From the Touchline

A light-hearted look at Rugby World Cup 2011. Numbers 2 - South Africa second row Bakkies Botha became the first player in RWC history to play two matches on his birthday when lining up against Namibia on Thursday, having also featured in the Springboks' victory over Tonga during the World Cup match on 22 September 2007. 3 - Frans Steyn became the first Springbok to score a try in the first three matches of a World Cup campaign for South Africa. The competition record is scoring at least one try in five matches from the start of the tournament, shared by New Zealand pair Alan Whetton in 1987 and Jonah Lomu in 1999. 13 - The Springboks turned in the best kicking performance of RWC 2011 in their 87-0 win over Namibia, with Morné Steyn and Ruan Pienaar combining for 13 successful place kicks from 13 attempts. This will probably have delighted Springboks icon and current kicking coach Percy Montgomery, even though he was born in Namibia. He said that “Our captain is our leader, our soul. He has just that kind of magic it’s not easy to find in a rugby player and we’re very, very happy he’ll be out there with us.” - Argentina fly half Martín Rodríguez is making sure he is invited to skipper Felipe Contepomi's next birthday party. French diplomacy The French ambassador to New Zealand, His Excellency Francis Etienne, was on hand to enjoy the 15-wine-a-side contest between New Zealand and France on Friday Etienne shared with the gathering his regard for New Zealand. "We have diplomacy on the left and on the right with the Australians winning and losing." Etienne was referring to the big screens replaying Ireland's 15-6 win over Australia at Eden Park last Saturday and the Rugby World Cup 1999 final where Australian defeated France 35-12. "We see a great set of fairness." For the record, New Zealand won the wine contest 7-2. Clever clogs If USA come out against Australia on Friday night with all guns blazing, don't be surprised. Incoming Eagles captain Tim Usasz has revealed his players recently let their hair down with a spot of clay target shooting. The Brisbane-born 28-year-old said: "We went to a farm in Whanganui and went shooting. I'm a terrible shot, but it was a lot of fun. We've been together, most of the squad, for about two-and-a-half years now and we've built a pretty good friendship. We don't get a lot of time off, but when we do it's a lot of fun." And who was the best shot? "Todd Clever. I have no idea how he got to be such a good shot because he's out of San Diego, but maybe that's another story for him," he said. Scotland management feel the burn Scotland team medic Dr James Robson says he’s had more off-field than on-field injuries to treat at this Rugby World Cup. “Our management pride themselves on playing football and the biggest number of injuries and illnesses we’ve had to deal with on this trip so far have been from them," said the good doctor. “I relish the moment when I can actually say to one of them, ‘Sorry, but you’re going home’. “They are getting injured by forgetting something I haven’t: I’m getting on in years. “They think they are still in their 20s and I always find it fascinating to watch grown men cry at the onset of delayed muscle soreness.” Bovine bovver They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so, after the match predicting prowess of Paul the Octopus at last year's FIFA World Cup, the fans of Rugby World Cup 2011 were bound to come up with something similar to the German-based oracle. Enter Richie McCow, a black and white bovine. He may well be facing the abattoir if his 'pick' of France to beat the All Blacks this weekend comes true.