Upcoming events

You will doubtless be all too aware of a couple of major events coming up at the end of this week, but just in case you are not…

Friday sees the opening salvos of the 2015 Rugby World Cup as hosts England take on the Fijians at Twickenham. The tournament will doubtless take a firm grip of our imaginations (and lives) for the next six weeks, leading up to the grand final – at the Cabbage Patch – on October 31st.

England should be too strong for the South Sea Islanders but they are in the toughest group – alongside Australia and Wales – and nothing can be taken for granted at this stage.

The Girl and I now find ourselves with multiple interests. England are looking promising and the plethora of Bath men in the squad gives us much to cheer. The men in white will have a definite home advantage which may just tip the balance.

The Scots have – as ever – been through tough times of late and their objective is simply to get out of the group stages and into the quarter finals. I am quietly confident that the recent omens are propitious and that they will make it through.

Canada have had a particularly difficult warmup run this time round and do not look as good as they did four years ago. Fingers – and much else – will be crossed that they play out of their skins and do themselves justice.

The All Blacks are – of course – not only the holders but also once again the favourites. Given their talents and adventurous style of play it is impossible not to root for them. Excellence, pure and simple.

As we do not move into our new home until the end of September – and given that our lovely hosts do not actually subscribe to a TV package – the Girl and I are going to have to find somewhere to watch the opening exchanges. We may find ourselves downtown at the famous Sticky Wicket at the Strathcona hotel, where sports of all varieties are treated with appropriate degrees of respect.

Regardless of whom you support the Girl and I wish you the best of fortune and a good tournament. Enjoy!

The other major event of the week?

Why – Saturday is ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day‘ of course!

For the last few years I have been alerted to the imminence of this splendid day of celebration only after the event. This year I am prepared.

As now are you…

All together now – ‘Aaaaarrrrh‘!