Like a well meaning but muddle-headed uncle, France turned up last night a week late for their own party. They duly blitzed Namibia by more than a point a minute and may have settled their nerves ready for next week's crucial decider against Ireland.Meanwhile, over in Camp Paddy, those sphincters are tightening again after their England-like performance against Georgia.
It is fascinating to compare the contrasting styles of the management at the moment. England have gone for the sackcloth and ashes look, beating themselves liberally with birch twigs and admitting that they don't have any "world class" players and are playing at a standard below the sum of their parts.
Meanwhile, in Camp Paddy all is sweetness and light. Cheerleader General, Eddie O'Sullivan is proud of the heart and fight his boys showed against Georgia in holding on to win by 4 points. This is the same head coach who was handed a new 4 year contract before he set foot in France - something about having the celebration before sitting the exam springs to mind here. Still, rugby fans the world over will be sorry Eddie has decided to drop the pocket corpse, Peter Stringer. For years wee Peter has entertained us with his Barnes Wallis pass, dazzling sidestep (ha!) and cheery face like an Undertaker's coffin polisher.
Both teams face possible elimination this coming weekend - which will be the better philosophy? Grim reaper or blind optimist?
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