The Haka is here. The Men In Black have arrived. The Boys In Green stand in their way. Paddy Power is licking his lips at the thoughts of my 20 euro ending up in his back pocket.

Its the Rumble in Tokyo. It’s do or die.

It’s The Mighty All Blacks.

The Mug Of Barry’s Tea is in hand, the Johnson, Mooney & O’Brien Wholemeal toast is buttered. The Pre Match Waffle has begun.

Sorted.

The analysts are optimistic. As I am myself.

In Joe I trust.

Match kicks off. All Blacks draw first blood with a penalty. They get the first try. Then a second. Then a third. Half time New Zealand 22 Ireland 0. Misery. Paddy Power looking very smug.

Half time analysts have lost the will to live.

Second half gets under way. Where there’s life there’s … The All Blacks? They get try number four. We’re entering humiliation territory. Try number five. Don’t these guys have any mercy? We get in for a consolation try. The Men In Black are human after all. Not for long. Try number six. We hit back. Too little, too late. They go over again just for old times sake. Final gong. Slaughter is complete. New Zealand 46 Ireland 14. Depression.

Paddy Power grinning from ear to ear.

One of these days My Good Self will wipe that happy expression from Paddy’s face.

The next World Cup is only four years away.