sheila

Well, it's started.

Shock opener with Argentina beating France (not supposed to happen); followed by New Zealand and Australia devouring Italy and Japan respectively.

Ten minutes time will see the start of the US's campaign- against Engerland. Should be a shoo in for the boys in red and white, but we'll see,

slangevar

We play rugby in the US?

I have to say, I'm in Paris right now and the rugby fans I've met/seen have been wonderful. Hundreds (thousands?) of them crowded into the front of the Hotel de Ville to watch the game on a big screen and after it was over, they went home! No burning cars... no drunk fans screaming chants and throwing beer bottles. Just quiet. I was so impressed. Made me want to learn more about the sport (aside from just the whole "passing the ball backwards" thing).

annhig

yep, slangavar, you do, and rather better than we'd all expected [see the current thread on the "lounge" forum].

At least we won, unlike the hosts.

regards, ann

slangevar

Yay, us then! I say this feeling thankful that my stepsister (who not only loves rugby, but plays it in a good regional team) doesn't know my Fodors handle.

I'm getting her some RWC merchandise from here, and am now very glad I didn't say anything like, "too bad we're not in it." Oh, the shame.

Scarlett

Hola Sheila!
I watched the game last night..my husband and I were both shocked, amazed and entertained..we watched it right to the (good) ending..Since we live here and all, we have to root for the Home Team
My first rugby game and I think I am hooked..talk about rough!! fast and fun too.

sheila

Your boys done good. The bookies were predicting a 57 point difference, but that didn't EVER look likely.

I was amused to watch your coaches laughing on the bench when everyone else was taking it all so seriously.

willit

I am open to correction, but I believe the USA are the defending Olympic Rugby champions (but I don't think it's been played since the 1924 Olympic games).

Scarlett

Good luck Sheila..Scotland & Portugal just came on..ahhh the sound of bagpipes

Alec

Yes, according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_u...ummer_Olympics
There was an attempt by International Rugby Board (IRB) to have Rugby Seven (seven-man-a-tem form of the game) included in London 2012 games, but instead Squash and Karate were chosen.

slangevar

Hundreds of people are lounging on astroturf in front of the Hotel de Ville in sunny Paris right now watching the game on a gigantic screen. After a great play, everyone in the crowd applauds. It's so easygoing and jovial that even the guards around the area are smiling.

Mucky

Wales are on their way too!

Sorry Canada ! but you had us worried there for a bit.

Muck
Cymru Am Byth

Gardyloo

Just got home yesterday afternoon from a RTW trip that stopped in South Africa, Australia and NZ, all suitably crazed for the cup, and am devastated to discover that the only TV coverage of the RWC available here is a one-price bundle through the cable company for $200! Am now searching for streaming internet TV coverage - if anyone has leads to stations, please advise.

slangevar

If it's anything like the World Cup (of football), they usually don't offer streaming online coverage because of the pay-per-view deals in place. Can you find some pubs airing the games?

Gardyloo

BBC Scotland has streaming coverage, but apparently only available in the UK. Still searching.

No pubs available AFAIK at 9 in the morning on a Sunday hereabouts.

kerouac

Even though the French were all pumped up because they have been consistently trouncing England (last World Cup champions) in all recent matches, and therefore had a temporary delusion of "yes, we'll win the World Cup in a snap!" -- they actually are quite aware that they are not a major sporting nation and it is totally normal for them to lose. No hard feelings, and if they are eliminated, they will quickly choose another nation to support.

On the other hand, in the world of football (soccer to some), there was a France-Italy match yesterday, and it was noted how France and Italy absolutely and totally despise each other in football. This of course reached its paroxysm at last year's World Cup final, but it has actually been going on for almost 10 years now. In the 80's and 90's, it was generally Germany that France despised in football (terrible World Cup incident in Spain in 1982 -- the French have never forgiven this).

In rugby, the French like and respect all of the other teams, even if England would come up last in the popularity contest, of only because of the World Cup four years ago. I watched the match in Bangkok and have not yet totally digested the results.

waring

" (last World Cup champions) "

Reigning world cup champions is the expression you are looking for.

That said, I don't think we're going to do it this time round.