Started the day watching Wales’ win over Australia. I do like to see dropgoals in open play, they change the whole defensive way of thinking and keep everyone on their toes, and a well-worked drop goal is a thing of beauty. Australia’s (eventual) try from goal line attack was rather tremendous, as was the Welsh interception try... in fact the whole game was a real advert for both the sport, and the tournament. 

If England qualify from the pool, they will meet one of those two in the first knock out round... I hope they feel that rather dull knock-about at St James’ Park was sufficient preparation! 

Watching Georgia (briefly) deflated my spirits somewhat, considering they are being touted as Italy’s replacements in the 6N. On their showing in this tournament, neither side appear up to scratch....

Been listening to Flying Scotsman exercising its whistle at NVR through the day. I haven’t been over because (a) a quite astonishing number of people seem to have the same idea (b) I don’t have to be at work tomorrow, so I will have a look then (c) the weather is absolutely abominable, brief torrential showers at unpredictable intervals.