Cardiff - Oh yeah the rugby...

Cardiff, originally uploaded by davedavid86.

Well that was disappointing.. the result that is.. That will go down as one of the big what-ifs in NZ rugby.. wasn't as if the ABs capitulated.. they took their chances and were playing their normal self.. 13-3 at half-time they looked in control.. then McAlister gets sent to the bin - rightly so i think - and France come back.. i guess Melbourne this year should have been some sort of warning as to what was going to happen.. don't blame the ref.. if he made some bad decisions that cost the ABs, he made some that also hurt the French.. all this talk abt head-hunting Wayne Barnes, etc. is all childish and despicable in my book.. but then again when has the New Zealand public ever not picked a scapegoat? it was Suzie in 1995, Hart in 1999, Mitchell in 2003 and Barnes in 2007.. at the end of the day, the balls just didn't quite fall in NZ's favour and France played a strong 2nd half.. whatever it is, was one of 4 cracking games of rugby which will only be great for the Rugby World Cup's reputation as possibly the best world tournament atm - far more entertaining and value for money than the football and cricket ones..

I think I decided well it's not gonna be when Michalak broke away and gave the ball to Jauzion.. thought yeah not as gutted as I might be actually.. decided I was just gonna enjoy the night as it is.. was a brilliant night in Cardiff.. the atmosphere was unforgettable.. St. Mary's St, High St, were all packed with fans and as u can see met plenty of French fans.. quite a few hot ones.. watched the game with a Welsh mate of mine - Lloyd, thanks a million for cheering me up and entertaining me, as well as the Welsh jersey.. he and his mates really made it a night to remember even if the result wasn't what I hoped for..

anyway will be cheering on France or Argentina till 20 Oct.. still a New Zealand rugby fan at heart but now the team's not there, and still have to go down to Paris, might as well make the most of it.. it's gonna be a cracking 2 weeks in France now that Les Bleus are at home and now surely set to win the Rugby World Cup like they did with the football nearly 10 years ago.. can't wait.. that Arc de Triomphe is gonna be amazing.. if i thought Cardiff and Anfield Road were electric, hopefully 20 Oct would be quite unbelievable..

anyway in Southampton atm.. not much to see really.. staying with a friend's.. just taking Monday easy after such a busy eventful weekend in Cardiff.. prob go to Winchester later this afternoon.. weather's a bit grey as it always is in England.. back in London on Tuesday and then off to France on Thursday!