October 20, 2007
England expects!
Well, despite the sports news headlines today, I don't agree. Even though the timing could hardly be better, 'cos it's 202 years tomorrow since Admiral Nelson signalled the start of the Battle of Trafalgar, there's a fundamental difference: the chances are we'll be stuffed tonight!
England crosses its fingers and hopes.
I can see that my headline won't sell as many papers, but it's more honest.
Actually, to be perfectly truthful, the headline should read something like
England crosses its fingers and wonders what the rules are, while pretty much everyone else hopes that South Africa wins.
Once again, the non-rugby watching English majority has fallen in line behind the regular supporters, not because of any new-found love of the game, but because there's precious little else to cheer at (OK, there's the remarkable Lewis Hamilton, who will attempt to become Formula 1 World Champion in the early hours of tomorrow, but even the English haven't come up with Grand Prix chants). Given the state of English soccer at an international level, I guess it's not surprising.
I'm not complaining either. Just as long as there's space for me in the pub tonight so I can watch the match.
I admit I'm surprised by how many non-English are rooting for the Springboks, although I guess I should be used to the 'anyone but England' attitude by now, especially by people living and working here.
Even then, I'm not complaining. I'm just pleased that our team has reached the final and done it on merit. I've heard some complete twaddle over the past couple of weeks, mainly from Australians who are still smarting from their defeat at the hands of England who came from nowhere to out play them. I guess it must rankle that the team which bundled them out of the last RWC have done it again. But please wake up and smell the coffee, chaps, the Wallabies were outplayed by England and especially by Andy Sheridan, seen here demolishing Matt Dunning.
Of course I was amazed when France crumbled at the hands of Vickery and his gang - I didn't expect England to make it to the semi-finals, but once they were there, they played magnificently.
For three matches in a row, the England rugby team has played as a team.
I'll be crossing my fingers while holding my pint tonight, hoping that they can keep it up. If they do, they could be the first RWC champions to successfully defend their title.
Hmmm. It's been four years and I still enjoy that phrase.
"England are the rugby world champions."