Molland's Community

[John]

Well, the first game that really matters in the Rugby World Cup is tonight, as New Zealand takes on Italy. You can read more than you ever wanted to know about the World Cup here:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport.html?source=nav

We last won the thing in the 1980's, and since it is only every four years, we have come excruiciatingly close several times. This year is the one, and the whole country is holding its collective breath; this year it's coming home. The All Black coach promises "blood" being spilt to claim the thing, a flood of messages make their way from NZ to Marseilles backing the black, and all over the country many quiet prayers are being said, and many schedules re-arranged to French time zones.

The tradition is a stonking run through to about the semi-final, and then a choke at the last minute (I shall never forget the year we were beaten by France (France! O the infamy!)), but the French just got humiliated by the plucky Argentine, so that will not, must not, and by God shall not happen ever again.

If you notice the level of the Pacific Ocean rising slightly, that's four million people down here sweating in unison. Please God, please Williiam Webb Ellis, please anyone else listening; give us the nod this time....

[Deb R.]

Took some Googling to find score:
New Zealand 76 (43)   
Italy    14  (7)
 
Not sure what all that means, but think NZ must have won since they are scheduled to play Portugal this weekend.

GO LADS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Score a bunch for the lassies at home!!!

[John]

We did indeed win, 76-14, and wasn't it a grand game? So far, so good. We don't usually have trouble until at least the quarter-finals.

In other news, England beat the USA 28-10, which is a good result for the Yankees, and a better one for us. The weaker England are the better. And the big upset was Argentina, who as I said, beat the French.

More results here, slightly easier to understand:
http://www.myrugbynews.com/Rugby_World_Cup_2007/match-new-zealand-vs-italy/

A "try" is what you would call a touchdown, and it is worth 5 points, and then if the first five eighth kicks the ball through the posts straight afterwards, that's a "conversion", and is worth another two.

Penalties are kicked through the posts too, and they're worth three.

[John]

I can't believe it. I am stunned.

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/071006/10/1ycq.html

It happened again!

NOOOOOOoooo!

We are the best Rugby playing nation in the world bar none. Number one in the ranking. We thrash the French regularly. And we're cursed!