Argentina - let them join the Six Nations’ if SA/NZ/AUS won’t play with them. The performance of the ‘minor’ nations - Georgia gave the Irish a real scare, Fiji were magnificent, gave the ‘boks a scare playing sevens rugby and put the Welsh out, Tonga and Samoa did well. Wales v Fiji.

Going to see England dispose of Australia, followed that evening by watching the French put the All Blacks out in a bar in Avignon. Sir Clive was in the same bar giving it ‘Allez les Bleus’ with the rest of us. The arrogance of the Aussies and Kiwis (both officials and fans) getting returned with interest - imagine spending all that money only to see your side go out in the quarter-finals.

The response of the French in the bars of Montmartre after England beat them: “Well done, Engleesh - ze better team won. ‘Ave a drink with me”. In fact, French hospitality throughout.

Disappointments:

Ireland. SA 36-0 England - with the exception of the magnificent Jason Robinson. Argentina in the semi-final - too many mistakes. England’s dependence on Wilkinson. That disallowed try.

Lord Price suffering an acid reflux on my sofa.