Ruck The rugby was excellent on Monday night, so much so that I will go along again tonight. It was ideal weather to be outside and I must stop saying this like I'm living in Sierra Leone, but once again the organisation of the event was exemplary. What amazed me though was how hard the players fought for everything, no sign of a jolly out there on the field as one of the US Eagles players could tell you today, if he can remember, after he was knocked full out by a right hook from a New Zealander. Yellow card and the sin-bin for the offending player, gotta love rugby.

In the first game the Classic US Eagles gave the Classic All Blacks a hell of game, finally losing 29-15 which flattered the winners, who had 34-year old and capped 23 times, Scott Robinson in their line up. Afterwards the Classic Lions made very hard work of beating the Classic Pumas 14-5. The Lions side included Shane Byrne, Axel Foley and Barry Williams with JPR Williams assisting from the touchline in his post-rugby career of doctor.

Both the All Blacks and the Lions progress to the semis and the Eagles and Pumas will meet in the Plate on Thursday. Tonight Australia take on holders the Springboks, whilst before that France play Canada in the Plate. The finals are Saturday.

I was pretty good on Monday night getting home before midnight. I might save my drinking boots for Thursday, and take it easy tonight but we shall see.  ¶ 16:00