Sunday 2

The final day of rugby was thrilling. Three great finals with Russia beating France, after they had beaten Japan following a bit of a recovery, with a score of 21/7. The Plate was interesting for Karen as she drew Wales in the independently audited process of early Sunday morning at the ground. They were up against Argentina, who were performing quite well, but managed a 26/19 margin to net Karen $500 to bolster her shopping budget! The Cup final was something else. Fiji had disposed of New Zealand in the semis with a 21/12 victory, but it may have taken somewhat of a toll because they looked lethargic and uncommited against a very aggressive Samoa who had disposed of South Africa 10/0. Fiji didn't even get possession or territory in the first 3 minutes of game during which Samoa scored 3 tries! Fiji were 27/0 down at the end of the first half. But, Fiji came back, as they can, in the second and ran in four tries but only converted one of them and ended up defeated by 27/22 at the end. Jean had a conflict of interest, having had Fiji in the World Cup in '97 sweepstake, but drawn Samoa this year. The $600 prize was consumed in the form of an afternoon tea at the Peninsular Hotel this afternoon, complete with the 3 tier cake stand, cream, jam and scones, plus tea - a good highlight in a rather sodden dull day during a walk in Hong Kong and a ferry ride to/from Kowloon! That will probably be it before our packing