The Rugby World Cup 2011 opened in Auckland, New Zealand on Friday 9 September, with a spectacular opening ceremony and an enthusiastic, colourful and supportive crowd. The game itself had moments of brilliance and although New Zealand won the game on the day, it’s not a performance from the All Blacks that is likely to win them the coveted trophy.
However, this is not an article about rugby. I’m not a rugby fan. I went along because I thought it would be great to be involved in an event that showcases New Zealand to the world. And despite my reservations at having to sit and watch grown men chasing a ball for eighty minutes, I was more than aptly rewarded for my patience.
Go along to an All Black game and be enthused by the comedy and camaraderie of the Mexican wave-loving crowd, the fantastic showmanship of the pacific island teams as they throw down their warrior-like, battleline-drawing challenges to each other before the commencement of the game, and what can only be described as voyeuristic delight in watching some of the most gorgeous young men on the planet doing what they do best.
Good Crowds at Rugby World Cup 2011 All Black Games
Large crowds are not everyone’s cup of tea. But if it’s one thing they can do well, it’s to provide an alternative source of entertainment. The antics of the 60,000-strong crowd at the New Zealand versus Tonga game on 9 September is a taste of what fans can expect at the Rugby World Cup 2011 All Black games.
If you are a keen Mexican waver then you can expect at least a couple during the course of the game. In a packed stadium, the effect is stunning. It’s just as much fun watching it trying to get off the ground as it is to watch it peeter out.
Because alcohol is served at this international event, there is a visible police presence. However, if the first game is anything to go by, the crowd will be well behaved but certainly not dull. Watch for the over-enthusiastic fans that stand up, face the back and try to get everyone chanting for their team.
In such small spaces, one can also hear fairly well the commentary of their neighbors so if you make a joke, don’t be surprised when the whole crowd laughs. It’s also the crowd that can get you enthused in the game. Whenever a try looks imminent, the pitch of the crowd increases and despite your best efforts, you’ll likely find yourself jumping up and down and screaming encouragement along with the rest of the crowd.
Hakas at Rugby World Cup 2011 All Black Games
For a non-rugby fan such as myself, the most entertaining part of the game has always been watching the All Blacks passionately perform the maori Haka. The Haka as performed in the context of rugby games is a posturing war dance intended to threaten and intimidate the other team. Even if you don’t have a clue about the meaning of the words or the movements, there is no mistaking the intention.
If you attend a Rugby World Cup game when another pacific island team is playing, they too will perform their own traditional battle dance. For example the Fijian team will perform the Cibi, the Samoan team the Siva Tau and the Tongans the Sipi Tau.
Eye Candy at Rugby World Cup 2011 All Black Games
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are some hot young men on the All Blacks team this year. In fact, I can’t remember a year in which we’ve had such a fine looking team.
One can’t help but admire the classic Dan Carter look of single-minded focus as he lines up the ball with the goal posts. And if baby-faced Richard Kahui keeps scoring trys like he did on 09 September, one won’t need any further excuse to ogle him as his image will be splashed everywhere.
However, the icing on the cake undoubtedly goes to Sonny Bill Williams for his outstanding contribution to creating television gold on the 09 September. First he ripped off his torn sleeve to reveal his impressive tattoo (the biceps weren’t bad either) and then in minute 52, every female in the crowd screamed in delight as he peeled off his shirt in order to put on a new one. Praise be to god for the virtues of slow mo full screen TV.
Those few moments arguably drew the largest applause of the entire game, and probably sold out the remainder of tickets left to any of the All Black games. This and many more moments of classic rugby magic will undoubtedly follow during the remainder of the All Black games.
The All Blacks During the Rugby World Cup 2011
The rugby world cup 2011 games, especially those that feature New Zealand’s All Blacks, promise to deliver far more entertainment that just the game. The crowds are entertaining, the pre-game dance offs are spectacular and the opportunity to admire the physical virtues of certain players up close, are well worth the investment in time and money.
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