In a country where wine is generally king, Lille is France’s beer capital. Pelforth is a French brewery founded in 1914 in Mons-en-Barœul by three Lillois brewers. It was originally called Pelican, after a dance popular at the time, but changed its name to Pelforth after World War II. The name is a mash up of Pelican and “forte”, which means strong – and this is the style of beer they brew, including a blonde, brune and amber.

Northern France is not a hotbed of rugby, but as France’s Rugby World Cup roadshow travels the country in its quest for World Cup glory, it was time for the folks of Hauts-de-France to cheer on their boys in blue.

Stade Pierre Mauroy is tucked away in one of those out of town complexes at Villeneuve d’Ascq, a suburb 6km southeast of Lille City Centre, just a gentle meandering fifteen minute metro ride from Gare Lille Flandres.

Last night France entertained Uruguay the 1930 World Cup winners, ok that was with a round ball, but as we are in football territory let’s give them a notable mention.

Les Bleus made twelve changes from the team that beat the All Blacks on that steamy Friday night in Paris, but the cast list makes you realise just how much strength in depth the host nation have at their disposal.

A bonus point win and a display of French flair were expected by the packed crowd of 48,861.

But Uruguay ripped up that script and wrote their own pushing France all the way.

Uruguay stunned the home crowd with a Nicolas Freitas try after 6 minutes before Antoine Hastoy crossed for France 5 minutes later.

A 13-5 half time score in favour of France was perhaps harsh on Uruguay who also had a well worked try disallowed for obstruction in midfield.

After a half time glare from Shaun Edwards a fast start to second half was expected from France, but it was Uruguay’s Baltazar Amaya who touched down after 53 mins. Etcheverry’s conversion reduced France lead to a single point (13-12)

Mauvaka (55mins) and Bielle-Biarey (73mins) scored tries for France but Uruguay would not go away and their organised defence prevented France from getting a bonus point, an amazing achievement in itself.

But a win is a win as the cliche goes, the Bleus Brothers have two wins out of two and are within touching distance of the knock out stages.

A relieved France now head to Marseille, the southern tip of the country, and indeed the continent, to face Namibia, but for now it’s au revoir to our friends in the north, and as we sip on an ice cold Pelforth, it’s job done for Les bleus.

Salut