How To Watch The Rugby World Cup Final Properly

On 2 November, most of the nation will be sat in front of the TV at precisely 9am, gearing up to watch the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, England v South Africa. With less than 24 hours to go, we are excited.

The last time England made it to the RWC finals was 2007. The only time in history England has won the RWC was 2003. So we think you'll agree this is a momentous occasion, one that it's worth pulling all the stops out for, whether you're watching it from home or venturing out. We would advise against watching it alone, with a bowl of cereal on the sofa.

Us mere spectators actually have more in common with those on the pitch than we might think. A bit farfetched, but bear with us...

1. Preparation

Days, months, years, a lifetime of training goes into just 80 minutes on the pitch. If you're hosting or attending a screening of the game, you'll have to do a little bit of prep, too.

FOOD

Keep you food intake up, as an early start means a long day.

You'll need breakfast at 9am, but chose wisely. A fry-up might be too heavy, but if this isn't your first rodeo, and it works for you, stick to it.

Game time snacks are essential. Stock up on crisps and dips.

Half-time means bacon and sausage rolls. Have them cooked beforehand and warm them up; you won't have time to make them from scratch.

DRINK

Anything goes at kick-off, from Guinness to Prosecco, even if it is 9am.

ATTIRE

Ramp up the merch. The more kit the better.

2. Rest

Do you think George Ford goes out on a bender the night before a game – no, of course not. Don't get sucked into after-work drinks on Friday night.

3. Warm-up

While the players are jumping, running and carrying out various exercises to warm-up... It's 9am in the morning, so we feel a coffee will suffice. A flat white is a good idea pre-game.

4. Mindset

The time has come, the players are walking onto the pitch with a small child dressed in a mini-me kit beside them. At home, it's time to get focused - the rules, the team, the opposition, strengths, weaknesses, the lot. As you sing the national anthem in your living room, you too will be in the zone, ready and waiting to attack.

If you’re not sure of the intricacies of the rules but want to impress those around you, maybe learn a quirky fact about, the country, city, stadium, players... It’s got to be good though, no pressure. Avoid things like, ‘the stadium holds 75,000 people,’ instead try, ‘Eddie Jones has the best win percentage of any England head coach in history.'

5. Enjoy

Now we've equipped you for tomorrow, there's nothing else to do but enjoy the day and get merry.

Watch the England Rugby World Cup Final tomorrow, on ITV from 7am. Kick-off at 9am.

Read More: The Best Venues In London To Watch The 2019 Rugby World Cup Final