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Ben Dirs

Best job in the world (45)

Paris, Sunday - My mother phoned me this morning and asked me what I want for dinner on Monday night.

Mrs Dirs is a quality cook, but that鈥檚 not what I wanted to hear the morning after England played in a . This trip is over. Make mine a roast or I think I鈥檒l start crying.

My initial reaction to England鈥檚 defeat was pretty childish: 鈥渂othered鈥. Like most of the England fans still partying at 6am on Sunday morning, I was just happy to be there.

Following in the group stages all those weeks ago, every day has been a bonus. I thought England were going to lose to . I thought they were going to lose to . World Cup final? Do me a favour.

It鈥檚 not often you see two people virtually making love to the English National Anthem on a dance-floor. I saw that last night. The bloke had a beard, which made it even funnier.

France is better than England on so many fronts. Better grub, , smoking in pubs. But . Fact.

Ben and England fan in Rourke's Drift uniform

As I left the Frog and Princess this morning, I was accosted by three women wearing cashmere England hats. 鈥淵o yo yo yo!鈥 said one of them. 鈥淎re you Tom and Whatsisname?鈥

Made it Dirsy - top of the world.

I鈥檓 writing this pretty much nude but for an England flag around my neck. You probably feel sick enough already without me telling you that. Tom鈥檚 doing some lunges. Who鈥檚 the oddest?

Lots of people have picked up on the image of Tom and I as the . Tom鈥檚 a fit bloke, I love a smoke. Somehow we鈥檝e managed to make it through seven weeks without having a row.

I knew this was going to be a good trip when the designers presented us with our cartoon faces and I was better looking than Tom.

It didn't start out brilliantly, though. when in the opening game, I feared the worst. When England got mangled by the Springboks, I thought it was all over.

So when in the quarter-finals, it was like waking up on Christmas morning having been promised a satsuma and getting a Raleigh Burner instead.

The final was certainly not pretty. In fact, I鈥檒l be honest, it was all a little bit flat. I could feel the energy draining from my body 60 minutes before the end. I got the feeling the England team felt the same.

Tom Fordyce, gutted after the game

You know what else somebody said to me this morning as I made my way back to my hotel? 鈥淥i, Dirs! Is this what you do for a living?鈥

I didn鈥檛 reply. I just smiled. Seven weeks mincing around and watching a World Cup in France? Wallop. That鈥檚 what you call a job.

That's me done ladies and gents. You're all legends. Even the ones who hate us made me laugh. And Carole in Maidenhead - go and do some work.

Ben Dirs is a 大象传媒 Sport journalist travelling around France in a camper van with Tom Fordyce.


Comments  Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 02:08 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Rich Willcox wrote:

Cue licence fee whingers...!

  • 2.
  • At 02:32 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Phil Thomas wrote:

Lads,

Blog has been fantastic. Have enjoyed it all, but come on where's your team of the tournament.

You've watched enough of the games. My only recommendations are JMH as Fly Half and possibly my welsh bias coming through to suggest AW Jones as one of the locks.

The French were fantastic both times in Nantes, although a little unprepared the first time.

  • 3.
  • At 02:42 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Tim wrote:

Great blogs guy's - you'll just have to wait another 4 years!!!

  • 4.
  • At 02:57 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Kevin wrote:

Saying FACT after a sentence doesn't make it a fact. 'England has the best fans in the world' OPINION. And a debatable one at that.

  • 5.
  • At 03:05 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Gary Barton wrote:

Your blog has been fantastic. The world cup was fantastic. I'm just glad I'm off to France (next village on from la romieu by the way)next week able to hold my head up high.
Thank you Bloggernaut team, and thank you England team.

  • 6.
  • At 03:05 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • David Jones wrote:

Brilliant game, brilliant month for all rugby fans. Thanks for the blog's, made me feel somehow like i was part of it all. Much appreciation...

  • 7.
  • At 03:06 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Joe Maligny wrote:

England did everything rite except turn territory into points and the lineout

  • 8.
  • At 03:11 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • David Jones wrote:

Made me feel like i was in France guys, great work! Great tournament, loved every minute. Terrific for rugby in England. Bit dissapointed overall with the northern hemisphere, and to be fair i think Argentina were the team of the tournament, i think there in there own sphere though. Thanks

  • 9.
  • At 03:35 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • DirsforQueen wrote:

First time I reply to your brilliant brilliant blogs. I have loved every single one of them, they made the world cup feel so much more real to me, poor Belgian in a non rugby-loving world.

I haven't paid any license fee, but by golly I wish I had, so you could have squandered it on cheese, fags and beer!

All the best!

  • 10.
  • At 03:42 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • paul wrote:

Great blog guys.

England have made me proud.

  • 11.
  • At 04:02 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Big Al wrote:

Fantastic job guys, made my boring job tolerable for the past 7 weeks, and made a lot of people smile, of that i have no doubt, forget about the LFW's.

shame we werent given the try officialy, everyone knows unofficially we scored, but it would only have given us the. 'well at least we scored a try' bragging rights, they were the better team on the night, ouch that hurts to write, and as we all know, we expected to feel this bad a few weekends ago.

Marseilles weekend will go down in legend, as will billy the whiz, how we will miss him.

Big respect to ashton, vickery, dallaglio and whoever else had a hand in turning a disaster into a triumph after the 36 nil. the look on Lol's face as he encouraged his mates to knock seven bells out of him in the warm up before the game is something i will never forget either, total commitment to a cause that you are not central too is a lesson to everyone

please please, rfu and english premier clubs, start working now so we dont ever go into a world cup performing that badly again.

Proud to be an english rugby fan

  • 12.
  • At 04:25 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Victoria wrote:

After watching teh match at Champs de Mar, we headed by tube to the Frog and Princess - singing loudly all the way. Everyone was cool, cheering, singing along - even the South Africans. I met some wicked people last night and had a great time.

We lost, but only in the final - it's been amazing to be here and see it!

Just need to clean my boots from all that mud last night....

As a student, I arrived in the middle, and every saturday so far has been taken up with rugby, and sundays' for hangovers/more rugby/discussing the match over "all you can eat" pizza hut buffet.

Bring on the six nations!

  • 13.
  • At 04:35 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • tim c wrote:

Thanks for all of your comments and even printing mine .May have to check in to the priory blog and rugby addiction .To all posters, funny, angry, earnest, bitter and twisted. To all rugby fans everywhere, best game in the world. "RESPECT"

  • 14.
  • At 04:35 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

I'd buy a license for this - maybe Auntie should have an overseas license for those of us who love the Beeb. Great blog lads.

  • 15.
  • At 04:35 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

You guys have been even more fun than the WC itself -- and it was a damn fine World Cup.

Watching Tommy getting Ubogu'd by Victor Ubogu himself, I smiled to myself and knew that Lord Reith was resting in his grave, content that his legacy was in no way having its drawers pulled down and having its bottom smacked. Educational, informative and entertaining.

  • 16.
  • At 05:12 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Carole Maidenhead wrote:

Dirsy, me old mucker, I had already come to the conclusion that I better get some work done.......er........you doing TMS for the next tour by any chance.....?

  • 17.
  • At 05:14 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Shazza wrote:

Hi guys, I've just returned home after spending another fantastic weekend in France.

The boys did us proud, and going by the partying in Paris last night, you would have thought it was the English who had won the World Cup. The Saffas were out but from what I saw they weren't celebrating.

The bank balance might be looking very sorrowful, but it was worth every penny, and I'm going to really miss your tales from the bloggernaut.

Well I'm off to bed as I didn't get back to my hotel until 6am, so thanks guys for adding an 'edge' to my RWC.

PS When are you getting your own sports TV show?

  • 18.
  • At 05:16 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Jamie Watts wrote:

My team of the world cup:

1.Andrew Sheridan (Eng)
2.John Smit (capt) (RSA)
3.CJ van der Linde (RSA)
4.Victor Matfield (RSA)
5.Bakkies Botha (RSA)
6.Juan Smith (RSA)
7.Thierry Dusautoir (Fra)
8.Gonzalo Longo Elia (Arg)
9.Fourie Du Preez (RSA)
10.Juan Martin Hernandez (Arg)
11.Brian Habana (RSA)
12.Felipe Contepomi (Arg)
13.Manuel Contepomi (Arg)
14.Vincent Clerc (Fra)
15.Percy Montgomery (RSA)

Please tell me who else you would of put in the team.

  • 19.
  • At 05:20 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Carole Maidenhead wrote:

Dirsy me old mucker. Crash bang wallop, you've got me bang to rights. Society's to blame. Dunno how I've got away with it really. They've going to be surprised tomorrow at work when I actually pay attention to anyone talking to me. Have a good journey home and enjoy your roast..I would like to add that a leg of lamb is this very moment roasting in my oven for the delight and delectation of my household. Take care! Missing you already.....er, about TMS next month...?

  • 20.
  • At 05:47 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • anotherosbifinfrance wrote:

Thanks guys, stopped me working on the house for all those weeks.
Glad I am not going to be next to the bloggernaut going to UK. It can probably 'hum' "You gotta know" etc. all by itself, perhaps with a chorus from your socks!
How about you guys following the next Tour de France, good excuse to keep the van

  • 21.
  • At 06:03 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Sarah, Bucks wrote:

You're coming back then? I had an eye on your job and everything. It's only a month or so 'til the cricket team are back in SL, bring on the TMS commentary.

  • 22.
  • At 06:05 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Sarah, Bucks wrote:

You're coming back then? I had an eye on your job and everything. It's only a month or so 'til the cricket team are back in SL, bring on the TMS commentary.

  • 23.
  • At 06:23 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Niel Ross wrote:

How on earth do I get your job? Is there a number I can call?

  • 24.
  • At 06:50 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Stuart wrote:

Can I be honest here ok? At first when I saw the ramblings of Dirs on the cricket amongst other things this summer I thought, "what a load of toilet", but having read every blog of Tom and Dirs' throughout this world cup my mind has begun to change, so much so that if I ever saw these two chaps in the street I could (possibly) become a little (very little) star struck. I have enjoyed reading all this stuff, and I don't care two hoots that my license fee is spent on this. It's much better than Strickly Come Dancing and programs like it which seem to come round every month or so. Well done lads, but how will you cope being back in blightly after 7 mad weeks?? If you're ever over Windsor way and fancy a pint let me know and I'll happily fork out a few pence and get you one, just because I've enjoyed reading both your ramblings so much! ha ha!

  • 25.
  • At 07:32 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • HugoParis wrote:

Brilliant job, Ben !
You've done more for warming up anglo-french relations than all British ambassadors to Paris for a century !
Football fans, repeat after me : WE LOVE THE FRENCH.
Les Footeux, r茅petez apr猫s moi : NOUS AIMONS LES ANGLAIS.

  • 26.
  • At 07:34 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Stuart wrote:

Can I be honest here ok? At first when I saw the ramblings of Dirs on the cricket amongst other things this summer I thought, "what a load of toilet", but having read every blog of Tom and Dirs' throughout this world cup my mind has begun to change, so much so that if I ever saw these two chaps in the street I could (possibly) become a little (very little) star struck. I have enjoyed reading all this stuff, and I don't care two hoots that my license fee is spent on this. It's much better than Strickly Come Dancing and programs like it which seem to come round every month or so. Well done lads, but how will you cope being back in blightly after 7 mad weeks?? If you're ever over Windsor way and fancy a pint let me know and I'll happily fork out a few pence and get you one, just because I've enjoyed reading both your ramblings so much! ha ha!

  • 27.
  • At 07:48 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • PETER SMITH wrote:

Thanks for a few weeks of very amussing blogs,brilliant,well done boys looking forward to your next project.Love Mumma Cass x

  • 28.
  • At 07:49 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Paula wrote:

Thanks for the blog, thanks for a fantastic tournament and congrats to the Boks - but we'll have it back in 4 years thanks!!

See you all in NZ 2011!

Swing Low...

  • 29.
  • At 07:54 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Thomas Bowskill wrote:

I must say that this blog has been absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed the whole read, and it really gave a depth too the world cup experience for those of us who could not get out there.

I've read a few of the comments from some of these people complaining that your trip was a waste of the license fee... Heck, I probably watch less then an hour of the 大象传媒 a week, tops (unless there is rugby on of course). I have actually spent more time reading this blog than watching 大象传媒 TV. So for once, I feel that I have gotten my moneys worth from the license fee!

But, I will refrain from going off on a rant about said complainers, and end on a final thank you for the fantastic content you have provided us supporters over thesse past few weeks. I sincerely hope the 大象传媒 have the sense to bring this feature back again at some point.

  • 30.
  • At 07:57 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

Great blogging, which contributed much to a great world cup. The beeb should be doing a lot more blogging.

Thanks

  • 31.
  • At 08:00 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Anonymous wrote:

France is better than England because of smoking in pubs? You mean it gives you the chance to catch cancer unwillingly from someone else? Great.

  • 32.
  • At 08:39 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Rob Morgan wrote:

Thought that you were kidding about the opening line of this piece, when you told me in the karzie at Frog & Princess. You must have still been drunk when you wrote it!

  • 33.
  • At 08:40 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Prestwick wrote:

All good things have to come to an end eventually sadly. A fantastic blog chaps!

  • 34.
  • At 09:11 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Allan wrote:

Thanks for the ride, guys. It's been great fun following you for the last seven weeks.

Mind you, it might have been best to run this piece past Tom, your copy editor and grammar advisor... :)

"Lots of people have picked up on the image of Tom and I as the Odd Couple..."

  • 35.
  • At 09:15 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Dave wrote:

How do I get your job?

Do 5 years as a student doing nothing but drinking, smoking, cavorting and playing sport qualify me for a position on the 大象传媒 sports team?

You boys have made the world cup a lot more entertaining. There's only so much intellegent opinion that a man can cope with and you've certainly brightened the mood. I'm just disappointed that I didnt meet either of you yesterday or in marseilles or lens or paris before. Thanks for the entertainment.

  • 36.
  • At 09:17 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Cas wrote:

As for fact rather than opinion: Dirs is right. England do have the best fans in the world. Cue scene of bar last night close to Stade de France by the RER station. Full of English fans plus 1 bok. Naturally, singing of SWSC and 1 Rand to the Pound etc but then chair pulled up and we organised for each nation to lead one song all joined in heartily by assembled mob: From Flower of Scotland to Fields of Athenry through Delilah and Bread of Heaven and back to Rule Britannia and off again to Molly Malone and Waltzing Matilda. Brilliantly brilliantly memorable. The boys did us proud, after all, it is Trafalgar day today. Good job chaps.

  • 37.
  • At 09:42 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • wrote:

Boys - Bryan Habana video apart - you have provided some top quality entertainment over the last 7 weeks. For that I thank you.

What's next for you two?

  • 38.
  • At 10:05 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • emerald wrote:

i would argue that ireland have the best fans in the world in the sense that they are v respectful of other teams and also their anthems. ie the reception given to god save the queen at croke park- and also the fact that they remain quiet whent he opposing team is taking a penalty or a conversion. the english fans are pretty good too i must say.

  • 39.
  • At 10:16 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Jaymz wrote:

@post 30, anyway it won't be allowed to smoke in pubs in 2008 ...

  • 40.
  • At 11:42 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Martin wrote:

Well done guys a superb olefactory tour de France, your comments on the rugby wern't bad either. As you probably know already you two were up there with John Humphreys and his gang as the souce of knowledge for all matters of importance over the last 7 weeks. Take care when hosing out the bloggernaut.

  • 41.
  • At 11:54 PM on 21 Oct 2007,
  • Richard drea wrote:

Lads, legendary stuff for the last couple of weeks, i've been down under and still felt part of it. Now all i have to do is face work on a monday morning surrounded by australians and south africans. Dirsie, i've said for years that you have the best job!

  • 42.
  • At 06:10 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Rich Hubbell wrote:

No more daily blog, no more daily rugby news, aka how very sad. You two did a great job and I look forward to reading you during the cricket in the near future.

PS: wallabies take the cup in 2011

  • 43.
  • At 07:34 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • HugoParis wrote:

Brilliant job, Ben !
You've done more for warming up anglo-french relations than all British ambassadors to Paris for a century !
Football fans, repeat after me : WE LOVE THE FRENCH.
Les Footeux, r茅petez apr猫s moi : NOUS AIMONS LES ANGLAIS.

  • 44.
  • At 11:12 AM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • Rory wrote:

Thanks so much fellas for the best blog ever! I'll miss you both. Arrived back from gay Paris last night and still have the shakes. Will never forget thousands of England fans prancing round sun-drenched Paris proud to wear the red rose. The boys did us all proud. And we will build Jerusalem in England's green and pleasant land...

  • 45.
  • At 12:43 PM on 22 Oct 2007,
  • tim c wrote:

gis a job, Can`t stop here any one close to twickenham GET DOWN THERE final part of the journey, then i may consider replenishing the coffers
CAROLE IN MAIDENHEAD, have left the garden to it`s own devices if you have spare lamb i have enough mint for sauce to float ANDY SHERIDAN. Catch you all on tms.

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