There was an amusing item in today's Mirror which told how mobile phone giant, Vodafone, hired actors recently to play "the crowd" at the launch of the company's new phone.

The piece in the Scurra column suggested that Vodafone was forced to bring in the extra bodies to help flesh out what proved to be a lacklustre launch.

Around 15 actors were hired, confirmed a spokesperson, but that was to ensure that there was a "crowd" for an official photoshoot starring R&B singer Samantha Mumba.

Whatever.

Of far more interest, of course, is the mighty battle that took place in Twickenham on Saturday.

England's thrilling 32-31 victory over rugby union world champions Australia was especially sweet for the guys over at rival mobile telco O2.

For while Vodafone sponsor the "Vodafone Wallabies" (as they're described on Vodafone's Web site), O2 run out with England.

So not only was this a clash of two of the biggest teams in world rugby, it was also a showdown between two mobile phone giants.

A spokesman for O2 was also keen to point out that Vodafone doesn't appear to be having much luck at the moment - since they also sponsor the English cricket team currently facing the mighty Australians in the Ashes. Ho hum. ®