The Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
The man behind me at the checkout in Monoprix early this morning said to the cashier in almost a whisper: “L’Irlande a perdu–Le Pays de Galle a gagné, you heard?” [Ireland lost, Wales won!]. The cashier gave a Gallic shrug.
(Everyone else this morning–those who were in the open air market that is–a much diminished crowd compared with a normal Saturday–was on tenderhooks.)
“France and England next,” he said, hardly daring to mention the game that was starting in half an hour in Auckland.
The anticipation of this quarter final between the old rivals (enemies!) has been intense; the view pretty pessimistic for the chances of the French team–who have been underperforming for most of the competition. They lost to Tonga, for heavens sake, last Saturday–an unprecedented national humiliation!
“Le Roogby” is an obsession here in southwestern France.
Back in 1998, after watching France beat Brazil in the soccer World Cup on a giant screen at the café in Place Jean Jaurés in Castres, we went round the corner for coffee in a nearby bar.
We enthusiastically congratulated the proprietor on the magnificent achievement of being champions of the soccer world.
“Oh, c’est pas grand chose,” he said, amazingly unimpressed. [No big deal!]
” Le vrai Coupe du Monde se passe l’an prochain–celle du Roogby!” [The REAL World Championship happens NEXT year–at rugby!]
I played soccer as a kid and have never got to grips with the arcane rules of “rugger”.
A big game though, like this morning’s, can be thrilling.
I settled down with a breakfast bowl of oats, walnuts and yogurt to watch.
I soon wished I’d stayed in the market–the French were playing out of their skins and the excitement in the square would have been palpable.
The unexpected was happening–the national team that had disappointed up to now looked like they were going to win–and not just win –but whip L’Angleterre, the old rival.
Whip them they did–despite an England rally in the second half.
The man in Monoprix may not be whispering now and next week for the semi-final I shall be in Place Jean Jaurés joining in the general cry–Allez les bleus!”
Robin Ellis 
Yes Robin France won. It is heart breaking to say this.,not only was I born in Salford,and used to watch them training at Moor Lane playing fields,& have been a life long supporter,but I live not 10 miles from Wigan & 2 from Leigh.
But the best team won on the day, congratulations France.
To cap a disappionting night England draw at football.Still there was some cheer Lancashire did win at cricket,after I think it was 67 years and have at long last got the go ahead to improve the grounds at Old Trafford hopefully the Test matches will be back in 2013.Oh heavens,that is not as far away as it should sound – Regard to you both Elaine
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Hi Robin
As a Pom living here in Australia I watched the match with interest. To day it’s our turn for nerves against South Africa.
Many thanks for your book which is inspiring me to do better after my doctor threatened me with insulin injections.
Your blog must be helping more people than you know.
Jennifer (Tasmania)
Thanks, good luck to the Aussies today! We won’t mention the cricket!
My dear Dad won 3 caps for England (1 against France)…and it’s as a result of my childhood brainwashing that I tell you I would much rather England lost against France this week than against Wales next!! Dad agrees…and we, too, will be cheering Les Bleus on next Saturday! Still a bit sad though….!
Wow–when did he play? is his name Lucas? I guess it was before the game turned professional.
Like you I am not much of a rugby fan but it is difficult not to get caught up in the excitement here in NZ. We even hosted four pool matches in our brand new covered stadium here in Dunedin. I can’t say I am rooting for the All Blacks necessarily, but it would be fun if they made it to the finals against France!
Meredith and I were travelling by car back from a meeting in Toulouse listening to France playing NZ on the radio.
It was so exciting we had to stop in a café halfway and watch it on the TV. The place was buzzing! France held on to win.
We all congratulated each other and the team and we sailed home very happy! The All Blacks have always been formidable–on verra [we’ll see]!
1966/67…R.C (Clive) Ashby…scrum half. Scored a try against Australia! Also the first South African to play for England (but that’s another story!!) He was a London Wasp, and last week was inducted into the Wasps Hall of Fame at The Savoy…huge night for him (not in good health) & for us. Long before professionalism so no material rewards, just lots of pride!! Taking him your/Marcella’s recipe for Chard, White Bean & Pasta soup this afternoon, as he loves to make soup for Mum on a Sunday evening.