Day 19 - Fri 31st Oct 08

6.45 am wake up call and the humidity is evident already. Switched off the air conditioner during the night due to the ever present hum of the device. I began to regret this as I sit down to skype my wife Oonagh and my kids, Ruadhan and Aoibhinn at home in Ireland. They are getting prepared for Halloween and I admire the Captain Jack Sparrow and Catgirl costumes respectively. Our halloween begins in 32 degree heat, Centigrade not fahrenheit obviously, and all the now commonplace preparations that see us transfer bag and baggage to Mounties Community club.

The drive seemed that bit longer today, we accuse Sam (the bus driver) jokingly that he is getting a per mile rate to drive us around. When we get there the team splits, forwards off to perfect tackling techniques with communications lead by assistant coach Barrie McDermott. The fantastic heat is brushing past us care of a welcome breeze so it doesn´t feel as hot as it actually is. Its tingling the skin and gives perspective on a normal halloween back home. The session is punctuated by frequent water breaks and thoughts of the backs in the air conditioned gym going through a conditioning session with Colin.

Lunch is welcome, carbonara with plenty of very tasty sauce that counteracts my breakfast, a plate of in season mango and water melon.

The afternoon session will be a team run and then its off to the Tonga vs Samoa game in Penrith. This will be like a bear pit, a toe to toe war of attrition contest between those fierce island rivals. It promises to be brutal, unrelenting and defining for both teams not alone the outcome of the group. We will be chearing for Samoa.

Ni Neart go cur le cheile