Party or pooper? (394)
- 16 Oct 07, 12:43 PM
London - Has England’s emergence in the World Cup final caught you by surprise? No, of course not, you cry. I always had faith.
But did you back your convictions by leaving the diary empty for 2000BST on Saturday, 20 October 2007? (If you are South African, you may have done just that)
Or have you accidentally agreed to go to a wedding, the in-laws for dinner, or a grandparent's birthday? Are you even getting married yourself that day? (an England victory would certainly add new meaning to the line in your speech "this is without doubt the best day of my life...")
We want to hear how you've had to scheme and plot to alter your plans. Where will you watch the final? Is it at home to concentrate fully? Down the pub to savour the atmosphere? A crazy, swashbuckling, last-minute dash to Paris in the hope of a ticket? (I did this for the semi-final and can thoroughly recommend it) .
Or will you be at the Stade de France anyway because you're a Kiwi?
The prizes for the best story and the most lamentable excuse for not watching are... absolutely nothing, except the adoration/contempt of your blogging peers as we build up to Saturday night. Let's be having it.
Rob Hodgetts is a Ö÷²¥´óÐã Sport journalist based in London.
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I'll be in IKEA or somewhere watching paint dry
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Am living in Paris, had planned to attend a suprise 30th birthday party ouside of Dublin - already booked flight over. Just informed the girlfriend (who's french - I kid you not) that we won't be attending. She hasn't been very understanding...
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I can't talk about the final - minor changes made for that (dinner party morphs into a bunch of lads coming round), but for the semi-final I was best man at a mate's wedding. Obviously, I had to pretend that his wedding was all I cared about - I didn't even mention the rugby. But we found out that the game was showing on the big screen in the hotel's cinema, just up the stairs from where we were having dinner.
I rushed my speech, and a group of us managed to escape as the evening guests began to arrive. Five minutes from the final whistle, the groom came in to find out where all his mates were. He sat down and witnessed England's great, Jonny-inspired revival.
And the mood after that was just a bit special, I can tell you!!
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How many other rugby supporters will be on the 5.30am Eurostar and should the party start at that point?
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i'm in perth and hoping saturday's a double celebration - everton to beat liverpool (kick-off 7.45pm) then england to beat the saffers. only problem is not celebrating everton's success too much that i'm asleep by the 3am kick-off time.
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I'll be at the same place I watched the last final, at the watching it with all the guys I play with week in week out, including our South African prop. It's going to be fantastic!
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I have to admit to not having faith when I booked my holiday to Lanzarote a few months ago.
A soon as the excitement of watching the semi-final in the O2 arena had started to subside on Saturday night I felt a tinge of sadness about not being in England for the final.
On the 22nd Nov 2003 my wife was 9 days overdue so although I managed to watch the game with my friends I was stone cold sober and this time I'm not even here. At least I can remember it though and winning the World Cup and having your first Son in the space of 3 days is pretty amazing!
So overall I have to confess to bad planning but I have used the web to good effect and confirmed that almost every English bar in Playa Blanca will be showing the game.
Come Saturday night I will be wearing the shirt with pride and shouting loud for our boys to pull off one of the most amazing sporting comebacks of all time.
COME ON ENGLAND!
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dropping everything and booked a grandstand table for 4 at the sports cafe London....C'MON ENGLAND
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The only thing a group of us had planned was a circle line pub crawl. As this can be postponed for any other time we're going to Paris! The atmosphere will be amazing win or lose and we'll get to sample some "quality" hostel accomodation. Allez les BLANCS!
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Ok, you got me.
We booked our wedding for the 20th, having not checked the fixtures beforehand. Finding out later, we decided to press on and (unpatriotically) never thought England would make it all the way.
Never have we been so glad to be wrong, though many of our guests got panicky and texted us straight after to check we would put it on!
Our excellent venue has arranged for a screen to be made available and we have arranged a break in the disco so that we can concentrate fully on the matter at hand.
And as my husband-to-be has said, hopefully it will be a celebration double - we will win the rugby and Everton will win the Merseyside derby. (I think I come in a very distant third!!)
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On Friday I am taking my girlfriend over to Paris for the romantic weekend I promised her to celebrate our second year together. On Saturday evening I have managed to book seats in the best venue in town to celebrate our anniversary.
However I fear that the surprise of spending 'our' romantic night in the most romantic city in the world in the company of 79,998 other people may now mean that making our third anniversary is as likely as Menzies Campbell being our next prime minister!
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I noticed the clash with the last night of Journey's End, the play I am in, but at the time (several months before the start of the tournament) I didn't think it was going to be an issue.
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Please try emailing all your aussie friends with the joke about 5 and 6 place in the RWC being the Bledisloe Cup. They have definitely lost the down under sense of humour.
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We did a last minute dash to Paris, and all was nearly scuppered when the Hotel de Ville turned out not to be showing the game anymore (a warning to anyone trying this weekend!).
Ended up having an awesome time watching in a Parisian Greek restaurant :-)
The question is, do I need to find a greek restaurant to watch it in this weekend for luck?!
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Anyone want tickets to see The Police at Wembley Arena on Saturday at 8pm?
I am absolutely gutted that it clashes entirely with the Final. And I was at the France match so yes I am a real fan, just one who forgot that the final was on the Saturday and not the Sunday.
Hopefully Sting will decide he also wants to watch the rugby too and that his throat infection will last for a couple of weeks!
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I am in all sorts of trouble! I got engaged then the week after went to Nantes for Samoa game. The following week I went to Paris to see Tonga game.
I could then not resist a bit of Autumn sun in Marseille for the Australian education!
Sadly i missed the French game as i was entertaining clients at the Belfry! Great atmosphere in Sam's bar!
I have now acquired a ticket for Saturday v the Boks. How can i refuse such an offer??!! I have a cunning plan to suggest to my dear fiance that a World Cup Final ticket is the perfect engagement present for me!
What's more my future in-laws are coming over to Guernsey where we live for the weekend!
I am in trouble but will make it up to you sweetheart if you read this!!
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I booked a table at Octoberfest Pub in Fulham, expecting some of my mates to be watching their beloved Kiwi's or Aussie's in the final, and good old me just going along to drink my steins of beer and drown in the sorrow of such a poor England defence of the trophy.
How chuffed am I, that I will be the one wearing my shirt and singing with pride, still drinking my stein but hoping that one more performance can see us on top of the world... ...and my mates? They can sit and watch the world cup finalists at work!
What an inspired decision to book the table - I knew all along that England would get there ;-)
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Zoe, you sound like the perfect wife! Let's hope that on each of your successive anniversaries you are able to show a tape of a victorious England. Good luck.
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I got a phone call from an ex england player at 7pm on Friday night saying he had a ticket for me but that I would have to make my own way to Paris. I hitched a lift in a car from some friends to Paris leaving at 4.30am. I spent the night out on the tiles and didn't go to bed - we drank all the way on the ferry and I arrived a broken man in Paris with no where to stay and 2 bars of battery left on phone. Met 4 strangers outside the G de N and drank with them all afternoon. I had lost the boys who gave me a lft down by this stage so had a plan a route home. I managed to blag a ticket on the 9.20 eurostar for sunday morning, and had checked into a hotel miles out of town. I met up at the ground with my ticket doner and well the rest as they say is history.... what a night. I ended up meeting up with the guys who I had been drinking with pre-match and ended up eating Steak Frites and drinking Margot at 3am. Got a lift back to hotel from kind taxi man - woke up at 10 am having missed the eurostar. then had to get 2 trains, a bus, a ferry and another bus back to England. Arrived home at 10.30 pm a broken but very happy man! I have to watch it at home on my own this weekend as bank account is empty!! Please go to Paris you will have so much fun. Hold your nerve and hope you get a ticket outside the ground 10 mins before KO "Fortune Favours the Brave"
Jx
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Having watched last week at the Eastbourne Beer Festival, which did a fine job of big screen next to plenty of beer (that last bit was quite easy for them obviously!!) this week will be tough to find somewhere to match the atmosphere and amenities!
Maybe a visit to my local rugby club....I coached the U10's last year, so should be OK to get in!
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I am supposed to be going to a wedding recepetion, but I will be objecting to go on moral grounds, as the bride ran off with her ex's best friend.
That may not however be the excuse I put forward come 1900h on Saturday..Any suggestions?? Most innovative will be used!!
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My girlfriends Brother and Sister-in-law are supposed to be visiting 'us' in London.
Suffice to say that they will only be visiting my girlfriend as I am off to Paris - not that I have told her this yet!
Any ideas on how to break the news lightly?!
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" Has England’s emergence in the World Cup final caught you by surprise?"
Like my two year old's toilet accident in the bath.
Surely, there is nothing that is more important than that date.
Go Bokke
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Unfortunately for me, I'll be at work until 9pm, I don't know how (if at all) I'll be able to get out of it, but I'm willing to attempt. Unfortunately, I don't think that feigning death will work, as I think I've managed to die too many times this year already ;).
I will however, be making the 2 mile drive home as fast as legally possible, so that I can be home to witness a truly historic event.
I was sat at home in my front room, with my non rugby playing brother for the last Final we reached, unfortunately, he is in Scotland this year with his wife and son, but has assured me that come 8pm on Saturday, he will be sat in a pub somewhere in Edinburgh or Glasgow, with his Scottish wife and his 12 week old son, enjoying an occasion that I, as a rugby player, would give anything to be playing in.
Perhaps hes mad, but he has already said that he'll be wearing his England shirt for the game, a brave man indeed.
In the process of watching last Saturdays game (Which definately wasn't one for the purists amongst us), I went through too many emotions to mention, emotions that I know many millions of RU fans in England and the surrounding world were also going through. If this Saturdays final brings out half of those emotions for me, I'll have enjoyed the game.
Turn your telly on, strap yourself in, and enjoy the ride. This one could be slightly bumpy.
England need the performance of their lives to nullify the dangerous South Africans, but I believe they will do.
RT.
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Made the trip to Marseille for quarter final as I expected it to be the last game, and promised family weekend away in Cornwall for half term weekend as England players would be playing premiership rugby by then. South West rugby supporters are reportedly the best in the country so will now have to find a suitable pub to hide in.
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I'm working. I'm a bartender at a private function place in Stroud (Gloucestershire). Most people would turn around and say but you have widescreen TVs and hundreds of England supporters packed in a room, not so...
There's no TV's there...
:'( (That's meant to symbolise me crying inside...)
The worst thing was that I didn't even get to see England win the Semi-final live, as I gave it up to spend the night with one of my best mates for her birthday while she's on leave from the RAF.
However my unwashed England shirt that has been worn for 4 days straight in pure joy. It's been stained with lager, sauces from eating kebabs in celebration at 3am, sweat and tears of joy, including from the national anthem. I may not have been able to make the most of this tournament as I would have hoped, but my passion for the sport and commitment to my country has never faltered at any point.
Win, lose or draw it's a victory for all as the great song goes. And no matter what the result I'll wear my shirt that day, and maybe the next with pride...
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The final falls on my 25th birthday and an away game for my rugby club.
So I will have to do many drinking penalties. The only problem is that I wont be able to go out for my quarter century until late on, thats if I even make it out of the club house. Come on England!
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I always believed.
We planned a dinner party for this Sat about 2 months ago.
Obviously with the full intention of watching England to world cup glory part 2. Honestly.
Still hoping to put a spanner in the works by getting a ticket to go and see it for real.
Any good divorce lawyers out there? I may need you if I get one.
Come on England and arise Sir Brian Ashton.
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Ages ago myself and my wife (she's French) had been invited to a World Cup Final soirée in Pau by some French who had expected France to be in the final and of course I didn't expect England to be there. It's still on and I'm not going to try and wriggle out of it as they are all rugby fanatics so I'll still be able to watch the match but now as the sole representative of a team who have made it. Hoping all goes well my usual celebrations, which more often than not end up by my wife annoyingly calling me a "nutcase" (pronounced with a French accent), may have to be toned down depending on how much I drink.
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I fixed my birthday dinner for the South Africa - England match. I didn't check my diary and was gutted to miss it.
With hindsight, I was glad I did miss it. I haven't seen England lose yet, and hopefully, I won't.
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It's bad enough that I live in Sweden and had to watch the semi on the internet, but I'm being forced to go to a conference in Greece this weekend! Anyone know where I can see the final in Patras?!
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I live in NY but I am going to my brother in laws wedding down in the Florida Keys where there all the bars will be playing College "football". Luckily the wedding is at 6 EST and kickoff is at 2 so I will be bringing the laptop and watching ppv online in my hotel room.
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I live in Paris and the date has always been in my diary - however I must admit that I thought I'd be supporting my hosts (France) and not England! I just wish I'd taken the plunge last month and booked tickets when they came on sale. Oh well!
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for the sake of rugby's global reputation i'm praying for a south african victory. this english team, even though capable of playing running rugby, have dealt the game a body blow with their tedious and utterly mind-numbing pattern of play. Remember the great welsh sides from the 70's with edwards, bennett etc? That's rugby played with skill and pace not 'up your jumper' stuff.
good luck to both sides and whoever wins lets hope they win in style
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I am finding it very difficult to deal with this week.
4 years ago I had a ticket to the final. I was able to fly down to Sydney but chose not to as was concerned I would spend a lot of money to go a long way to see England lose. My fault I know for not having faith, but I have never for 1 second stopped regretting that decision. I vowed to myself that should England ever be in a final again there would be nothing that would stop me getting there - no committments nor financial constraints.
Last weekend I was lucky enough to get to the semi v France which already cost over a grand in tickets and transport, but I have been trying not to think about what I would feel like if we got through to the final but now I cant avoid it.
So why arent I just going this weekend? Well, my husband is best man to his brother on his wedding day, although he himself cant believe the lack of foresight on behalf of his brother (rugby player and fan) and well as his fiancee who is a female rugby player, with majority of guests being players/fans, to have planned their wedding on the same day as the RWC final.
So here I am again, with a major dilemma on my hands. I know the right and morale thing to do is to go to the wedding and watch the match from a mini tv they will have set up in the back. But my heart will not be there after knowing the awe-inspiring pre and post match atmosphere that will be taking place in Paris. I am 100% devastated. I probably will do the right thing again or risk a family upset and I cant logically justify to myself that it makes sense to abandon family at a time like this. Yet I know that come Saturday, I will feel awful every second and hold resentment for certain people.
Just want to cry every minute. Guess I am a bit sad for being such an obsessive but I just cant believe I am in this position again.
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I will be driving home from where I work whilst at university, a drive that will take me the duration of the match plus any additional time required. Thank god for Radio Five Live basically.
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Is this the Ö÷²¥´óÐã or the EBC? I appreciate you're in the majority but I am getting fed up this website's assumption that all UK users are English.
Had, Scotland, Wales or Ireland made the final I cannot see this article having been written in this manner.
And yes, I will be supporting England, despite not being English.
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I booked it because I knew SA would be there.
However I did make one big mistake in that I am moving to Japan and foolishly agreed to leave the UK on the 18th.
My birthday is on the 20th and I will celebrate my late gift (a SA win) at about 6am Japan time Sunday morning (shouldn't be a problem as the old body clock will still be in the UK), in the Roppongi (party town)area of Tokyo .
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Gonzo, Never has the name of a play been so more apt. Definately is the Journeys End for all of us.
R,
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I will be watching this truly great and unbelievable event at my local rugby club with all my rugby playing mates, brothers and my South African Wife! It will be a great occasion and hope that the boys can pull off the game of their lives and if they do they should all be knighted!
We all had a great time last Saturday at a bar in town and nearly destroyed it in the process and hopefully this week the roof will come off the rugby club!
I just hope that if England win my wife will still love me and stand 4 more years of gloating.
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After watching the England game last sat with the rest of my rugby team in a pub in Wandsworth, many thought it was a good idea to drop everything and head to Paris for next sat (not really expecting it to happen!!)
However it is happening!! the coach is booked and there are now 40 or so rugby players and wifes on the way to Paris on Friday night!!! Going to be amazing!!! Is it me or is this week going really slowly?
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W/o even looking at the fixture list I had booked flights to the UK for that w/e, the idea being a surprise visit for my parents to see their grandson. I think now that on the saturday evening I might be leaving my son in the capable hands of my mother while my father & I pop down the pub.
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no story to tell for the final, but for the semi, just had a birthday with nought on the end. Marseille for the weekend 2 weeks ago was my birthday treat to myself, and my party invites for last saturday went out with the obvious statement that rugby would be on if england made it, and booked a venue with 5 tv's in it, just in case,
what a night, and several new converts, "Al, havent got a clue whats going on but this is fantastic", from a number of football fans.
what a night, and what a birthday
Come on England, finish the dream, south africa werent all that against fiji, and were helped a lot by the argies running out of steam at the last hurdle
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Saturday is my 22nd birthday, so me and all my mates are going out (and dragging along our girlfriends) for a curry, then to watch the match in walkabout - the aussie staff shoudl be a sight to behold - then out for a double celebration!!
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Sadly, I'm going to be in Ipswich with 20 rugby referees, referee coaches and assessors for a tournament. Could hardly think of a worse place to watch the match given they will all be dissecting Alain Rolland's performance in minute detail. I suspect that jumping all over them (like I did in the pub for the RWC final 2003) will not go down at all well and currently contemplating bunking off to find somewhere more 'atmospheric' to watch the boys. C'MON ENGLAND!!!!
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I have a stupidly pre-organised hockey game in Winston-Salem in the deep south of the USA. Our game will finish at 2.58pm just two minutes before kick-off. They have never heard of rugby here in this small university towm. No pubs will be showing it and they don't even have an Irish one - very strange that... I fear the best I can do is find a wireless internet cafe and 'watch' the screen tick over or find a clever minute by minute 'blogger' like I did for the quarter final against Austalia.
After being in Stadium Australia four years ago I don't think the atmosphere will be repeated due to the participating finalists be here's hoping for the same result!
PS. Just got an email from Brian Ashton and the man is sounding very relaxed. A very different environment than four years ago me thinks... Go the Red Rose!!
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Englishman living in Scotland here, so I will be in the pub in Edinburgh like I was four years ago, wearing the shirt with pride. Usually great banter with the folk up here (last week was spoiled a little by a few of our round ball chums turning up after their great success . However most true Rugby fans looked as disapproving as I as they booed through "God Save the Queen", then flicked V signs at anyone on the TV wearing red and white. (Tellingly, this included the French reserves as they stretched their legs in their tracksuits)!!!!
I was hoping to get over to France for this weekend, but family emergency has stopped me trying to make plans until this afternoon, and now things are a little cost prohibitive. Never mind there will be one piece of this foreign field that will be English this weekend, and to tell you the truth, I will be more than happy and more than drunk if we win, but as long as the boys play with the same heart and soul approach they have in the last two matches I will be so utterly proud of them, even if the Boks clinch it.
Having said that, and despite being scared as hell, and despite the look of the teams on paper, in my heart I believe that we can, I believe that we will.
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Last time watched it in my student digs on my own, as I was off to play a big hockey match.
Gutting considering all my mates were in Walkabout getting wasted!!
This time will be getting smashed down my hockey club, and i think the phone call to my uncle in SA at the end of the match could well be worth!!
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Im English living and working in Madrid and something about being out of the " motherland " makes me feel even more closer to home evertime i watch our boys head out the tunnel ! last weekend i was in the center of Madrid surrounded by mainly french supporters and Scottish supporters of the French ! however like our boys on the pitch i was patcient and it payed off ! what a great feeling ! to be lost in a sea of foreign people yet proud enough to stand out alone ! Theres no avoiding the great skill and strength the South Africans bring but at the end of the day it comes down to who wants it more ! and those guys on the pitch have the hearts of lions!!!
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I thought we had no chance and gave the wife clearance to organise us a long weekend in Tromso, Norway where her best friend lives! Now I have to go to snowy old Norway whilst both my brothers head for Paris with one empty seat in the car - gutted!
On a brighter note the lovely girl in Norway has found us a bar which will be showing the match, anyone going to be watching it any further north than myself? I think not!
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I feel this story rubs salt into the wounds...I have just been bombarded with emails saying that I'm on the Ö÷²¥´óÐã sports page with my brother painted red and white in our viking outfits from sat...find the pic...only to find it leads to an article about people who can't make the final!!! Well folks, that was my bro and I tearing up Paris for the semi's on sat and although he will be returning (costumes in hand) at the w.end, I will be on bestman duty at a wedding in Bath! How did you know...
Tom
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In 2003 i had just graduated and was spending some time travelling around Australia before coming home to get a 'proper' job. During the world cup i was working in one of the bars in the Telstra Dome in Sydney so i got to witness the win first hand. It was fantastic!
It is my Birthday on Saturday so i am hoping that England can pull of a win making my Birthday one to remember!! I dont think the location is going to be as glamarous and up-close this time, likely to be a pub in Oxford somewhere.
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I'm absolutely gutted. Saturday is my birthday and I'd been planning to go out for a few drinks with friends but now every pub in England will be full of Tarquin and his posh glory hunting fans making the place unbearable. I'll be spending the evening at home instead...
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In 2003 i had just graduated and was spending some time travelling around Australia before coming home to get a 'proper' job. During the world cup i was working in one of the bars in the Telstra Dome in Sydney so i got to witness the win first hand. It was fantastic!
It is my Birthday on Saturday so i am hoping that England can pull of a win making my Birthday one to remember!! I dont think the location is going to be as glamarous and up-close this time, likely to be a pub in Oxford somewhere.
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Funny you should mention weddings...... My son will be at a wedding on Saturday. During the semi-final there was some furious texting taking place to ensure there would definitely be a big screen available at the reception for the rugby fans.
Me? I kept the 20th free (I didn't want to go to that birthday party anyway!!)
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How many other rugby supporters will be on the 5.30am Eurostar on Saturday morning and should the party start at that point?
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I'm flying to New York on Friday to stay with my girlfriend's friend and her Hungarian boyfriend (I have to admit to thinking it was unlikely that any of Ö÷²¥´óÐã Nations would still be there when I booked the flights a couple of months ago).
I have given them strict instructions to find a venue that's showing the game, but don't think they fully understand the gravity of situation.
I fully expect to be up earlier on Saturday morning searching every Manhattan back street for a suitable bar.
At least it will be on at a decent time, about 3pm.
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I am getting married.
I went to a few 6 Nations matches and an Autumn international safe in the knowledge that we wouldn't have made the final.
On SundayI told the other half that it was going to make an otherwise average Saturday even better, and she sort of saw the funny side.
Fortunately there will be a TV in the hotel bar, so sandwiched between the Wedding Breakfast and the live band a victorious England will go down a treat.
Height of Romance?
Cutting your cake and cramming in your first dance at half time. She even agreed.
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My beloved brother booked the tickets as a 50th brithday treat for his fanily and in jan 2006. thats faith! Bless Him
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Will be in the Stade de France with my wife. She bought the tickets 8 months ago for a now very good bargin of £250 each. Our nice relaxed weeekend to Paris to enjoy a match of rugby without worrying about the result has been wrecked though. C'mn England!!
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I can't believe it, I'll be singing in a band gig organised months ago in Bristol. Can't let the others down, who seem not to have noticed recent events. Will the guests even come to the party? Will they demand that the final is over before we go on? Anyway, I've insisted we do The Gambler as an opening number whatever the result.
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I'll be stuck on a flight to Oz. Can you believe it? Tried to change my flight but I can't. Boo hoo! At least I'll be able to rub it in (win or lose) when I arrive in Sydney.
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I'll be somewhere over the mid-Atlantic on my way to Canada, knowing that not only will I miss the match, but it will take me three days to find out what the score was....
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I'm driving down from Manchester to Dover for the midnight ferry on Friday with 4 mates. Get to Dunkirk about 3am local time and driving straight to our poky little hotel near La Defense. Can't wait to start this amazing road trip be even better if we can all blag cheapish tickets!
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It's times like these that the five hour gap between London and Philadelphai is a real headache. It's difficult to both play and watch simultaneously, so the coach has been told, rather than asked, to make a 'tactical sub' on Saturday afternoon, with 20 mins to do so I can get to the one pub in Philly where we meet, crush together like sardines, but at least get to watch the Final.
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Didn't think that England would get so far, but I would never miss an opportunity to see the Rugby World Cup Final!
Last time round I was in a bar in Chennai savouring the occasion over a couple of beers. This time I'll be home watching the match on TV5 Asia. Commentary is in French, but hey, it's better than nothing!
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Did Bath to Marseille (1700 mile round trip) in a transit van with 8boys from the rugby club for the quarter final against Auz and fiji v SA, what a top weekend in the sun that was. So after the heroics of saturday night it wasn't a hard decision to dust down the van, round the same troops up and head off to gay paris, piece of cake.....only 800 miles this time! Sleeping bags, grand biere, vin rouge and baguettes and fromage packed. See you in paris!
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It's times like these that the five hour gap between London and Philadelphai is a real headache. It's difficult to both play and watch simultaneously, so the coach has been told, rather than asked, to make a 'tactical sub' on Saturday afternoon, with 20 mins to do so I can get to the one pub in Philly where we meet, crush together like sardines, but at least get to watch the Final.
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I know Tim Eaton (see comment 50)and I'll happily take his wife to Norway for the weekend!
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Gutted!
Following our drive into the final I have tried in vain to convince my Swedish girlfriend that going to visit her family in a remote log cabin somewhere in Lapland this Saturday is not such a good idea. Even lies about it being bear breeding season and they are very aggressive at this time of year have not put her off.
Not only is there a lack of T.V but Internet and no doubt mobile reception as well. And she wants me to watch Sweden v Ireland tomorrow instead of Russia England. Not a chance darling!!!!
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Im on the 2.00 am ferry over to make sure I'm there in time! I dunno what Ill do if we lose, probably jump overboard on the way back!
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I'll be at my aunts wedding but since im sitting in between my father and brother, (both rugby fans)i've bought a mini-tv for during the ceremony, not sure how to avoid being spotted if we score though...
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The other half and I were all set for our house warming party at our new flat, safe in the knoweldge that it'd be New Zealand vs South Africa in the final and no-one would care. We've now had to restyle things a little and are now holding a "world cup final" party.
My only worry now is that, when Robinson crosses for that vital try or Jonny slots over the decisive three points, our new flat will suffer the unavoidable spillage that the celebrations will casue. All this is made all the more galling by the fact that I happen to be Scottish. A room full of celebratory English fans in my new flat? Damn.
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Train from Exeter to London on Friday afternoon, staying in London Friday night, driving to Dover first-thing Saturday morning, ferry to Calais, then a combination of bus and train to Paris.
I booked the ferry about three hours after the final whistle, whilst a little(!) drunk, before realising the ferry left before the first train from London arrived. A busy Sunday sorting logistics!
Anyone else on the 8.15am ferry, I'll be the one in an England shirt.
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I will be sitting with a group of people including - Scottish wife, Argi (1), Irish (2), Welsh (1) and Aussie (1) friends in an Aussie bar watching the final.
Organised 6 months ago. Guess which of the above felt it would be a great idea to book early to avoid disappointment?
a) the Aussie
b) the Aussie
c) the Aussie
d) the Aussie
e) the Aussie
I'm loving it!!!!!
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i was in the sports cafe in london for the semi last week and have to say its the best atmosphere ive ever been in for any sporting occasion..so if u get the chance get down there!!! COM ON ENGLAND!!!
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I had a ticket for the semi but didn't go due to work commitments. Won't make that mistake again so going to final.
Anyone tell me how to tell the wife?
Via mobile from Paris?
Great to see all the wedding one's but bad planning guy's!!
Lot's of negative comments about the style of play. Especially the welsh one in the 70's. Made me smile.
I too admired that play but times move on. You still wearing your kipper tie and listening to Max Boyce? :-)
Only joking. If Wales were in the final I would support them because they were the team that made me want to play rugby in the first place.
But as I said times move on.
Good luck boys. I will be able to say 'I WAS THERE'.
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Have had tickets since early july was going to the final anyway.
mystic meg like, no idea who would get this far.Q/F win was a maybe when France won, took the view that either
way could see england maybe 3/4place or France in final.
Crazy world ,now England are there my week has been dominated by saturday.This blog and others totally occupying life. Latest news comments etc.
It, maybe my only chance to see england live in a final.
All the others 91 2003 no tickets but now hope springs eternal.EITHER way 1 of 80,000. If it as good as the build up happy budgie time.
Let the fun begin.
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Had to do a lot of grovelling to the wife having spent the weekend before last in Marseilles. However she is very understanding and hence I will be there, in the Stade de France giving it millions!
Keep it up EBC....
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I'm booked in for my first and last Colonic irrigation on Saturday exactly the same time our boys kick off against SA. Something the wife bought me for a 50th birthday pressie. Bless her. I just hope the SA boys will have tears in their eyes and be feeling the sensations as me. OOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!
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Mad dash weekend from New York to Paris to be there in person. Less than 19 hours in The City of Lights but who cares. Had tickets for months but still trying to believe that I am seeing England there. The atmosphere in the Manhattan pub Saturday was amazing enough, I can only imagine what it will be like in Paris.
Very proud to be a supporter of our ugly duckling rugby! Who cares how we do it as long as we do it. Quick mesage for the kiwis out there: it's about winning stupid! (to paraphrase a former President)
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Afternoon all,
It was always in the plan to watch the final; so nothing has been arranged - yet - not even where we will be watching the final...
Having been to the semi (tickets were purchased back in July - honest, so big bonus for it to be England / France) the thought of going back for the final keeps trampling through my head...
Now the bizarre thing is, me and the family is heading out to Disneyland Paris on Monday morning.... If I can just persuade the missus that a weekend in Paris with the little chumpsters pre-Disney is a good idea...
Cheers
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after some bad planning leading to a wedding reception and the england vs tonga match clashing and the arguments that followed I wisely explained to my misses how i shall wait until after the semi to decide if i will take her up on her weekend away with her friends staying in exeter in a real ale pub, on all other occasions a man would have to be mad to turn down such a weekend, but happy days she is going alone and says she understands!!! happy days indeed. I shall be in a pub in Bristol shouting, laughing, drinking, cheering and probably getting over emotional with happyness as i usualy do during england world cup finals, I am, as most people here are, now world cup final watching veterans, what an amazing thought!
For the past 4 years i have said to all my non English friends you can laugh as much as you like at how bad england are but being world champions is like a shield of steel which means it is difficult for me to be in anyway upset by it. The idea that it may last for another 4 years fills me with such amazing joy I can not stop smiling and even if it doesnt happen the past 3 weeks of watching england has been more enjoyable than 2003 because it has been so unexpected as such we are in a no lose situation people!
So thank you England, thank you sport gods etc I will never forget these few weeks of joy no matter what happens saturday, and thank you to charlotte for 'understanding'
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My old man booked a holiday to Peru last year, thinking as most were that the best we could hope for was quarter finals. Oops.
However, he managed to find a bar in downtown Machu Picchu showing the French game, found some agreeable Frenchmen to sit with incredibly and had a ball (especially when we won). He's still there and scouitng for a bar somewhere else to watch the final.
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As it's my 25th birthday on sunday, I'd already decided that a party was in order at my student flat. I've now changed the plans so instead of a Dog The Bounty Hunter Party, it'll be a Rugby Party, with everyone dressed as farmers.
Hopefully this will be the best birthday I've ever had!
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I have just found a solution to the acute anxiety attacks I have been experiencing today vis a vis the game on saturday.
I have decided that should the boks, by some quirk of fate, (or just raw talent), sneak a positive points difference in their favour, then it will not matter a jot. In my mind, using tantic methodologies, England will have won anyway, and the scoreline is, in fact, irrelevant.
Gracious me, I'm losing it big time.......
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I will in the gym getting ready to unlease myself on New Zealand in 2011
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4 of us booked flights from NY to Paris almost immediately after we sobered up last week, 3 more are coming in to Paris from London on that 5.30 am Eurostar train that everyone seems to be on. 2 of us were in the Telstra Dome in 2003 so we just have to get as close as possible this time. It was not expected but who cares ..... we just want to join the Paris party.
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Going to Cheltenham races Friday and Saturday (as planned) and then following that up with the final on HUGE screen at the racecourse. Not entirely planned but as weekends go, this is going to be a good one.
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It's my birthday on Friday and I had planned to go down the local with a few mates for drinks on 20th with a view to Sky +ing the final. Needless to say, was on the phone to my local immediately after the match on Saturday to make sure they were playing the final - yes indeedy they are. And the number of friends joining me has quadrupled with one coming after the match because she can't bear the thought of watching the egg-chasing. Here's to a good birthday and not having to worry about what to wear because the only thing I could possibly wear now is my trusty England shirt (oh, and jeans!).
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I will not be watching this Saturday, because the Rugby season ended last week with the Grand Final at Old Trafford.
Strictly Come Dancing or 'X' Factor is on my viewing agenda. Saying that, I think there are some Union players performing in come dancing, good grounding that union game for dancers I suppose!
There is a test series coming up shortly GB v New Zealand.
No recycling or phases or lifting involved, just out and out aggression and real rugby.
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It is my father-in-laws 60th Birthday, so I am having to go to that. The worse thing is he is Scottish - so obviously won't be too bothered.
The chances of recording it and then not finding out the score before I get to watch it???
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tried to go, me and a mate thought it would be a great idea, went on train/plane/ferry websites. train is £225, plane is £268 and ferry is £100. so will now be in a pub feeling bitter towards money grabbing travel services.
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Am going to be on a plane at kick-off time and for the whole game - off for my once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon in Africa (not South...)
Really excited about the honeymoon, but also gutted to be missing the final. It was booked 4 months ago, at which point I never though about the final - I only put 2 and 2 together at the start of the tournament, and even then wasn't unduly concerned given how England had been playing
Best I can hope for is getting the pilot to find out the score for us!
Still, it will be a cracking honeymoon and there's always the 2011 final :)
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Jimbob (Reply 74) - I'll see you on the boat then!
I was one of those thousands of people watching the semi-final celebrations on the telly, whilst booking my trip to Paris for this weekend. Will I get a ticket? Doubt it. Will it matter? Not in the least.
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I have to admit that after the mauling by South Africa in the group stages, we watched the remaining group games more in fear than expectation. Cut to Sunday morining, many hurried texts and the cancellation of a few plans made seven of the lads ready to go(several girlfriends ready to explode!). After several hours of crashed websites and overloaded phone lines, we finally got the ferry booked. Next day delivery on some last mintue world cup 2007 rugby shirts and suddenly we knew we could do it all along!
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I did turly have faith that we would get this far and I will be down the pub having just returned from a hockey match
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For the last final I was meant to be on a plane home from a holiday in Mauritius (having watched the Semi with my French hosts :oD ) I was distraught when I discovered the flight and the match clashed.
But there is a God, the plane did an emergency stop half way up the runway and the breaks were ruined so BA had to put me up in an all expense 5 * hotel for 2 days and I watched the final with 100 Aussies!
Ill be at a World Cup Final party for this one
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I had booked a party at home several months ago to celebrate my 60th this Saturday with lots of rugby supporting friends of many years standing, including some South African friends. I then read that it was the Rugby Cup Final and tried to alter the date as our gang would have watched whoever was playing,espcially the male members. This was not possible due to other commitments and next Saturday is now going to turn into a real celebration...we've organised a big screen TV a marquee, lots of lovely food and some champagne. After the match we'll celebrate whatever the outcome!! Good luck England!
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Some time ago we organised an all day LAN party (computers networked together to play games) for the 20th October at a local church. At the time no-one realised that it was the day of the rugby world cup final but even when we found out none of us expected us to actually get there enough to warrant us re-arranging the date.
After Saturdays result we suddenly had to think of a plan of how to show the game at the event. We've managed to get our hands on a projector so we'll be able to show the match on a big screen along with pizza and beer.
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Have booked a trip to Rome for the Girlfriends birthday, I'm sure she won't mind spending the first evening watching the match.
Anyone know any decent bars that will show it as I've been informed by the italian in the office that Saturday is Serie A night :-(
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I had booked to go to the local parish quiz night and fish and chip supper, (it's a church thing)then a minor miracle happened and the boys rediscovered their ability to beat any team in the world. Gave the excuse to the parish priest that I was going to my parents (may the lord forgive me) but when I rang them up to see if I could park myself in front of their television for the night of celebration (hopefully) found that they were going to a, yes you guessed it, another bl@@dy quiz night and fish and chip supper, despite being one hundred miles away, not only that but they had also got me a ticket to go. At this point I realised honesty was the best policy and told them all that as I'm pretty dense and don't like chips much, I would be staying home with a large bottle of red wine (in honour of the French and their magnificent World Cup) and watch the bravest bunch of players I have had the pleasure of seeing since the days of Skinner and Co. Do your best and make us proud, win or lose you are the dogs whatsits.
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My son is going to Washington DC tomorrow for a Politics school trip. Do any of the US channels show the game ?
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Always had the faith. Bought my ticket back in March!
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Me and three other mates driving from Exeter, UK, parking somewhere in or around Paris and partying till sunday, then driving home :) Gonna be a long one!!
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I will be in the local pub, where the Welsh landlord loves his rugby and sponsors our club - Writtle Wanderers RFC.
He got so sick of the soccer hooligans in there last week, shouting ignorant abuse at the French and the ref, that this week he is restricting entry to ticket holders only!
So, if you don't know your knock-on from your up-'n'-under, stay away! Win or lose, we will cheer the England boys on - they have shown such heart and determination that they deserve to come back with heads held high whatever the outcome!
Mags
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have booked saturday off from the girlfriend. will spend it from about midday in an irish bar in manhattan with a few mates. great atmosphere for the french and aussie games - lots expats here. anyone who's over on holiday - there are a few venues, mostly irish bars - that have the game on pay per view. you have to pay entry $20. small price to pay for glory.
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Well i didn't think the boys would be playing the final on Saturday,thats for sure . I had booked a table at a posh Italian due to it being my 1st Anniversary of moving in with my partner. ( HELL WHY I DID I BOOK THAT DATE ? ) No my i am able to get away with it, so i have asked to havE a table away from any t.v screen . Sound like i will PUSHED INTO A CORNER THEN ! Whats the betting i can't go all night without finding out the score ?
PS. Have also got tickets for S.A against the BA.BA's at HQ on Dec 1st
hope its not the W.C Winners
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i feel sorry for my mate. rugby mad, but he has just been told that he has to be on duty on saturday to make sure us drunk rugby lot don't cause any trouble.
he is not happy.....
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No 10 - great story, where are you getting married??
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I am an England Rugby supporter but foremost a rugby fan. I would be keeping my diary free whether I expected England to make it or not. I would be watching if it was NZ, SA, OZ, Georgia, Wales... whoever. Have had a great month and a bit travelling to France with a bunch of excellent mates, but not make semi as face value tickets were far too much. Utmost respect for the Welsh who were there in Marseilles anyway as many of us would have done the same. Am likely to be there on Saturday but maybe without ticket.
As an England Rugby supporter, I am hoping that the first thing that happens on Sunday morning is that Mike Ford gets sacked as a result of the things he was quoted as saying about the England players. If he was misquoted by the press (what a surprise) then I apologise to him; if not he has to go.
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I have tickets for The Enemy gig in Birmingham on Saturday. Suffice to say I'll not be using them, and I'll be in my local Walkabout from about 1pm "calming my nerves"!
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I have to say it didn't cross my mind that England would be the final when I booked my holiday. This would not normally be a bad thing as you can find an Irish pub in most cities to watch the match.
But no, I am on an 11 hour train ride between Krakow and Lvov, with my my girlfriend who hates rugby. I really have messed this one up. My only chance is Ö÷²¥´óÐã world service and a crate of strong Easter European lager!
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Will be at my grandparents golden wedding anniversary bash - and they have made sure there is a TV there for me ...... how kind is that ???????
i will be pacing about shouting like a loon at the tv for two hours and so could ruin their do - but they are cool about it ....what wonderful grandparents !
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Managed to get out of the mother-in-laws surprise 60th birthday to head back to Paris for the final with the lads.
Now have an extrememly jealous wife (who hasn't managed to be excused duties) and no doubt a mother in law on the warpath. Boy i am going to pay for this!
Still, you've got to know when to hold 'em...
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Myself and three other country girls are heading over saturday afternoon for a fantastic nights entertainment by the 'Eye Full' tower. Come on England!!!!!!! Come on chaps!!!! We wouldn't miss it for the world (cup!!)
Here's hoping the celebrations go on into the early hours...
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of all the people, i think i may win. for THE WHOLE MATCH i will be in mid air on a flight to california. and i wont touch down till about five hours after the game finishes. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! of all the days!!!!
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I live in the U.A.E, so we are 3 hours ahead of paris time, so the match will start around 11 and i have school the next day so i have to wake up at 6 (dubai trafic!!!!) so i dont no if i can watch it, so i will probably spend the next day avoiding rugby finatics and just record the game.
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i watch the re-run of FRANCE V SCOTLAND
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5 mates and I are heading from University of Essex up to Liverpool for the Merseyside derby early Saturday morning, hopefully witnessing a Everton victory and then going out in the city to watch the final and an England win would make it the best 21st birthday weekend ever!
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Our diaries are clear... other than the increasing likelihood that I'll probably be giving birth at the weekend - hoping to listen to the match to keep my mind off the contractions! Hoping that baby decides to arrive between following Arsenal, England and Lewis Hamilton - what are the odds of sandwiching a delivery between that lot? :)
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I'm a bored Cockney living in Memphis, TN.
I'll be watching the final in my house with the missus. All the England games, bar the first one, have been on pay per view. I bought the England v France game and the satellite company managed to miss the 1st 5 minutes of the game!
Not as bad as the last RWC when the broadcast cut off after regulation time!
Nobody that I've spoken to here seems to know, or care, that the RWC is even being staged. Typical Americans, If they can't win it, they don't care.
I'm coming back home to Blighty.
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I will be in a local hotel on the outskirts of cairo having replanned my business about seeing both semi finals and the football last weekend.
How dum was that I do not think Egyptian telly will be covering the game!! :-((
The hotel also has no internet access so no running commentary either
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Got a mate's wedding on Saturday! Tried telling him his future wife was cheating on him and had to cancel but he's having none of it. Needless to say I WILL be disappearing on Saturday night to at the very least watch it in my hotel room, I'm not missing this for anything!!
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To Caroline, Simon, Bentos and all those who are legging it out to Paris for a party - great work. Fill yer boots - it's once in a lifetime. Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower could be the spot to head for. After that, late-closing Irish bars could be your best bet.
To James and everyone who went last week and is now broken, pennyless but happy (like me) - you've served your country well.
To Robbie, James and anyone who's leaving a partner to watch it, wherever you are - brave but devoted to the cause. They'll get over it. Eventually.
To Ric - hope you lumped some cash on too.
To Clive - at least you're in the right city.
To Rob, Keo and anyone else working -me too. Sucks, I know, but we'll be there in spirit, right!
And finally, to Zoe Morris - you're a legend!
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To the previous message by Big Tom, ....you'll be wanting to head down to the Cross Keys pub in Cuzco where you can also send my regards to the owner Barry !
Here in Buenos Aires, there has of course been a lot of larging-it-up over the past few weeks, but inevitably there have been casualties after Argentinas downfall against the Saffers, some emulating Agustin Pichot's choked up cry-baby TV interview. Few listened to me when I said it would never be easy, and few listen to me now when I tell them that England v. SA in the first round was a different kind of match.
I've already rolled out the barrel for when our glory boys lift the cup.
Nothing can stop us now !
Swing Loooooooow !
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I'll be in Washington, D.C. on a pre-planned Politics trip with my school. Trust England to get to the final on the one Saturday/Sunday of the entire tournament that I won't be there!
I missed the final 4 years ago for a similar reason, I think I was in Germany in probably the only hotel that didn't have working TV's.
Maybe when I don't watch finals, England win? I shall hope so! I'll probably be on a coach somewhere when they play this weekend!
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as an expat living in calgary canada, i will be in a local english bar laughing loudly at the aussie barman, (yes they really are everywhere!) it should be a bit better then the last final which didnt end until 5am, and after a victory conga, we got back to our table to find all our beer missing ( same aussie barman i think )
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Just about got my voice back that I lost in the Stade on Saturday! What a day, the memories will last forever. In particularly the look on the French faces when the first Swing Low boomed around the stadium after the early try.
Would love to make it out again this weekend, however last weekend's trip has meant I am totally skint!
To those going without tickets, keep your bottle and I reckon you'll find at tickets face value. We had tickets last week, however there were many Kiwis's around wanting to sell.
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i'll be in france, paris even.. but disneyland.. why? i have no idea..
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i am going to a batmitzvah but am not going as rugby is far more important, now lets try to persude the father
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I have to confess that living in NZ (an ex-Pom) I've tried and tried to get into rugby and failed miserably. I don't know why. I was brought up with football, never even had rugby posts at school, so I've never followed it. The rugby club at uni did nothing to enamour me of the sport (a bigger bunch of ****heads has never been assembed !).
I moved over here and everything is rugby, it's a religion. Something about it just doesn't grab me. It's weird really. I've got into Rugby League and get excited about (Auckland) Warriors games; I even made a point of watching the Tall Blacks (basketball) on TV in the last olympics, and quite enjoyed it. I'll get up Sunday morning to watch the RWC final if I'm awake, but won't make a specail effort. For the World Cup (football) I was up at 3 am and all sorts ot times of night. It's a funny old world {:o)
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115.
Absolute class mate. You can always fold them later.
I'm in a similar situation.
Have a great time!
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I have it all planned out - the lounge is mine, TV for the men, several beers set aside for a solid night in...
this is all however in vain because i imagine just like the semi-final i will be too nervous to watch, i only realised we won because of my father's girlish screams from downstairs...
the final could be as excrutiatingly close as well methinks.
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Ha! I *knew* that there was benefit in moving to Paris. Even my French mates are rooting for England - although my boss still isn't speaking to me :-)
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i'm currently on crutches and i'm finding it difficult to get around. just going uni's a struggle...so i hope i don't regret saying yes to my mates invite to go to paris with him and about 100 other lads! too good an opportunity to turn down.
you only live once eh?
come on england!
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My dad won a lottery months ago for first crack at the semi- and final tickets. No-one thought England would be there (me neither) and I was the only one in the family to buy tickets to the final.
hahahahahaha! I don't care if you're going to write me out your will!
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I am thinking of going to Northampton Saints, who have a great offer on.
A tenner to see Saints v Esher then stay on to see The WC Final
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Watching the game at 'Big Johns' in Houston, TX. Same place I watched the last final, happy memories!!
As an aside, go to you tube, enter 'comedy haka to men in tights'. you won't look at the haka without smiling ever again!
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HELP! I've agreed to go to a birthday meal with a friend from college. She doesn't see the importance of the match and was offended when i asked her to change the booking time!! Need excuses desperately!!
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Celebrating my (French) father-in-law's surprise 60th birthdy in Eastern France - I will be only Englishman there - though hopefully tucked away in the play room watching it on the kids telly whilst the others (all French)sulk about our win last w/end (I watched the semi-final in a bar in Kiev surrounded by French) Bring it on England!!!
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Yup, i've been down many avenues since saturday night trying to find a way to get to Paris. Coaches were booked up and eurostar is a bit pricey (yes, i'm a student) but two friends and me are going down to birmingham on friday, to get a lift with my cousin and his friend to dover where we will dump the car. Then going on the ferry by foot, then train from calais to paris, and to the eiffel tower!! Cant wait!
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For the quarter final we were at the Jersey shore, and my wife (American) had organized breakfast with her parents at the hotel they were staying at - just as the game started. Managed to follow the game on my Blackberry under the table while nodding my head. Last week the soccer team I coached had their game 90 minutes before kick off (we tied 2-2 iwth top of the table team), and then I drove like a lunatic to meet buddies at a bar down town to watch (and managed to get my daughter a sperate ride home from her game). This week looks plain sailing - early morning soccer game for son - lunch and then down the Dark Horse in Philly. Anyone in Philly interested in seeing game - it is at 2nd and mkt. Go England
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Well I left it clear and to top that off its also my 46th birthday, I never even thought of going out, I was going to watch the final no matter who was in it.
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i'm going to be watching it however my best mate Pete is going to his girfriends Dad's bell ringing dinner and dance. Its amusing me lots this week as he's a huge fan and will have to talk to lots of bearded old men about bells, ropes and sallys! unlucky pete...
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I live in Rugby League land & don't care much for Union but I'll definitely be sat watching on Saturday night! Come on...it's ENGLAND in a WORLD CUP FINAL!!!
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I live in Paris have been to most of the England matches, been to watch the lads training, got their autographs, lived and breathed rugby for the past weeks the WORST thing is that I've had to turn down a final ticket because I will be in Shanghai on a school trip to China. We are leaving on thursday.
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I am half south african and half english so I will be watching the match at home with my brother split by the choice! Although my english mother is convinced that we will win but then again the same can be said for my south african father.
But go on Boys for both teams and may the best team win!!
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well its going to be an awful game whatever happens! ball being kicked one way and then back the other. England really has ruined the game with that irritating little man called jonny. I would rather watch dirty dancing.
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i'm working in the states at the moment and got a last minute offer of a ticket to the semi's from an old uni mate, couldn't turn it down! left washington 10h20pm friday arrived midday paris time! so glad i went!! cost a blinking fortune but worth it to be there! saw the SA game also then flew home! SA wife so this weekends game is going to be interesting - can only get coverage in setanta but the beer fridge is full and the bbq ready to light! can't wait, come on England!!
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I've got a ticket to see Brett Anderson live in London. Been waiting for ages to see him. And now the Finals on the same time. Anyone want to buy them off me?!?
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No matter what the result I'll be getting drunk!
Win: The Beers are free flowing!
Lose: I'm drowning my sorrows
Me and all the lads are going down the pub to watch : )
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Hosting a dinner for an Aussie - who is still crying - and a South African couple who just happen to be here on this beautiful little Greek island. And I lived in SA for 15 years! Still there will only be one winner E N G L A N D .
I was one of three Englishmen in Joburg about 1972 when we won the only test of the tour something like 18-9 after a Five Nations whitewash.(Anybody else remember that)Saturday will be as good as that.
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Got tickets to the final and 3rd/4th playoff - get in!!!!!!! Come on England!!!!!
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Great Day...
Wake Up
Maccy d's
Pub
Boro V Chelsea.....COME ON BOROO!!!
Maccy d's... Aye Am Greedy :D
Pub....England v Springboks
LETS MAKE HISTORY!!!!
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Tom (post 140) - is your friend MAD?
You are more than welcome to be unavailable to her as you offer us your services as a babysitter for my eldest should things kick off on the labour front (see post 121) - she's 20 months old, well behaved and likes Rugby - did I mention we have a 42" telly?
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Tom (post 140) - is your friend MAD?
You are more than welcome to be unavailable to her as you offer us your services as a babysitter for my eldest should things kick off on the labour front (see post 121) - she's 20 months old, well behaved and likes Rugby - did I mention we have a 42" telly?
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I will be playing for my club in the afternoon and then settling down with all 3 teams, whatever oppo are still around and huge quantities of beer.
I will then NOT be meeting the bird at Heathrow on Sunday when she gets back from Brazil as I doubt I'll be able to leave my bed.
Assuming i've made it home.
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I've luckily got top seats for the occasion, we've booked the flights, hotels (even got some euros out). No weddings, birthdays or any other nonsense. All of that can wait. This is the RWC Final! And I plan to drink enough ale so it's a hazy blur of rugby and banter.
The result of the game? Unless they botttle it, the South Africans. Sorry to disappoint, but those boys are pretty awesome.
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in return for taking my boy to Paris (as my eldest daughter didn;t appreciate the atmosphere at her first international in Marseille during August... 'nuff said) also taking my French wife and daughters to see the Mother in Law. Of course the upside is that we have free accomodation, 10 mins off the Arc de Triomphe. Now to get the broadband up to speed to get tickets tomorrow.
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I'll be watching Take That in Barcelona with my girlfriend. Why did I get her two tickets and promise I'd go?
This must be the worst alternative to seeing the game surely?
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We're expecting our first child in 6 weeks time (English father, Irish mother) and living in the US (Texas).
We've planned and cancelled antenatal classes for the past 3 weekends due to the England quarter-, semi- and now final games. My girlfriend is completely supportive and understanding - there is no question of priorities here!
This weekend, we are heading to New York for a Billy Bragg gig, but we will be there in plenty of time to watch the match in one of the Manhattan bars beforehand.
I cannot wait - come on England!
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4 of us have dropped everything and are flying into Paris from New York...
Arrive Friday morning leave Sunday afternoon...
We dont have tickets but worth it for the atmosphere!
Come on England!!
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Tom (post 140) - is your friend MAD?
You are more than welcome to be unavailable to her as you offer us your services as a babysitter for my eldest should things kick off on the labour front (see post 121) - she's 20 months old, well behaved and likes Rugby - did I mention we have a 42" telly?
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As Zoe's future husband I feel the accolades she has been given are a little misplaced. In fact, I was tempted to click the "complain about this comment" link beneath entry 125.
She may have given the impression she is begrudgingly, and selflessly, allowing the rugby to intrude on her special day, and that I, and the other male guests, should forever be indebted to her.
The truth is that, as the final whistle blew in the semi-final, she exclaimed "well they better give us a TV for the reception, I'm not missing the final, even if it is my wedding day". She intends wearing her England shirt over her wedding dress and has considered having a Cross of St George painted on her face for the majority of the day.
I am very lucky that she is as keen about rugby as I am, but she has already threatened to quote Rob in any future domestic disputes, so could we keep the adoration to a minimum please. Thank you
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I got up for the 2003 at a god unearthly time in the morning to watch pay per view well worth every penny . But would have killed to at home in Surrey with a few beers and me mates. Last weeks semi's stuck at the Station with abunch of Nascar NFL viewing 'Hillbillies.' No cahnce of watching. This week I'm meant to be at work but we'll have to see I feel I have a very bad case of the flu coming on.
Carp Diem England! You can do it fellas get it done!
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4 of us have dropped everything and are flying into Paris from New York...
Arrive Friday morning leave Sunday afternoon...
Come on England!!
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Having been on board the England rollercoaster, and following them to every game so far in the tournament, I have the pleasure of missing out on the final and will be watching it unfortunately from my home, having just had knee surgery yesterday. Wish I had cancelled now! Come on England, you have proven all the critics wrong to date, do it once more, and show me that I will be missing out on the best game of the tournament.
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As Zoe's future husband I feel the accolades she has been given are a little misplaced. In fact, I was tempted to click the "complain about this comment" link beneath entry 125.
She may have given the impression she is begrudgingly, and selflessly, allowing the rugby to intrude on her special day, and that I, and the other male guests, should forever be indebted to her.
The truth is that, as the final whistle blew in the semi-final, she exclaimed "well they better give us a TV for the reception, I'm not missing the final, even if it is my wedding day". She intends wearing her England shirt over her wedding dress and has considered having a Cross of St George painted on her face for the majority of the day.
I am very lucky that she is as keen about rugby as I am, but she has already threatened to quote Rob in any future domestic disputes, so could we keep the adoration to a minimum please. Thank you
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Months and months ago I promised along with some friends to attend my best friend's concert in which she was performing her first solo rendition, not realising the significance of the date. However, I wasn't the only one!! My entire table was glued to their phones receiving text and email updates on our progress against the French! It took great restraint not to jump up and down as the final result came in during a stunning performance of a Joseph and the Technicoloured Dream Coat medley!!!
Yet this Saturday had great plans. Hopefully enjoy watching Leicester Tigers beat Worcester at Welford Road then take in a great World Cup Final on the sofa!! I should be so lucky!?! Only have to go into work just in time for the start of the final; the wonders of working at hotel. At least the bar has a big screen; nobody better want a beer coz I'm watching the game. Come on England!!!
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Months and months ago I promised along with some friends to attend my best friend's concert in which she was performing her first solo rendition, not realising the significance of the date. However, I wasn't the only one!! My entire table was glued to their phones receiving text and email updates on our progress against the French! It took great restraint not to jump up and down as the final result came in during a stunning performance of a Joseph and the Technicoloured Dream Coat medley!!!
Yet this Saturday had great plans. Hopefully enjoy watching Leicester Tigers beat Worcester at Welford Road then take in a great World Cup Final on the sofa!! I should be so lucky!?! Only have to go into work just in time for the start of the final; the wonders of working at hotel. At least the bar has a big screen; nobody better want a beer coz I'm watching the game. Come on England!!!
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Having been on board the England rollercoaster, and following them to every game so far in the tournament, I have the pleasure of missing out on the final and will be watching it unfortunately from my home, having just had knee surgery yesterday. Wish I had cancelled now! Come on England, you have proven all the critics wrong to date, do it once more, and show me that I will be missing out on the best game of the tournament.
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As Zoe's future husband I feel the accolades she has been given are a little misplaced. In fact, I was tempted to click the "complain about this comment" link beneath entry 125.
She may have given the impression she is begrudgingly, and selflessly, allowing the rugby to intrude on her special day, and that I, and the other male guests, should forever be indebted to her.
The truth is that, as the final whistle blew in the semi-final, she exclaimed "well they better give us a TV for the reception, I'm not missing the final, even if it is my wedding day". She intends wearing her England shirt over her wedding dress and has considered having a Cross of St George painted on her face for the majority of the day.
I am very lucky that she is as keen about rugby as I am, but she has already threatened to quote Rob in any future domestic disputes, so could we keep the adoration to a minimum please. Thank you
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I'm going down to watch my beloved Aldershot play Halifax in the Blue Square Premier then hopefully will find a pub to watch Scunthorpe vs Leicester and then the Rugby World Cup finial. Then try and travel back up to Northampton!!
In between seeing my family.....
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I'm going down to watch my beloved Aldershot play Halifax in the Blue Square Premier then hopefully will find a pub to watch Scunthorpe vs Leicester and then the Rugby World Cup finial. Then try and travel back up to Northampton!!
In between seeing my family.....
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I have had to cancel my holiday to Morocco, so i can truly witness what might be the best world cup comeback in history. I will be in the Stade de France patriotically holding my flag and wearing my shirt.
The holiday can be re-booked this can't , whether we win or not just being able to support the lads will be incredible.
CAN'T wait for my plane on Thursday.
COME ON ENGLAND
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I am living in Sydney and despite having a great time over here in the last few weeks didnt expect us to make the final. So much so that I'd entered a 130 mile bike race that starts at the same time as the final.
With 4 months hard training done, hotels and flights booked and paid for I have done the only sensible thing - cancelled everything to watch the game with a few mates, beers and a bacon sarnie!!
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Hopefully my boss will never venture onto these pages but i am supposed to work until 9 on saturdays and last week i made up that it was my dads 50th to get a day off, this week to finish early i have said i am having an ankle operation, its spineless but i wont have a conscience bout it come 8pm saturday night!
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I'll be at work on night shift. I work in a prison and there are TVs around, but nonetheless, thinking about throwing a sickie!!!
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I am living in Sydney and despite having a great time over here in the last few weeks didnt expect us to make the final. So much so that I'd entered a 130 mile bike race that starts at the same time as the final.
With 4 months hard training done, hotels and flights booked and paid for I have done the only sensible thing - cancelled everything to watch the game with a few mates, beers and a bacon sarnie!!
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I live in Tennessee, USA, who don't even know what rugby is, let alone broadcast the RWC! After numerous phone calls to the cable company and making some poor woman scroll through all the programming information for the RWC season to see if any of the games are showing, I found they are showing the final on Sunday at 4pm EST! I cannot find any sports bars that are even showing it on Saturday! My husband (American) has been informed we are not moving from the house on Sunday and my family in the UK have been informed that no-one under any circumstances is to call or send messages to us until I have seen the game on Sunday. The internet will not be used, the TV not put on, no radio listened to, no papers read, and no family spoken to. If (please) we do it, I will be having my own little party in the South on Sunday night!
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I'll be at work on night shift. I work in a prison and there are TVs around, but nonetheless, thinking about throwing a sickie!!!
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had a job offered for the day,but refused. nothing comes between me and sat 20th october.a priceless day in english rugby.
hopefully i will be able to watch the game in the pub if they allow me!,im 17 thats the problem
how old is the age restriction in pubs in london?????
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had a job offered for the day,but refused. nothing comes between me and sat 20th october.a priceless day in english rugby.
hopefully i will be able to watch the game in the pub if they allow me!,im 17 thats the problem
how old is the age restriction in pubs in london?????
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Im heading to Paris on the bus with 3 friends, sleepin on a campsite and hoping of finding a ticket ! Should be awesome without one anyway.
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I'll be stuck in roanoke Va AGAIN just like 2003, damn American wife heh.
If anybody out there knows where I might be able to watch I'll be most grateful
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Our first baby is due on the 19th but we all know when she'll be born now! I have checked and the delivery suites have TVs - just go to be careful not to shout 'Push' for the scrums...
I am trying to persuade my darling wife that if England wins AND our daughter is born the same day, we have to name her England! As we live in Melbourne, Australia, she could have an interesting childhood.
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As an expat in Bangkok we get to see the final betweem 02.00 and 04.00 Sunday morning.
Seeing we have had a military government since the coup last year this causes a few "issues" with extending the previously lax bar opening and licensing hours.
Fortunately, a mate of mine bought shares in a small pub in Pat Pong a year ago. > So we can get a lock in and watch it on satellite. GREAT FORESIGHT "MR R".
On one side is a rather dodgy go-go joint, and opposite is a venue where a Thai version of Elvis Presley sings his heart out each evening. Needless to say the bar is called "Xtra Time".
(One slight problem: my chum's missus has yet to be informed of his recent business acquisition.)
"Chaiyo Khon Angrit. Chork Dee Khun Jonny!"
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I'm in melbourne so I have to wake up at 3am to drive inot the city for 4 to watch the game on the big screen. Win or lose, it'll be worth it.
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As an expat in Bangkok we get to see the final between 02.00 and 04.00 Sunday morning.
Seeing we have had a military government since the coup last year we have faced a few "issues" with extending the previously lax bar opening and licensing hours.
Fortunately, a mate of mine bought shares in a small pub in Pat Pong a year ago. > So we can get a lock in and watch it on satellite. GREAT FORESIGHT "MR R".
On one side is a rather dodgy go-go joint, and opposite is a venue where a Thai version of Elvis Presley sings his heart out each evening. Needless to say the bar was renamed "Xtra Time"... "We'll be a little later home than expected, love, we're in Xtra Time."
(One slight problem: my chum's missus has yet to be informed of his recent business acquisition. She believes he bought a fondue restaurant in a shopping mall. Hmmmmm.....)
"Chaiyo Khon Angrit. Chork Dee Khun Jonny!"
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Must admit down here in Oz we never thought the Wallabies would do well as they are a bunch of pampered overpaid bludgers ! That's why the games most take note of down here are Rugby League and Aussie Rules, games where players play 30 weeks of the year and are real tough week in, week out working men's games. Union is only played in private schools and most Wallabies players are lucky to play 12 games a year for which they get paid enormous amounts of money for practically living in the Coffs Harbour resort playing golf ! When you are used to watching Rugby League and seeing the ball movement, it is quite difficult adusting to Union with all the stop/start kick it out play that especially England are known for. How you can play so boring and be crowned world champions is beyond me but as they say, "Winners are grinners". Good luck to RSA & England, hope it's a good final. For god's sake England, try running the ball !!!
RSA 27, Wilkinson 12.
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Being in Hong Kong is not ideal for watching this World Cup. The quarter final was at a reasonable time and I watched it in the Sportsman's Bar of the HK Football Club. I walked in with my flag flying and wearing an England shirt and a Kiwi mate on his way out (no pun intended) advised me to "enjoy it while you can" Well I'm still enjoying it! For the Semi I had to get up at 0245 and nip next door to a friend with the right bit of kit next to his TV. I've booked a space on his sofa for the final (0245 again) and he's graciously invited a few Aussie mates round. Come On England !
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I'm going to travelling on a train from Cambridge to Manchester from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM, I haven't seen my fianceé for four weeks now since she moved to Cambridge and my plans to move down haven't quite happened yet, so she would probably cancel our wedding if I didn't go as of Rugby. =X I'm now desperatly trying to find someone who has a mini battery operated pocket TV gadget so I can watch the game on the train home!
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I will be doing whatever is necessary to avoid catching a glimpse of this, the World Cup Final of the world's most boring sport.
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Post 53 James:
Come to Gloucester, there are 20 Rugby clubs in the City and not a soul called Tarquin.
Then again stay at home by yourself.
I am going to Paris!
I will wave!
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I can't watch the game on TV. I'm going to be watching in the stadium instead - HA HA HA HA.
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If England played an attacking entertaining game like South Africa I may have watched the match but unfortuantely it is all about the pack and Johnny's kicking so I won't be watching it.
Rugby league is a far superior entertaning game but because this country is run by the middle class southern media we get this union nonsense rammed down out throats for one mth every 4 years.
But saying that good luck to England but in 4 years time can we try to play like the southern hemisphere teams because watching you at the moment is about as entertaining as watching paint dry!
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I cancelled a table for two at Raymond Blanc's new restaurant in Leeds so as to watch the final... didn't tell the Mrs - who asked me last night 'when did you say we were going to brasserie blanc?' - I said 'November 3rd darling...' (which I managed to re-book for) 'great' she said - 'can't wait'... the joys of having a scatty blonde wife... !
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I was invited on a corporate package about 2 months ago and never imagined I would be seeing England play. My Director is trying to overide my invitation for himself. Believe you me I was also in Sydney and he has no chance of getting it! Come on !
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If England played an attacking entertaining game like South Africa I may have watched the match but unfortuantely it is all about the pack and Johnny's kicking so I won't be watching it.
Rugby league is a far superior entertaning game but because this country is run by the middle class southern media we get this union nonsense rammed down out throats for one mth every 4 years.
But saying that good luck to England but in 4 years time can we try to play like the southern hemisphere teams because watching you at the moment is about as entertaining as watching paint dry!
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don't forget there is a giant screen just outside the Stade de France in the RugbyColor village for those of you who don't have / can't get tickets for the final - so you can still watch the match and enjoy the atmosphere near the venue.
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I had full confidence in England making the final - I live in Auckland and am travelling to Christchurch to watch the game with a few other Poms!! Flight booked to return mid afternoon (even allowed for extra time!) and hopefully will be a very sweet flight back on Qantas with my England jersey with full bragging rights!!
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Woe and thrice woe!!Rugby mad son and i have to be at a christening in Berlin where he is godfather.Life is a bitch!!
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D - 194 - what a sad life you must lead to take the time to post that on here.
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I'm absolutely gutted! I'm on a plane to Kolkata for business. Luckily I'm flying BA so if there's any airline that should be checking the score it's going to be them!
Fingers crossed and enjoy the night, there will be one very envious fan sitting on a plane comforting himself with a beer....
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My sister bought me tickets for the police on Saturday night several weeks ago. I only realized after the semi-final that the final was on Saturday and not Sunday. As they don't come on until about 9.15 (we think) we have decided to watch the match in a pub near Wembley Arena and miss the first half hour of their performance.
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I shall be at the Northern Union v All Golds game at the Halliwell Jones stadium in Warrington. Fortunately I shall miss the game while I am driving back home. As the first poster stated I would rather watch paint dry or walk round IKEA.
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Bar in NY (JC Post 57).
Was over in NY during the semi's. There's a bar called Clancy's (2nd Avenue at 52nd Street), that opened early for the rugby, so will definitely be showing the matches. There may be a cover charge (was USD20 per person for the semi's).
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Four years ago we hosted an awesome party (very early in the morning)for the RWC final, and what an event that turned out to be. This year we decided to do the same thing regardless of who made it to the final. The invitations were sent out before the tournament even began! Imagine our delight when England made it to the final again...of course we are saying that we knew they would do it all along!
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It's my sister-in-law's 30th birthday party on Saturday, and being a naive non-sport loving female she didn't think to check the sporting calendar when booking the top floor of a local wine bar in town, which is a school-girl error as her mother's side of the family is South African - the rest of us English. I have told her that I will be slipping off to find somewhere to watch the game on the night and I warned her of the prospect of not having many guests. She has just conceded defeat and arranged for a flat screen TV to be put up - Her 30th birthday party has just turned into a World Cup Final party!
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I am supposed to be going to my mate's 35th birthday party on Saturday night but I am currently coming down with a slight cold, so I may have to, very reluctantly of course, stay at home, to make sure I am raring to go back to work on Monday morning!
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Going to see Reverend and the Makers, forgot all about it until the final whistle on Saturday night! Unfortunately one of the friends I'm going with is one of the 'non-competitive sports day' brigade, so i don't think she'd understand me baking out. Maybe I'll put my headphones on and listen to five live!
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We'd planned a house party on the day of the semi, but that didn't interrupt plans - except for the number of people in the room kept making the freeview picture break up (a few of us sneaked out to a mate's room to watch it properly).
Going to watch the final in the student's union in Cardiff, exact same place as the last final. And again like last time, a Welsh mate is purposefully spending £50 on the opposing team's rugby shirt!
Come on England.
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Im sure England have conspired to get to the final just because its my wedding anniversary.
Things would be fine if it was a daytime game, but the time of the game really is paying havoc with the plans I was making.
Currently its sky+ for the game. Going for a meal, then pursuading the wife that we should watch 80 minutes of rugby at home. Not quite there yet.
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A rugby win will I'm sure make up for the hiding the Blue-nose Toffees will get earlier on in the day, and will put a cherry on top of a Liverpool win for me....
I just hope it doesn't go to extra time as I have a gig at 10pm. Oooh-er.
:oS
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I never dared to dream - I really didn't. Have followed England to at least one game per year (normally more) all around the world since 1977. But I forsook them this RWC - oh me of little faith!
But God, I am so proud of them.
Living in Brussels at the moment so have booked train to Paris on Sat AM, watch match somewhere, party all night regardless of score (even though I am getting too old for such things) then back to Brussels on first train Sun AM.
C'MON ENGLAND
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I never dared to dream - I really didn't. Have followed England to at least one game per year (normally more) all around the world since 1977. But I forsook them this RWC - oh me of little faith!
But God, I am so proud of them.
Living in Brussels at the moment so have booked train to Paris on Sat AM, watch match somewhere, party all night regardless of score (even though I am getting too old for such things) then back to Brussels on first train Sun AM.
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We'd planned a house party on the day of the semi, but that didn't interrupt plans - except for the number of people in the room kept making the freeview picture break up (a few of us sneaked out to a mate's room to watch it properly).
Going to watch the final in the student's union in Cardiff, exact same place as the last final. And again like last time, a Welsh mate is purposefully spending £50 on the opposing team's rugby shirt!
Come on England.
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I've been invited to an best friends 18th party on the saturday and when my girlfriends dad mentioned the rugby they reacted angrily and said anyone who'll turn up late shouldnt bother coming at all!!!
BEST FRIENDS OR RUGBY.....IT'S A SHAME, I'M GONNA MISS THEM :-)
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22 Months ago, bought and paid for 2 tickets, 2 flights, 2 nights in a hotel for then fiancé, now wife & I to see England in the final - best investment I've made in years!... Go England!
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Booked a holiday back in May and never thought about a clash of dates. Many other posters are looking for arrangements where they are going, but I've got no chance, being on an Iberia 747 somewhere over the Atlantic when kick off takes place. Finally get to hotel in Antigua (Guatemala) at about 22.00bst, after game is over. Don't know whether to spend two weeks avoiding papers etc. and hope to watch my recording when I get home, or chase around Central America trying to find a sports channel that might replay it. Anyone in that part of the world advise??
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For the last month all my predictions have come true, England were never as bad as the media slating received, Aus & NZ were always going to be vulnerable after their weak groups, and Jonny is now fit again.
Saturday night everything else is cancelled!
In 1991 I had to go to a wedding for the France v England quarter final (the groom was a welshman). I have not spoken to that couple since.
England to win because they KNOW they can beat Australia, France and now South Africa. That strength of will should carry them through (thank your lucky stars we did not meet NZ!!)
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Saks in Southend has been the only pub in town to show all the matches, inlcuding the Friday evening ones, so we'll be there again on Saturday. The atmosphere was electric for the Semi's with many rounds of 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' echoing out of the open windows! I think we may have even converted some die-hard football fans!!
COME ON ENGLAND!! WE'RE ALL BEHIND YOU!!!
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My cousin's working in Japan and is coming home for her engagement party on Saturday, so the family have (after a little gentle persuasion!) agreed to have a rugby room for the committed and everyone else can chat / eat / make suitable congratulatory wedding'y noises elsewhere ...
Also, it's my birthday today, so a win would set the seal on my week!!!
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The wife's going out, and I've got a Kiwi and an Irishman coming round to watch the game. Sometimes life's sweet. Hopefully I'll still have bragging rights for the next 4 years aswell.
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I will be getting off the ferry in Calais at about 15.00. This leaves me around five hours to get to Paris. I am planning to grab a lift off someone, maybe get a train who knows. The point is the boys have shown incredible commitment to the cause and I'd feel I should do the same. English rugby has something to feel proud of, lets hope they can finish the job off. Allez les Blancs!
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I've done a good one. Back in August, I agreed to read the lesson in church 10:30 Sunday 21st. I'm in Sitzerland, so that is 9:30 UK time.
I'm working on the principle that as God invented everything, he invented alcohol, so he should be forgiving over reading the lesson with a hangover.
And the passage I have to read has got a bit about accepting defeat graciously. I'll read that bit nice and clearly for the South Africans in the congregation!
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We'd planned a house party on the day of the semi, but that didn't interrupt plans - except for the number of people in the room kept making the freeview picture break up (a few of us sneaked out to a mate's room to watch it properly).
Going to watch the final in the student's union in Cardiff, exact same place as the last final. And again like last time, a Welsh mate is purposefully spending £50 on the opposing team's rugby shirt!
Come on England.
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I will be getting off the ferry in Calais at about 15.00. This leaves me around five hours to get to Paris. I am planning to grab a lift off someone, maybe get a train who knows. The point is the boys have shown incredible commitment to the cause and I'd feel I should do the same. English rugby has something to feel proud of, lets hope they can finish the job off. Allez les Blancs!
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this time tomorrow the car is getting pack and myself and my flatmate are hitting the road. Living in glasgow couldnt stop us from doing this, drive through the night, get the redeye from dover to calais and be in paris friday afty... take in the sights, watch the french beat the argies, have a kip, get in some beers and baguettes ready for the big game the day after!! Going to be one hell of a road trip, back up to glasgow on the monday. Hopefully via a winner's parade in London!! COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!
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I must admit that, when my wife informed me that she had set up a dinner party at home for the evening of the 20th October, I had some misgivings! Regardless of who is in the final, it is the World Cup Final after all - so it should be watched, and admired by all rugby fans everywhere. We are "fans" of the game, after all, and mere "supporters" of our team.
But I dutifully went along with the arrangements to entertain 10 of our neighbours for the evening, listening to nice music and exchanging pleasantries until the wee small hours (like you do!)
However, when it was England who had reached the final the aforementioned wife was concerned that plans would be disrupted.
I was quick to set her mind at rest and assure her that nothing would disrupt her carefully laid plans.
Apart from our sumptuous five course dinner now being a chilli and rice!
Apart from the arrival time changing from 7.30 to 6.00pm!
Apart from sit down time changing from 8.00 to 6.30pm!
Apart from putting a nail in the lounge wall to hang the six foot square screen on!
Apart from checking the spare bulb for the projector to make sure we don't miss Jonny's winning drop goal!
Apart from getting the beers in, despite a vat of wine sitting coolly in our garage!
Apart from re-arranging all the seating so that everyone gets the best possible view!
As I said to her, we can't allow ourselves to be dictated to by mere sport, now, can we?
Best regards
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this time tomorrow the car is getting pack and myself and my flatmate are hitting the road. Living in glasgow couldnt stop us from doing this, drive through the night, get the redeye from dover to calais and be in paris friday afty... take in the sights, watch the french beat the argies, have a kip, get in some beers and baguettes ready for the big game the day after!! Going to be one hell of a road trip, back up to glasgow on the monday. Hopefully via a winner's parade in London!! COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!
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Didn't believe it possible and kicking myself for it. Driving down to Paris from Brussels with my son and his girlfriend. I doubt I can afford to buy 3 tickets even atface value but need to soak up the atmosphere on what will be a great game. Plan to watch on the big screens either next to the stadium (RugbyVillage?) or down at the Champ de mars. Anyone got any recommendations on either location? and can anyone tell me the cheapest face value ticket price
Thanks
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It's my dad's birthday and we had booked a really posh restaurant for an evening meal. However, since winning the semi-final we've changed the dinner to a lunch in a local pub and we'll be at home with pizza and beer to watch the match.
Come on england!
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I'd agreed to accompany a mate in a concert for his finals before the World Cup began - and hadn't even thought to check that there might be a clash. Even when I realised, I didn't think that England would get anywhere close to the final, and so figured that I could record it, and watch it later. As it is, my whole rugby team (and many more) will be cheering on England together, except for me, that is, unless I can bring myself to do the dishonourable thing and fake an injury or come up with another excuse. Three days to go, though - it's looking unlikely. Help!
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There's a petition on FB going to get Gordon Brown to get somewhere in London to cover the final!!
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I'd agreed to accompany a mate in a concert for his finals before the World Cup began - and hadn't even thought to check that there might be a clash. Even when I realised, I didn't think that England would get anywhere close to the final, and so figured that I could record it, and watch it later. As it is, my whole rugby team (and many more) will be cheering on England together, except for me, that is, unless I can bring myself to do the dishonourable thing and fake an injury or come up with another excuse. Three days to go, though - it's looking unlikely. Help!
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Currently working in Johannesburg, but really really wish I was back in the UK right now - the overconfidence of the Saffers is getting to unbearable levels -. Unfortunately no way of leaving as passport is stuck at Ö÷²¥´óÐã Affairs. Bad planning or what!
Anyone know of a good venue in Joburg where there is likely to be more than one other English person?
England have already exceed all my expectations, so hoping for another outstanding performance this weekend with (hopefully) a win over the Boks. If we don’t win, work is going to be unbearable!
Come on England!
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Well the strange thing is I will be on a golf weekend with 10 guys celebrating a mates 40th, the funny thing is we will be in the valleys in Wales!! and there are two Welshmen with us oooh satisfaction!! We have already booked our seats and a large screen in a local pub to wash our great Englishness accross the the local area. It would have been the icing on the cake to have had a Frenchman an Aussie and a Kiwi as well but alas you can't have everything.
Come on the lads and I hope they put on a great show against the Springboks.
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ANY BODY NOTHEARD NEWS RE FRENCH STRIKE ACTION THURSDAY / FRIDAY EUROSTAR
CHECK UP AND GOOD LUCK.
.
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The dates of the world cup have been in the diary since early 2007. But, a best friends wedding has been in the diary well over 12 months. So no excuses possible.
However, we've had it confirmed that the dancing part of the reception kicks off at 19.30 precisely. Fortuitous, no?
Allez les Blancs! Hamba eNgilandi! Gaan Engeland!
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The dates of the world cup have been in the diary since early 2007. But, a best friends wedding has been in the diary well over 12 months. So no excuses possible.
However, we've had it confirmed that the dancing part of the reception kicks off at 19.30 precisely. Fortuitous, no?
Allez les Blancs! Hamba eNgilandi! Gaan Engeland!
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I'd agreed to accompany a mate in a concert for his finals before the World Cup began - and hadn't even thought to check that there might be a clash. Even when I realised, I didn't think that England would get anywhere close to the final, and so figured that I could record it, and watch it later. As it is, my whole rugby team (and many more) will be cheering on England together, except for me, that is, unless I can bring myself to do the dishonourable thing and fake an injury or come up with another excuse. Three days to go, though - it's looking unlikely. Help!
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It's my Wedding reception on that evening! As the attentive husband that I am when the wife said a date I just agreed - yes I feel like a complete prat!
Fortunately we are putting up an 8ft screen to show the 2nd half (I couldn't beg enough to get the first).
It could make for a very good evening!
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Booked a holiday back in May and never thought about a clash of dates. Many other posters are looking for arrangements where they are going, but I've got no chance, being on an Iberia 747 somewhere over the Atlantic when kick off takes place. Finally get to hotel in Antigua (Guatemala) at about 22.00bst, after game is over. Don't know whether to spend two weeks avoiding papers etc. and hope to watch my recording when I get home, or chase around Central America trying to find a sports channel that might replay it. Anyone in that part of the world advise??
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missed France match due to daughter's birthday meal out at which food served late due to t.v. in restaurant kitchen. Skulked around house for 2 hours before going to bed and remembering halfway upstairs that wife had accepted wedding invite for evening of big one and it's someone i haven't even met.Or ever will meet cos I'm not bloody well going.
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I am supposed to be in Istanbul on Saturday attending a conference.
But will I?
No way, I'll be in Paris cheering on the England! After managing to fake sickness, and getting hold of a pair of tickets, a hotel and a eurostar seat!!
I just hope Im not spotted on the TV, otherwise Im done.....
Come on england
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missed France match due to daughter's birthday meal out at which food served late due to t.v. in restaurant kitchen. Skulked around house for 2 hours before going to bed and remembering halfway upstairs that wife had accepted wedding invite for evening of big one and it's someone i haven't even met.Or ever will meet cos I'm not bloody well going.
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I must admit that, when my wife informed me that she had set up a dinner party at home for the evening of the 20th October, I had some misgivings! Regardless of who is in the final, it is the World Cup Final after all - so it should be watched, and admired by all rugby fans everywhere. We are "fans" of the game, after all, and mere "supporters" of our team.
But I dutifully went along with the arrangements to entertain 10 of our neighbours for the evening, listening to nice music and exchanging pleasantries until the wee small hours (like you do!)
However, when it was England who had reached the final the aforementioned wife was concerned that plans would be disrupted.
I was quick to set her mind at rest and assure her that nothing would disrupt her carefully laid plans.
Apart from our sumptuous five course dinner now being a chilli and rice!
Apart from the arrival time changing from 7.30 to 6.00pm!
Apart from sit down time changing from 8.00 to 6.30pm!
Apart from putting a nail in the lounge wall to hang the six foot square screen on!
Apart from checking the spare bulb for the projector to make sure we don't miss Jonny's winning drop goal!
Apart from getting the beers in, despite a vat of wine sitting coolly in our garage!
Apart from re-arranging all the seating so that everyone gets the best possible view!
As I said to her, we can't allow ourselves to be dictated to by mere sport, now, can we?
Best regards
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I'll be in Essaouira in Morocco, not known as a hot bed of rugby. Does anyone know anywhere that might be showing the game?!!
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It is my eight-year-old daughter's Birthday party. I have agreed with my wife that I can watch the rugby at a neighbour's - he doesn't know this yet - but she has assured me that I will have to pay her back for a long time into the future.
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Taking my French wife to cheer on England at the Stade de France.
Just hope the French don't throw a spanner in the works by continuing their transport strike which starts tomorrow!
Come on England.
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I'll just watch it at home, like last year (as in, 2003). Only I'll be drinking since it's broadcast in the evening this time around.
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I work and live in Paris but will be working on Saturday night starting at 8pm - how much does that suck!!!
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I thought Liverpool St. Helens were playing Kendal in the EDF trophy.
I am not sure how they got drawn against Everton Park or how this counts as a Merseyside derby - as EPRFC are Australian.
Marcus
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It's the World cup final.
Why on earth would I book anything to clash with it no matter who's in it ???
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I work and live in Paris but will be working on Saturday night starting at 8pm - how much does that suck!!!
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A group of us will all be round at a friends house - beer, curry and England in the final. Can't get much better!!!??!!
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I seee i'm not alone on the setting the wedding on 20th then!!! Basically the RWC was not on my mind at the time and shame on me to think 6 months ago that we never stood a chance for making it!!!
I admit i'm a fool for agreeing with that date but glad England proved me wrong and won ugly in the games!!!
I will be having a TV at the reception but first i have to complete the linde hop (dance style) of the Lambourth walk (if thats how you spell it!!!
Come on England, you may have not been the most convincing team in the tournament but want to see that W boys!!!
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I was (un) lucky enough to witness the nadir of nadirs for English rugby at St Denis last month. Amazing to see turnaround which proves the team performance theory of NORM FORM STORM PERFORM. The greater the storm the bigger the performance!
Anyway booked Eurotunnel at 2am on Sunday morning after watching the highlights on ITV4 (yes we did win!) Taking family of 5 and expect to be near the Eiffel Tower on Saturday night. Then a night out in Paris celebrating what we have achieved in the last few weeks. Respect - whatever other countries now back home may say!
I dare not contemplate victory but at least I know I'm going to see a team compete at the top level again.
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A dreadful misjudgement on my part, booking a surprise weekend in Amsterdam for Jo (before the footie fixtures came out) - she knows now so I can't get out of it. I'm a red hot LFC fan so I miss the derby, the final Grand Prix (who would have guessed that finale) and the BIG ONE. She said it's ok to watch the final but who on earth has ITV or it's eqyivalent in Holland - that great rugby playing nation! Help!!
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Definately booked out the 20th October a long time ago - the only thing happening is the Springboks klapping the English :)
Cant wait - I am sooo excited.
GO BOKKE !!!!!!!!!!!!
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Paisley RFC will be hosting a "RWC2007 Final Night" at our sponsors destination bar in Paisley town centre. It was arranged before the tournament started when we all expected a NZ/SA final.
We have a couple of English guys in the club along with a token (lightning fast) Saffa winger, so you can be assured the rest of us will be intolerably unimpartial to both sides :>
We also have a league double-header 1stxv and 2ndxv against Clydebank earlier in the day so hopefully we'll have our own reasons for celebrating!
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Probably not for this thread but how about setting up a list of Rugby clubs willing to open their doors?
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I will be in the dome, dressed as a giant england flag! C'MON ENGLAND!
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Well living in Houston, Texas will be watching at a friend of a friend's house, as we have the last few weekends, wearing the same clothes for luck, the owner of the house will be in Paris (lucky Fellow). Have had to make my apologises as missing a friends birthday bash at the local Rennaisance festival. Have to put up with Setanta again, hope its not so bad this time! Beers will flow! we have English, Irish, Welsh watching.
GO ENGLAND
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Was there 4 years ago and my wife had to come back early to start chemo. This time nothing will stop us being there. Will drop into Arras on the way there to pay respect to the brave then onto the killing fields of Stade de France to witness another English victory!!
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Semi-final - was taken for a birthday treat by my parents too...Les Miserables! Awesome irony!
Final - this is the day before my birthday. I am getting shanted! Yeehaw!
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Welcome to the bandwagon club. We never watch a game of kick and clap except for a "world" cup final and all pretend to be big fans of yawnoin. Personally i will be (like the majority of the country despite what the media think) giving the boreathon a wide wide berth
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ill be watching the rugby on saturday night.. only hope the 'northern union' boys can get the win over those fiendishly good 'all golds'.. what a way to spend a saturday eve.. passion, aggression and the chance to marvel at some of the finest rugby players in the world..! after that im off to party with ohmega watts at cargo!!..
heard someone say theres some other 'rugby' match on.. ?.. dont think that can be right.. come on the 'England - northern union'!!!!
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Landing Paris from the Caribbean friday morning, the Missus thinks I am on a charter boat working........shhhh...... hope the TV doesnt undo me as will be in world of pain as she's a biggun!
C'mon England lets Biltong the Boks!!
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On a plane to Turkey, taking my wife on holiday to make up for the fact I've been in France the last six weekends.
Never occurred to me that we'd be in the final. In fact the holiday was supposed to be part paid for by the refunds on my England package semi final tickets!
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Ditched, dropped and leaving everything behind just to get to Paris.
Eight blokes, two cars, two hotel rooms (only two beds - will be interesting).
Don't care about the result, particularly as we know we're gonna lose.....just going to be an absolute blast.
Vive la france!!!
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Really couldn't give a XXXX as long a the bok beat the English. Come on the bok, stuff it too 'em.
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Live in New York and will return once more to Red Lion on Bleeker ..
Have to get there early as it gets jammed doors close at least an hour before Kick off
American wife can not understand what the fuss is about !!
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Will be in London watching at the rugby tavern. See if you can spot me. will be painted in red n white and wearing just a thong. Will be a thing of beauty. come on england!
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I had to log on to confirm that Cueto really has been brought back into the starting line up as I didn't believe my wife when told this was what had been announced on the radio. After two weeks of brilliant choices, Brian Ashton has obviously lost his marbles. Surelyhe musthave noticed how Cueto played in the pool matches? He actually ran away from attacking players and, when running with the ball, stopped before being tackled himself! I've really enjoyed being an Englishman in front of big screens in Scottish pubs recently - nearly as good as 2003 - but I'm now seriously thinking about staying at home with a good DVD.
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Will be in Paris at the match at the Stade de France - heaven!!! Where will we party? Last weekend we spent the night singing and drinking around gare du nord until 5.30am celebrating the semi-final victory. This weekend win or lose who knows? Any ideas? - would like to think we could get a very large English contingent all in one place to celebrate what has quite simply been an heroic effort by the lads.
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to all the men who are not watching this game because of prior commitments - I know who wears the trousers in my relationship, my misses, i am under the thumb and hen pecked and i love it, but seriously GROW SOME BALLS!!! there is nothing on earth that would stop me from watching this with my mates.
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Will be in Paris at the match at the Stade de France - heaven!!! Where will we party? Last weekend we spent the night singing and drinking around gare du nord until 5.30am celebrating the semi-final victory. This weekend win or lose who knows? Any ideas? - would like to think we could get a very large English contingent all in one place to celebrate what has quite simply been an heroic effort by the lads.
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1991 Final: stuck at Birmingham New Street train station waiting for (ex)girlfriend.
2003 Final: pregnant wife prevents proper celebration.
2007 Final: Wife going to bingo with other (peoples') wives, so I was going to be stuck at home babysitting.
Wives then changed plan & are now going to pub to watch game.
Wife then realised this was not the change of plan I was hoping for & has arranged a babysitter.
Just as well, divorce can be messy.
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I am a best man to a wedding the night of the world cup final...
The meal and then speeches are meant to be right when the game is kicking off.
Pity the brave and thank god for replays!
Wilko's gonna smash the boks!
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We will be in Stade de France - our tickets came out of the ballot for buying tickets to earlier matches - proof that the ballot actually worked!
Prediction: tight game, England win - we've called every England game in the RWC so far correctly, why should this be any different? ;-))
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I had to log on to confirm that Cueto really has been brought back into the starting line up as I didn't believe my wife when told this was what had been announced on the radio. After two weeks of brilliant choices, Brian Ashton has obviously lost his marbles. Surelyhe musthave noticed how Cueto played in the pool matches? He actually ran away from attacking players and, when running with the ball, stopped before being tackled himself! I've really enjoyed being an Englishman in front of big screens in Scottish pubs recently - nearly as good as 2003 - but I'm now seriously thinking about staying at home with a good DVD.
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4 years ago, I made the mistake of making arrangements for the afternoon of the final under the mistaken belief that the game would be finished by the time I needed to leave. Elton Flatley put paid to that thought and I ended up listening to extra time in the car on the way to Bournemouth. I am not making that mistake again! The diary is free and the fingernails are growing in time for an almighty chewing on Saturday night.
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We will be in Stade de France - our tickets came out of the ballot for buying tickets to earlier matches - proof that the ballot actually worked!
Prediction: tight game, England win - we've called every England game in the RWC so far correctly, why should this be any different? ;-))
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Despite initially having no faith whatsoever in England getting past the group stages, within an hour of the semi final win we had a hotel and ferry booked to Paris for the final showdown...
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I'll be in downtown Brisbane bar at 5am with all the other POM's and Saffy's here.....COME ON ENGLAND (or should I say Johhny....) show those soccer dudes how it's done....
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It's been a heck of a rollercoaster ride over the last six weeks. I haven't been at home for a weekend since mid August having persuaded my wife to take our summer holidays a month earlier than normal and having commuted backwards and forwards every weekend.From Lens to Nantes, Marseilles to Paris, it's been fabulous with warm welcomes, friendly and knowledgeable supporters and enough beer to sink a battleship.
Will I be there on Saturday? Afraid not - after weeks of partying the bank balance is depleted and despite my wife's suggestion, I won't be raiding the Christmas fund to subsidise a ticket, instead this corner of England will become parisian for an evening (save for a few wise words from Kenny Rogers)and I'll watch a bunch of mates with nothing to lose become champions of the world.
Come on England!
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i will be watching the final with the mates at the local rugby club where i watched the last finla. (diss rufc)
COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!!
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Nightmare!! We are on the overnight train from Cairo to Aswan!! How do we even listen to what's going on??!! I'm waiting for a reply from the World Service - hoping they're going to tell me they will be broadcasting live.....!!
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As an expat living in New Zealand (married to a Kiwi who now supports England) we are having a Big Breakfast on Sunday but are battling to find some kiwis who a) have any interest in the Final and b) are happy to watch the match with two people loudly cheering England on. Are we doing something wrong?
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I will be with a few South African friends at our "new" home in Australia watching the rugby and having an English breakfast with French champagne at some godforsaken hour! Go the Bokke!
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I live in the united states. I am a physician and am on call this weekend. I have to wait till modnay night to watch the game and will have to avoid speaking to any of my friends for two days. One of the partners in my group is from South Africa. If I see him in the hospital I will have to run away as his face will tell the story.
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I moved to Brazil just before England's victory in 2003. Then it was easier to nail down a squid than find rugby on Brazilian TV.
I'm happy to say that now, ESPN Brazil are getting the hang of it, and I managed to see the Samoa and Tonga games. I was teaching English on the day that we did Australia again (would have loved to have seen that), and this last weekend, whilst spending a long weekend in the sticks due to public holidays Friday and Monday, I actually managed to wing it in a hotel reception and see the nail-biter against France, whilst scantily-clad lovelies passed through....
Happy to say that for the final, I'll have finished work at 4pm Brazilian time, and will be seated at home well before kick-off time at 5pm, with ice-cold beer in hand, and a few Brazilian mates who will no doubt not stop asking me "how is it different to American Football?".
If England win I promise to start a beach rugby school and show these Brazilians just how different it is!!
Swing low!
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I am a celt and proudly purchased a south african shirt yesterday and will be cheering them on,whilst winding up the english contingent at our clubhouse on saturday night.Saffers to win by 9 to 15 points.For rugbys sake ,thank god its not an england v argentina final, yawn yawn.
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im on the east coast of oz, it'll be 5am over here but we're staying up all night and watching it on a camp tv on the beach. COME ON ENGLAND!
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I am currently working in.... Johannesburg with the South Africa Government. What great timing I have! There have been a few comments passed here in the office so far. I have been invited to a braii (BBQ) in Pretoria for the entire weekend to watch the game. I hope that I survive! I'll be glad when we get our first points against the Springboks. The guys here are are convinced they are assured the win. C'mon England do it for me. If we lose, I get a beating, if we win, I get a beating. Let's hope that I can be at least feel happy when being killed!
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I will be in a bar in Zürich, same place as 2003 with the same group of friends - hoping the luck holds. Unfortunately I have to read the lesson in church Sunday morning - agreed to it in August, without thinking. Am assuming that as God created everything, He also created alcohol and so should be reasonably forgiving about reading lessons with hangovers. Intend to wear my England shirt when I do so, especially for the South Africans in the congregation, when it gets to the bit about accepting defeat graciously. Win or lose, England have done a real Cinderella job this time, it's been a great tournament etc. ... but I will still be pleading with Himself for another fantastic win! And not just Jonny - all the team who make sure he is able to score those beautiful winning points.
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It's been a heck of a rollercoaster ride over the last six weeks. I haven't been at home for a weekend since mid August having persuaded my wife to take our summer holidays a month earlier than normal and having commuted backwards and forwards every weekend.From Lens to Nantes, Marseilles to Paris, it's been fabulous with warm welcomes, friendly and knowledgeable supporters and enough beer to sink a battleship.
Will I be there on Saturday? Afraid not - after weeks of partying the bank balance is depleted and despite my wife's suggestion, I won't be raiding the Christmas fund to subsidise a ticket, instead this corner of England will become parisian for an evening (save for a few wise words from Kenny Rogers)and I'll watch a bunch of mates with nothing to lose become champions of the world.
Come on England!
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My husband had bought theatre tickets as a surprise for my birthday. Ticket office (in Glasgow) was surprisingly understanding about the need to change them.
Will be watching in a pub in Glasgow somewhere no doubt surrounded by disgruntled weegies.
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To 123.
Go to Cairo Rugby Club in Maadi.
The final will be on there!
And in other clubs in Cairo.
If unsuccessful, phone Oz Trade Commission - they will help.
Boks to win... going away.
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COME ON ENGLAND WIN FOR US
MAKE IT 2 TIME CHAMPIONS
WOOOO
COME ON PEOPLE CHEER YOUR TEAM!!!!
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Will be in the dome again singing my heart out as i was last week, best night ever!!! cummon king Jonny you all know we can do it,
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Spent first year MBA fees, kids don't yet realise christmas may be lean, and I've let the 3rds down this weekend which may bring the greatest pain.
Have two tickets, a flight and a room ... the pain will end the memories never.
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Obviously knowing we've no chance of getting tickets, me and some mates thought we'd go to Paris just for the atmosphere. Despite the fact we've scoured the web day and night since Saturday we can't seem to find any route to Paris that doesn't cost more than a small house so it looks very much like we'll be watching it in a bar in Headingley like the semi. Can't really complain, the atmosphere was mega!!
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being half of each- half english half south african- you may think i could win either way- i have renounced my south african up bringing and am going to cry if they win!!
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Like many we didnt expect England to get to the final, so....at a mates sons 21st birthday - a ceilidh in a marquee - with the band booked for 8pm!! For the semi we were at a wedding reception in the same marquee- I was walking around with a radio held to my ear. Theres going to be a break in the ceilidh for the 2nd half. Others may watch the whole game whilst the ceilidhs on. How? my mates buying a 42in TV to put in the entrance of the marquee!
The team's come good and done us proud already, no matter what the result, but history beckons, can you hear it calling. Come on boys, for England, Europe, NH.
Happy daze.
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We are truly gutted at not being able to be in Paris for Saturday night but while the English try to get into the Sade De France with dodgy tickets we will be taking over the pubs and streets of London and painting them in the colours of the rainbow nation and green and gold!!!!
COME ON THE BOKKE!!!
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We'll be in the same place watching the same projector screen with the same crowd (some of whom will no doubt wearing the same underpants) as we were 4 years ago, drinking some of the profit I made from putting a tenner each way on England at 25-1 before the tournament.
Keep the faith-Allez Les Blancs
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I have followed England, and many other countries, through the whole crazy tournament. Started off watching France lose to Argentina, the debacle in Lens, the Samoans take on the Boks for 60 mins, Potugal put points past the all blacks and england not put any past SA. Relief in Paris when we beat Tonga, the amazing Fijians putting out Wales in the best match ever, and Argentina breaking irish hearts - but what an atmosphere the Irish created. Down to marseilles for the best party I've ever been to - and even the Aussies were friendly. Watched France stun the blacks in a bar with Sheridan, Dallaglio and co - what a night. Just about survived the tension of Paris last week and now just one more to go. I will be at the Stade de France for the big finale.
The cost - enormous! The penance - wife and three kids to drop off at Disneyland Paris on saturday before the match and then be back by 10 on Sunday to tackle Thunder Mountain! Have just blagged a ticket for my best mate and he has spent a fortune to get the last flight out of Manchester. One last party in paris coming up, win or lose a night to remember.
Worth it? Absoultely. Best world cup ever. Fantastic games, fantastic atmosphere, fantastic hosts and trains that actually set off on time and get there very fast (apart from today).
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I would like to say that I supported England and want't them to win, but can't. Unfortunately due to the non commentary given by Will Greenwood during the South African game last Sunday, there can only be one winner.
Bill McLaren was the best commentator of Rugby and should be listened to by Mr Greenwood and the likes, to learn how to commentate on a match, and do so in an unbiased way.
Thanks to him I will be watching the final on the biggest screen I can, and in case Mr Greenwood is within 300 metres of a microphone, the mute button will be off until the Springboks are 20 points ahead.
I feel sorry for the Ö÷²¥´óÐã, as they obviously lost out (before the cuts) on the bid for RWC 2007, and maybe they would have been better at commentating, rather than ITV or is ETV.
Lets hope that for the sake of the game both teams play well, and do more than just kick!!
COME ON SOUTH AFRICA, GO HABANA GO!!!
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As a South African, living and working in Leeds, West Yorkshire, I am planning a 'braai' (South African for barbeque) late Saturday afternoon, drinking a few South African beers (Castle lager) and taking some stick no doubt from neighbours and friends. Glad I've got Sunday off work before going back to work on Monday with the biggest smile on my face or my tail between my legs!
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I will be struggling to construct a new shed - thankfully it will be dark by 7pm so I will have to give up then even if it's not complete ;)
Then I will crack open my first lager and check out my very own battle royale of a scrap website, to see if anyone's left a comment (https://battlereporter.blogspot.com for anyone who's interested).
Then after a quick shower and another beer I should be ready for kick-off (after cellotaping my fingers crossed for the 80 mins).
Sigmar
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I'll be sat in bed with the door shut, the TV on and a case of exquisitely chilled stubbies by my side. I'll have about a dozen before the first half ends, mostly due to nerves, though partly through bad habits.
That's what I did at 9am 4 years ago for the last final we were in, I see no reason to change.
Don't suspect I'll remember much of the rest of the day either (again), but at least there won't be as much of it left this time.
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What can I say, I’m the only English guy working with about 20 South Africans in our company out here in Kabul Afghanistan………. The abuse has started already!!!! But you know what…BRING IT ON!!! We are still world champions!!!!!!!
We’ll be watching is on large screen…loads of cheap beer and having a bloody great time
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Am I the only Englishman to have purchased Final tickets before the tournament kicked off? Can't wait for Sat, on the 7.30am from Waterloo lets start the party then!!!
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My girlfriend and I will actually be on a plane to South Africa during the game - we are flying out for a mates wedding, and didnt anticipate England getting as far as they have! Flying with South African Airlines, so the banter should be good - just hope we dont have to endure 2 weeks of gloating Saffas!
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I'll be rejoicing at the commencement of the live stages of X Factor before enjoying the rugger.
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I live in Norway and will be watching the game at the only pub in town that's showing the game. I can hardly wait and am praying that England will win! Again!
While the rest of my home town will be celebrating that the local football team have become national champions for the first time in 44 years, I will be one of very few Norwegians wathcing the rugby, I think. But it is so much more fun than football. Go England!
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I'll be off to the Stoop for an orgie of Rugby. First its Quins V Wasps, next up, the amateurs and then the big one. I'm writing Sunday off. C'mon the Engerland!
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I'll be watching the game from The Wild Rover Pub in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA. At $20 a ticket including grub - who's complaining ?
I'll be surrounded by a large number of Irish Americans, so the banter should be good.
Come on Sweet Chariot !!!!
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I shall be watching it in the walkabout in watford, where i have watched all England games and once again be rubbing my antiopdean friends noses in it! .. Hopefully SA but definately the ozzy baaaa staaaff there.
Oh and its my mates younger sisters birthday that night and guess what she wants to watch the rugby ..
so with England in the World Cup Final and attractice women in spades it could wery well be a lucky night!!!
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Will be in a living room in Potchefstroom South Africa with 30 friends. I hope we find the roof again.
Go Boks!!!!!!!!
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I am lucky enough to be traveling to Paris with a couple of friends that day but not lucky enough to afford tickets!
Should be one hell of a game!!!
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OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH
I bought my tickets to the final a year ago through ERSC.
This year is my fathers 70th, he was at the final in '66. I bought tickets for him my brother and I, my dad will be one of few Englismen to see England win two world cups, rugby and football.
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i have travelled to paris using my student loan, after my mother suggested the idea,(legend!) and am in dyer need of a tent for fri and sat nite. i will be watching the match from somewhere near the eiffel tower with lots of england fans hopefully...
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I am a proud Scot and will be 100% behind England, I've never really understood the Celtic fixation with supporting other nations whom we have very little in commom with. England currently have a brilliant team in the complete sense of the word.
I'll play Ice Hockey in the morning here in Canada before watching the game, England have to hold on to the last 10 mins and then go out and win the game!
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Thank the lord my English boyfriend is away this weekend so I can wear my green and gold without fear!!!
I will be watching with a mixed bag of English, Irish, Scots and Saffas and I am so excited I can barely contain myself. I want us to win so badly becasue I think I'll have a major sense of humour failure if there is another victory parade past my office window ;o)
Viva amabokke bokke viva!
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My boss came over to me today, took me to one side and asked what I'm doing on Saturday. All I could think was 'Shit, I don't want to come in, or go to some kind of work do'
He asked me to come out to see the game. How cool!
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I got one of the 2000 tickets that went on sale! I booked a ferry last sunday, and a hotel for me and 4 mates. We planned on watching it on the big screen. And then yesterday i got seriously lucky - 40 minutes into the sale, i got a ticket off the official site! I've paid the agonisingly low price of €101 - about £60. Not surprisingly, most of my mates are hacked off, and are threatening to push me off the ferry! If all goes to plan though, I will be at the ground, and can't wait to see a famous double! In the words of Woodward in The Times today - "England to win by 3".
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Rugby Party....
projector, big screen, loads of beer!
steaks on the BBQ, Gazebo up if it's wet, Big cross of St George in the garden, and and a warm up of Elgar !!!!!!
And Fireworks for the 82nd Minute!!!!
oh and pain killers for the morning!!
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Living in the heart of 'American College football' country in North Florida, I am about the only person within about a one hundred mile radius that has cared about the Rugby World Cup.
I honestly haven't given Rugby that much of a chance really until this year and after watching the semi last weekend thanks to taking advantage of technology, I've been hooked for life. I will be watching the World Cup Final live by hook or by crook.
For those who will be in the states and won't be able to watch it live, Verses will be showing the final on Sunday at 5 pm Eastern time.
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Typical English arrogance once again. A boring rugby team who rely on ten players but actually are a one player side , JW. Where would you be without him? Pathetic!
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Im getting the 10-30pm ferry tomorrow from Dover to Calais. Driving down to paris? To watch it by the Eiffel Tower, as I believe there is big screens there. Nowhere to park, Nowhere to sleep. Liverpool to beat the bitters England to win the world cup again Ill be celebrating all night.
Tony
Buxton
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I'm travelling at the moment so this comment comes all the way from Australia at the moment. Its all gone very quiet over here I can tell you. They honestly thought they were going to beat us...
Even the commentators aren't giving us much credit. Boring and lucky are words that are commonly used on tv. Sour grapes I call it.
Going to enjoy the big morning (4.00am) with some very bitter Australian friends in the comfort of my front room.
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I've been volunteering in Kenya for the past 3 months and ive spent the last few weeks having to run round my little African town to literally 'bribe' bar staff to put on the South African sports channel (Super Sports).
All of my remaining weekends have been booked up with activities, Rafting in Uganda, Climbing Mount Kenya, Beach at Mombassa - (you get the idea) but i've had to sack the Uganda trip this w.end to go to Nairobi tomorrow to watch the rugby. I've got faith that the lads will come through for us and my sacked trip will not be in vain!
If there's anyone out in Nairobi tomorrow (probably Gypsies bar) I'll see you then!!!!
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I'm going to watch England get HAMMERED by the Boks! GO BOKKE!!!!!
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Blogger 328 Lachlan Douglas I hope you enjoy the game and your ice hockey.
You say you can't understand the "Celtic fixation for suporting other nations". If you were living in the UK then I think you would, but I presume you are another successful Scot but who happens to have left Scotland.
Back home any televised rugby is wrapped in commentary that would make one think that England have a devine right to win every game they choose to play, just for being English. If the team loose then the media say the team were rubbish and the coach must be sacked, as opposed to the fact the other team were just better.
When England are preparing for a game the preparation is covered over and above the games the other home nations are actually playing.
As Will Greenwood showed, even when England aren't playing, some commentators think it better to talk about Englands last performance, than the game on the pitch.
I hope this helps you understand. Enjoy the game, and it is good to see that some Scots are supporting England.
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I am heading for the local sports bar in Latchi, Cyprus, with the memsahib and friends, which will be full of Brits and ( hopefully ) Saffers.
My boat is in Latchi harbour,ready to go, stocked with ice and bubbly for a (celebratory) post game cruise.Sadly, as I am at the wheel I will have to delay my bucks fizz until we are back on shore.My wife is navigating so this could be either Turkey or Egypt.
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I will be watching the Big Game somewhere. Supposed to be watching it at home with the Husband and neighbours.....but after a huge row this morning, I may have to find another home to watch it from!!! Ah well! C'MON ENGLAND!!!!
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I will as ever be in the Hoopman bar, Amsterdam - wearing my battered old England shirt, sitting on my lucky stool...England have not lost since I have been going there - unfortuantley I was in another bar for the SA game...I was in the Hoopman four years ago - celebrated with Champagne flowing followed by a trip to Coco's Outback Australian bar also in Amsterdam!
To those moaning about England's style - WHO CARES! - when will people learn that Rugby needs to be played to the teams STRENGTH..if that means "stick it up the jumper" then that's what it should be - listen to Brian Moore on the podcast...England SHOULD of won the 91 WC!! - if they had stuck to the plan!
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I'll be on holiday in Provence but have located an Anglo bar in Cannes, that has a big screen and will be showing the match live.
"Swing low................."
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I will be down at the local rugby club, drink in one hand, flag in the other, wearing my shirt, hat and scarf. Being a true suporter of general rugby I have always left this night free, whether England were going to play or not. I only wish that i had put money on England to be in the final. 400-1 in some bookies!
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I managed to organise get the best seat in the house with a select ivitation only gathering. No one walking infront of the screen and no queuing for a beer. It's called my sitting room. England have made it to the final after the worst four years of being world chumps. The boks should win it on paper but Steven Spielberg couldn't of written a better script for the holders. Its all about who wants it more. Time for Tait to shine. C'mon England.
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My first child and first Son was born 3 days before the Australia match.
We sat down together to watch the match, his first game and his first lesson.
We Won
His second lesson we sat and watched us beat France.
We Won
For his third lesson we will be sat in exactly the same place.
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will be watching the final at the iMax cinema in Darling Harbour sydney on a 40 metre screen at 5am...with close to 2,000 english and Yaapies expats...if we (the english) don't win we will be off to the wallaby bar to remind everyone who was in the final and who left the 'party' early :-)
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Going round to a friend's house to take advantage of his plentiful beer supplies and wide-screen tv. Luckily his is the last house in the village so we can make as much noise as we like without disturbing the peace. Will be wearing totally filthy England shirt that has not been washed since the Samoa game.
BTW today is my 16th wedding anniversary - 19th October 1991!!! Had radio on during reception. Best wedding present of the lot - sure beat the hell out of all the toasters and pyrex - thanks again lads.
COME ON ENGLAND - LET'S BASH THOSE BOKS!
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Englishman in Cape Town. Praying for the Saffers to lose. Am getting a little weary of the comments. Anyway me and the wife are going to watch it with a load of locals and cheer every english move. As 298 said though even if we win the locals will just say we were rubbish anyway. Well stuff 'em we will win and hopefully in a stunningly boring way just to annoy everyone.
C'mon ENGLAND
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Girlfriend booked me on a flight to New York as a surprise. She was already booked on a flight out there on a later flight and thought it would be a nice surprise if i travel also. I was told after the group stage and I have been dreading England making the final. Now looking to get to the airport late as possible to get compensation and watch the match and then get on the later flight out to New York. I've watched every game so far and I am gutted !!! I wont see any of it if i catch the flight. Bring on severe delays and cancelations !
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334 - one Bok told me on Tuesday his team would win by 30 points. Most sensible people call that confidence. I predicted we'd beat the Aussies in 2003. Most dummies called that arrogance.
Too many dummies out there confuse the two.
Of course we're confident and over excited. You would be / should be too is your team wree / are in the final.
It's not arrogance to believe in your team. It's only dummies that believe that.
So get behind your team and be confident.
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I was supposed to visit my girlfriend, who is spending 6 months studying in Paris. Only for the most French of French traditions to spoil it all! I was going to be in Paris, see my girl for the first time in ages, drink at her local, laugh at all the sad French people, make my way over to the Stade de France, where I would pitty a colleague stuck in the worst seat inside, whilst I had a clear view of the big screen, spending the money I saved by not buying a ticket at the bar... Now I;m stuck in Holland, where the average chap on the street asks you whether Rugby isn't that game "including sticks and a horse"...
The strike's killed it for me...
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Well a friend an me made the short trip to go and watch France V All Blacks ( I'm English and She's Canadian ) and didn't have tickets until the night before. No accommodation being available we slept in the car - being female rugby players we are used to stupid stuff like this and drove back the next morning with a very tired grin on our faces ! What a time we had !!
We will be watching on Saturday night with a group from our rugby team in Sunny Reading - I think it's going to be messy ! So avoid us like the plague
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I'll be watching it in Wrexham no doubt surrounded by South African supporting Welsh People. Love it!
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I booked my graduation for that day with the whole family who I have not see for months coming to watch. Have already cancelled the restaurant, hoping to avoid the ceremony to get a good seat. 70 year old women appreciate travelling for hours to sit in a crowded pub surely.
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Two of my new colleagues are getting married on Saturday.... he is an ardent rugby fan. An awful lot of rugby mad people committed themselves to this wedding a long long time ago.... The best part of the story is that they had even organised a big screen on which the rugby was to be shown at the request of their S.A. and Kiwi friends. The first dance is scheduled for 8'oclock propmpt and 'she' is refusing to move it. A lot of unhappy friends and colleagues!!
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I will be watching in Houston, TX. The question will should I pay for the pay-per-view ($25) or just watch via the internet. Quietly hopeful though.
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I've had to cancel a weekend away in Wales with my girlfriend... I'll be plonked in fromt of the tv on Saturday night trying to avoiud looking her in the eyes...
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I'm flying to Paris tonight from Boston. Come on England.
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355 - I give that marriage about a week!
I am attending a wedding anniversary party all afternoon in ALDERSHOT, a place I hardly know. In case I need one, where's a good place to watch the game please?
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To the bloke who needs a rugby pub in rome head to the irish bar opposite the santa maria maggiore just down from the termini
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Will be watching it in The Dubliner Irish Pub in Gothenburg, Sweden with the rest of the members of Spartacus Rugby Club. Most of the Swedes on my team will be cheering for England, but as an Irishman, I'll be shouting for the Springboks.
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I was in Paris last weekend and wish I was still out there. Sofa, bottle of wine and loud TV will have to suffice this weekend !
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Chinnor RFC are hosting a world final event in a marquee with a large screen telly, barbeque, a few beers, perfect.
The marquee is left over from the annual 500 seat picnic ball held last Saturday evening, needless to say, last weeks do was made very special, with the large screen dominating the evening, many unhappy wives and partners, but hey, it's the world cup!
Big shout for the Chinnor RFC 1st XV 5 out of 5, keep it going boys!!!
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I'll be in an Irish bar in Amsterdam, with friends from England, Ireland, South Africa and elsewhere drinking pints of Heineken cheering on England, And I'm Dutch...
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Ill be landing in Sydney, Oz at 5am Sunday morning or 8pm Saturday Europe time! I plan to watch the game in customs on a smuggled TV.
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My fantastic sis got me 2 tickets - she lives in Paris. Going on the ferry tonight, getting to Paris for breakfast. Croissants & champagne, marvelous. And the wife doesn't like champagne! Even better. Fantastic tournament this time, some weird results, none more so than the Boks 36-0 win in the pool game. Slightly different tomorrow I think. Our cheetah will eat their winger this time! Come on England!
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To all these celts saying that they are supporting the springboks because of there entertaining rugby! God guys how jealous are you?? If the welsh, Irish or Scots had played that way and got to the final, I doubt they'd have such an opinion of there own team! England did what they needed to and fair play to them! I am an Aussie and its hard to take but I will be supporting England as they have given there all. Their blood, sweat and tears attitude and sheer bloody bindedness has been a pleasure to behold!!
I shall probably never say this again, so you poms better appreciate this comment, coming from an Aussie!!
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Four years ago I watched in the Irish Pub in Kiev with seats reserved by the British Embassy. Tomorrow it will be the Hyatt Hotel Belgrade in seats reserved by the British Embassy. I'm not embassy staff so it is good to know that our embassy works for us!!
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for the Tonga game i was in a bar in greece, for the Aus game i was down the pub, for the France game i was at my brothers wedding reception (me and a fe wothers snuck into the bar behind to watch the game) tomorrow i am poor so shall be having a rugby party at home.
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My little lad, on hearing that South Africa were the favourites said to me that he wanted a large glass of icecream while watching the match.
I asked why.
He told me he wants to:
Nick a Bokke Glory !!!
Kids! Gotta love 'em.
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I will be sitting on my chair in the lounge with my mate feeling very calm and relaxed. I have to as I have just been told I have to have a triple heart by pass, never mind I have the pills and will be shouting as usual. Come on England.
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I was born and brought up in Wales and have always been proud of my heritage. I was very disappointed (although not surprised) with our performance in this world cup, but after we left following the defeat to Fiji I could enjoy the tournament for what it has turned out to be; a great rugby spectacle. Since then there have been some epic games and the reasons we all love this sport have been shown again and again. Teamwork, doggedness, intelligence and the ability to win against the odds. England have been to the bottom and decided that it was time to find these values that transcend the game at every level. I have enjoyed watching them confound the critics and shock their opponents in equal measure. I may not be speaking for many of my countrymen, but this is one Celt (that has 2 eyes), that is happy to support England tomorrow.
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I'll be watching it in Dempsey's and cheering on the SAffers.
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I was on a driving holiday in Italy and had planned to drive down to Sicily next however when we got through to the final (Watched in an Irish Bar in Rome) there was only one thing for it.
So dropped my traveling companion at the airport and spent the last week meandering my way up to Paris arriving in the only hotel I could find for 2 nights 26km outside Paris.
Meeting up with friends in Paris tomorrow. Not expecting to get tickets but looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere and just being there.
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obviously will be watching the game at my local pub.. (in the hague) which will be incredible and of course a long night of partying afterwards. i have been classed as "one of the guys" for my love of rugby (im a girl as u may have guessed).. went to watch the NZ quarter final with my dad and some friends of mine.. a proper "boys weekend" apparently
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Taken out from a tackle by the All Blacks!
Straight after semi final booked Euro tunnel for tomorrow coming back Sun - sleep in car job, soak up the fantastic atmosphere in Paris at the big screens - major, major excitement!!!
Wed, out on daily walk with my friend and our dogs (black labs – the dogs are great mates and hurtle around together oblivious to the world). Nearing end of walk both dogs run into me from behind taking me right up in the air, I smack to the ground flat on my back. Having never played rugby was not at all prepared for the fall out from the tackle and can no longer go to Paris - GUTTED GUTTED GUTTED!!!! The dog has spent more than 10 mins in the sin bin!
I shall now be in front of TV now with my neck brace…..my fiancé (Irishman) will have to act out my usual victory celebrations for me though I can still scream and blaspheme for England!
COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!
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What a day ahead!!
Train to Richmond, couple of beers
Quins v Wasps, Dozens of Free Beer
Train to Basingstoke, Quick Nap
Taxi to Basingstoke RFC for one of the greatest come backs ever seen to see the mighty England knocking SA's Bok Off!!
2 Consecutive World Cups, you couldn't make it up
Bring it home Lads!!
You've done us Proud!!
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I will be supporting the boys in green. Why do the British media assume that everybody in the UK wants England to win??? We have had this shoved down our necks for the past week! No self respecting rugby fan from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland will want English hands on that cup. Go Habana! 36 - 0 is small beer!
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Bring it on!
Was in Paris for the 36-0 game
Was in Marseilles for both Eng v Oz and Sa v Fiji
Couldnt get tickets for the final but will be only one wearing a green rugby jersey in The Gaffe in Antibes, South of France.
My website rugby-jobs.com already has the Aussie Head Coach job and the USA Head Coach job on it.
Sunday morning it might have either Jake's or Brian's?
Come on you boks!!!!
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Been to all South Africa's games this world cup - can even speak some french now. Couldn't get a ticket for the final so will be watching it in my friends back garden on a big screen having a braai (bbq).
GO ON BOKKE!!!
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I´ll be trundling down the motorway to Paris from Krimpen a/d IJssel. near Rotterdam, if you really want know, with as many as I can fit in my VW. and then... well we´ll just see what happens...c'est non seulement un sport
c'est le sport, mes amis!
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I'll be watching even though we are nine hours behind up her in chilly Anchorage, Alaska My UK neighbor and I will have the game on and other UK friends over to watch the England win!!!!
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I'll be in an English pub in Brussels.. surrounded by a sea of white jerseys...
but.
I will be a very proud Saffa in my green and gold.
Go bokke go!
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I'll be watching the game in Boston, MA., USA with the Vassar College Women's Rugby team after our divisional game against Radcliffe Women.
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If England win tomorrow it will be a travesty. They have achieved zilch since the last one which they didn't deserve to win either. Boring tedious, highly overrated players leading to boring slogfests. If I see Jonny bloody wilkinson wiggle his bum one more time ...
So yes, I (Irish) will be watching it with a frenchman, some south africans and a load of scots in a bar in Edinburgh - and none of us will be supporting England! Perhaps when England get another pasting from South Africa the jingoistic media will finally shut up. Oh yeah, and their kicker doesn't seem to have any complaints about the balls he's given nor any problem in slotting them between the posts.
he match this evening was an example of how the game should be played. Hats off to the argentinians for that!
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re: 31 - to watch the final in Greece.
Find a Greek bar that has Supersport satellite TV (Greek equivalent to Sky)
The game is programmed to be shown on Supersport 7 and Kickoff is at 22:00 Greek time, which shouldn't clash with Greek football
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re: 31 - to watch the final in Greece.
Find a Greek bar that has Supersport satellite TV (Greek equivalent to Sky)
The game is programmed to be shown on Supersport 7 and Kickoff is at 22:00 Greek time, which shouldn't clash with Greek football
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I am going to have a great day.
Chelsea Match
Quali for the Brazilian Grand Prix
Rugby World Cup Final
Then Lewis winning it tomorrow.
I'm having fun this weekend.
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Here in Stockholm it will be a large Swedish breakfast before meandering down to the Tudor Arms for the 1pm opening in order to get enough drink down before the 9pm kick off here. A 50/50 game today like last time. COME ON ENGLAND!!! :-)
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SO from being All Black and then to Blue & White and most likely today the Kiwis will be Green & Gold... for such a rugby mad nation I'm very saddened by their negative attitude towards England getting where the AllBlacks failed to reach. To read here an Aussie giving support I can only applaude such bravery and honesty. I was in NZ last week and I haven't seen a sadder and bitter bunch. Chaaer up and remember we all pledge allegiance to the same Queen!!!
PS Well done the Roos in the WC 2006 very impressive. Shame I missed you in the Asian Cup and had to cheer on Iraq in Jakarta.
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Here in Stockholm it will be a large Swedish breakfast before meandering down to the Tudor Arms for the 1pm opening in order to get enough drink down before the 9pm kick off here. A 50/50 game today like last time. COME ON ENGLAND!!! :-)
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SO from being All Black and then to Blue & White and most likely today the Kiwis will be Green & Gold... for such a rugby mad nation I'm very saddened by their negative attitude towards England getting where the AllBlacks failed to reach. To read here an Aussie giving support I can only applaude such bravery and honesty. I was in NZ last week and I haven't seen a sadder and bitter bunch. Chaaer up and remember we all pledge allegiance to the same Queen!!!
PS Well done the Roos in the WC 2006 very impressive. Shame I missed you in the Asian Cup and had to cheer on Iraq in Jakarta.
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I'm biking in Wales and have managed to find a pub run by an English landlady. If Wales were playing South Afrcia in the final (?!), I'm sure most Englishmen would be supporting them. It's lovely to see how the Welsh do the same - not!
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