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Last weekend, there were still four possible winners (mathematically at least) : had Scotland beaten Ireland, then Ireland, Scotland, and the winner of England-France would each have had three wins out of four. That's a testament to the high overall quality.

In the event, there are only Ireland and France left standing (again, mathematically) : but to be overtaken,  Ireland would have to lose -- to England -- without a defensive bonus, while France win with at least four tries against Wales (perfectly plausible, unless they take the day off as they did against Italy).

As expected, England continue their rough patch. I think their fundamental problem is not which coach they choose, but the chaos of the English Premier League clubs' finances. I'm not certain the players are overpaid, but someone certainly is.

Wales, similarly, but with a couple of zeros shaven o(ff the financial numbers.)

Scotland are still running on rocket fuel, despite their honorable loss to Ireland.

And I've seen no more talk about relegating Italy, who've played some spectacular and athletic rugby.
All (except possibly England, who might struggle to get out of the pool stage) are looking good for the World Cup in France.

I imagine you'll be making plans for a visit in the autumn, Frank?

It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II

by eurogreen on Thu Mar 16th, 2023 at 04:15:34 PM EST
The CEO of Scottish rugby is on £1,000,000 a year. Go figure.

Regrets, I won't make it over to France. The TV will have to do.

Index of Frank's Diaries

by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Thu Mar 16th, 2023 at 08:29:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Me too I'm afraid... I just realised last night that ticket sales opened last week for the "general public"... and sure enough, there are NO tickets available for ANYTHING, as far as I can see...

Matches in my region that I was interested in :

  • Wales v Australia
  • New Zealand v Italy
  • France v Italy
  • Argentina v Samoa

All sold out. Even Uruguay v Namibia !

We will be hosting friends coming from Switzerland (to watch the All Blacks) and Scotland (for Wales). People better organised than us.  

It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II

by eurogreen on Tue Mar 21st, 2023 at 11:53:08 AM EST
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