Editor’s Note: This is part of Viator’s ongoing series of posts about the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Ian’s on the ground in France, England and Wales — you can read his most recent posts here.

Morning all, from the birthplace of that great game. Yes, Mrs Rugby and I have left the sunny climes of the south of France, and have made the pilgrimage to England and to the town of Rugby, where the game was born when William Webb Ellis, “with a fine disregard for the rules of the game”, first picked up the ball and ran with it, way back in the early 1800s, at the famous Rugby school (”A tradition of Innovation…”)

The last of the pool games finished up last weekend, and the shock of the tournament so far was Wales being beaten by Fiji, and being knocked out of the tournament!! As we were sitting in a bar with 20-odd Welshmen at the time (and cheering on Fiji), it was tears all round by the Welsh at the end of the game… And I don’t think the ref will be getting too many drinks bought for him if he ever shows his face in Wales any time soon. In other games, Argentina had too much class for Ireland, who were also knocked out, so it makes five Southern Hemisphere teams in the quarters, and only 3 Northern Hemisphere teams.

So who is playing next weekend in the quarters? See as follows (along with my tips):

• Australia vs. England. A rematch of last World Cups final in 2003, I think Australia should win a close fought match against England.
• New Zealand vs. France. I’m glad that the All Blacks are meeting France in Cardiff, rather than on French soil. Should be a win for the AB’s (fingers crossed).
• South Africa vs. Fiji. The Boks should account for the boys from the islands - this could be a whitewash!
• Argentina vs. Scotland. Argentina’s form in the tournament has been fantastic so far, and I reckon they could go one step further and beat the bonnie Scots.

But this is the quarter finals, and once you reach the knockout stage - anything can happen. Anyway, enjoy the upcoming games, like the rest of the millions watching either at the stadiums or on telly. Time for a pint at the pub!!

–Ian “Frentzy” Frentz

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 at 9:06 am and is filed under Travel Inspiration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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