FRANCE. The Rugby World Cup kicks off in every sense on Friday and The Moodie Davitt Report is celebrating the fact with the first of a series of reader competitions throughout the tournament.
The opening match, as mouthwatering as a First Growth Bordeaux or a fine Central Otago Pinot Noir, is between hosts France (Les Bleus) and three-times World Cup winners the All Blacks from Aotearoa (New Zealand), the land of the long white cloud.
France are (along with Ireland and South Africa) among the three favourites for this year’s tournament and will go into the opening match confident of beating the men from down under having thrashed them 40-25 at the same Stade de France venue last year.
But the All Blacks – until their last dismal showing against the Springboks at Twickenham two weeks ago – have shown improved form this year and are certain to provide strong opposition to the home nation.
To celebrate this great sporting occasion (which will be attended by The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie, proudly supporting the men in black), we have partnered with two outstanding companies – one Kiwi, one French – to provide a brace of fabulous prizes to our winner.
Strange Nature Gin of New Zealand – sponsors of our popular Image of the Day column – are offering a superb 700ml Gift Edition Bottle + Glassware. We can testify to the quality of the gin; as reported it is made with a Sauvignon Blanc base, New Zealand’s signature grape varietal (and one expertly crafted by Strange Nature’s majority shareholders Giesen Wines over recent years).
The French know a thing or two about wine, too, of course. And courtesy of the French rugby and winemaking legend Gérard Bertrand, we are delighted to offer an equally outstanding prize – a magnum of Château L’Hospitalet La Clape Grand Vin Rouge 2020.
Magnum force (Les Bleus/Gérard Bertrand) versus a Sauvignon Blanc sensation (the All Blacks/Strange Nature). And here’s the thing, you don’t have to choose between them, you win both. That is, of course, if you top our competition.
Which side are you on? Will New Zealand become the land of the long black shroud or will Les Bleus be singing the blues?
Look out for more juicy match-ups as the Rugby World Cup progresses. We already have a great Irish whiskey partner waiting in the wings (as is their national side for the All Blacks in the quarter-finals, we predict).
Any other Round 1 takers? England v Argentina anyone? South Africa v Scotland (what a juicy prospect that match is)? And many more great contests to follow. We welcome partners to join us in celebration of this great sporting occasion. All we need is the prize and you to ship it to our winner of each of the nominated matches. We will take care of the rest. First-in, first-served.
The rules are simple:
- You must be directly connected to the aviation or travel retail industry to enter
- Pick the winning team (or draw) and predict a score
- The winner will have chosen the correct result (i.e. France win, All Blacks win, or draw) and be the closest entrant on total points differential (i.e. if the match ends 29-18 to the All Blacks, and you picked them to win 25-16 you would have a differential of 6; if France win 33-12 and you said 23-10 in their favour, your differential would be 12; if you accurately predicted a draw… well you are a very good pundit indeed).
- In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided on who is closest to the winning score. If still tied, our sponsors do a random draw.
- Send your prediction (one only please) to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com headed Les Bleus v All Blacks showdown by 20.00 Paris time on 8 September.
- Judges’ decision is final. ✈
