Common Talk Weeklyshuang yu zhou kan
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World Cup teams to watch out for
October 22, 2003

Traditionally the southern hemisphere teams, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have been the strongest players at the tournament. However this year the English side is the running favourite and the French team is also considered strong. Many still believe New Zealand is the team to beat who are synonymous with flowing, expansive rugby. Australia should also not be written off lightly with a home advantage coupled with the fact that they are still reigning world champions.

Current tournament status

So far there have been no surprises. Stronger rugby nations have been amounting almost treble scores against the weaker nations. Currently the teams have played two games each and have another to play before moving on to the knock-out round. So far, the biggest game has been between England and South Africa last Saturday night. England beat South Africa by 20 points with England’s Johnny Wilkinson proving his status as the best rugby player in the world at the moment.

Games to watch this week

There are games on most nights of the week until the end of November. Most games are shown in the evening.

Wednesday October 22
Argentina vs Romania
9.30pm (Xiamen time)

Thursday October 23
Fiji vs Japan
10.00pm

Friday October 24
New Zealand vs Tonga
7.30pm

Saturday October 25
Australia vs Namibia
4.30pm

Watching the Rugby World Cup in Xiamen

The games are not being shown on local television however there are a few places in town where rugby fans from around the world gather to watch the action on a big screen. To catch rugby fever head down to The House Restaurant on Bai He Lu, The Londoner on Guang Ren Lu or the Holiday Inn.

To learn more about Rugby Union go to www.rugbyheaven.com or www.rugby2003.com.au