a night at the rugby

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Today I went to my first rugby match: the Auckland Blues v. the Australia Brumbies. Luck was on our side (apparently this is unusual) and Auckland defeated Australia, 26-15. Nevertheless, this outing led to several questions and observations about the sport and New Zealand culture in general...

- Sporting venues in the U.S. are much better funded, and U.S. fans are louder, rowdier, and in general more color-coordinated with their chosen team.
- No matter where you go, you are bound to run into Kiwis who are barefoot. Not even joking, they're EVERYWHERE! I'd be afraid of germs or stubbing my toes or something, but hey, if they can handle it, whatever.
- New Zealand thinks it knows the meaning of "hot dog", but it sadly has missed the point.
- On a similar note, it doesn't understand "triple thick" in relation to milkshakes.
- Rugby players are some of the fiiinest men to walk the planet.
- What exactly is a brumbie?
- New Zealand doesn't have cherry coke... but its raspberry coke is so much better anyway.
- I feel safe walking through the city at night. Where is Auckland hiding its sketchy (oops, I mean dodgy) areas?
- Facepaint is wickedly awesome and shall hereforth be used at every and all sporting events.
- Does rugby have any other rules besides "cream the other team"?

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Photos

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Bay of Islands buddies

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Jess and me getting our paint on at Globe

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Kevin and Daniel in the Terraces

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Random Pirate mascot...how does that relate to "blues"?

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run - tackle - maul anyone in sight - run - run - run away!

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way out there are some professional cheerleaders with, umm, questionable ability

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kid pirates charging the field

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rarrrr corndog-like thing

Comments

[Dad]

Rugby Report
Maul everyone and run away? Sounds like fun. Perhaps the Chicago Bears could use some assistance.