Elementary My Dear Watson

It's that weekend when the 24 teams in the Heineken Cup learn their fate. Well I say 24, but it's actually a lot less as some are already resigned to theirs: non-qualification for the Quarter Finals, not even descending into the Amlin Challenge as recompense for their efforts in the 5 Rounds so far. There are still many permutations though, so before the weekend starts, let's run through them Pool by Pool, team by team, to ensure that you know the score before the games kick-off.

Pool 6
A logical place to start obviously. Actually, these are the Friday night games, so as I've decided to attack this chronologically, that's where we begin. Connacht's debut season has been tough, and they unfortunately are resigned to their fate. 2 losing bonus points is scant reward for their efforts, and their final involvement this year will be to try and put a spanner in the works of Harlequins' well-oiled machine. Gloucester too know their finishing position; a tough pool for the cherry and whites and but for a couple of close defeats, they could well be preparing for a huge game at home to Toulouse. As it is, they are looking to finish on a high while doing their Premiership rivals a favour.

The real interest is in the other two sides. A Toulouse win sees them qualify. A home Quarter FInal will only be lost if Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Saracens all win, or if 3 of the 4 win and Edinburgh win with a bonus point, while Cardiff don't win. Home QFs are difficult to predict really, but if a gun were held to my head, I'd suggest Toulouse will get one.

Harlequins can qualify as Group winners if they win and Toulouse lose, if they win with a bonus point and Toulouse draw, or if they draw with a bonus point and Toulouse don't score any points. Runners-up qualification will be assured with a win and an Ulster loss (without bonus point) or an Ulster win.

Confused yet? Good, it gets better trust me.

Pool 3
Saturday kicks off with a relatively straightforward mathemetical case. Bath and Montpelier are adrift. Leinster have ruled the roost in this Pool, their highlight being a whooping of Bath, and a win would guarantee a Home QF. Glasgow are the current incumbents of second place, and a bonus point win would see them clinging to an Amlin Challenge lifeline which could become reality if 3 of the following 5 things happen (deep breath): Munster beat Northampton, Scarlets and Leicester don't get bonus point wins, Ospreys and Biarritz draw and Harlequins don't score a point and score 4 less tries than Glasgow themselves do.

So it's bye bye Glasgow

Pool 4
Aironi have long since been resigned to their fate. I could unkindly suggest that that has been the case since the balls came out of the bag at the draw, but I won't. Leicester can still qualify for the Amlin with a bonus point win and other results going their way (Harlequins defeat, Clermont defeat, Northamton defeat for example). The real interest though is at Stade Marcel Michelin, where ASM Clermont Auvergne host Ulster. An Ulster win will see them welcome a Quarter Final at Ravenhill. A loss with no bonus point will see them nervously looking at Harlequins, Cardiff and Edinburgh, as wins for all three would see them eliminated and into the Amlin Challenge. Clermont, theoretically, could still qualify with a draw or bonus point defeat, but that is highly unrealistic and defeat at home would probably mean Challenge Quarter Finals for them.

Pool 1
Saturday's final denouement is Pool 1, where Munster are qualified and with a win at Northampton will ensure another home Quarter Final at Thomond Park. Contrary to popular belief, Northampton can still theoretically qualify for the Quarters themselves. A bonus point win, allied to a 0 point defeat for Cardiff or Edinburgh, a 0 point defeat for Clermont, a 4 point win for Ospreys or Biarritz in their head-to head and defeat for Harlequins, and the Saints could even qualify as best runner-up. Odds please Mr Ladbrokes? Scarlets, by beating Castres comfortably and seeing Northampton lose at home to Munster, could also qualify for the Amlin Quarters. Castres are out.

Pool 5
Sunday, Bloody Sunday. Sentiments I am sure most of us feel as the weekend ends, yet this Sunday could be bloody for the Ospreys or Biarritz. Saracens need a mere losing bonus point in Treviso to qualify for the Quarters and dispel the gloom surrounding English rugby. Meanwhile, a bonus point win for either the Welsh or French side could see them qualify, if Clermont, Cardiff or Edinburgh slip up. Treviso will finish bottom, but have had their moments this year against Biarritz home and away, and continue to progress.

Pool 2
Cardiff and Edinburgh both know: win and they qualify. Both are at home against teams with other things on their minds as neither can qualify for even the Amlin Challenge, so really, this should be straightforward, if anything can ever be said to be straightforward in this crazy competition. A draw or losing bonus point could also be enough to qualify, depending on results in Clermont, Biarritz and Treviso.

London Irish and Racing Metro 92 are both left counting the cost of inconsistency and looking to qualify for next year's competition through their League placings.

So there you have it. Clear as mud isn't it. Little by little, as each Pool reaches its conclusion, lines will be drawn through teams' names. 6 live games to behold on the box thanks to Sky, 6 more to be followed in parallel on the faithful iPad thanks to SkyGo. I don't think I've ever watched 12 games of rugby in a single weekend before.

Finally, my predicted QF line-ups as per last weekend's blog:

Leinster (24) vs Harlequins (20)

Saracens (23) vs Edinburgh (21)
Toulouse (22) vs Clermont (20)
Munster (21) vs Cardiff (21)

And for completeness, my Amlin Challenge 8 Quarter FInalists:

Stade Francais, Toulon, Wasps, Perpignan, Sale, Northampton, Ulster, Biarritz

Check back over the weekend to see how I've done.

Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage

The World Cup approaches at high speed, and if this were a scrum, I think we would, if following the above scrum instructions, be at the 'touch' stage. All the teams are there, most of the capping ceremonies have taken place, the communities have taken the teams to their heart as 'next favourites' if the All Blacks can't win it. Tomorrow sees us 'pause' before the 'engage' of Friday morning (UK time) when I can already see, hear and feel the first probably bone-crunching impact.

A quick glance at the website of the Rugby World Cup tells us there are 36 hours and 25 minutes remaining till kick off at the time of publishing.... 

It really is all about numbers at the moment. 20 teams, 600 players, 40 Pool matches, 8 knockout games, 12 stadia, 8 games between Friday morning and Sunday morning this week alone.... A little less than 21 days till I board the flight for LA that will ultimately see me board another flight for Auckland (US and NZ Immigration permitting... no I’m not and never have been a Communist, no I don’t have any apples in any of my luggage or secreted about my person – unless you count the half-digested one I’ve just eaten in the queue).

First selections have been made. There have been some surprises in those selections, some injuries, some extremely powerful looking lineups named. Yes the excitement is building, and I’m just a spectator. What must it be like to be involved in a squad, or even more, named in a starting line-up at the beginning of a potentially glorious journey.

Confidence or Bluff? Weekend 1 Preview

The curves of confidence of my friends who support a variety of different nations have been going up and down like the proverbial fiddlers elbow over the past fortnight and still are. The Welsh (yes I do have Welsh friends, but in my defence I didn’t know they were Welsh till post-friendship – just kidding Welsh people) are riding a wave of confidence after their Cardiff victory over England. The confidence bubble is a notoriously thin one though, and a substantial defeat at the hands of the Springboks in their opener on Sunday will see their hopes plummet. While not the end of the world, a defeat with any margin could see doubts return amidst nightmare images of rampaging Pacific Islanders of tournaments past.

Those Scots who have had little to shout about in recent times, with the possible exception of a Quarter Final 4 years ago, have seen their hopes rise with the 2 recent wins against Ireland and Italy. A gentle start for them against Romania on Saturday should pose no banana skin, and give them a smooth entry into the tournament. Andy Robinson has been clever I believe in not over-playing his, relatively speaking, shallow squad in warm-up matches. 2 games was substantially less than any other Nation, but opening games against Romania and Georgia should see them play themselves into form before the crunch against Argentina and England, when his squad should be relatively fresh. Shrewd guy Mr Robinson....

My Irish friends are putting a brave face on things at the moment. The Golden generation, as they are known in some quarters, are performing like a shower at the moment, but there is an unflinching belief in the ranks of the supporters that this will be the crowning glory of BOD’s career, and that he will take the side to their first ever RWC Semi Final.... at least. Brave posturing, or genuine thoughts? I’m sure it’s a bit of both, but the arrival of a USA side coached by Declan Kidney’s predecessor Eddie O’Sullivan should at least see them get a ‘W’ (that’s for win for the uninitiated) on the board come Sunday.

Ah, les Francais. Les hommes de l’Hexagone demarrent contre les Japonais. La France sous Lievremont n’est jamais a l’abri d’une surprise, mais une defaite contre les Japonais serait plus que ca. Une chose qui est certaine, c’est que les Francais ont, depuis un certain temps, mal demarre les Coupes du Monde, et au rugby et au foot, mais mes amis sont plus que 100% certain qu’on ne devrait pas ajouter le nom du Japon a la liste de Argentine (Rugby 2007) et Senegal (Foot 2002); les deux defaites les plus tristes de l’histoire sportive de la France. Jamais deux sans trois, comme on dit, et pour chaque personne qui voit la France echouer en quart, il y a quelqu’un qui dit que les tricolores sont prets a prendre la revanche des anglais (defaites en demi-finale des deux dernieres editions) et au meme temps terminer la serie de trois victoires contre les All Blacks (demi en 1999 et quart en 2007).

Ah, the French, who start against the Japanese. Under Lievremont, France are never completely protected from a surprise, but a defeat against Japan would be much more than that. One thing is for sure, the French have a recent habit of starting World Cups badly, be they of the rugby or football variety, but my friends are 100% sure that we won’t be adding Japan 2011 to a list of Argentina 2007 and Senegal 2002 (2 of the sorriest defeats in France’s sporting history). As I have said already twice (therefore you should be expecting this) the French say never 2 without the third, and for every person who sees the French losing in the Quarter Final, there is one who sees them gaining revenge over England (for semi final defeats in 03 and 07) and continuing their jinx over the All Blacks (99 semi final and 07 quarter final).

The Tri Nations victory for Australia has done 2 things; firstly it has re-affirmed the thoughts of every Aussie fan that they will win the Tournament and secondly it has led every New Zealand fan to seek solace in the fact that, every year before a World Cup they win the Tri Nations and subsequently blow up during the main event, so losing this may be a blessing in disguise. New Zealand have never had to break sweat in games against Tonga before, and confidence remains high in Graham Henry’s squad (or so we believe, as the old dinosaur has banned his players from communicating via Twitter – how hilarious is his joke that Twitter is the new English fly half? Not at all? Agreed). The Aussies have a slightly tougher opener against the Italians, but that should still result in a comfortable Southern Hemisphere win. I expect both sets of fans to be even more bullish come the end of the weekend.... if that’s possible!

While their Southern hemisphere rivals have genuine optimism as to their chances, the South Africans actually believe they can go on and defend the title too, thus becoming the first team to do so. I would have to say, that I find this optimism misplaced. The players don’t appear to be in form, the coach often leaves me scratching my head at decisions and I just think there are several better groups than the Springboks. Add to that the fact that the statistics don’t back them up..... No side has ever defended the title and no captain has ever been at the helm for 2 titles. It’s a big ask, and given the relatively weak performance in the Tri Nations, surely there is some doubt in the camp and amongst the fans? If that is the case, you wouldn’t really know it. Most fans seem convinced that this is their destiny, and that the Tri Nations is not a good indicator for success moving forward. Time will tell. First up are the Welsh, who will probably come out blazing from the start. A reasonable test first up for the South Africans.

Finally on to England, whose supporters are split as is usually the case. I’m a big believer in the former England football coach Terry Venables’ approach when it comes to the English psyche regarding their sporting sides. “People think we are either the best or the worst side in the World. The truth is we are very rarely either.” England’s fans are split. There are those who believe a Final place is a distinct possibility, given the recent performances and the likelihood that a dominant pack will be crucial in conditions likely to be encountered in New Zealand. There are however still a fair number of doomsayers who decry everything Martin Johnson does, deplore the absence of certain players (and by association the presence of others) and who say that a Quarter Final is the best they can expect. I’m one of the former if I’m being honest, though as said previously, I see England falling at the Semi Final stage.

A tricky opener against the Pumas is not what you would want for an opening game, but England will not underestimate the Argentinians, and despite losing Moody (I repeat my affirmation that he shouldn’t be in New Zealand) and Cueto (a much bigger loss as the most reliable of England’s vaunted back 3 in defence). England fans, believe me, are starting to feel the tension.

ABTE

Confident or not confident, there is one thing that the fans of the Celtic Nations, France and the Southern Hemisphere sides all seem to agree on.... “ANYONE BUT THE ENGLISH!”

“ABTE” is a frequently heard mantra when discussing who you want to win if your side doesn’t. It is something that I have put up with for most of my rugby supporting life. I try to remain dispassionate when there is a game on, but it is beyond me. I cannot help but jump up and down, berate appalling decisions by officials, lambaste opposition players, over-hype England’s chances and a whole host of other things, but come the end of the game, there will always be a handshake with opposition supporters in the vicinity, along with a round of applause for the winning side. It is the rugby ethos, one of the last vestiges of the amateur traditions that formed the basis of the game. Where my gripe is in this ABTE attitude, is in the fact that if you take me out of the context of the game; remove all English identity; replace it with the identity of another Nation and transport me into that game, this attitude is seen as creditable and endearing. Why does this anti-English feeling come in? Where does it come from? It’s a bit of a mystery to me. I guess it’s really a compliment at the end of the day, as there isn’t a Nation that wouldn’t want England’s record in World Cups this century......

And Finally.....

My XV to watch has been a bit of a curse. Ducalcon and Conrad Smith both being overlooked for a starting berth. Oh well, can I help it if Messrs Henry and Lievremont don’t know what they’re on about? (Note:  World Cups won: Henry & Lievremont 0 The Egg Chaser 0)

All the sides should now have arrived in New Zealand, with the parsimonious Scots the last to do so.. watching the pennies to the last.... No national stereotypes here though (if you believe that you’ll believe anything)

A quick whizz through the squads shows that there will be an incredible 12 sets of brothers taking part at this World Cup, including 1 set with siblings playing for different Nations (Tuilagi). In addition, had his career not been tragically cut short by injury, Thom Evans would undoubtedly have joined his brother Max to make it 13.

Stories abound about the bizarre things teams take to World Cups. Here are just a few to titillate you: England have apparently shipped their own scrum machine; Japan have an oxygen chamber in their kit; France have 10,000 Euros worth of coffee beans. My English mind boggles... while somewhere a French body gives a Gallic shrug, sips an espresso and shakes a Gitanes from its packet (told you there’d be some stereotyping).

I will be updating the blog over the weekend, with a brief taste of the game that has just taken place. There will be a blog per day basically, but I will add to the existing piece as games go on. I really hope to see you interacting and telling me where I’ve gone wrong. I enjoy the banter and have broad shoulders, so tell me what you think.

Club rugby continues this weekend as well, with games Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday. I think it could be possible, with judicious programme selection, the use of Sky+ (other TV recording devices are available) and a stock of coffee to rival the French squad, you could watch about 24 hours of rugby this weekend... I think i’d better stock up on sleep, Nespresso and the shopping tomorrow – could be a long weekend

Last chance to join me in the Rugby World Cup prediction league I have entered. The site is www.sportguru.co.uk/rwc/pool.asp?p=10011264 and the Pool Code is prosflea. It’s a fun looking game and you’re all welcome to join me there (I’m currently leading the Pool by default as I’m Billy No Mates)

Thanks for reading and can you tell I’m excited?

15 To Watch and 20 Nation Pen Portraits

Greetings fellow Rugby internauts.

After the last blog which gave you my All-time Greatest XV, I thought this time I would throw 15 names at you who will possibly be challenging for a place in that All-time Greatest XV at some point in the future. These are the 15 players I expect to make the biggest impact in their position over the coming 7 weeks. As per usual, if you disagree, shout and tell me why.

1. Martin Castrogiavanni (ITA) - the hirsute prop has gained a cult following in Leicester for his tough defence, rampant running and knack of being in the right place at the right time. 'Castro' will be key to Italy's hopes of upsetting the odds and knocking Ireland out at the Group stages

2. Bismarck du Plessis (SAF) - Has thrust his name to the fore ahead of John Smit in terms of hooking ability. Whether used as an impact player or forcing his way into De Villiers starting line-up, he has a huge role to play for the Springboks

3. Luc Ducalcon (FRA) - Marc Lievremont is astounded at the speed at which Ducalcon has adapted, and has left behind players such as Thoma Domingo, who I rate highly, and Sylvain Marconnet. Big shoes, or maybe shorts, to fill, and for France to get to the semis, he will need to perform.

4. Paul O'Connell (IRE) - The British and Irish Lions captain showed signs against England of getting back to his best after last season's injury and suspension. He will need to, in both his second row role and as a motivator to drag Ireland out of their miserable slump

5. Ali Kellock (SCO) - First choice second row and now Captain, Kellock is key to Scotland's hopes of surviving a tough pool with England and Argentina. 3 wins should be enough to get out of the Pool and Kellock's decision-making and line-out performance will be vital

6. Rocky Elsom (AUS) - I like Elsom. He's a big unit, gets around the pitch well, gives everything, defends hard, runs hard, sends his Mum flowers for her birthday. What's not to like? Seriously, Elsom provides the back-row weight to balance Pocock's energy. A good mix.

7. Sean O'Brien (IRE) - Europe's Player of the Year, he was sorely missed against England, and given the absence of David Wallace, he along with Jamie Heaslip will need to be at their very best to provide the quick ball Ireland's speedy backs will need. Honourable mention here to Sam Warburton (WAL) who has already usurped Martyn Williams and will need to be at his inspirational best (which is very very good) to lead Wales past the QF stage.

8. Radike Samo (AUS) - His Man of the Match impact against the All Blacks set the stadium alight, and repeated performances like those 50 minutes will see him elevated, admittedly belatedly, to superstar status. A big man, with big hair, but a surprising turn of pace. Can the 35 year old survive the rigours of a 7 game in 7 weeks tournament?

9. Ben Youngs (ENG) - England's new problem position seemingly, after Tuilagi and Tindall shored up the centre berths in Dublin. Youngs has to have a big World Cup if the seemingly 'hated in all quarters' English are to go past the Quarter Finals. Struggled from Dublin onwards last season, time to step up to the plate now.

10. Dan Carter (NZL) - He's the best back in the world. I've said it before, I'll keep saying it. He must be a little wary though after his non-performance last time out. Carter pulls every string for the All Blacks and if he is on song, they have one hand on the trophy.

11. Shane Williams (WAL) - The man who was too small to make it arrives at the last World Cup of his career hoping to cap a glorious career with the spark that can ignite the Welsh. His quick feet and clever running have unpicked better defences than he will have to in New Zealand. Has he got enough in the tank for a final sparkle, or will he fizzle out.

12. Manu Tuilagi (ENG) - 2 tries in 2 games for the young Leicester centre, England's new great hope. As English as lamb rogan josh or spaghetti bolognaise, but such is 21st Century sport. His strength, pace and attitude could provide the English back line with the midfield focus that can divert defensive attention sufficiently to free up their explosive back 3.

13. Conrad Smith (NZL) - For me the relatively unsung hero of the All Blacks side. He rarely puts a foot wrong, be it in attack or defence. He isn't the best attacking centre, nor kicking centre, nor defensive centre, but his consistency is such that he is up there with the best. An honourable mention here also for Jamie Roberts of Wales.

14. Chris Ashton (ENG) - Announced his arrival on the scene with a breathtaking try against the Australians, then scored 6 in the first 2 6 Nations games of the season. A superb finisher, with strength, pace and most importantly a 6th sense that sees him more often than not on the shoulder of the breaking man, ready to pounce.

15. Kurtly Beale (AUS) - He should be picked for his 'tache alone, but Beale who was announced this week as the Australian Player of the Year, provides great pace at the back for the Wallabies. The one thing stopping me really giving the Aussies a big chance this year is there lack of a centre pair to frighten the bigger sides, but as Beale proved time and again in recent seasons, a full back running good angles can pep up even the most ambulatory back line.

There we go, XV (well XVII if you count Warburton and Roberts) to watch out for. They wouldn't make a bad Barbarians side that lot.

So with the first game approximately 5 days away now, I've summarised each team's chances in a very brief way below. Along with my ultimate prediction for each. Agree? Disagree?

Argentina
A is for Argentina, aggression and ageing. Not good enough to repeat last time's performance, in a shoot-out for a QF place with Scotland.
My Prediction: 3rd place in Pool B

Australia
12 years on from their last victory, Australia are peaking at the right time. A stroll through the Pool, then the hard work starts.
My Prediction: A projected Semi between England and Australia is touch to call, but Aussies to lose in the Final

Canada
Once Quarter FInalists, in the days of Gareth Rees, Canada have gone backwards steadily and are in a 3-way shoot-out for 3rd Place in Pool A.
My Prediction: Pool A wooden spoon... just

England
Highs and lows over 12 months. A first 6 Nations in too long, good win against Australia, then seemingly lost their attacking edge before finding a spark in Tuilagi
My Prediction: A narrow semi final loss to Australia

Fiji
2007 Quarter FInalists, they do turn it on for the RWC, but I think they have too much to do this time.  Not enough in the tank to trouble the South Africans or Welsh again 4 years on.
My Prediction: 4th in Pool D

France
A side that should have bit the bullet 18 months ago and changed coach. The current management seem hell bent on doing things their way, which is hamstringing the tricolore attemps at a title they have never won.
My Prediction: Quarter Final defeat by the English

Georgia
Steady progress since the last World Cup by the Georgians. A difficult pool though, and will need to content themselves with some valiant performances in defeat against bigger nations.
My Prediction: 4th in Pool B

Ireland
Have been travelling backwards at high speed in recent weeks. Will make the Italy game that little bit trickier to prepare for than it should be, but should be good enough to survive the Pool this time around
My Prediction: Quarter Final defeat

Italy
Nick Mallett's swansong at a time when they have started performing. They will be targeting the Ireland game as the key, but I think without the backing of a home crowd, this will be a step too far.
My Prediction: 3rd in Pool C


Japan
John Kirwan has had a positive effect, but a genius would struggle to get Japan out of their pool. In their own Tri Nations tournament with Tonga and Canada.
My Prediction: 4th in Pool A


Namibia
The whipping boys of the last couple of tournaments, I see no reason why that shouldn't be the case again. Maybe not the stratospheric scores of 8 years ago, but 4 defeats loom
My Prediction: Pointless at the bottom of Pool D


New Zealand
The only team that can beat them is themselves. Haven't I said that before? Stat attack: No side has come within 20 points of beating the All Blacks in a World Cup in New Zealand (and that when tries were worth 4 points)!
My Prediction: Winners


Romania
As Georgia, they find themselves in a tricky Pool and as Namibia I foresee a tough few weeks for the European minnows.
My Prediction: Last in Pool B


Russia
A belated bow on the biggest stage for the Russians. Players have started seeping into the big European Leagues now, and the future is bright, but this tournament sees the fight for 4th Place in Pool C with the Americans
My Prediction: 5th in Pool C


Samoa
The most likely of the 3rd seeded Nations in a group to cause a shock. Wales will be slightly nervous by the sight of these warriors, but should have enough to beat them.
My Prediction: A glorious 3rd in pool D


Scotland
Green shoots of growth seem to be appearing in Andy Robinson's garden. Injuries have hurt the Scots in recent years, but they have rarely been so optimistic approaching a World Cup
My Prediction: A Quarter Final drubbing by the All Blacks


South Africa
The reigning Champions. Should win the Pool and their Quarter Final, but won't have enough in the tank to defeat the All Blacks in an Eden Park semi final
My Prediction: Semi Final and home


Tonga
Will proudly open the tournament against the hosts on Friday 9th September. After this honour and ordeal, they will soon settle into a Pool where their goal must be 3rd Place in the pool.
My Prediction: 3rd in Pool A


USA
An important game for the Eagles against the Russians will see if they can avoid finishing 5th in the Pool. Another tough tournament looms for the Americans
My Prediction: 4th in Pool C


Wales
Wales have, more than anyone, a point to prove after last time's early disappointment. Much more organised and with talent aplenty, no group embarrassment this time.
My Prediction: a QF defeat by the Aussies

And Finally....

The curtain rose yesterday on the English Premier League, with surprise wins for Exeter, Wasps, Harlequins and Worcester. The World Cup effect already seems to have hit home....

British journalist Brendan Gallagher had trouble entering New Zealand, as he had an apple in his bag. He was hit with a NZD400 fine (£200ish) despite his attempted defence of having been given the apple by a stewardess on the Air New Zealand flight and having a sticker with the words "Produce of New Zealand" written on it. The only apples in my luggage will be iPod, iPad and MacBook, that I can guarantee.

My all-time World Cup XV seemed to wind some people up, with one particular Welsh tweeter coming up with the constructive criticism that I am an idiot. When asked why, he seemed to ignore responding, but maybe there weren't enough Jones, Williams and Davies's in my All-time 15. Hard to justify their inclusion given their abysmal recent record though isn't it?

1 more day to vote on the Poll of the winners, if you haven't already done so. 1 Final little article before the start of the tournament on Friday (Polish hotel internet connection permitting as I am on my travels again this week).