England v Japan

We are a reduced crew for today’s match, with the Canadians either opting to remain by the pool or heading out for dinner with their kids, who are also in town. The Fabulous Five headed back to Stade de Nice with our fingers crossed for an England victory and an easier post match trip home (well, we got one of those, so I suppose I shouldn’t really complain).

The Return of the Fabulous Five

It was a scrappy 1st half that filled none of us with much confidence, but the second half was much better, though the score flattered England I think. There seem to be 2 points of view currently 1) England are doing much better than they have done in the last couple of years, so cause to celebrate, but 2) there is still a long way to go if they are to beat the likes of France, South Africa, Ireland or New Zealand. However it does now look like they are into the quarter finals (barring a really bizarre turn of events) and to be honest I wouldn’t have staked my house on that a month ago. So upwards & onwards.

Celebrating another England win

I had completely forgotten how delightful the Japanese are. Not only are they enthusiastic supporters, but the fact that the entire national team walks round the stadium and bows to each side of it, thanking their supporters for attending, still blows my mind. Such a simple thing to do but it means the world to the Japanese fans. Personally, I think it’s something many teams could learn from – saying thank you costs nothing, but means everything.

Fabulous even in defeat