The coach potato speaks

Yesterday I was on the couch to watch both rugby quarter finals, the Portuguese  Open won by Andy Sullivan at a canter and Fiorentina lose to Napoli.

Like many on the Rust, and not just the rugby section, I’m totally enthralled by the World Cup and watched every quarter final with some betting success. New Zealand were nailed-on to beat France by more than 13 points though the odds were skinny. The All Blacks are my anchor bet to win and looked omnipotent and impervious. I also fancied South Africa to win by less than 12 against Wales. This – and laying Middlesbrough  against Fulham on Alan Tanner’s advice – set me up nicely though Ivan had Brighton as a draw at Leeds only for Bobby Zamora to score a late winner.

My missus was expensively bribed so I could set up home on the sofa. So skilful was my negotiation that I was even brought my Sunday roast on a platter. Andy Sullivan led from start to finish to win his 3rd European Tour event. I had a tickle on the tall Bristolian Chris Wood who finished in the top five.

So onto the quarters. I had a sneaking fancy for Argentina who only lost to New Zealand by 10 points after leading. Ireland without Sexton and O’Connell were going to be pressed but I was convinced by the Racing Post analyst and went for Ireland under 12 points. Argentina are underrated and powered Ireland out of the game. I had Australia as nailed-on too to overwhelm Scotland. I could retrieve my losses with a safe winner. Was it hell! The Scots played out of their skin, Foley left his kicking boots in the dressing room and it was always tight. I’m no expert but I did not see any  partiality from the ref Joubert, the outraged reaction from Gavin Hastings was that of a bad loser, not a measured analyst. If Foley had converted his chances, the Wallabies would have been homed and hosed.

Andy Sullivan won two of his European events in South Africa and the US PGA 2016 season has begun so you might think the Trade Description Acts should apply to international golf. The Frys in Napa Valley was won by young Argentine Emilaino Grillo, was he inspired by his rugger compatriots ? He beat another young talent Kevin Na in the play-offs.

I seem to have a reputation on the Rust as a professional gambler, a sort of Johnny The Greek, but the Pargie system of small wagers means I can enjoy a superb day of sport with added spice and savour this in domestic calm.