Papering over the Craic: An Irish Fan's Pre-Match Analysis

Andy Cowman runs the rule over the Irish side for tonight's game and... he's still glad he's not English

Well, the analysis of the Irish game is not good. There is talk of a squad that is tearing itself apart. ROG's marriage on the rocks - allegedly - BOD screaming at Stringer and making him the sacrificial lamb (rumour is that the great man insisted to EOS that Stringer be dropped). If that wasn't enough, reports are coming in that Paul O'Connell is a pipe smoker. Is he impersonating the great Willie John McBride?!

Tickets are selling on eBay for a lot less than in previous weeks, though it's not an attraction I care to part with my money for. I'm thinking I'll be watching Gladiator instead. Well, England are in deeper troubles so it somewhat detracts from the Irish mess. Small mercies.

I am amazed by the performance of the teams who are new to the Rugby World Cup, and the so-called third tier nations who are showing great commitment. Or it could just be that Ireland made Namibia and Georgia look good.

News elsewhere is that ITV is doing an absolutely fantastic job of promoting their lesser channels through the purchasing of the rights to the 2007 Cup. The build-up, coverage, commentary, post-match analysis and the mighty Jim Rosenthal have me riveted to my couch. I am so on top of it all, thanks guys. When I read the London Evening Standard last night, there were four pages dedicated to oikball with a whole three-quarters of a page on RWC 2007 - pretty well balanced, isn't it? Makes me feel like an account holder at Northern Rock.

Looking through the papers, I have discovered the Wallabies' new tactic for winning! They'll do anything to get the W against the All Blacks.

Time to get the anti-depressants ready for tonight. Anyone know what channel ITV 8 is on the Sky box?