How many months ago did the World Cup start? Seems like an age since England were turfed out, tails between their legs. Anyway, at last it’s the big one. What a game it should be, especially if the French turn up.

I said to a friend before the whole thing started that if England didn’t win it I hoped the All Blacks would.  They are the best team in the world, they play fantastic rugby and New Zealanders care about it so much. They really would be devastated if they didn’t win.  When England went out, everyone had another go at them and then we all turned our attention back to the footie.

So yes, come on you All Blacks… but, but… allez les Bleus! I love watching France too.  When they get going, no-one can match them for improvisational genius. Remember that comeback against the All Blacks in 1999 – the greatest of all time?

Could it happen again?  I doubt it.  The All Blacks looked awesome against the Aussies and the French were grim against Wales – and England, and Tonga, and NZ in the pool, etc, etc.  But you never know.  One burst from Parra or Clerc or Medard and the game could change.  The tails go up and New Zealand won’t know what hit them.  And if it happened, I’d probably be whooping with delight.

And don’t we want a Northern Hemisphere victory? Well, yeah, sort of.

I’ll stick with New Zealand… until I change my mind!