Saturday 9^th. With supreme irony both teams that were thrashed in the first two of today’s RWC fixtures, scored first; Namibia in losing 8-52 to Italy and Romania in succumbing 8-82 to Ireland. To describe a 35-15 win by Australia over Georgia as fascinating would be to overlook a much improved display by Australia and an impressive performance by Georgia, who are clearly much better than their world ranking. However, and I may be a bit biased here, show of the day belonged to England in beating Argentina 27-10. Many people had Argentina as favourites after England’s poor run-up to the finals and when Tom Curry’s third minute yellow was upgraded to a red no more than three minutes in, things looked grim. Ignoring their position and advantage Argentina presented George Ford with a series of penalty opportunities and by the time he had faultlessly helped himself to three drop goals they were looking increasingly bewildered, not to mentions those of us peeping out from behind the sofa.

Friday 8^th. It’s here, and well worth the wait as the 2023 RWC began with a monumental clash between favourites New Zealand and hosts France. Nip and tuck all the way the outcome looked in doubt until, with about 25 minutes to go, a Ramos penalty made it a two-score game; an advantage that France looked increasingly capable of holding on to, eventually signing off with a flourish and a 27-13 win.

Thursday 7^th. We are currently in a spell of hot (up to 24°C), mostly cloudless and calm weather that in view of my immobility would have engendered little comment, but with all the cottage windows open last night were treated to the sound of a calling Tawny Owl for the first time this year last light, There has also been some migrant activity, with something like 2-300 Swallows moving up or down the valley in the late afternoon, presumably to Abbotsbury.