Backing BLACK

The Rugby World Cup 2011 has sadly come to an end and the final result was no surprise. Kiwis knew it from the beginning that the All Blacks had it in the bag. I couldn’t have imagined a better place to be. Backing BLACK all the way!  It was the kind of event you will always remember where you were on "that" day. This whole experience made me fall in love with New Zealand. Seeing the pride they have and the support they showed to each and every team throughout the tournament was outstanding. I mean, what other country changes the names of the streets to represent the country they are hosting?! For instance, heading into Palmerston North there was a massive sign saying “Home of Romaina!” How sweet is that? It was two months of seeing flags in the paddocks, cars decked out to support your team of choice (The All Blacks) and window displays with everyone showing their support. 

This is a country that when their national anthem comes on, no one can help but to sing along, even if they don't know the words. The most searched thing on google in the last month has been the New Zealand national anthem.

 It’s crazy to think that just a few wee months ago I had no interest in rugby-what it was or who these players were. For heavens sake I met Dan Carter and had no idea who he was and proceeded to ask him if he’d like me to slouch down so he didn’t look so short! Who says that to the best/hottest rugby player in the world? He is like the David Beckham/ Tom Brady of New Zealand! Now, I can name just about half the team and I refer to the “dog piles” as scrums! Big improvement there! Then we have the HAKA! Just about my favorite part of rugby. It’s such an intense thing but it sets the mood and you know it’s game on! When I was chatting it up with Ali Williams he even admitted to practicing his faces in the mirror, hence the reason for him having some of the BEST facial expressions during the Haka. 


My absolute favorite part would have to be all the good looking players. Not too often you can find talented men that are smoking hot too! And lets just say Real men play rugby! I don’t know how there aren’t more serious injuries or even deaths in this sport. I mean they don’t wear pads and it’s 80 minutes of full-on tackling. To be honest I still don’t get the whole idea of passing backwards to move the ball forward. There’s still a lot of confusion when it comes to my understanding of rugby but I’ve come a long way! Thank you New Zealand for throwing the PARTY of a lifetime and letting me be a part of it! It couldn't have been done better!