The autumn internationals finally kick off for me this weekend; it’s been a long time since the 6 Nations and over a year since we last played a match at the Stade de France.
A part of me wishes I had accepted an invite to go watch the lads play tonight, but I was being sensible as it’s an evening game; no bodyguard available due to family commitment does not make the return journey much fun. Besides, I’ve paid, albeit under duress for my month’s subcription to Discovery+, so I better get my money’s worth from it!
Last night’s match was not your typical match; everyone had been speaking of an easy Irish win against an All Blacks side that had only won 3/6 of their Rugby Championship matches and come close to losing against England last week. Handbags starting within the first few minutes always entertaining, but I was pleased to see the ABs come away with a win which included some incredible kicking from Damian MacKenzie.
Looking forward to Sunday’s match too – I was chewing the cud with two South African rugby mates yesterday; neither of them is particularly confident which did surprise me. One is concerned about the potential for yellow cards if they overplay and the other mentioned that it’s the strongest back line they have seen in the Scottish team in a long time and bemoaned the fact that Huw Jones had been seduced by haggis and heather, leaving the Stormers in 2016… Regardless of the result, it’s one match I won’t be missing and will be the perfect way to wind down after a very long week; I lost count at 76 hours mid afternoon on Thursday and I’ve done a few more since then!
Allez Les Bleus !
