Wallabies vs. All Blacks

Saturday night my friends and I went to a rugby game at ANZ Stadium in Olympic Park (where the 2000 Olympics were held). We got to see the Olympic torch on display as well as a courtyard with all the names of the athletes. It was neat! A few weeks ago, we heard this was the BIG game to go too. It was a match between Australia and New Zealand...one of the top rivals in all of rugby. They were fighting for the Bledisloe Cup, which New Zealand has had possession of for the past 6 years. It was an intense game to say the least! Little did we know it was the most anticipated game of the year...the 'superbowl' of rugby. Within the first few minutes alone, players were carted off the field and sent to the 'bloodbin'. We were surrounded by a mix of Wallabie and All Blacks fans. The All Blacks reminded me of the Raiders...face painted fans causing a scene. After two 40 minute halves, I was more confused on the rules of the game than ever. Right when I would start to get the hang of it, a player would catch the ball out of bounds and keep playing, or someone would get a penalty for 'not staying on their feet' or 'not turning the ball over' (duh, isn't that what they're trying to do!) We were too intimidated to ask a true aussie what the heck was going on (that would be like someone asking the rules of football at the superbowl...it just doesn't work). Overall it was SO FUN! The Wallabies had the lead the entire game but the All Blacks beat 'em out in the last few minutes and ended up winning 19 to 18, keeping the Bledisloe for a seventh straight year.

One more thing...the All Blacks are famous for their 'Ka Mate Haka'. Before every match, they line up facing their opponent and perform a traditional chant. Although it is mostly for intimidation, the Haka is a sign of respect. It was really interesting...look up All Blacks Haka on youtube and watch a clip!