Allllllllllll Blacks Mania

Eden Park Stadium

2 posts in 2 days! That is unheard of! gasp

Pregame Performance and fireworks

Well I figure since I'm in Auckland and have internet access why not update everyone on the game last night. My group (our group name is L2F, learn to fly) and I went to the Tri-Nations Rugby Match b/w the All Blacks and the Wallabies last night at Eden-Park Stadium. It was about a 15-20 minute walk from where we were staying; though the trains and buses were free that night too.

Getting ready for the National Anthems

Lets just say there was a buzz in the air (literally and figuratively). People from both sides came out in force, decked out in All Blacks Gear/hats/costumes/face paint and Wallaby colors. There was a lot of trash talk going on in the train we took but it was all in good fun, no one got out of control or anything, everyone was very respectful and playful about it (something I love to see).

AUS and NZ National Anthems

Once we got our tickets we walked to our seats and realized we were REALLY close to the field, we were at one of the ends of the field but had great views of the game!

ABs doing the Haka!

Getting ready for kickoff

The first Scrum!

The first half was sloppy on the part of the All Blacks, the Wallabies scored the first try within 10 minutes, there was a serious lack of defense and a hole opened up that no one could have countered. The current All Blacks #10, Stephen Donald, was not kicking well, which doesn't look good if he keeps it up, but he did score most of the All Blacks points that night through penalties and a conversion; I feel as if there is too much pressure on him to fill in for the best #10 in the world (according to people sitting behind us at the game) who has been out with injury for the last few months. The All Blacks Skipper though was back in action, Richie McCaw, he was able to score the first Try for the All Blacks and it got the crowd going.

Donald (right hand side) getting ready to kick a conversion

Can't stop won't stop

The first half saw the Aussies with the lead but after that the All Blacks came back to take the lead; from there it was tied until the second half saw a lot of break aways but no trys. Eventually Donald kicked the All Blacks to victory and it was a celebration and relief for everyone there. Final Score All Blacks 22, Wallabies 16; it was a tight hard fought but mistake prone match. Either way it was a great game and a good experience, the more I watch rugby and attend games the more exciting it gets. You can really feel the energy and love from the crowd as this is their team, this is All Blacks Nation.

After the final bell sounds both teams huddle

The All Blacks thanking the crowd

The Wallabies thanking their supporters

Celebrating an AB Win!

Future All Black in the making

Ok, well I'm off to the Kai Mai's tomorrow, a 3 hour trek with all of our gear and food, with 6 river crossings :0, and no electricity for 4 days. Hope you are all doing well, I'll see ya around sometime, until then take care and keep in touch,

Cheers,
Ty

P.S.

Tickets - $51
Meal - $9

Enjoying some good ole fashion Rugby Grudge Matches and celebrating a win
...