RWC blog: The warming Pools
Day Five from Planet Rugby journalist Adam Kyriacou's day-by-day diary of his adventures in New Zealand at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
For something extra, Planet Rugby has jetted Adam Kyriacou across to New Zealand for him to scribe a day-by-day diary of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Follow Adam on Twitter: @PlanetRugbyAK
Day Five
Three games back-to-back meant there was no time for exploring yesterday but what got me through the day was the nice thought of finally recharging on Monday. Chatting to a colleague about this blog you are reading, there was an agreement I had to find a balance between a moan and appreciation of what a big opportunity this epic trip offers. No question about the latter sentiment, of that there isn't any doubt, but twelve hours sleep in the first four days I think tells its own story. Bud nipped, mini-grumble over, and I now feel like a new man after getting ten hours under my belt ahead of this afternoon away from a computer screen.
Key Rugby World Cup fact – Should teams finish level on points at the end of the week, the nation who prevailed against the other will finish higher in their respective Pool
After yesterday's mesmerising fixtures came the moment when many people turned their attention to Pool scenarios that could unfold in this coming week. Immediately my eyes skimmed down to that 'Group of Death' where South Africa sit on 14 points, Samoa 10 and Wales – who should take a maximum from Namibia – currently lie on 5 points. Net result, before the final round of games there will be 4 points separating them. I think it would be naive to say that the Boks have not had a brief contemplation of what end of the knockout draw they are heading toward and how things would be, let's say different, on the opposite – that is of course that Italy do not shock the Irish. One expects that Samoa may just fall short of the mark and find their spot taken by Wales and it will then be interesting to see Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu reaction if that does happen as they have had four Tests in 16 days to South Africa's spaced-out 19. What is interesting though is that both England and South Africa could find themselves on an early flight home this weekend. How? If Scotland beat their rivals by more than seven and Argentina win with four tries, while Samoa beat the Boks by more than seven and Wales take a maximum off Fiji. Are there any believers out there?
Tweet of the Day (Dylan Hartley) – Hask Cam = self promotion
New Zealand's Media Organisers had issued forewarning that this morning would be the first time to apply for accreditation to all of the knockout games. Picture hundreds of the world's press battling to get to their desired games right up to the October 23 finale.
A tip of the cap to the staff is thoroughly deserved though as they have also laid on activities throughout the tournament. There is the Sky Walk/Jump, Craft Beer Tasting, Quad Biking, Adventure Jet, Night Canyoning and other adventures that will be checked out very soon.