Just finished tomorrow's Record column and the Bari booze ban gets it big time! Now its time to get the bag packed for the flight.

Might as well have a pasta tonight because I usually never eat anything on tour!

Having been to Rome, Milan and Turin before, I'm looking forward to Bari. Although most folk believe TA trips are a giant piss-up, a lot of guys like to take in a bit of local culture.

As somebody said recently, "When would you ever say places like Kaunas or Kiev if you weren't a footsoldier?"

Press say Boyd isn't starting which is a mistake I think. After beating France, Walter played a defensive formation in Kiev and it just backfired.

Coisty says we should be having a go at the Italians from the whistle and I agree. Not too many teams take them on at home - we might just catch them on the back foot!

See you all in Bari.

Ciao the noo!

Bob Shields