Trust me - my NZ rugby friends were extremely hurt by the events of 2007 and were determined that it was not going to be repeated. Don't forget - same stage, same venue. For them it was unfinished business.
Different circumstances! The All Blacks were at home in 2011. They truly expected to be crowned in 2007 - but felt they were robbed by Barnes and France. Hence the determination this time around to right what they saw as a wrong.
I've only managed to get to see one half of the rugby today, the 2nd half of NZ v France. Sweet Jaysus, those Kiwi boys are on a different planet compared to the rest of world rugby.
I got my hire car at Dublin Airport and what's the first road sign that I see? please log in to view this image Thankfully I headed south on the M50 & then the M7. Found a nice boozer to watch the rugby in tomorrow though. http://tasteofireland.com/restaurants/538-McEvoy-s-Bar-and-Restaurant-Abbeyleix I was hoping to go into Morrisey's but it's too traditional and I doubt it has a telly. http://www.chooseireland.com/laois/morrisseys-pub-abbeyleix/
You probably nearly crashed the Motor! I wasn't in either of those joints mate. Don't think I was in that village before. Maybe I drove through it at some point. Its on quite early so I'll probably watch it at home. Very tough one to call
I doubt that I'd be able to keep up Killy. Just as well Nuts, Ciarrai and Corker aren't about as well. Ask Norway. I believe he's still suffering two years on
Yes, I tease Norway at every opportunity! I love the stuff, I recall Finglas doesn't partake (in the dark stuff that is), but he would be a great designated driver on your travels! please log in to view this image Aged just 16 on our 1969 County Claire Irish caravan holiday, I recall most of the village shops had a tap and my Dad was always very obliging to me. Made me smile the mention of your St. Malo excursion. I spent a week there in 1974 with a chum, camping near the beach - we consumed vast quantities of beer, wine, baguettes, pate & cheese (even for breakfast) and played volley ball all day on the beach - unfortunately we both fell for the same girl, although in hindsight her short haired sexy older sister was the real hottie!
Ireland's day today, a difficult match against Argentina who are much-improved since they joined the expanded Tri-Nations. I think the Irish still have the strength in depth to prevail but it will be a closer one than many think. Scotland face a mountainous task against the Aussies who have looked the best team in their half of the draw. It is looking set fair for a NZ v Oz final and I think only Ireland have a chance of gatecrashing that party...
Sooper I'm afraid of my life to predict this one after my accurate predictions yesterday. Maybe I should predict an Argentinian win . Think the Ireland v France match took a huge amount out of both sides. You saw the affect on France last night. They played on empty. France aren't that bad and they're lack of effort gave NZ the freedom of the pitch. Ireland have lost their 3 big pack leaders in O'Connell, O'Brien and O'Mahoney and a truly works class 10 in sexton. Argentina have rotated their squad in every game since the NZ game and this will leave them fresh, energised and relatively injury free. A full strength irish team would rightly start as favourites but no team in any field sport can take to the pitch missing a third of their first choice team without being severely weakened.
Ahem!!? Easiest pound I'll ever earn mate! You'll have too much for the Argies mate, but it will be closer than it would have been if Ireland were at full strength. I thought Sexton was fit to play?
He's far from 100% Too tight to call Col France were an embarrassment last night. No heart, no desire, no fight and no passion. Sound familiar.
Very!! Typically gutless. Ireland will win mate, no problem. I wouldn't be too sure about the semi though!!
We don't fear Australia at all Col and have had some great results/performances against them in recent years. Plus we would have sexton and O'Brien back who are both world class IMO. It's all about today for us. Too tight to call. Argentina are a very very decent side, fresh with no major injuries. I'm nervous as hell
