100 days to go to the World Cup, and not a flight booked yet.
Rugby's biggest tournament [sorry LV Cup] kicks off on September 18 and, from tomorrow onward, we will be into double figure countdown dates.
While the Irish rugby players are off getting the heads showered and, in Paul O'Connell's case, penning a farewell ode to Munster that will include the words 'challenge', 'Toulon' and 'new', use mere mortals are forced to live through a rugby-less summer.
One bookies has attempted to break up the boredom by offering a number of novelty bets.
To mark the 100-day countdown,
Ladbrokes has announced three 100/1 bets that may well coax a coin from your lint-filled pocket.
- Tommy Bowe to be top tournament tryscorer and Ireland to win the World Cup 100/1
- Johnny Sexton not to miss a kick in the tournament* 100/1
- Ireland to beat England in the World Cup Final 100/1
It might be wise to keep the second of the three bets out of any conversations you have with Johnny Sexton over the next few months. The last thing we need is more pressure piled upon the shoulders of our greatest out-half.
Ireland and England will both be aiming for pool wins but, if neither manage that feat, coming across each other in the final is a distinct possibility.
*Sexton must start at least two matches
