It’s been my wife’s significant birthday this week, we have done lots of things and getting to see the rugby was tricky but managed to see
some.
Got back late from a National Trust house visit and afternoon tea…….only a couple had that but the rest went for full English, it was cold and rained heavily all day ! Managed to see some of Wales and Ireland and was impressed by Wales who could have won with several scoring chances. Ireland just a little better at those important plays. My Irish ‘son in law’ worried about a lack of new talent coming through …?
So during Saturdays pottery throwing experience , done before but still struggling to get past low bowls, we managed to see some Scotland France on his phone. Couldn’t believe the score when we logged in . Scotland well in front. We logged in again and a bigger lead. Pot throwing abandoned by me and the Son in law and we watched . France had to do the impossible , scoring over a point a minute ! Wow what a comeback from the dead. Loved the game, loved the result. But never seen Dupont play so badly during our limited viewing…..
It is such a shame that when Scotland win and win well, most of the English can support and congratulate the Scots. On the other hand Scotland just hate us . Friends from Slovenia toured the 500 route in a mobile home 2 summers back, came down to our daughters festival ‘wedding’ and in talking they said why do the Scottish people hate you and they do hate you !! That was their over riding view. They loved their trip though.
From pottery it was on to a reserved table at a lively pub for the England game.
I had fancied Italy to win ( after never beating us) and that was added to by the 9 changes, (10 in the end) .Brave decision by Borthwick but totally risky if not nuts….hoping for a miracle? Could not get decent odds on Italy earlier in the week to make a bet , so clearly the bookies thought an Italian win was unlikely but not impossible.
Words fail me about the ineptitude, the one plan, kick it. No leadership in time of need - he was off the pitch when needed.
Italy should have closed down the first half in the lead but went back to form and allowed England to lead at half time.
I did think Italy should have gone for the penalty to put them in front but opted for the corner and failed. Great try in the end, summed up the game. I did think they might not close it out but England just had no idea, no passion. Rudderless, lifeless, dismal & defeated as one commentator said.
It was a thumbs down from all of us in the pub in that Roman arena !
On to dinner and whist the girls chatted about what girls talk about, us boys discussed the rugby and if Bortwick will lead us to the World Cup . Daughter piped in and said she wants to go down under and will suffer the rugby. We just wondered how England will perform against the World Champs , Argentina etc…
God help us if France come out smarting after their loss.
Best to all MM
PS one final day of fun , I’m knackered , fun is exhausting as you get older .
