Hiho, Hiho, off to Rustenburg we go.....

After rocking the night away on Wednesday night to Fatboy Slim, the fanatics camp was a very sombre and relaxed place to be the next day. I suspect a few sore heads assisting in at least one night of nil Vuvuzela blowing through to the wee hours of the morn. It was really the first morning of sleep catch up for the 4 of us, with a sleep in until, wait for it......9 o’clock!

The fanatic’s management team had the afternoon planned for a fluorescent party at the local famous establishment of Joe Cools. So with yellow cricket pants in tow, (ok, they were in our bags just in case) off we trundled to the beach side for a good hearty meal before the mass took to an afternoon of partying. Unfortunately for Durban and the fanatics, the weather gods were not kind, and the rooftop party quickly became a pool side retreat of torrential rain. Never mind....there was football to be watched, so watch football we would do.

This evening was back at HQ for another exciting episode of the panel. Tonight was all about the aussies and which way we would or could go to commence our climb to the top of the group. Teams were named, ideas were presented and opinions were forwarded. I believe we have it, stop the press....the fanatics found all the requirements to essentially hand Australia a pathway to the final. Amazing what truck load of Australians and a shipment of castle lager can achieve. The night was completed with another game of football and the next big shock of the world cup. Or was it? It appears that the 2006 runners up may now be now be destined for an early holiday after a 2-0 loss to the Mexicans. It surprised most how poorly the French performed, but it just goes to show that when you are on the biggest stage, you have to be at your best.



Today was an early morning rise, with the tour party and our newly made friends from Bunbury (Thelma and Louise....or was that Brian?) heading of the local attraction of Ushaka Marine World. Ushaka is made up of two worlds which essentially make up what is similar to Sea World and Wet and Wild back at home. From the dolphins to seals....stingrays to sharks, it was a pleasant change of scenery from the gorillas and wild boars of the fanatics HQ. (just kidding guys). Lunch at Ushaka gave us the chance to sit and relax and support out German friends to victory over Serbia....incorrect assumption number 376. Serbia was to set the next biggest shock of the world cup with a 1-0 win. I am not sure how much worse it can really get for our green and gold combatants, however reality is we need to win games to progress and there is no time like the present.

So now the party is showered and prepared for a 36 hour round trip to Rustenburg, where I am hoping everyone will be in fine voice to support the team to a memorable win. Some 20 or so coaches will be departing HQ in at 10pm tonight so I can’t imagine how fatigued everyone will be when we get on the ground in the northern province of South Africa. Oh.....and as I write, we have just had a public announcement over the ground p.a. announcing that there is currently snow falling in Rustenburg!