Who are you/ your role:

Sam Jones – Sales Executive

Your trip (Matches, Date & City):

13th – 16th October / Quarter Finals 1 & 3 - Marseille

What was your favourite part of Marseille? 

Loved the old port area, it was also the rugby fan zone location and the atmosphere in the bars and surrounding areas was electric for both games. Fans flooded the area around the port in the glorious sunshine and the fan zone provided a great place for all sets of fans to congregate with a fantastic back drop of the boats and harbour.

What was your favourite part of the trip? 

Watching England win as well as the Gullivers clubhouse events, these were a great success with some amazing guest speakers!

How were the Matches?

The Wales vs Argentina game was a cagey affair, both sets of fans were on edge with the Argentines creating the most noise throughout the game. Wales took a 10-6 lead at HT after two late penalties from Argentina just before the break flipped the game as they continued to pile on the pressure. A couple of questionable TMO decisions in the second half saw Argentina benefit when a try was awarded after Nick Tompkins took a shoulder to the face and the ref decided it was a legal action. Eventually Argentina ran out victorious, although a late Rhys Zammit charge to the corner had the Welsh fans on their feet but he was tackled into touch inches from the line crushing Wales’s hopes of a Semi Final place. Final score – Wales 17 – 29 Argentina.

England were the only home nations team left in the tournament at the start of kick off and anticipation was building in and around the stadium, swing low echoed around the stands as the Fijians performed the haka. After an Owen Farrell penalty flew between the posts, Manu Tuilagi battled his way over the line for the first try of the game, this was followed by Marchant going over the line and England taking a 21-10 lead into the break. Two quick fire Fiji tries after the break with successful conversions to follow the score was soon tied at 24-24. England nerves were settled as Farrell successfully landed a drop goal to give England a slight lead once again, this was then followed by two successful penalty kicks before the final whistle sounded and England progressed to the Semi Finals. The stadium once again broke into song and England fans were up on their feet cheering, the party carried into the night, eagerly awaiting an encounter with South Africa to come. Final score – England 30 – 24 Fiji.

What would you recommend doing in Marseille? 

Go and visit the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde & definitely head down to Le Vieux Port for some great food, drinks and views.

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• Six Nations 2024