I'm surprised by the level of negativity. I've found this World Cup easily the best tournament in the competition's twenty year history from a spectator's point of view. I think it threatened to be the World Cup where the physically biggest, most professional, best prepared team won at a canter, but really it has served to highlight the importance of other facets of the game. You can be as big as you like, but without the ball, you can't play. You can score as many beautiful tries as you like, but if, when it comes right down to it, you're too stupid to have a go for a drop goal in the last ten minutes because you thought you'd inevitably "score a try", then you deserve to go out in the quarter finals. There have been plenty of mistakes, but anyone who remembers any game of rugby - even the greatest ever played - without mistakes is a fool to themselves and making stuff up. It's a game of mistakes and of imperfection. It's a game of spoiling. It's a game of cheating and who can get away with it. And all of that is what makes the moments of brilliance shine. This is widely considered the greatest try ever; even though the final pass was forward, it still gives me shivers to see it (and hear the commentator). More important than the mistakes (or possibly because of them), it has been a world cup filled with tension and excitement, much of which has been thanks to England. Despite being Irish and being strictly raised to support ABE (Anyone But England), I cheered for them four years ago, and despite having been born in South Africa, I'll do it again this time, with even more gusto, because this time, they're underdogs. We shall see what Saturday brings. It would have to be a hell of a game to rival the tension of four years ago, but if they're still in it with 20 minutes to go, I think the English will win it, having forged a bond in adversity that South Africa haven't had to.
I've just calculated I'll be watching the final from the coffee bar at Auckland airport on Saturday morning. That should be fun. At least I'll get a good seat. In Samoa, we get the NZ TV news every night. The loss against France/overall performance at World Cup is still one of the top 3 stories in each bulletin. Dear God, get over it. However what has popped up are some stories reagrding hosting the RWC in 2011: - NZ Rugby is having a financial crisis, partly due to the early exit this time round - they want to reduce the tournament to 16, as they feel their infrastructure can't cope with 20 - the proposed new stadium in Auckland has been canned, while the newly elected local council won't stump up for renovating Eden Park
.... while the Japanese - inexplicably denied the host's role - probably have stadiums coming out of their ears! No doubt you've seen this, Owlhouse, but just in case you haven't!
Auckland airport on Saturday morning Better make that Sunday morning. I'm crossing the date line. Duh. Thanks JJ, I'll pass it on. It's cruel, but oh so true. PS: No facet of life is immune. Last night's NZ news compared a Kiwi author not winning the Man Booker Prize to the rugby quarter final loss. Can they blame the judging panel?
My favourite so far: What's the difference between the All Blacks and an arsonist? An arsonist would never lose his last match. owlhouse - I suspect it's justyou and me left at the bottom of this particular ruck, so I'll risk a guidline breach and use this as a personal message board - I know you cut about the south pacific a lot, although I'm not sure you ever go as far west as Singapore, but I thought I ought to flag up that I'll be there from 27th Oct to 1st November. I'm speaking at a conference and so on, but should have some down time on the off chance that you're in the vicinity. I'm going to hit the sevens tournament they have on there on Sunday the 28th at the SCC. If by some quirk of fate you're in the vicinity, we should meet up and cry into our respective pints about the fact that England won the World Cup again (or the boks - it's a no win final for an Irishman and an Aussie really, even ones with South African and English heritage).
Thanks JJ. Sounds like a great idea. Unfortunately the timing is a bit off. I will be going through Singapore a week or so later in transit to Jakarta. I have friends in Singapore and often stay over the weekend. Let me know if you are out this way again and we could try and catch up for a quiet ale.
Shame, but glad I asked. Will probably do another SE Asia tour (this time of Jakarta, Singapore, KL, Bangkok, Hanoi, Phenom Peng and Shanghai) sometime early in the new year to try and sell the study I'm researching on this trip, so I'll keep you posted.
owlhouse - I suspect it's just you and me left at the bottom of this particular ruck, I'm still here reading and learning, but don't have too much to contribute to the conversation. So please, as you were, continue on with your discussion. I'll just stand over here real quiet and try to not to say anything completely stupid.
I'll just stand over here real quiet You and Shaun Perry. I'm still reading too, but I try to never get anywhere near rucks. So I'll return you to the JJ and Owl love-in.
I'll be back in Jakarta in January at some stage. If the planets align, it could work out, JJ. Thanks, Mr B and tommy. You're welcome to join us for a four ball.
