The World is Oval

Other news from the world of rugby

Thirst-class lodgings

The Irish team hotel beside the man-made lake on the outskirts of Bordeaux has an interesting colour scheme on the inside. It is full of fabrics of ruby, pink, various shades of reds, purples and off-whites from floor to ceiling. The Sofitel was designed by a Frenchman, who incorporated all the colours of Bordeaux wine, one of the most important industries of the region. Ironically, though the players are off the booze for the World Cup, every step they take in the hotel they are reminded of alcohol.

Playing with foyer

The team announcement for the match against Georgia took place in a public foyer in the Irish team hotel. Given the tightness of security at the stadiums, the sight of captain, coach and various players doing business in the full glare seemed incongruous.

It came about because of a dispute between the IRB and the Irish management. The world governing body, presumably stuck in another century, argued that there was no need for a press room in the hotel and refused to provide one.

And so you have the 50 or so radio, television and print journalists mingling with the elite rugby types as curious guests look on.

The Gaul of Hector

The inimitable Hector Ó Heochagáin is in town doing a follow-up programme to Chasing the Lions, the hilarious documentary he made on the last Lions tour.

This time he's in it for the duration of Ireland's involvement and the result will be titled Chasing the Frogs. The amphibian theme is understandable, however irreverent. But the title suggested by one of the production team - Ireland's Gaul - seemed to us even better. Nevertheless, Chasing the Frogs it is, and it's coming presently to a TV screen near you.

Burger well served

The dynamic South African flanker Schalk Burger finally allowed indiscipline get the better of him with a reckless tackle on the Samoan scrumhalf Junior Polu last Sunday. He has been suspended for four matches, meaning South Africa's three remaining pool matches and an expected quarter-final. And so Burger will be back for the (expected) semi-finals.

Hilariously, the official statement says, "However, there were several mitigating factors including Burger's remorse in relation to the incident, his excellent conduct during the hearing and his good disciplinary record."

Could this really be the same 'Yellow Card' Burger we know so well?

Quotes of the day

We got tired. It ruined our game plan.

- Georgian flanker Grigol Labadze on his side's game against Argentina. So if and when Ireland fail to run in three tries in the first half don't become alarmed.

I don't want to speculate but we are the number four team in the world ranking and of the 10 best teams . . . we are the only team which has to play every four days.

- Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda, quite rightly banging away at the apartheid regime in the RWC.

Cap that . . .

Alasdair Dickinson won't forget his birthday in a hurry. The uncapped prop was called into the Scotland squad after Allan Jacobsen was forced out of the tournament with a serious calf injury sustained against Portugal on Sunday. Dickinson, who turned 24 on Tuesday, was told on Sunday night he would be required. He arrived in Lyon on Monday before being driven to the team's camp in L'Etrat, near St Etienne. First cap and in a World Cup - not a bad present.

Home truths

John O'Neill, chief executive of the Australian Rugby Union, has blasted World Cup organisers for staging the Wallabies' pivotal Pool B clash with Wales in Cardiff.

Wales were rewarded for supporting the French bid with three pool matches and one quarter-final. But O'Neill said, "Why the hell are we playing in Cardiff on Saturday? In 2007 the host nation is France, yet Wales and Scotland get home-ground advantage for important games. That is a very significant advantage for them when you're supposed to be talking competitive neutrality.

"I don't think it's fair for Australia to be playing Wales on their home soil. How many points is it worth to Wales?"