#Rugby World Cup France 2023

[tdjrwc2023]

17. J+8 bis : le Siva Tau des Îles Samoa

Le Siva tau est une danse exécutée par l'équipe des Samoa de rugby à XV avant chaque match. À chaque fois, c'est un enjeu culturel mais également psychologique.

Voici les paroles si vous ne comprenez pas le samoan comme moi :

Les paroles : «Samoa ! Allons à la guerre ! Bats-toi à fond ! Il faut tout donner ! Guerriers ! Allons-y ! Guerriers des Samoa, Que votre mission réussisse ! Guerriers des Samoa, Que votre mission réussisse ! Guerrier des Samoa, Je suis fin prêt / Il n’y a nulle autre équipe, nulle part / Je suis prêt, complètement préparé / Ma force est à son comble / Poussez-vous, écartez-vous / Car ce guerrier est unique / Le guerrier Samoan / Le guerrier Samoan / Le guerrier Samoan règne au Samoa.»

[asiarugby]

Official Rugby World Cup France 2023 store set to open its doors in Marseille on 5 August

Located at the bottom of Cathedral La Major and opposite the MUCEM on Place Albert Londres, the official Marseille store is one of the first official points of sale ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in Paris on 8 September. Continue reading Untitled

[thewales-family]

The Princess of Wales June 2024 Photo Challenge

29. Favourite photo(s) of Catherine at sporting events.

[princesscatherineblog]

The Princess of Wales at the Stade de Marseille supporting England in their Rugby World Cup quarter final match against Fiji on 15th October 2023.

[behindfairytales]

[the-wales-5]

"Rugby World Cup 🇫🇷 + 'the Intruders' " :)

15th October 2023.

The Princess of Wales was attending the quarter finals of Rugby World Cup between England and Fiji. Several fans of her showed up to the game, including one wearing a hilarious mask with Catherine's face on it. Two men brought themselves to the stadium with posters made of cartons with French sentences, which translated to < divorce and marry me > & < Not him, Kate. Me >.

The princess was unaware of their act until the very end of the match when her secretary told her about it and showed a picture that was already viral around all of the 'royal' social media accounts.

***

Upon home return, William was waiting for her. "England is in the semi-finals, unlike Wales" said Catherine after seeing him, showing him her competitive side once more. William narrowed his eyes a little. His wife was rather confused, so she asked: "Is everything okay? It was a simple joke, you know that, right?.." she smiled but that facial expression was quickly replaced by a different one as she added: "Just like those posters you probably had seen".

"Posters" William sighed and then looked at her face, asking "What was your reaction ?" He asked, awaiting her explanation of the Intruders as he called them earlier. Catherine tried not to smile and said "I laughed and.. By the way, where are our kids?".

William rolled his eyes again after he did not get a direct response "And what? What else happened?" He asked once more.

Catherine hid a sigh and replied "And I assumed that you will behave in this way. Losing in a competition is not always an easy thing. Excuse me, Mr Wales, but I would like to see our children right now".

William sensed that his wife was teasing him now and couldn't help but smile as he stared at her way.

*

"I am so happy that England won, mummy. Hope they will win next week and then in the finals as well" George said.

They were playing a board game together with Charlotte and Louis. Orla was 'watching' them, occasionally barking, especially when Louis was the winner.

"She is rooting for me" he said and giggled

"Lupo used to do something similar with me," George said as he remembered their old dog and his playfulness. His mother caressed his shoulder. Thinking about Lupo and other dogs in her family that already passed away was not simple for her either, especially when an anniversary of Lupo's death was approaching.

Charlotte noticed her sudden sadness and asked, "Mummy, is everything okay?" Catherine, without saying anything, hugged her children and Orla.

*

The princess was pretending to be watching the TV in the living room late in the evening. William approached her and put his arm around her. "You've got no plans to go to sleep tonight? You should feel sleepy after your flight and all the emotions you had"

Catherine looked at him suspiciously. "Emotions? I feel like you've had more of those than me and that includes jealousy again. Am I right?".

William took a strand of her hair away from her face as he replied "You're not wrong. Well, maybe not jealousy but a bit of anger when you teased me by saying that losing in a competition is not easy" he said.

Catherine smirked "Well.. Usually you love when I am teasing you and this time you don't? This is unusual for you" she said.

"This is because you told a lie" William replied while looking into her eyes, then kissed her neck. Catherine laughed "So you think that you won. England was the winner and you are supporting Wales so you lost. This is logical."

"Both you and me know that it doesn't only mean the match itself, Mrs Wales but the posters. Those men lost, not me" William said and before Catherine could laugh, he kissed her on the neck once again, more passionately.

"Be careful" she giggled "I won't accept love bites marks. Do you know how difficult it is to cover that later?".

William only smirked as he said "The weather's getting colder so you can begin wearing turtlenecks soon, can't you?".

Catherine giggled and pushed him back. "Sorry for you, Mr Wales but you were right: I am feeling tired and sleepy right now. Your proof of winning must wait until tomorrow" she laughed and went to take a shower.

As a 'revenge' and to prevent William from joining her there, she closed the bathroom room with a key. William knocked when he realised what she did a few minutes later.

"Are you serious?" He asked and then smiled after hearing his wife's soft laugh.

*

"Aren't you sleeping?" He asked about thirty minutes later when he came to their bedroom after putting their youngest child to sleep.

"I can't" Catherine replied

"So you missed me anyway" he smiled.

Catherine shook her head and replied: "Today when I was playing with the children, all of a sudden George mentioned Lupo and you know that--.. his death anniversary is coming and it is still not easy sometimes to think about it even when Orla's with us" she sighed.

"Kate.." her husband said and pulled her closer to himself "Of course it is not possible to forget about him and the way he left us"

Catherine blinked a few times and then she could feel William's forehead kiss and then another touch of his lips - on hers.

She looked at him and William caressed her cheek as he said: "You told me to wait until tomorrow for something more so I will but it does not mean I will not try to lift your mood up a little bit if you want, Mrs Wales"

His wife nodded as she said "Yes, you are allowed to do that I think.. But that doesn't mean that you're a winner in everything. Wales lost" Catherine smirked after making a decision to tease him for the last time that evening and that way she got her 'revenge': lots of kisses on her face and a few, <almost invisible> love bites on her neck.

*

"Thank you" Catherine said sarcastically the next morning when she stood in front of a mirror, trying to cover the marks William left on her neck the night before.

"You can still wear turtlenecks, and there is nothing in our calendars until November so it will heal, right?"

"Yes, unless you plan to prove something again" Catherine scoffed a little

"Next time I need to prevent some people with the cardboard posters from coming to the areas where you will be. Then, I will not have to prove anything" he said and laughed after Catherine threw a pillow at him.

~The end ♡~

[brian-in-finance]

Twitter

Remember… in your head, in your head, zombie, zombie… 🎶

The Cranberries - Zombie, played over public address system

[superbeans89]

It’s RWC eve, and with kickoff tomorrow at 8:15 PM UK time, some speculation is in order for the 9 people on tumblr who follow it.

For those who don’t know, rugby union is a sport not far removed from American football, based more on evasion than contact however. There are 15 players on each team, and the ultimate goal is to get the ball grounded in the other team’s try area - comparable to the end zone in NFL. Unlike NFL though, the ball can only be passed backwards in rugby (unless you’re kicking it), turning it into a whole different ball game, so to speak.

Should a team achieve this, they score 5 points, and can attempt a conversion - that’s kicking the ball from a tee between the upright posts - for an extra 2. Penalties can also be kicked for 3 points outside of try scoring situations, making for a strategic and slightly complicated scoring system, though yet again NFL fans won’t be unfamiliar with it. It’s worth noting that games have been won solely on penalty points though, so don’t underestimate them.

Now, for the teams:

As it’s still a developing sport, not even competing with the likes of soccer or cricket, there are only 20 participating teams in the RWC. There are several countries that have adopted it as their national sport however, including Wales, New Zealand, and many of the pacific islands.

Of the four pools, only two from each will advance to the quarter finals, while third placed in the pool will automatically qualify for the next tournament, giving teams plenty to play for, even if they aren’t going to win every game.

With that said, there are favourites and no hopers among those that have qualified;

The Favourites

🇫🇷 - France. As this year’s hosts, France are currently ranked 3rd in the world, and are notoriously unpredictable. Able to beat - or lose to - just about anyone, France have been the bridesmaids of the Rugby World Cup three times now. With flair, team depth and a home field advantage, they’re expected to go far, and should be guaranteed a place in the semifinals or better.

Which French team shows up may be revealed when they play New Zealand in the opening match.

🇮🇪 - Ireland. Ranked number one in the world, but with a poor record at World Cups, never getting past the quarterfinals, Ireland don’t thrive under the pressure of expectation, preferring to act as the underdog and surprise people instead.

Nevertheless, with a dedicated following, solid recent form, and trailblazing coach Andy Farrell, this could be the year they break that curse, though they’ll have to escape the Pool of Death first.

🇳🇿 - New Zealand. Historically the best rugby nation on the planet, New Zealand were near unmatched in this sport until recently, remaining at the top of the rankings for almost ten consecutive years. Their form has taken a dip recently, particularly after a record breaking loss to South Africa, but only time will tell whether the infamous All Blacks can bounce back, or if they were just hustling.

🇿🇦 - South Africa. As the current champs, alongside terrific form and team depth, the Springboks are expected to go far this year. While they are also stuck in the Pool of Death with Ireland and Scotland, they have a tremendous pedigree in the sport, matching New Zealand’s record three victories, despite featuring in two less World Cups. Thriving under pressure, the Springboks combine esteem and unconventional playstyles - you’ll hear the phrase ‘bomb squad’ used a lot when they’re playing - a lot of fans will see this World Cup as South Africa’s to lose.

The Dark Horses

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 - Scotland. Currently ranked 5th in the world, Scotland are in strong form and have surprising team depth for such a small rugby nation. Unpredictable and world beating on a good day (yet still waiting on that historic victory against the All Blacks), Scotland would be expected to do well this year… if they weren’t in the Group of Death alongside Ireland and South Africa. These are both teams Scotland can beat, but will they remain consistent for a full eighty minutes of play? That’s the main concern.

🇦🇷 - Argentina. Often forgotten as a rugby nation due to their soccer pedigree, Argentina are one of this tournament’s secret weapons. With solid form, growing momentum and a lucky placement in the pools however, los Pumas can probably reach the semifinals.

🇦🇺 - Australia. Famous rivals to the All Blacks, Australia’s form has fallen in recent years, but not to the point where they should be counted out. Almost causing a massive upset against New Zealand, leading them for most of the game on their own turf, when the Wallabies get it right they can be deadly, and they’ve won this tournament twice as well, so don’t write them off just yet.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 - England. Having won the RWC in 2003, not to mention inventing the sport, England have a rugby pedigree that can’t be denied. Their recent form has been poor however, recording several record losses, as well as a first ever loss to Fiji. While they should make it out of their pool - though this is largely because it’s the easiest pool by far - England won’t be expected to go much further, maybe scraping past the quarterfinals if they’re lucky.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 - Wales. Between funding issues and player retirement, Wales are a depleted side this World Cup. While inconsistent across previous tournaments, they have notched up some remarkable results in the past, and could do so again under legendary coach Warren Gatland. It’s far more likely that they’ll struggle however, and may not even make it out of the pool this year, with Fiji and Georgia looking strong.

The No Hopers

🇮🇹 - Italy. While their form has been good, and they’ve made great strides in recent years, Italy are grouped in with France and New Zealand, the latter of which they’ve never beaten. Short of a miracle, Italy won’t be making it out of their pool.

🇫🇯 - Fiji. Recording a famous win in Twickenham on their last warmup match, Fiji have form and momentum on their side, and will be aiming for the quarterfinals. They likely won’t get any further, but for a tiny island nation, Fiji punch well above their weight.

🇼🇸 - Samoa. Having upset traditionally stronger nations at previous World Cups, Samoa could surprise a few opponents this year too. Beating either England or Argentina for a qualifying place will be a tough ask, but never say never.

🇹🇴 - Tonga. Also in the Group of Death with Scotland, Ireland and South Africa, Tonga will be gunning for an upset. Their form has been strong, and they perform immensely well for an island of 100,000 people, but escaping the pool will probably be too much of an ask.

🇬🇪 - Georgia. Europe’s ‘other’ rugby nation dominates in the second tier of competitive play, and will hope to upset Wales in this World Cup, just like they did in Cardiff last year. With Fiji also vying for the same spot though, their rough and tumble playstyle may work against them in the long run, as fitness is definitely an issue for bulkier players.

🇯🇵 - Japan. After stunning South Africa 34-32 at RWC2015, and graduating from their pool by beating both Ireland and Scotland at RWC2019, Japan will hope to take advantage of their reputation as the wild card, and escape pools a second time. With England looking vulnerable it’s not impossible, but poor form and and equally hungry Samoa may hold them back.

‘We’re just happy to be here!’

🇺🇾 - Uruguay. South America’s second best rugby nation has grown massively in recent years. Ousting Canada from the qualification rounds, they’ve featured at plenty of World Cups, and even got a surprise win over Fiji last tournament. In a strong pool with France, New Zealand and Italy however, they’ll be fighting with Namibia for what will likely be their sole victory of the tournament.

🇳🇦 - Namibia. Similarly to Uruguay in many ways, Namibia are also the second best in their continent, behind the mighty Springboks. Also in the same group as Uruguay, they’ll be aiming for a single win, with no real hope of graduating from their pool.

🇷🇴 - Romania. A World Cup mainstay, The Oaks have been to all but one tournament, and even that absence was mired in controversy. Between lacklustre recent form and rampant funding issues however, Romania will be lucky to get a win in what’s by far the toughest pool.

🇵🇹 - Portugal. Another nation known more for their soccer, Portugal won’t be expecting much from their pool. If they get a win, they’ll be ecstatic. They qualified by the skin of their teeth, but they made it here. That’s reason enough to celebrate, and it’s only a short plane trip home.

🇨🇱 - Chile. Debuting at RWC2023, Chile qualified with a last gasp victory over the USA, and will likely end up bottom of their pool. Still, qualifying at all is a massive achievement for a nation with such a small following.

…and that’s everything. RWC2023 is considered the most open World Cup in the sport’s history, with as many as six or seven viable contenders. Whoever holds the Webb Ellis Cup aloft in a few weeks is up to debate, but it should be entertaining nonetheless. Game on!

[through-pierre-lenses]

Rugby World Cup 2023

France vs New Zealand

Cinestill 800t

[askwhatsforlunch]

The Rugby World Cup Table

In France, there is something specific to Rugby we call "la troisième mi-temps" (third half-time), where both winning and losing teams and supporters gather after a game for a bite and a pint! In that spirit, as our home World Cup comes to a close tonight, I am celebrating all the teams that took part and played exciting, enthralling rugby (sometimes breaking our hearts!) all across France this past couple of months, sharing recipes from all the countries represented. I really enjoyed delving into national cuisines I did not know, and perhaps some future travels will be inspired by these delicious discoveries! In the meantime, I'll be happy eating, whether New Zealand or South Africa lifts their fourth Webb Ellis Trophy!

Pool A

Confit Duck (France)

Manuka Honey Glazed Ham (New Zealand)

Melanzane alla Parmigiana (Italy)

Pasta con Salsa Caruso (Uruguay)

Ombidi and Mielie Pap (Namibia)

Pool B

Beer Battered Sausages (Ireland)

Regte Braaibroodjie (South Africa)

Scots Apple Crumble (Scotland)

Ota Ika (Tonga)

Griș cu Lapte (Romania)

Pool C

Haddock Welsh Rarebit (Wales)

Vudi Vakasoso (Fiji)

Aussie Burgers (Australia)

Pastéis de Nata (Portugal)

Abkhazura (Georgia)

Pool D

Chicken Pot Pie (England)

Guiso Carrero (Argentina)

Salmon Chirashi (Japan)

Kopai (Samoa)

Chupe de Camarones (Chile)

[trolledu]

translation: ''OK, who hurt you?''

[tdjrwc2023]

19. J + 9 bis : c'est parti, le premier d'une longue série

Le temps que j'écrive ce post, 4 essais...déjà

[thegoosiestlucy]

barely 10 minutes in and it’s so obvious this should be the final how on earth is fra/rsa a quarterfinal

[thewales-family]

The Princess of Wales attends the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between England and Fiji at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France -October 15th 2023.

[princesscatherineblog]

Catherine, Princess of Wales at the Stade de Marseilles, to watch England's opening game against Argentina in the 2023 Rugby World Cup on 9th September 2023. The Princess has been the patron of English Rugby since February 2022.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

The Prince of Wales and his son Prince George attend the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter final match at Stade de Marseille, France, 14 October 2023.

Benoit Payan, Mayor of Marseille, and Gerald Davies, President of the Welsh Rugby Union.

📷: Adam Pretty / Henry Browne - World Rugby / World Rugby via Getty Images / Mike Egerton / PA Images