I reserved judgement when we beat New Zealand, resisted the urge when we beat Australia but with a crushing defeat of South Africa (albeit with 14 men (Yes I did think he ought to have been sent off for a deliberate foul intended to disable a key English player)). Three superb games of Rugby Union at the highest level of competition and ENGLAND triumphed in all three, what now the Southern Hemispheres excuses?

Hi QC. So the subject is the Sunday Papers cover story in the UK? I'll reluctantly confess that the poms are on top of their game currently. In fact, I am really enjoying the way they are playing and hope that they can keep form into next September. It's going to make for a cracker of a World Cup.

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Totai Kefu's sister at dinner the other night. She confirmed what I expected in that the guys didn't want to be there. The 2002 season is now well into it's 10th month. They will have a 3 week break from rugby and start training for next year. One hell of a schedule, even for professional players.

I'd say the poms just wanted these victories more than the Kiwis and the Aussies (I wont rate the Boks), but then isn't that what it's all about. They still had to play exceptionaly well to earn them. Well done England. For now.

Now with the rugby over, we can all focus on the cricket. Perhaps the rugby was a pleasant diversion for the english. hehe

Hi Bertho - I've been the butt of the jokes regarding our cricket performance so far, but there is no way I can sit back and take any jokes about our union team considering that it's my local team (Leicester Tigers) that are providing the bulk and the guile of the England Team.There's still a long way to go but the last three games have proved to me that we have the makings of a team that can win the World Cup and win it WITH STYLE - open rugby as it should be played. - I said in a previous thread that if there was a 4 nations tournament with Australia, NZ, South Africa and England it would be a sell out for all games - I think the last three weeks have proved my point (I want to see the current Australian/.New Zealand/South African team play each other now - England have beaten them all - who'se going to be second?)

In reply to:

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The 2002 season is now well into it's 10th month. They will have a 3 week break from rugby and start training for next year. One hell of a schedule, even for professional players.

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mmmmm............wish I'd thought of that 'un!

Thanx for your congrats Bertho.

er...... Is there an Ashes series going on then???????

wez
I refer to my earlier query, "Is there an Ashes series going on then???????" - Contest?, what Contest?

53-3 England-Boks
16-10 GB-NZ

Disastrous, absolutely disastrous! Wish I could think of something typically disparaging to say, but......you know,,,,,, I just CAN'T!