More than a passing interest

Sep 5 2007 By Phil Vinter, Birmingham Mail

A UNITED Nations of workers who have made Birmingham their home will see old rivalries re-emerge with the start of the Rugby World Cup.

Four years ago a wave of euphoria swept the country when hero Jonny Wilkinson kicked the winning drop goal.

And it's something that passionate England supporter Colin Woodley, aged 53, who runs the Actress and Bishop pub, St Paul's Square, won't let his customers forget when the competition kicks off tomorrow.

He's also hoping for a repeat of the success, even if the Three Lions enter the World Cup as an outside bet rather then favourites.

He said: "I think with a lot of luck there is hope there, we've got a chance."

But Philippe Fernandez, 23, from Lyon in France, a waiter at Brasserie Blanc in BrindleyPlace, believes it will be the home nation who will emerge victorious.

They take on Argentina in the opening game of the competition at the Stade de France, in Paris.

"I think we have got the best team ever and we are going to win," he said.

Supporters of some of the smaller nations are hoping for an upset or two.

England take on the USA in their opening game on Saturday and 36-year-old Tim McCormack, from Honolulu, Hawaii, working as a sound engineer in the city, believes that an upset is in the air.

He said: "I think The Eagles [the nickname for the American side] are going to take England to school."

Whatever the nationality, the competition is sure to unite passions in the city.

And none more so than in 28-year-old Ayano Kamide's house. Ayano, from Japan, who works at a chef in Harborne, hasn't set her sights on seeing her country lift the trophy, but in overturning a traditional rugby power.

"I am married to a Welsh man so I wish the Japanese team beat the Welsh," she said.