What's happening
Opening Ceremony
Australia - Argentina

October 10 Match

OPENING WEEKEND.... (posted 13th October 2003)
Well, what a weekend of rugby! I meant to get in here and write something before now but to be honest, I was too busy watching all that rugby all weekend to get too close to my computer at all. Friday afternoon I was at the local pub (again!) and saw Matty Hayden bat his way into world cricketing history! I'd barely recovered from that sensational effort when the RWC opening ceremony began. I admit that I am not a particularly big fan of opening type ceremonies, but well hell I watched the one that Wales bunged on in 1999 and I thought it was fantastic so I thought I'd better watch ours here so that I'd have something to compare it to. I thought the whole shindig was very well done. I loved the way it started with the flares going off over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and the team of drummers was very cool. The 'Rocky' figure moving across the field to score was a brave move - looked awesome from my lounge room, and I'm sure that more than a few grey hairs manifested themselves in the heads of the choreographers during rehearsals for that segment :)

Mostly though I enjoyed the fact that for once the organisers didn't trot out the old faithfuls that we'd have stuck in front of us ad nauseum for decades...and decades... and decades. No offence intended to Barnesy or Julie Anthony. A big thumbs up to 'Waltzing Matilda' being sung out loud and strong as well :))

After the opening ceremony my beloved Wallabies took the field against Argentina. I wasn't nervous. Not at all. I mean, four test losses in the last five test starts doesn't *cough*worry*cough* Wallaby supporters. Anyway, I can't believe the neighbours didn't call the police complaining about noise disturbance when Wendell Sailor went over to score that first try!! Wendell! You're the man! First try of the tournament :) (yes I know Elton Flatley (Flats) scored the first points though with the penalty kick). After all that Wendell has been through with changing codes and the associated crap from pessimistic rugby union purists (aka old fuddy duddies with nothing better to do) I was stoked to see him get the very first try of the RWC! WTG Wendell!

Stephen Larkham also had an awesome first half playing like Larkham of old, and David Lyons led the forward pack pretty well. Despite the great form from a few of the Wallabies overall I have to admit their form wasn't all that great. Pretty scrappy actually. The half time score was 14-3.

Minutes into the second half David Giffen, Walllaby VC and second rower leapt up to catch the ball from kick off and fell really heavily, his neck and head taking a real clobbering in the process. Knocked out for a couple of minutes, Giffen was stretchered off, and despite having some serious concussion (ya think?) his scone is apparently okay. Of more concern is his shoulder's ac joint - I'm not sure what the verdict on that is at this stage but I'll keep you posted.

Sometime during the second half Argentina's Corleto scored a try - I must have been replenishing my glass when that occurred :)) but Joe Roff kept that level head of his and scored a try to put the Wallabies out in front by a comfortable margin. Joe Roff did a good job in the backs, but overall the backs let the Wallabies down. The forward pack is the strength, without Toutai Kefu even! But it's the old saying, you only play as well as your opponents let you, and the Pumas let themselves down in several areas throughout the game. Some wild kicks into mid-field didn't do a thing for their caue, and sloppy lineout throws from their hooker, Ledesma caused more than a few lineout turnovers. Of course I'm glad the Wallabies won the game, but they didn't pick up a bonus point, and the overall effort wasn't all that convincing. But guys - you got there!! Yay!!