Licensees are crossing their fingers that England could stay in the Rugby World Cup after reporting soaring sales from the tournament¹s opening weeks.
Despite the England side's poor showings, fans are flocking to sport-friendly pubs and praying to see England stay in the competition.
"England going out would have a massive impact on us," said Paul Ogden, licensee at the Pakenham Arms in Clerkenwell, London. "A lot of the matches are dead wood at this stage, but we¹ve been absolutely rammed for the England games. Everyone was gutted after we played so badly against South Africa, but most people stayed around to drown their sorrows." Some licensees said they were finding rugby fans easier to deal with than followers of other sports.
"I prefer rugby crowds because they¹re less rowdy, and I think rugby attracts more cultured people generally," said Ogden.
Meanwhile, Buzz Cousins, the New Zealand-born licensee of the Dog & Pheasant in Brook, Surrey, is hiring a 60in screen for England¹s game against Samoa this Saturday (September 22). But he is so sure that his All Blacks will win the tournament that he has promised to streak if they fail.
"I¹m confident so far, we¹ve looked good," he said. "We don¹t show sport normally, but the Rugby World Cup has got a great following down here. We're doing special food such as hot dogs. Last Saturday two people I¹ve never seen before came in at midday and didn¹t leave until 8pm."
Rick Robinson, licensee at the Willoughby Arms in Kingston, Surrey, said: "Of course we want England to stay involved. If we lose to Samoa and go out, it¹ll be the end of the World Cup for pubs.
"The rugby fans will still be keen, but not the fair-weather supporters. But who knows, we might not have peaked yet. Good wins against Samoa and Tonga will kick start the tournament for us."
To check when the latest games are visit www.rugbyworldcup.com