We were initially on our own for the France v Wales match, only planning to meet up with others post match at the Fanzone. Tim & Gary had departed outrageously early for Tokyo and the Japan v South Africa match. We allowed ourselves the luxury of a slightly later start because of that and so wandered down to the station at about noon for a 12.46 train. I thought the night before’s train had been crowded, but it was nothing compared to the one going into Oita. No seat this morning, but we again managed to secure a cosy corner, which became cosier with every station we stopped at on the way. The driver hopped out of his cab at each stop to liaise with the relevant station master and then between them they squashed and squeezed even more passengers onto an already packed train. Everyone was treated with politeness and so no one was grumpy and, more importantly, no one was left behind.

Oita station was humming and a group of Frenchmen were entertaining the crowds with their rendition of various French songs. The French fans won the best singing badge, just pipping the Irish to the post. English fans very noisy but not terribly tuneful.

Another close and exciting match (great for the neutrals watching) which, but for the sending off of the French player, might well have gone the other way. The Welsh were very lucky to get away with it and were suitably rattled. I think it is fair to say the best team lost, but only because they shot themselves so devastatingly in the foot.

We dashed back to the Fanzone in the hope that the Japanese dream could continue, but sadly South Africa were just too strong, but hats off to Japan for upsetting several team’s apple carts at RWC 2019, long may it continue. The downside of this is that I will no longer get the Twickenham invite for the Japan games (I usually get Japan, Argentina & Italy while the boys get pretty much everything else) as the brand of rugby Japan are playing means they are no longer in the 2nd tier and these games will no doubt now be in high demand.

Another crowded train back to Yufuin and a second night in the Camper bunks, in what are now quite chilly conditions. I will admit I am beginning to yearn for my own bed and a space big enough to swing a cat in.