KEY POINTS:
I am a day late with my blog this week for a couple of reasons... drinking with the Irish and going to the wine capital of the world - Bordeaux.
The Irish I am referring to is Ireland referee Allan Lewis, who also happens to be an ex-international cricketer. Before this year's cricket world cup you would have scoffed at such an 'achievement' but after the Caribbean performances - well he could be as much of a legend as say Sky Sport Commentator Ian Smith - except he's a ref.
He tried to get us into some exclusive club in Saint Germain but Kiwi referee Lyndon Bray, the only gay man in our group, was dressed like a typical Kiwi on tour, i.e. polo shirt and scruffy trousers.
So we were given the "get lost" signal (crossed arms) and sent packing.
So we went where all Kiwis and Irish feel comfortable - a rugby pub - Eden Park to be exact which is an extension to the famous sports brand "Eden Park" set up by five well known French rugby players in the late 80s.
And what secrets of rugby law did I find out on the night? Um. Not a thing.
So Sunday was low key, a kebab with frites (fries) the feature. Yes the kebabs have chips in them! Entirely heavenly.
Moving on to Bordeaux, where the Irish rugby team are based. Some bright spark decided they'd be better off if their base was in the middle-of-nowhere with no distractions for the boys - so they're apparently bored.
They held an open training for the first time this week, minus the spy-stopping, black sheets which have been used to surround their fields since they've been here. It's obviously helped there form a huge amount (not).
Now this is a city that knows how to get into rugby, special place that it is. 1.2 million people in the area, and the surrounding wine making areas are just stunning.
I managed to get myself to Chateau de Saint-Pey in the Saint-Emillion area, which if you know anything about reds (I don't), is one of the best areas in the world to drink reds.
Thankfully this time I managed a couple of glasses without staining my lips and plague on my teeth red. I do brush them, it just seems to coat my teeth - okay.
The rugby angle in all of this is that when they play rugby in this area, they drink wine before the match (with sugar added) and for about two hours afterwards (two bottles each), and then go to the pub.
There is of course a huge meal involved after the match which means the binge drinking sessions we see in our clubs are certainly not the go.
Well this sure is an experience - rugby in France that is. And one that has far more social, and educational aspects to it than your average Super 14 match in New Zealand.
Did I mention the men expect to pay for a women's drink? Love the French I do.
