SWINDON is in the grip of rugby fever as the town gears up for this weekend's World Cup showdown.

The flags are going up as fans prepare to cheer golden booted Jonny Wilkinson and the boys to glory in Saturday's clash with Australia.

Across town, fridges are being filled with bacon, eggs and plenty of beer and England shirts are flying off the shop shelves.

Meanwhile, factories, offices and shops are making arrangements so staff can enjoy the game, which starts at 9am.

Workers at Tesco's Ocotal Way supermarket will be tucking into a full English fry-up while praying for victory in Sydney.

Rugby-mad manager Graeme Sadd, 38, said: "We are allowing staff to change their hours so that they can start earlier or finish later so they can take an extended break.

"We will be watching the game in the staff canteen, which will be putting on full English breakfasts.

"My prediction is that we will win by 10 points. I'm really confident now we have beaten France."

Fans have been rushing to snap up the new World Cup shirts, which retail for around £75.

Allsports in the Parade sold out two weeks ago.

Sales assistant Darren Johnston, 18, who plays rugby for Swindon College Old Boys, said: "These are the new shirts especially designed for the World Cup.

"We still have the normal shirts, but people want the new tighter fitting ones, and they are very disappointed."

Many pubs have applied for extended licences so that regulars can enjoy a few early pints while watching the game.

O'Neill's in Fleet Street is expecting to be hit by 600 thirsty punters, and fans are rushing to book tables.

At the England-France game, staff raised £140 for the Royal National Institute for the Blind by offering face painting.

Manager Richard Crickmar, 43, said: "We will have as many staff on as possible, and I have ordered extra glassware.

"I am expecting everyone to drink lots and lots of Guinness, and we are doing cooked breakfasts.

"The game won't be as boring as the Aussies think it will be, and I think we will win by 15 points."

See tomorrow's Evening Advertiser for a full roundup of how Swindon is preparing for the match.

On Saturday the Advertiser will be printing a special late edition with full match report and reaction to the result.

tlal@newswilts.co.uk