Rugby fans tuck in early for feast of up and unders

The Australian fans out-cheered the Argentina supporters in Major Tom's pub yesterday morning in Dublin, where rugby fanatics…

The Australian fans out-cheered the Argentina supporters in Major Tom's pub yesterday morning in Dublin, where rugby fanatics gathered to watch the opening game of the World Cup.

The uniforms varied from Wallaby jerseys to suits and ties, with the pub full of college students, business people taking long lunch breaks and a few diehards who had called off work or taken the day off.

According to bar manager Trent Murphy, there was already a line outside when he opened at 10:30 a.m.

One of the most animated Australia fans, Kellie Itzstain, was wearing a large Wallaby umbrella hat. "I'm rooting for my Australia!" she cheered, surrounded by a group of fellow Australians and New Zealanders.

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Irish fans joined the Australians in rooting for the Wallabies because most thought Ireland, who are in the same group and opened their World Cup campaign against Romania at eight o'clock this morning, could do without yesterday's underdogs upstaging the hosts.

But there were a few rogue Argentina supporters. Tom Burns and Henry Keane, both English students at Trinity College, thought it would be a more exciting World Cup if Argentina did well.

"There are five top teams that are in the final shake-up all the time. It would be nice if Argentina got in there," Mr Keane said.

His support was to no avail, however, the hosts beating a disappointing Argentina 24-8.

The tournament goes on for over six weeks, with its 48 matches culminating in the final in Sydney on November 22nd.