Never has a book’s title been so modest. Spiro Zavos’ How to Watch the Rugby World Cup 2011 is a book that shouldn’t be taken literally. Like your mother’s Sunday roast, it looks simple on the outside, but once you take a bite you’ll discover it’s just teaming with flavours. Zavos’ latest morsel is packed full of engaging stories, juicy insider information, and rugby analysis a commentator would die for.
How to Watch the Rugby World Cup 2011 is split into two sections: The RWC 2011 and the RWC story. The first section provides in-depth analysis on the draw, current form, and predictions. Zavos makes sure he stands apart from other analysis by peppering his breakdown of this tournament with stories from those past. In doing so he appeals to both rugby diehards and the casual fan alike. His passion for the game is contagious. By the end of the first chapter I was eagerly e-mailing my brother passages from the book.
The second section focuses on the history of the World Cup and gives detailed insight into every tournament played. Zavos understands that not all his readers are going to enjoy reading game-play, so again, little known facts and tales only an insider would know are spread throughout the chapters. We learn of key moments on the field alongside unique training schedules, world history, and plenty of controversy. Zavos had a brief stint as a history teacher, and his ability to teach with interest shines through here.
Being such a passionate supporter of the game, Zavos has opinions and he isn’t afraid to put them forth in this book. His bias towards Australia and New Zealand is a little frustrating at times, but he lets it go when it truly matters. Importantly, he makes sure to provide the other side of the story when discussing suspect All Black losses to France and South Africa. Still, it’s a book written with the Southern Hemisphere in his heart; Northern Hemisphere fans must be prepared to make the odd eye-roll and grit of the teeth when reading. Zavos’ love for ‘the running game’ is strong.
Made with love, this book will satisfy anyone with an interest in rugby. Absorbing from start to finish, it’s one that will sit on the bookshelves long after the final whistle is blown.
