After England’s recent 6 nations and 100th match trouncing of the shambolic and humiliated French team and as part of the epic British golden decade of sport, the 2015 Rugby World Cup is finally upon us. For those of us who haven’t been lucky enough to sort tickets out back in the UK, here’s a definitive guide to what’s going on over the next glorious 6 weeks in Bordeaux.
Your MasterCard will come in very handy…
As Rugby comes home to the UK, England are looking to repeat their historic win of 2003, with Jonny Wilkinson’s last minute drop-goal forever seared in our memories! (as well as the downing of several pints early on that momentous Sunday morning…)
About as HUGE as it gets.
Around 2.3 million of the 2.45 million tickets have been sold for 48 games in the 20 team World Cup, which runs until 31 October and takes place in stadiums across England and at the Millennium Stadium. Twickenham is the epicenter and sees the opening/closing ceremonies, final and a host of other matches – other venues include Wembley, the Olympic stadium, St James’ Park, Etihad Stadium (Madchester), Villa Park, Stadium MK, Gloucester’s Kingsholm, Exeter’s Sandy Park (both rugby grounds) and the Brighton Community Stadium! 17 matches will take place in London.
World Rugby says almost half a million rugby fans are expected to visit England and Wales during the tournament, with the World Cup bringing a welcome £1bn to the economy. That’s also a lot of pints and packets of crisps.
A total of 102 nations entered the tournament, which will be broadcast to 772 million households – 15% up on 2011 – with games being shown live in both Germany and China for the first time.
A truly international event
Reigning champions New Zealand go into the tournament as favourites, with England, South Africa and Australia – all former champions – all tipped to do well. Ireland, France and Wales have also been touted as potential winners, although one of England, Wales or Australia will fail to reach the last eight as they are in the same pool.
Could be quite a common sight over the next 6 weeks…
Dan Carter, All Blacks – the all-time leading Test points scorer
Johnny Sexton, Ireland – one of the best fly-halves in the world who will be rivalled by 22 year old George Ford
New Zealand wing Julian Savea, Wales wing George North and Fiji back Nemani Nadolo – also set to terrify defences around England for the next few weeks
Other stars set to light up the tournament include Australia full-back Israel Folau, South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth, New Zealand’s Brodie Retallickand Julian Savea, and Italy captain Sergio Parisse, (injury permitting)
Special France game opening night with free V&B rugby ball for the person who gets nearest to the correct score on their FB page – https://www.facebook.com/vandbbordeauxlac
Casey’s ‘Rugby Sports Bar’
Showing all the main matches. Open 7 days a week – Happy Hour is every day from 5-8pm.
The City ‘Sports and Ping Pong bar’
All the main matches on giant screens simultaneously in English and French. Happy hour – 6-8pm (even at the weekend). You can also play Beer Pong…
If France progress in the tournament the town hall will undoubtedly put up a giant screen in either Place Victoire of Quinconces. However as soon as France crashes out in their traditionally theatrical and tear-filled way, all mention of the RWC will permanently vanish in a wave of bitter childish poor-sportmanship accompanied by the standard accusations of everyone else cheating (and that the tournament has been ‘fixed’ by the English). Can’t wait…
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