Backs against the wall stuff

Does politics imitate rugby? I just heard Martin Corry on Sky saying how England pulled itself together midway through the tournament. Heading for defeat, the players brainstormed with the coach, had what Nick Easter called a “clear the air meeting” changed their style, and at the last minute found their strengths and got to the final. Same with the Tories in Blackpool. They, and England’s rugby team, play best when they are ten points behind. The problem for both is finding these strengths when they are close enough to win.

I watched the game from a pub in Southampton, where everyone – Poles and all – joined in the national anthem. How proud Brown would be, I thought. Then Brown came on screen and they all started booing. Britishness, but not quite as he’d like it.