if you head out to the pub for a quiet pint and a flick through the Saturday papers, we’re afraid we have some very bad news for you. With the Rugby World Cup kicking off on September 9 and running all the way until October 23, your tranquil den of solitude is about to be overrun by marauding sports fans with very loud voices and questionable personal hygiene.
So whether you’re looking to avoid the action or embrace it with your thunderous, muddy arms, here’s our guide to the drinking spots that are about to get a little bit rowdy…
If you’re cheering for… USA
Where to watch: Though it’s by no means the nation’s number one sport, you can still expect a decent crowd of brash, bulbous fans bellowing out choruses of ‘U-S-A! U-S-A!’ over at Stars ‘n’ Bars (02 565 0101) on Yas Island. As well as a TV screen on every wall, there are also hefty, well-priced burgers to gorge on and a fine selection of frosty brews on tap. Pitch up early to get the best of all three.
Fixtures
v. Ireland, September 11, 10am
v. Russia, September 15, 11.30am
v. Australia, September 23, 12.30pm
v. Italy, September 27, 10.30am
Key man: Full back Chris Wyles is set to provide much of the Eagles’ entertainment – he’s seen top flight action in his day job with English team Saracens, and has landed an impressive 28 points in 23 appearances for his country.
Odds: The Yanks go into the tournament as 1,000/1 outsiders. Simply put, you’ve got a better chance of walking on the moon than seeing the stars and stripes being flown over Auckland on October 23.
If you’re cheering for… England
Where to watch: The crowds will head to Heroes (02 621 0000), slurring their way through ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ from the second the screens are flicked on until the moment they’re forcefully ejected. English expats also tend to be fond of a shout and a tipple at NRG (02 644 6666), where a colossal list of burgers ought to make for excellent half-time chow.
Fixtures
v. Argentina, September 10, 12.30pm
v. Georgia, September 18, 10am
v. Romania, September 24, 10am
v. Scotland, October 1, 11.30am
Key man: Having had a potentially game-changing try controversially disallowed in the 2007 final, 32-year-old winger Mark Cueto will be looking to make an impression in what’s likely to be his last World Cup.
Odds: They lifted the trophy in 2003 and were runners up at the last tournament in France. Still, a series of personnel changes since then means Martin Johnson’s boys are only fourth favourites to lift the Webb Ellis trophy at 10/1.
If you’re cheering for… Ireland
Where to watch: Those who consider anywhere but PJ O’Reilly’s (02 674 2020) are in for a very subdued atmosphere indeed. The tatty but characterful bar is the unofficial hub of the city’s Irish community, and, as such, promises to be packed to the rafters with craic-addled folk getting busy with all sorts of orange, white and green, shamrock-emblazoned paraphernalia.
Fixtures
v. USA, September 11, 10am
v. Australia, September 17, 12.30pm
v. Russia, September 25, 9am
v. Italy, October 2, 11.30am
Key man: As the squad’s most capped player, talismanic,ultra-nippy captain Brian O’Driscoll is the man likely to lead the assault on the opposition’s touchline. If he’s still got the pace to give his markers the slip, expect him to be a leading try-scorer.
Odds: 16/1 may seem pessimistic for a team who stormed to a Six Nations grand slam just two years ago, but then we get the impression that this is one team who won’t mind being labelled the underdogs.
If you’re cheering for… Australia
Where to watch: The Aussie vibe may be subtle inside Cooper’s (02 657 3333), but look hard enough and you’ll find it. Still scratching your head? Take a peak in those well stocked chillers – they’re home to an excellent range of bottled hoppy brews, including several Antipodean brands that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the city. There’s even a pie on the menu, meaning homesick Aussies ought to find themselves wanting for nothing.
Fixtures
v. Italy, September 11, 7.30am
v. Ireland, September 17, 12.30pm
v. USA, September 23, 12.30pm
v. Russia, October 1, 6.30am
Key man: Having been named team captain just two weeks ago, 26-year-old lock James Horwill will be looking to prove he’s worthy of the coveted armband. Expect him to be a domineering force for the Wallabies during line-outs.
Odds: Although they underperformed back in 2007, the Aussies go into the tournament as second favourites at 4/1, thanks largely to the introduction of some fresh blood to the squad.
If you’re cheering for… France
Where to watch: Before you start writing us angry letters, allow us to first clarify that we know France and Belgium are different things. Even so, Belgian Café’s (02 666 6888) woody European ambiance is so authentic and so charming that we’re confident even the hardest of Gallic hearts would be happy to set aside centuries of neighbourly bickering, grab a glassful of something frothy and witness their national side giving it their sweaty best.
Fixtures
v. Japan, September 10, 10am
v. Canada, September 18, 12.30pm
v. New Zealand, September 24, 12.30pm
v. Tonga, October 1, 9am
Key man: With the excellently bearded Sebastien Chabal left out of the squad, the role of poster boy is very much up for grabs in the French camp. Lithe scrum-half Morgan Parra looks a strong candidate, starring in his first World Cup for France aged just 22.
Odds: France may be 16/1 to win their first World Cup, but providing they can survive their group, they won’t have to face hosts and favourites New Zealand until the final.
But where’s the local team?
Disappointed that there’s no local talent to cheer for at the Rugby World Cup? Fret not – rugby union is definitely on the up in the UAE. Following the disbanding of the Arabian Gulf RFU team (featuring players from Bahrain, KSA, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar as well as the UAE) late last year, a newly formed UAE national team has gone on to enjoy some decent success. They picked up their first win at the Asian Five Nations earlier this year, beating Kazakhstan in a 24-10 upset, en route to a third-place overall finish. If they can keep up this sort of form, could they be a surprise contender at the 2015 tournament in England? Stranger things have happened…
