Rugby World Cup story of the week: The day I met a real winning Dunedin dame by the UK Sunday times’ rugby writer Stephen Jones.
I love the way the provinces have got behind the teams. Some commentators have been unkind enough to suggest full stadiums for minnows’ matches is a reflection on how little there is to do in somewhere like Palmerston North. I prefer to see it as people getting into the spirit of the occasion and thoroughly enjoying themselves.
I stopped in Ashburton for Turkish takeaways on my way home from Christchurch last night and was served by a Romanian who’d enjoyed having his national team in New Zealand but was understandably disappointed in their performance.
They lost all their games, their last against Georgia ended with a score of 25 – 9.
Canada and Japan tied on 23 points in their game.
Italy scored a bonus point in their 27 – 10 win against the USA.
In another example of hope triumphing over experience I’m backing Samoa in tonight’s Rugby World Cup match against South Africa.
Not knowing the time at present and not a TV watcher..
The game may well be on..
I work with so many Islanders..
They are passionate about their teams and their teams are passionate about rugby..
I think that they may just do it..
Which means that I will be working SOLO tomorrow
)
And maybe even Sunday..
I’d like to think passion would be enough, Adam but it’s already 7-0 to South Africa.
The game is not over
We were in Palmerston North on the day of the Romania – Georgia game. The place was buzzing. The buckets were out, the bunting up, and nearly every second person had a painted face. Support seemed evenly divided and the atmosphere was great.
No, Adam, there’s a long way to go and all my fingers are crossed.
Fred – it’s great the way people have got behind one or other of the teams.
Either way the yarpies will know that they have been in a game of rugby