Second quarter final in Cardiff

Today started leisurely with an afternoon match. I had a start time of 3 pm in my mind (didn't look at the ticket of course) so wandered down town and bought a sandwich and some fruit for lunch. I decided it might be better to go to the game watered and fed rather than rely on getting into one of the cafes. The town was very green with Ireland supporters some as Leprechauns and one even as the Pope wandering around in his green habit blessing the crowd. As I went back into my hotel room to have my lunch in leisure I turned on the TV to see a Rugby match in play and lo and behold it was the one I was supposed to be at! The game actually started at 1 pm. It was time to done the jacket and go hell for leather down to the Game. I arrived 15 (almost 20) minutes late and by then Clare was wisely setting up a SOS for me. However it was a great match. There was plenty of Argentinian supporters as well as seas of green all around the stadium and the match initially swung one way and then the other. Alas for Ireland Argentina took over the last 20 minutes of the game and put on the points. The score probably flattered Argentina but they are through to the Semi Final and play Australia next weekend. Walked with Clare to the Railway Station entrance and then she headed off for a train to Manchester. Made it back to the hotel in good time to watch the second quarter final between Australia and Scotland. I don't think anyone really gave Scotland a chance but didn't they give the Aussies a run for their money. The Aussies didn't look as all conquering in this match as they had in there earlier encounters so they could have quite a match up with Argentina next week. In the rush to get to the stadium I didn't take the camera so no photos today. I will try and do better tomorrow. One of the things that differentiates southern hemisphere Rugby from Europe is the crowd participation. We are such a reserved lot and it was interesting to look across the rows of seats and see the New Zealanders following the game but without singing or jumping up and down. We need to get better at this as it adds so much to the atmosphere. Not much else to add. Have a few exchanges of texts with Clare as she was listening to the Scotland match during her train trip home. Clare didn't expect a win but would be sad that Scotland got so close and gave away a penalty in the last minute. I hope New Zealand is still luxuriating in the All Blacks win.