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Rob Hodgetts

Party or pooper? (394)

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 BBC Sport journalist based in London.


Comments  Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 01:37 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Andy B wrote:

I'll be in IKEA or somewhere watching paint dry

  • 2.
  • At 01:40 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • H wrote:

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...

  • 3.
  • At 01:41 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

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!!

  • 4.
  • At 01:44 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Kate Herbert wrote:

How many other rugby supporters will be on the 5.30am Eurostar and should the party start at that point?

  • 5.
  • At 01:44 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • jonk wrote:

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.

I'll be at the same place I watched the last final, at the rugby club watching it with all the guys I play with week in week out, including our South African prop. It's going to be fantastic!

  • 7.
  • At 01:56 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Rob wrote:

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!

  • 8.
  • At 01:57 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • LaLaLouLou wrote:

dropping everything and booked a grandstand table for 4 at the sports cafe London....C'MON ENGLAND

  • 9.
  • At 01:58 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Bentos wrote:

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!

  • 10.
  • At 01:59 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Zoe Morris wrote:

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!!)

  • 11.
  • At 02:10 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • clive wrote:

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!

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.

  • 13.
  • At 02:18 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Chris wrote:

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.

  • 14.
  • At 02:19 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Rod wrote:

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?!


  • 15.
  • At 02:22 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • David wrote:

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!

  • 16.
  • At 02:24 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Robbie Moore wrote:

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!!

  • 17.
  • At 02:24 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Dale Mellor wrote:

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 ;-)

  • 18.
  • At 02:25 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Rugbynewz wrote:

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.

  • 19.
  • At 02:25 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • James M wrote:

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

  • 20.
  • At 02:25 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Jon. R wrote:

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!

  • 21.
  • At 02:28 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Chris Nuttall wrote:

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!!

  • 22.
  • At 02:30 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • James Sparrow wrote:

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?!

  • 23.
  • At 02:31 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Ted wrote:

" 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

  • 24.
  • At 02:32 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Rob Terrace wrote:

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.

  • 25.
  • At 02:33 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Liam wrote:

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.

  • 26.
  • At 02:36 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Keo wrote:

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...

  • 27.
  • At 02:37 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Ben Whateley-Harris wrote:

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!

  • 28.
  • At 02:39 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • JOHN S wrote:

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.

  • 29.
  • At 02:41 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Paul wrote:

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.

  • 30.
  • At 02:44 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Alex wrote:

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.

  • 31.
  • At 02:48 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Ian_in_Sweden wrote:

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?!

  • 32.
  • At 02:48 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Chris wrote:

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.

  • 33.
  • At 02:48 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Suz wrote:

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!

  • 34.
  • At 02:59 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • darran mather wrote:

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

  • 35.
  • At 03:02 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Freda wrote:

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.

  • 36.
  • At 03:03 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Dave wrote:

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.

  • 37.
  • At 03:03 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Thomas wrote:

Is this the BBC 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.

  • 38.
  • At 03:05 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Rory wrote:

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 .


  • 39.
  • At 03:07 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • RT wrote:

Gonzo, Never has the name of a play been so more apt. Definately is the Journeys End for all of us.

R,

  • 40.
  • At 03:08 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Doug wrote:

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.

  • 41.
  • At 03:08 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Tom H wrote:

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?

  • 42.
  • At 03:10 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Englishman in Milan wrote:

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.

  • 43.
  • At 03:11 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • big al wrote:

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

  • 44.
  • At 03:11 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Tim Stewart wrote:

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!!

  • 45.
  • At 03:13 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Rugby Ref wrote:

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!!!!

  • 46.
  • At 03:13 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Chris S wrote:

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!!


  • 47.
  • At 03:16 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • RoseintheThistles wrote:

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.

  • 48.
  • At 03:17 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Le Poisson wrote:

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!!

  • 49.
  • At 03:21 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • matt Johnson wrote:

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!!!

  • 50.
  • At 03:21 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Tim Eaton wrote:

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!

  • 51.
  • At 03:27 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Tom Houston wrote:

I feel this story rubs salt into the wounds...I have just been bombarded with emails saying that I'm on the BBC 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

  • 52.
  • At 03:29 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Alice wrote:

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.

  • 53.
  • At 03:30 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • James wrote:

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...

  • 54.
  • At 03:30 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Alice wrote:

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.

  • 55.
  • At 03:31 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Bev wrote:

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!!)

  • 56.
  • At 03:36 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Kate Herbert wrote:

How many other rugby supporters will be on the 5.30am Eurostar on Saturday morning and should the party start at that point?

  • 57.
  • At 03:39 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • JC wrote:

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 Home 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.

  • 58.
  • At 03:43 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • RobK wrote:

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.

  • 59.
  • At 03:46 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • NickM wrote:

My beloved brother booked the tickets as a 50th brithday treat for his fanily and in jan 2006. thats faith! Bless Him

  • 60.
  • At 03:52 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • james holmes wrote:

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!!

  • 61.
  • At 03:53 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Charlie Lewis wrote:

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.

  • 62.
  • At 03:55 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Neil Hayward wrote:

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.

  • 63.
  • At 03:55 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

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....

  • 64.
  • At 03:58 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Phil Scott wrote:

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!

  • 65.
  • At 04:00 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Brian Sloman wrote:

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.

  • 66.
  • At 04:01 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Mani Thangadurai wrote:

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!

  • 67.
  • At 04:02 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • gary squires wrote:

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!

  • 68.
  • At 04:05 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Brian Sloman wrote:

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.

  • 69.
  • At 04:07 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Simon Cooper wrote:

I know Tim Eaton (see comment 50)and I'll happily take his wife to Norway for the weekend!

  • 70.
  • At 04:08 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Matt Walker wrote:

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!!!!

  • 71.
  • At 04:11 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Jim wrote:

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!

  • 72.
  • At 04:12 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Henry wrote:

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...

  • 73.
  • At 04:13 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Gav Collins wrote:

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.

  • 74.
  • At 04:18 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Jimbob wrote:

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.

  • 75.
  • At 04:23 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Peter The Pom in Preston wrote:

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!!!!!


  • 76.
  • At 04:29 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Alex Marshall wrote:

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!!!

  • 77.
  • At 04:31 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Ian wrote:

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'.

  • 78.
  • At 04:31 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • tim c wrote:

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.

  • 79.
  • At 04:38 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • DM wrote:

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....

  • 80.
  • At 04:39 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Ken H wrote:

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!!!

  • 81.
  • At 04:41 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Stumpy wrote:

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)

  • 82.
  • At 04:41 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Coxy wrote:

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

  • 83.
  • At 04:44 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • rob wrote:

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'

  • 84.
  • At 04:44 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Big Tom wrote:

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.

  • 85.
  • At 04:46 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Andy K wrote:

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!

  • 86.
  • At 04:48 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • pierre wrote:

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.......

  • 87.
  • At 04:54 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • S.Chabal wrote:

I will in the gym getting ready to unlease myself on New Zealand in 2011

  • 88.
  • At 04:54 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Sue wrote:


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.

  • 89.
  • At 04:56 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Ryan Greenaway wrote:

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.

  • 90.
  • At 04:59 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Laura S wrote:


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!).

  • 91.
  • At 05:00 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Cornish Bull wrote:

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.

  • 92.
  • At 05:00 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Dan Brown wrote:

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???

  • 93.
  • At 05:02 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • shawey wrote:

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.

  • 94.
  • At 05:03 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Gutted wrote:

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 :)

  • 95.
  • At 05:05 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Chris wrote:

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.

  • 96.
  • At 05:10 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Giganto wrote:

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!

  • 97.
  • At 05:14 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Magicman wrote:

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

  • 98.
  • At 05:14 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Nick Helmsley wrote:

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

  • 99.
  • At 05:19 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Gillian Halliday wrote:

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!

  • 100.
  • At 05:22 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Olorin wrote:

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.

  • 101.
  • At 05:25 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Steve wrote:

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 :-(

  • 102.
  • At 05:39 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Nick wrote:

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.

  • 103.
  • At 05:43 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Mark wrote:

My son is going to Washington DC tomorrow for a Politics school trip. Do any of the US channels show the game ?

  • 104.
  • At 05:50 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Ric Belfield wrote:

Always had the faith. Bought my ticket back in March!

  • 105.
  • At 05:50 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Simon Davies wrote:

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!!

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

  • 107.
  • At 05:52 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • mark wrote:

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.

  • 108.
  • At 05:53 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • charlie from Preston wrote:


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

  • 109.
  • At 05:54 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • ed carlsberg wrote:

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.....

  • 110.
  • At 05:56 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Kieran wrote:

No 10 - great story, where are you getting married??

  • 111.
  • At 05:56 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Darcy wrote:

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.

  • 112.
  • At 05:57 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Binger wrote:

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"!

  • 113.
  • At 06:00 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Jim wrote:

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 BBC world service and a crate of strong Easter European lager!

  • 114.
  • At 06:03 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • christian proctor wrote:

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 !

  • 115.
  • At 06:04 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Garnetto5 wrote:

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...

  • 116.
  • At 06:08 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Caroline Whiteman wrote:

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...

  • 117.
  • At 06:09 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • ferg wrote:

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!!!!

  • 118.
  • At 06:09 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Kt wrote:

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.

  • 119.
  • At 06:11 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • tartan jock wrote:

i watch the re-run of FRANCE V SCOTLAND

  • 120.
  • At 06:29 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Richard Vere wrote:

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!

  • 121.
  • At 06:30 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Catherine wrote:

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? :)

  • 122.
  • At 06:37 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Brillo wrote:

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.

  • 123.
  • At 06:45 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Mark wrote:

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

  • 124.
  • At 06:49 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Tucker wrote:

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!!

  • 125.
  • At 06:51 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Rob Hodgetts wrote:

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!

  • 126.
  • At 06:53 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Mark the geezer wrote:

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 !

  • 127.
  • At 07:12 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Shaun wrote:

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!

  • 128.
  • At 07:15 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Andy wrote:

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 )

  • 129.
  • At 07:21 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Eddie Bowers wrote:

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.

  • 130.
  • At 07:30 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • jimmy wrote:

i'll be in france, paris even.. but disneyland.. why? i have no idea..

  • 131.
  • At 07:32 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • elliott wrote:

i am going to a batmitzvah but am not going as rugby is far more important, now lets try to persude the father

  • 132.
  • At 07:37 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Pablo wrote:

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)

  • 133.
  • At 07:38 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Ian wrote:

115.

Absolute class mate. You can always fold them later.

I'm in a similar situation.

Have a great time!

  • 134.
  • At 07:39 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Russell wrote:

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.

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 :-)

  • 136.
  • At 07:52 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Fat Frank wrote:

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!

  • 137.
  • At 07:56 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

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!

  • 138.
  • At 07:57 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • peter bibb wrote:

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

  • 139.
  • At 08:05 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Paul wrote:

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!

  • 140.
  • At 08:06 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Tom wrote:

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!!

  • 141.
  • At 08:11 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • NG wrote:

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!!!

  • 142.
  • At 08:16 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • dave wrote:

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!

  • 143.
  • At 08:20 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Frisk Lamb wrote:

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

  • 144.
  • At 08:28 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • pete wrote:

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.

  • 145.
  • At 08:34 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Ralph Evans wrote:

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...

  • 146.
  • At 08:46 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Judas Pissed wrote:

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!!!

  • 147.
  • At 08:47 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • luke curtis wrote:

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.

  • 148.
  • At 09:04 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Liss wrote:

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!!

  • 149.
  • At 09:04 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Jon carter wrote:

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.

  • 150.
  • At 09:31 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • paul dowd wrote:

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!!

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?!?

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 : )

  • 153.
  • At 09:43 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • mike wrote:

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.

  • 154.
  • At 10:01 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Tristan wrote:

Got tickets to the final and 3rd/4th playoff - get in!!!!!!! Come on England!!!!!

  • 155.
  • At 10:01 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Stuie Bellamy wrote:

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!!!!

  • 156.
  • At 10:04 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Catherine wrote:

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?

  • 157.
  • At 10:06 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Catherine wrote:

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?

  • 158.
  • At 10:07 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Moisty wrote:

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.

  • 159.
  • At 10:07 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Simon Baghomian wrote:

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.

  • 160.
  • At 10:12 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Tim wrote:

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.

  • 161.
  • At 10:19 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Ashamed wrote:

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?

  • 162.
  • At 10:27 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Mark W wrote:

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!

  • 163.
  • At 10:29 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • debs wrote:

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!!

  • 164.
  • At 10:29 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Catherine wrote:

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?

  • 165.
  • At 10:32 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • 'Mr Zoe Morris" wrote:

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

  • 166.
  • At 10:35 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • trevor wrote:

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!

  • 167.
  • At 10:36 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • debs wrote:

4 of us have dropped everything and are flying into Paris from New York...

Arrive Friday morning leave Sunday afternoon...

Come on England!!

  • 168.
  • At 10:38 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

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.

  • 169.
  • At 10:39 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • 'Mr Zoe Morris' wrote:

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

  • 170.
  • At 10:41 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Kerry-Anne wrote:

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!!!

  • 171.
  • At 10:44 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Kerry-Anne wrote:

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!!!

  • 172.
  • At 10:46 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

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.

  • 173.
  • At 10:46 PM on 16 Oct 2007,
  • 'Mr Zoe Morris' wrote:

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