was right in the game and Elton Flatley levelled the score right on full time to take the game into extra time. The crowd was ballistic! The poms were starting to sweat a bit in the stands. heh.. that was good at least, but in the last 90 seconds of the match Jonny Wilkinson booted a field goal and it was all over red rover for the Wallabies.
What a top game though! And, congratulations to England on a fine performance on the night - they were the better team on the day so we can't complain about not winning.
I'm going to put up some photos I took during my traipse around the countryside - feel free to browse them and enjoy!
Can't wait until FRANCE - 2007 :) Wonder if I can swing a gig where I get PAID to watch and enjoy rugby - any offers please feel free to email me :))
Pics here - just click!
