Sunday, 8 August 2010

Saturday – 2nd half…a date with the All Blacks!

A quick look along the Avon River, and the famous Antigua Boatsheds, where if the mood took you, you could hire a punt.

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We however, were off to Cathedral Square to join in the ‘rugby walk’…an official walk out to the AMI Stadium for tonight's match between the NZ All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies.  They would be playing for the Bledisloe Cup. 

As we arrived in the square the Japanese cheer squad were in full momentum.

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After appearances from former All Blacks and the Christchurch Boys Choir we went on mass to the stadium.

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As thousands of people packed the streets we watched as the huge stadium came into view.  Set to be a full house the atmosphere was great as we entered the bustling stands.

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We got a beer and sat in the Hadley Stand, right behind the posts…Tracy was poised ready to catch the ball when it came her way! 

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We watched the pre match entertainment, a famous NZ band called ‘Dragon’, and then rose as the teams ran onto the pitch to a raucous applause.  After the 2 national anthems were sung the All Blacks lined up and performed the infamous Haka…fantastic!

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It was a close 1st half, with NZ pulling slightly ahead to lead 17-10 at the half time whistle…the Wallabies were not giving in easy though and had put up a cracking fight.

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The half time talks went on, and in the 2nd half the Wallabies looked like the stronger side…NZ however, made a final push and finished the score table with a 20-10 victory!

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As the cup was presented and the team did a victory lap we went down to the edge of the pitch to get a closer look at the team.

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As the team went back to the protective enclosure we made a run for the pitch as the gates were opened…and Nicola pushed her way in to get some autographs!

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She managed to get the autographs of 4 players; Cory Jane, Mills Muliana and Alby Mathewson to name 3.

A GREAT day had by all!!

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