Today, the Wallabies will kick off their 2007 World Cup Campaign in Paris against easy-beats, Japan.

Earlier in the week, a French media representative suggested that the Wallabies would need to beat the Japanese by at least 50 points to “gain respect in this part of the world” (that bloke really should talk to someone who cares about his opinion). This has added unwanted extra pressure to a team that hasn’t played for seven weeks and has a poor track record when it comes to returning after a “school teacher” (lengthy) break. Apparently, the vogue word all week has been “rusty”.

But forget the players for a moment and think about the rusty form of the punter on the couch back home who hasn’t seen a World Cup for 4 years. Fortunately, someone has put together a very helpful document called the 2007 Rugby World Cup Rules. These rules with some adaptation, could just as easily apply to the AFL Grand Final:

1. From 7 September – 20 October 2007, you should read the sports section of the newspapers so that you are aware of what is going on with the World Cup and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, you will be looked at in a bad way or you will be totally ignored.

 

2. It will be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six-packs in the fridge at all times as well as plenty of things to nibble on.

 

3. If you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say, “Get over it, it’s only a game” or “Don’t worry, they’ll win next time”. If you say these things, you will make me angrier and I will love you less.

To see the rest of these helpful hints, click on the 2007 Rugby World Cup Rules.