RWC 2011

Paul Ó Connell & Ireland training
in picturesque Queenstown

My first real recollection of the RWC was 1991, the second ever World Cup in rugby. What an occasion it was too with Ireland nearly beating Australia in Landsdowne Road with a great try from Gordon Hamilton. Michael Lynagh ruined that historical moment with an immediate reply up the other side of the old ground and it wasn't to be for Ireland.

But that was then and this is now. Several world cup's later and the innocence of amateur rugby has been well and truly shattered by the arrival of the professional era. So much has changed, even down to the jersey's they wear. No longer does the rugby jersey resemble a big winter wolly. They are tight fitting with some science behind them.The men are bigger, faster and stronger and if you're not physically able, then your not able full stop. One man who is most certainly up to the task is Brian Ó Driscoll who plays in his fourth World Cup which is a fantastic achievement when you consider the abuse he has taken down through the years.

Rugby is a great game and although so few people play it in Ireland, the country has seemed to always have a fondness for it. The statistics speak for themselves. The IRFU Annual Report for season 2006-2007 reported playing figures within Ireland as follows:

Adult Male Players: 21740
Women Players: 1756
Number of Secondary Schools Players: 23586
Number of Youth Players: 12472
Number of Mini Rugby Players: 10967
Primary School: 32209
TOTAL PLAYERS: 100974

Ferris & Healy living the dream

Maybe it's the physicality of it, or maybe it's the fact that the country unites as one or maybe it's because of the characters who have played for us. For whatever reason, we love the game. Another reason is that we have a chance to beat England and more recently be real contenders on a world stage. We certainly punch above our weight and have had great moments watching the current batch of players.

This world cup will be really interesting for many reasons. How will the All Blacks do on home turf? Who will be the shock team? Who will be the star players? How will teams deal with the inclement weather conditions and so on. Ireland should qualify from their pool if their form improves from the warm up matches. They face Australia in the second match and they look awesome.

On a more serious note, the start of the competition also sees my fantasy team come to the fore and I am confident my team can do a decent job this year around. http://irishtimes.fantasyleague.com/Team.aspx?p=1907

Here is a link to the RWC site. It is very interesting and has all the info on matches and teams so it will kepp you up to date on things. http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/index.html