Did anyone else surprise themselves with the rugby today ?

[Easy 10]

I know I did.
I admit, I'm an armchair fairweather rugby fan who hardly ever bothers with it. I have a vague understanding of 80% of the rules. I'll watch the 6 nations if I'm bored and theres nothing else on, but beyond that it largely passes me by.

However, I watched the matches against Wales and France cos I really, really wanted to see England a Final against the Aussies, just to stuff it up them in their own backyard. My wish came true, it was the Final we all wanted, and I watched it like a man possessed this morning. I was almost chewing my own arm off at the shoulder with the sheer tension and intensity of it all, especially towards the end. And when the Aussies "equalised" for the second time right near the end of extra time, I was gutted. I NEVER thought I'd care this much about a rugby match.

Wilkinsons drop-goal right at the death was just wonderful, and I was genuinly amazed (and delighted) at how proud and jubilant I felt at the end. I guess the England team were just simply inspiring, and I finally "got it" today. Not that I'm a die-hard rugger-bugger all of a sudden, but its refreshing to have my eyes opened to another sport which I'd never really bothered with before. I have a new appreciation of it now.

And thats good, right ?

 

[trueblue]

I was stuck in the Midlands all on my own but was so carried away that I found myself, rather bizarrely, rushing out into the pissing rain in the middle of Birmingham city centre to belt out "Oh Jonny Jonny, Jonny Jonny Jonny Wilkinson".

I wasn't on my own for long because everyone else chose that moment to pour out of the pubs and join in. Absolute magic.

After that, I don't think I'll ever run rugby down again. They're great athletes and superbly disciplined, nothing like the irritating fat beer-monsters I always associated with the game (i.e. all the people I knew who played it).

Only the football team winning the a major trophy could be better.

 

[Curious Orange]

Today is the first time I've ever jumped off of the sofa and started cheering during a Rugby match.

I never thought that would happen!!

 

[albiongirl]

I went down the pub and I'm suffering now!!! my head hurts but it is worth it having a pint for brekkie!! I actually enjoyed the rugby and got involved and when jonny scored that drop goal I jumped up and down like a crazy woman

 

[Digmut]

I'll second that Easy!
I've recently got hooked by the golfing bug after years of taking the piss out of the game.

 

[Hilton]

I really did try to get into it today but couldn't quite. I slept through the first half, watched the second half with the radio on(not rugby), then flicked around the channles for most of extra time as it was too tense, before watching us win it(still with music on).

Good to win it though!!

 

[PaoloRossiJohnson]

I have a vague understanding of 80% of the rules. I'll watch the 6 nations if I'm bored and theres nothing else on, but beyond that it largely passes me by.

I really, really wanted to see England a Final against the Aussies, just to stuff it up them in their own backyard.

I NEVER thought I'd care this much about a rugby match.

Wilkinsons drop-goal right at the death was just wonderful, and I was genuinly amazed (and delighted) at how proud and jubilant I felt at the end. I guess the England team were just simply inspiring

You've summed my feelings up perfectly, Easy.

I've been smiling all day...!

 

[Turkey]

First ever Rugby match I've watched in the entirety and I was really into it.

We all sound a bit Mark Wardish don't you think.

 

[Guinness Boy]

I know I did.
I admit, I'm an armchair fairweather rugby fan who hardly ever bothers with it. I have a vague understanding of 80% of the rules. I'll watch the 6 nations if I'm bored and theres nothing else on, but beyond that it largely passes me by.

However, I watched the matches against Wales and France cos I really, really wanted to see England a Final against the Aussies, just to stuff it up them in their own backyard. My wish came true, it was the Final we all wanted, and I watched it like a man possessed this morning. I was almost chewing my own arm off at the shoulder with the sheer tension and intensity of it all, especially towards the end. And when the Aussies "equalised" for the second time right near the end of extra time, I was gutted. I NEVER thought I'd care this much about a rugby match.

Wilkinsons drop-goal right at the death was just wonderful, and I was genuinly amazed (and delighted) at how proud and jubilant I felt at the end. I guess the England team were just simply inspiring, and I finally "got it" today. Not that I'm a die-hard rugger-bugger all of a sudden, but its refreshing to have my eyes opened to another sport which I'd never really bothered with before. I have a new appreciation of it now.

And thats good, right ?

It is good and you do make some quality posts.

I played for a bit at school - till my mate who was also a 6ft plus 2nd row sat on me and broke my arm. I watched the six nations on and off but mainly they clashed with the Albion and so it was more off than on.

Really started getting back in to Rugby when I was living in Oz. Went to the first Super 12 game of the season more to scratch the sporting itch than anything and was amazed how much I enjoyed it. Went back for every Waratahs home game after that.

These past six weeks have been awsome, sitting in the same Tokyo pub with a great group of mates watching a sporting contest that at times was ridiculous (Aus v Namibia) at times sublime (NZ v Wales) and at times just bloody brilliant (last night). I'm really going to miss the routine that captured a fraction of my old Albion routine. Walking to the pub discussing the game, drinks and banter, shouting, singing and standing up when the ref made a poor decision. Happy times. Pass the Asprin.

 

[Robot Chicken]

I watched it on a pocket colour TV on the coach to Notts County with everyone crowded round. The signal was poor some of the time and was lost a few times but was well worth it.