Dear all,

The spring has sprung. The grass is rise. I wonder where those birdies is. Yes, believe it or not it is spring. What has happened? Winter is holding on firmly. It doesn't want to go. Over on the other side of the hemisphere, autumn is slowly making it's way in, but more importantly it is the Rugby World Cup.

Although in Uruguay you wouldn't know it, it is the third most watched world sporting event. (After the football world cup and the Olympics). And what a start it has had. For those of you who don't know there are countries who for years have been at the top of the game for decades. New Zealand- the all blacks so called because they only wear black - even their boots, no neon yellow or orange for these guys. They also start games by scaring their opponents with a Maori warrior dance and lots of shouting.

South Africa- the springboks  lean and agile. Wales- the dragons  a force to be reckoned with - watch out for their harmony singing. The dragon is from their flag. England, who invented the game. I have heard that England invents games that others then beat them at. The last time they won the Rugby World Cup was in 2003. (Not so long ago). This year's Cup is in England, so maybe they have another chance. It started last Friday, the next match will be tomorrow- so you still have time to get hooked.

Already it has been interesting with Japan (who has very little rugby history) beating South Africa, and a very close match between New Zealand and Argentina. New Zealand won in the end but Argentina were in the lead for a good portion of the match. Uruguay is also there, the only semi-professional team. They were slaughtered by Wales on Sunday 54 -9, but the commentators said they were playing well. Next Sunday they will play their second match against Australia - another really strong team. Uruguay really is in a difficult group. Let me know if you manage to catch any of the games.

How did you do with last week's puzzle. Coming up next with the answer.

I have streets but no pavement, I have cities but no buildings,

I have forests but no trees, I have rivers yet no water.

What am I?

Answer A map . Well done Catherine, Beatriz and Juan Carlos.

Let's see if you can get this week's

A man stands on one side of a river, his dog on the other.

The man calls his dog, who immediately crosses the river without getting wet and without using a bridge or a boat.

How did the dog do it?

Let me know what you think.

Piers