So the we hope they are still mighty Springboks actually won a game. One from four stands our performance in the Tri Nations this year, a month before the World Cup is a bit worrying but of course every South African knows that this is all just part of the strategy, part of the smokescreen to confuse opponents who like to strut their stuff. We are sure that Div has access to the best knowledge of the game possible from all the armchair pundits watching and charting his progress. We also know that he is the best possible man for the job and was appointed absolutely on merit. I am a bit disappointed that 'ol Div didn't take me up on my offer to help out, but then maybe he did, as you know mobile phone signal around these parts is at best sketchy. Like ballerinas they shall dance next month we hope. No. We prey.
In today's papers here the Boks are lauded (that would be my sarcasm rearing its ugly head) for beating a half strength NZ team, at home and all. Also in today's paper it is reported that one of the preparations and safeguards for the 2011WC in NZ is that a sample of every meal eaten by every team, every official shall be frozen and kept for 96 hours just in case. Just in case the food is poisoned like the losing NZ team claimed in 1995 (I wonder what their excuse was in 1999, 2003 & 2007?) , or maybe just in case they asked for medium rare steak and it came medium. In another article, plans to herd about 2000 sheep down the main street of a city in New Zealand have been cancelled due to concerns that the women of the city would feel insecure - OK I made that up - no seriously because it was felt that it would be embarrassing for the country's image and the last time they did this - yes they have done it before which is a bit odd - rogue sheep jumped a few fences and gates along the route, and some were found later propping up the bar ordering Lamb Lager. Scary thought how domesticated these sheep have become. Won't be long and some lonely people will find them attractive.
In local rugby, the Eccleshall RUFC 1st team captain was tackled off his bar stool last night by none other than one of my bar ladies, who herself plays rugby and prior to injury was invited for trial for the England Rugby team. In fairness he did challenge her do it, and so she obliged. Much laughter by all and a bit of a bruised ego was all the damage so its not a bad thing. Hopefully he'll be back, perhaps a little quieter next time though.
The other memorable thing last night, for me anyway, was the visit to the pub by two South Africans, one of whom has lived here in the village for 10 odd years and another for about seven. They are both dentists, one is a WP supporter and unfortunately the other is a Bulls supporter (I know I know, should never have let him in) and both sat speaking Afrikaans, which was a bit surreal here in the middle of the English countryside. Their Afrikaans accents were that strong that even I had to listen carefully to make out what they were saying. Obviously the subject of would you go back came up, for one of them definitely not, says he feels like an outsider when he is there, for the other he'll be going back for good this year, to Hermanus. Mmmmm. Don't know if that is such a good idea. But hey, if he's like me he won't listen to anybody anyway.
Anyway, that's my lot for today. Wishing you, wherever you are, a fab Sunday, or Monday if you're on the other side of the world.
Until tomorrow.
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